Last post for for 2008: I've been tagged!

The year is nearly over and I had a great year in 2008. It's been busy on the home front and very eye-opening from a writing perspective.

I became a member of the RWA this year, and have made some fantastic friends through the org. I've shared laughs and ideas with these wonderful people, and have learnt so much from the information they've shared. Thanks guys :-)

Now, there's been an interesting exercise floating around amongst fellow writers. It's called '16 things about me', and Christina Phillips tagged me a little while ago (she's a cheeky, beefcake sandwich lovin' minx).

Basically, you have to reveal 16 things about yourself, and then tag other people so they can do the same. I’m going to be a little bit naughty and skip the tagging of others part, but I’m prepared to reveal a little bit about myself. Don’t be surprised if you’re bored out of your brains or if you fall into a coma before you reach number 16.

Okay, so, here we go. Drum roll, please…

1. I met my husband whilst working casually in retail as a teenager. We flirted with each other over the clothing racks whilst he sorted men’s wear and I rearranged girl’s wear. I took him to my year 12 formal, and the rest is history. Aw… By the way, he still hangs clothing the correct way on hangers and knows how to fold properly. How lucky am I?

2. My hubby and I have been together since just before I turned 18 and he was close to 19, which is almost 14 years (do your sums and you’ll know how old I am). He doesn’t look much older than when we met, and got asked for ID the other day. Bloody annoying if you ask me (why is it that some men age well?).

3. I’m lactose intolerant, but can’t help the occasional dairy indulgence. Sometimes it’s worth the sick feeling (I would happily swim in a pool of pavlova and cream if someone arranged it). Soy is now my friend. Not an exciting friend, but it’ll do.

4. I wanted to be an archaeologist, but chose to study journalism/video production instead. Not sure if I should have followed the archaeology path… picture me as a busty Lara Croft, searching the world for buried treasure. Well, the brunette part is right, but I don’t have the other ‘assets’. I decided I wanted to be Jana Wendt, but that didn’t eventuate, so what the hell happened?!

5. Speaking of archaeology, my hubby and I once spent 6 hours trudging around the ancient city of Pompeii. It was an amazing experience. Ostia Antica outside Rome was also a fantastic ancient city to visit. I must confess I took home a piece of an ancient mosaic (which is so naughty and not recommended) but the thought possessing something that an ancient person carved with their hands blows my mind (tomb raider, indeed!).

6. I’m untidy and somewhat vague at times. I’ve been known to forget what I’m discussing smack bang in the middle of a conversation as my brain wanders off into fantasy land. I’m an Aquarian, so that’s my excuse!

7. I have a slight obsession with an extremely hunky Aussie actor by the name of Hugh *gasp* Jackman. Anyone who convincingly plays a truck driving romance writer must be awesome. Really, he is beyond awesome, in a spectacularly hot kinda way *dribble*. Many of you know how I feel about his droving/vampire slaying/wolverine clawing/noble duke romancing/dancing and singing ways. I can’t wait till the Oscars. Hugh in tuxedo on stage *sigh*.

8. My most shameless moment (which I cringe a little about, but hey, I was caught up in the moment) was when I asked Michael Buble for his autograph. Now, instead of just getting his autograph, I thought I’d get his attention by saying the most stupid thing in the world. I won’t repeat it, but it eventuated in Michael signing my shirt over my left ‘boob’. I still have the shirt, and he was such a gentleman. Yes, Michael Buble’s hand brushed my heaving bosom!!!!!

9. I'm very clumsy and have been known to walk into walls, furniture, people – you name it. One of my most embarrassing moments was when I walked into a pole at Manly in front of a group of Japanese tourists. I’m sure that somewhere in someone’s photo album is a picture/video of me cursing and going off at the pole. I may have even kicked it in frustration, I can’t remember. Was a little woozy afterwards…

10. I have about 10 pairs of jeans in my cupboard. I’m not sure if that’s considered a lot, but I love my denim. Can’t go wrong with a good pair of jeans.

11. I adore my iPod *kiss* as much as my computer and the internet. I could happily listen to music whilst tapping away on my computer for days, if not weeks. Unfortunately, that is not only anti-social, but impossible with a hubby and two little ones.

12. I could probably recite all the lines in ‘Back to the Future’ off by heart. I LOVE that movie. Fave line is “I am your density. I mean, your destiny.” My son, who’s 4, has promised to build me a DeLorean time machine when he’s older. Mind you, he wants to build me a Bumble Bee Transformer Autobot as well (which I wouldn’t mind because it turns into a pretty hot looking Camaro).

13. I have perfected the art of procrastination. No surprises there!

14. I hate to cook, but I LOOOOOOOVE to eat. I wish I was a food critic (but what kind of food critic hates to cook?!). If you feed me, I am likely to do whatever you want. It has to be great food, but you can imagine if I was captured and tortured for whatever reason, if they offered me a massive corner shop hamburger (including beetroot) I’d probably spill the beans. German potato salad is also a MAJOR weakness of mine (mustard, no mayo!).

15. I suffer from allergies, and don’t go far without anti histamine and tissues *sniff*.

16. I have a burning desire to start Latin/ballroom dance classes in the New Year. I made it to intermediate level at one stage many years ago, but gave it up due to distance. Now I see dancing shows on TV and I get seriously itchy feet!

