Melissa Francis : Bitchin' Fiction!

Sunday, January 04, 2009
sunday morning

*crickets*

Yeah, I pretty much got nuttin'.

Am head down working today. Will go to the gym at some point. I start a part-time job tomorrow, so I have to really focus on writing when I'm at home.

Y'all have a good one. Meanwhile, I'll continue to enjoy my new music and write. See y'all tomorrow!

✌

Labels: exercise, music, writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 7:22 AM | | links to this post

Monday, December 15, 2008
just another manic monday

Mondays are always so busy!

I'm over at Fictionistas, talking about the sense of smell.

I'll be blogging at Fat Chicks Running later today. I went to the gym TWICE this weekend. I know, you're shocked. So am I. I'm also planning another video blog this week...if I can somehow manage to hide my Cartman chin. I'd also like to change my voice. Am I the only one who hates to hear my recorded self?

This weekend was a bit of a whirlwind. I swear it was just Friday. And now, Christmas is a week away and I'm trying to figure out when it became December. I swear I was just in my bathing suit, allowing the sun to worship me. Honestly, am I the only one who thinks time is flying by at warp speed? (look! Cartman chin is gone! Maybe I should Vlog looking up...)

Time flies when you're growing old?

Speaking of old: A shout out to my niece Zzer (zeezer--nickname for Elizabeth) who turns 13 today.

Oh and just to give y'all proper notice, Fishdog turns 40 tomorrow. Yes. He's gonna beat me to the big 4-0. Nothing makes me happier.

It's a busy week here at Chez Francis. I'll be writing my fingers to the bone. I have a lofty page goal for the week, I'll keep you posted on that. Also, we're supposed to get iced in tonight. Love Arkansas weather. It was 65 degrees yesterday. It's 33 now.

While I'm at the gym, why don't y'all tell me about your weekend?

Labels: birthdays, exercise, fatchicks, fictionistas, seasons

posted by Mel Francis @ 9:08 AM | | links to this post

Friday, December 12, 2008
let's get physical

I went to the gym tonight...talking about it over at FatChicksRunning.

Hope y'all have a good weekend. I dunno if it'll be a blogging weekend or not for me. And who knows, I'm drinking tonight, so y'all might get lucky and get a drunk blog later

Wouldn't that be something? A dirty little secret (mmmm gingers) and a drunk blog all in one night?

Keep your fingers crossed. Until then, enjoy...

Labels: exercise, fatchicks, i need a drink, you tube

posted by Mel Francis @ 7:50 PM | | links to this post

Friday, November 14, 2008
end of the week report

Mac is back. She's a little tired from being worked on and having her 80 gig hard drive replaced with a 120 gig hard drive, but she's happy. I still haven't gotten her completely set up--the internetz connection keeps disappearing for no apparent reason. That happened when I first brought Mac home, so I know it's a setting issue and I just have to find it.

The sad news is, her old hard drive = toast. It's so toasted that none of the data was recoverable. We have the drive in our possession, and if ever we have a spare $1000 lying around, we're going to ship the toast to a specialty recovery place and give it the old college try.

I'm totally at peace with the loss. It sucks, but I knew better. And now I'm writing like the wind to try to make up my lost time. The good news is, I really wasn't happy with what I had written, so this forces me to back the hell up and start over from chapter 2. I can do that. It's a good thing I'm a fairly fast writer!!!

I am going to pick up my running today. My cold has moved out of my head. It's trying to move into my chest but I'm fighting it. I have that damn persistent itch between my ear and my throat. I've been tempted to take a wire hanger to my ear...but every time I turn on the closet light to find the right utensil, a panicked voice starts whispering "No More Wire Hangers!" and it freaks me out.

A Rader Story:
I realized the other day I haven't told you guys a Rader story in a long time. It's a shame really, because he's always so damn entertaining. I'm sure we'll have more inappropriate conversations to report at some point--but there will never be another licking nipples report. That was just too much.