Well, not very exciting stuff, but now you know a bit more about me. I won't tag anyone, but I'm keen to read what other people have to say about themselves. I've discovered Eleni and I are very much alike (rather spooky, actually!), so if you want to blog about '16 things about me' you can always say I tagged you.

Happy New Year, everyone. I wish you all the very best for 2009, and look forward to hearing about your writing (and personal) success next year.

Love, hugs, kisses and slaps on the tush,

Mon

Sharing the Christmas cheer...

Please wake me up if Santa looks like this!

Merry Christmas, everyone :-)

Source: http://www.strangecosmos.com/content/item/104656.html

Writers' Christmas Lunch

I wanted to thank the lovely Anne Whitfield (http://www.annewhitfield.com/) for inviting me to her home for a Christmas get together.

I learnt a great deal speaking to the writers who attended. They shared their knowledge and experiences, and I went away feeling positive and keen to persist with my writing. I've had a few moments of self doubt recently, and there's nothing like a chat with other writers to get me back on track.

I finally got to meet RC (http://rhiancahill.wordpress.com/ and http://rachelcharlton.wordpress.com/) who has been an inspiration over the past few months. I was really happy she managed to make it to the lunch after stepping off an international flight this morning!

To see Anne's blog about our lunch, go to http://annewhitfield.blogspot.com/2008/12/writers-lunch.html

I love your blog!!

My mate Sandie Hudson was kind enough to add me to her "I Love You Blog" List. This was a while ago, but I've been so busy I haven't had the time to repay the favour. Sorry, Sandie :-)

It's a great way of sharing some fab blogs with other people. It's also a nice way of showing support for your fave writing buddies!

As for Sandie, her blog is http://sandiehudson.blogspot.com/. She's a gem - generous and kind, and helpful to a new writer like moi. Has also done a bit of critiquing of my work, and made some very interesting points to help me improve. Sandie writes contemporary romance, and is looking to get published herself. I like Sandie most of all because... wait for it... she's a fan of Hugh Jackman! She's also like a slice of the Huge pie, and I'm more than happy to share :-)

It is now my duty to pass on the honour to some of my writing pals.

Here are the rules...

After receiving the award, if you’d like to participate, you must:

1) Add the logo of your award to your blog - Done
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you - Done
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs - Done
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog - Done
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs - Will be done at some stage (I'm slow!)

#1 - Ellanora Joy - http://ellanorajoy.blogspot.com/

My pal Anita is a RWA newbie like I am. She's also new to the blog game, but keep an eye on this gal - she'll be published in no time. Anita has a wonderful writing style which is suited to the sweet/tender line, and is generous with her time as a crit partner (she's a very observant girl!). Also shares my love of Hugh Jackman, but would probably be happy to give him to me if Pierce Brosnan walked into the room!

#2 - Nicola Marsh - http://nicolamarsh.blogspot.com/

I would have to say Nicola is my fave Aussie romance Author. I love her warm and witty writing style. She's also a die-hard Hugh Jackman fan, which makes her a top chick! I would be prepared to arm wrestle her for a share his His Hughness, but I'm sure Nicola wouldn't mind. Maybe she could have a piece of Simon Baker or Antonio Sabato Jnr instead?!

#3 - Christina Phillips - http://christinaphillips.blogspot.com/

Christina has a wonderful blog about her erotic writing adventures, and conducts interesting interviews with other authors. She also has a penchant for centurions, Clive Owen, and other knights in shining armour. Is willing to be the meat in the sandwich between Clive and Hugh, but I'm sure she'd be happy to stick to just Clive and give Hugh back to me! Lol.

#4 - Diane Curran - http://dianecurran.wordpress.com/

Diane has been nominated by someone else, but I guess it doesn't hurt to be nominated again! She is a wonderful person, a great support, and is producing some fantastic writing - watch her star rise! She has a business selling accessories for writers (shameless plug there!), and is also a Hugh Jackman fan. I am happy to share him with her. I'm sure we'd exhaust him!

#5 - Rhian Cahill - http://rhiancahill.wordpress.com/

A naughty girl who is quick witted and loads of fun! RC is a writer of erotic romance, and also reviews other people's work. She tries to keep us RWA gals motivated and positive. Her blog is always worth a look for writers and readers of romance. I don't have to fight her for a piece of Hugh, but she'd tackle me for a hot cowboy (umm... Hugh = drover = cowboy!)

#6 - Eleni Konstantine - http://eleni-konstantine.blogspot.com/

Eleni has a wonderful blog with a beautiful and funky fairy inviting you in. Eleni is a fantasy writer, and a wonderful supported of other writers. She always takes the time to comment on other blogs, and shares words of wisdom and encouragement. Make sure you check out her cool blog!

#7 - Natalie Hatch - http://nataliehatch.blogspot.com/

Nat is trying to get published, like many of us, and had a funny way of capturing her writing exploits on her blog. She has loads of enthusiasm and passion for writing, and it's interesting seeing her progress. Nat is also a mum, and I enjoy reading about the escapades of her kids. Nat has the determination to succeed as a writer, and I hope she gets there.

Please check out these blogs!

:-) Mon

Christmas Contest

Hi everyone,

Just letting you all know about a contest I saw via Nicola Marsh's website. It's http://docs.google.com/View?docID=df4wwg6h_117g6vzdcf7&revision=_latest and you can win a stack of book prizes.

Woo hoo!