Rader is a charmer. He always has been. And I've always known his charm was going to be the death of me. Last night, I got the full effect of his charm and his sense of humor. Now, the child is only 10, but he's tall and handsome and he carries himself like a teenager half the time. We were sitting in the living room and Fishdog told Rader to take his folded clothes from the coffee table and put them in his room. Rader (without missing a beat) winked at me, smiled and said "Sure." He knew he was being cheeky and he was completely unapologetic about it. That one little wink struck me as so intentionally flirty--like the hot guy in high school flirting with the cute quiet girl.

When he winked, I flashed forward five years and saw exactly what kind of young man he was going to be. And boy are we in trouble. Charming, good looking, funny, flirty and smart. I am not ready for this. The mothers of the girls of Little Rock are not ready for this...

Hope you guys have a great weekend. I'll be busy WRITING (I know, you're shocked). I'll also be running and blogging over at FatChicksRunning so don't forget to stop by!

Labels: damn kids, exercise, family, fatchicks, writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 8:16 AM | | links to this post

Friday, November 07, 2008
Happy Friday!

I don't know about you, but I'm tired! This was a long, emotional, stressful week. And now I have to clean my house because I'm having a little get together tomorrow night with my BFF from high school and my 2 college roommates.

Damn you dirt! Why you keep stalking me?

My stat counter has been a busy beaver lately. I'd like to welcome everyone from AIG, AG Edwards, Merrill Lynch and all the other financial institutions searching for the other Melissa Francis--the CNBC reporter. Also, to all the gossip mongers who are searching for "Melissa Francis naked," "Melissa Francis boyfriend," "Melissa Francis married," "Melissa Francis breasts" I hope you've found what you're searching for. There are no pics of reporter Melissa Francis here--naked or otherwise. And yes there are a few cleavage shots here and there on this blog, but none belong to her. She seems to be much more dignified than I am. (I've even been accused of being vulgar. *gasp! shock!*) But I appreciate your visit and I hope you'll stop by again. :)

Writing report: I brutally cut a chapter yesterday and started over. I was totally stuck and finally realized I wasn't writing the right stuff. So I just CUT it. Snip. Just like that. And the words started flowing a little easier yesterday afternoon. Here's hoping that continues.

I'm anxiously awaiting cover information for BITE ME! My editor emailed a couple of weeks ago after she and the art director discussed the concept. I was so thrilled because it was almost EXACTLY as I had always pictured my cover. Now I'm dying to see if that concept remained or if they tried it and it didn't work and they moved on to something else.

Covers are funny because what marketing decides will sell might not be at all what the author likes or envisioned. And the author has no choice in the matter. Sure they can give their opinion, but the fact is, the final decision belongs to the publisher. So as an author, you just keep your fingers crossed that you love (or even sorta like) the cover you're given because, guess what? It doesn't matter. It's yours to keep.

I have to say, I'm not really worried I won't like the cover because Harper has done a fantastic job with their YA covers overall...so I have every expectation of being very happy.

Okay, I've randomly discussed all sorts of things in this post. Now I'm going to wrap it up and get back to writing. Y'all stop by FatChicksRunning! today to see how my 3rd run went this week.

Have a great weekend!

Labels: Bite Me, exercise, fatchicks, friends, Mel-O-Jumble, stats

posted by Mel Francis @ 8:23 AM | | links to this post

Sunday, October 26, 2008
help a fat chick choose

CarbKiller found out that LA doesn't have a half-marathon so she's trying to decide on a race to train for.

Pop on over to FatChicksRunning and help her choose!

Labels: exercise, fatchicks

posted by Mel Francis @ 7:43 AM | | links to this post

Friday, October 24, 2008
what have I done?

I'm not quite over the fact that yesterday I announced that I was a Fat Chick (chances are you knew that, but for some reason me saying it makes it feel like I've suddenly taken the filter off your eyes and you're seeing me AS I REALLY AM FOR THE FIRST TIME!)

It burns! Look away!!

Not only that...I also announced, IN WRITING, that I was planning to start training for the Little Rock Half Marathon. And you all saw it.

As a matter of fact, according to my stats on FatChicksRunning.com, a lot of people saw it. I guess it's too late to take it back.

Crap.

Fine. I won't take it back. But I will say that maybe you should be worried about my sanity because right now I'm on deadline for LOVE SUCKS! and I'm shopping a new proposal (Ironically, it's very closely related to the whole 'fat chick' thing I've got going) and I'm also contemplating returning to the workforce until we sell the house in Oxford. Oh, and then there's the holidays... and since I'm doing this training...I won't be drinking booze for a while.
I better damn well get big fat endorphin high off this running thing, that's all I'm saying.

Gee Mel? Glutton for punishment much?

Have you got big plans this weekend. I'm going to my friend's house tonight for some chili and booze (it's my last hurrah) Bitchy Burns better be ready for me...

Labels: exercise, fatchicks, friends, wtf

posted by Mel Francis @ 9:13 AM | | links to this post

Wednesday, October 08, 2008
way to ruin a good walk, lady

Yesterday Fishdog and I took the dogs for a walk. (btw, Fishdog blogged last night, pop over and check out his words of wisdom)

We have a nice, hilly neighborhood with lots of trees, so it's a really great place to get some exercise in.

Ruby (the smug Pug) was so excited, she couldn't contain herself. She loves a good walk. I didn't think I was going to be able to keep up with her at first. She was straining against the leash, begging to run. I'm in no shape to run yet, so she just had to strain. Finally about 4 blocks into the walk, she chilled.

There is a field and a creek where we take the dogs so they can do their 'walking' business. Pete (the collie mix) is finicky about where he does his business. Even in the backyard, he'll chose high grass or go behind a row of bushes. Pete likes his privacy.

Now we always carry doggy bags, just in case the dogs don't take care of their business in the field area. I know I hate it when I find random piles in my yard and I make certain we don't allow our animals to crap in our neighbors' yards.

Which brings me to the rest of the story.

Fishdog and I were admiring a couple of yards on the street. Ruby sniffed around a culvert and decided that the ditch was the perfect place to pee. She peed, we moved on.

A door opened and I hear a lady's voice "Hey!" It was a friendly voice. I turned around and smiled thinking maybe it was someone we knew. "Can I clean that up for you?" she asked.

What?

I was stunned. I said, "Um, no. She just peed. We have bags." And we turned and walked away.

Can I tell you how much that pissed me off? Cuz it did. Royally.

I had already responded when I thought of a better comeback. (isn't that always the way?) I should've said, "Sure. She peed a lot, so bring two sheets." Fishdog suggested, "Nah. The leaves covered it up."

I can't believe she assumed I let my dog shit in her yard!

I guarantee you that after we walked on, she came outside and checked. Hah. Fishdog and I contemplated cleaning up our backyard last night and dumping the whole bag in hers...but that just wouldn't be very neighborly. It sure would make me feel better though.

Labels: exercise, neighbors, the 4-legged family members, wtf

posted by Mel Francis @ 7:15 AM | | links to this post

Tuesday, October 07, 2008
hm. very interesting.

So, I was looking for something to blog about this morning. I'll admit the blogging fodder has been a little lacking lately. I haven't been inspired. Mainly because all I want to do is sleep. It's the changing seasons, I'm sure. The weather is cool, the windows are open, the bed is calling.

I decided to go back and see what I was blogging about this time last year and the year before...you know, to see if my well of inspiration would fill back up. I discovered something about myself during my trip to past blogs...I am a cyclical dieter and exerciser.

Last week I jumped back onto the health wagon. I had done so well in the spring, but over the summer, I let it go. I stopped exercising, stopped eating right, stopped everything.

Guess what? According to my previous October blogs, every year at this time, I start back on program.

You know what else I found out? Remember the spider in my mailbox a few weeks ago? Well in Oxford in 2006, the very same thing happened to me, only it was a black freaking widow. I had blocked that memory until I reread my blog. Sigh.

This makes me wonder...do we just repeat ourselves year in and year out? Is life just one big cycle of events that we relive at different times in our lives? Or do I just blog about the same things because I have no imagination?

What do you think?

Labels: exercise, misc, random, spiders

posted by Mel Francis @ 10:00 AM | | links to this post

Thursday, April 24, 2008
a mel-o-dramatic mélange

So, where were we? Ah yes, yesterday's list--updated

~~Finish revising proposal, send to DK.~~ check
~~Start plotting new book idea.~~ partially checked
~~Clean off disgusting desk~~, partially checked. Finishing now.
Hang anniversary present over desk.
Vacuum and dust.

I could've told you yesterday that #5 would still be on the list. Guess what, it will probably still be on the list next week, too. Why hast thou forsaken me, Alice?

Next on my blog topic list? Today was weigh in day. I am officially down 11.5 lbs in 5 weeks. I'm pretty stoked. I worked hard this week, because Sunday we had a birthday party for my nephew and I accidentally ate chicken fingers, pizza, cake and ice cream. I made sure I busted my ass at the gym and walking. Plus all my yard work. I had to make up for all that accidental gorging.

I had hoped to be -15 for my trip to Boston next week, but I don't think I'll quite get there. I supposed I could do a Biggest Loser workout, and hit the gym twice a day, every day, for 4 hours or so. Heh. Who am I kidding. I'll try to lose this week, maybe I can get to -13 before I head to Bean-town.

I really can't wait to go. I'm gonna hang out with my friends and celebrate Marley Gibson's (writing as Kate Harmon for this series) debut release! ~~Beta~~ Zeta or Omega? is available for pre-order now!

While in Boston, I'm going to get a chance to meet fellow TKA Sistah and blog-friend, Kwana Jackson! Yippee! I'm also gonna hang with my cps and BFFs, Louisa and Maria. And hot glamazon Kristen Painter. I mean, could my life be any better? I think not. Oh wait! There's more! Marley and I share an agent, so yes, life could get better, because the lovely Deidre Knight will be there, too! Go ahead. You can be jealous. I'll let ya.

Have I missed anyone? I'll let you know when I return. With pictures.

Let's see. What else did I want to talk about? Oh yeah. Top ~~Shit~~ Chef. Can I just say I'm disgusted that Jen went home? I really liked her. A lot. Sniff.

Okay, I think that's it for today's blog-o-plenty. Have y'all had a good week? Anything going on that I need to know about? And have y'all seen any cute shoes that are comfy that will go with my cute black dress? Let me know...

Oh and before I forget: Amanda has a fantastic post on Cyber-stalking/Cyber-bullying over at Fictionistas. Check it out. There are some CRAZIES out there!

Labels: chatter, exercise, fictionistas, friends, traveling

posted by Mel Francis @ 10:15 AM | | links to this post

Tuesday, April 15, 2008
ooops. forgot to blog

Sorry I missed my early morning post today. I was sore. Very sore. Had a difficult time getting out of bed.

Why?

Because yesterday, I went back to they gym for the first time in 2 months. Sure, I've been walking, so the elliptical was no problem. But the circuit training? Ouch. And the ab work? OUCH. Oh yeah, I'm feeling it.

The good news is, if things keep going well, I may be down 15 lbs by May 1...which is when I leave for Boston for my friend Marley Gibson's (aka Kate Harmon) book launch party. I am so excited. I've never been to Beantown and I've never been to a launch party. I will be taking notes for my very own launch party next year.

I'm going to see my CPs, Louisa and Maria in Boston. We're long overdue for a visit, let me tell ya. We usually try to get together in January--just the 3 of us. But this year, that didn't work out. So I haven't seen either of them since last September. Way too long.

I'm also going to see my friend Kristen Painter. Can. Not. Wait.

Speaking of Kristen, she's in Hawaii this week...and she's blogging about it over at Fictionistas. Go check it out.

Labels: exercise, fictionistas, traveling

posted by Mel Francis @ 9:59 AM | | links to this post

Thursday, April 10, 2008
let the making of fun begin

Yesterday my friend stinkydog announced her intention to openly mock anyone wearing these shoes.

Let the mocking begin, because I ordered myself a pair.

NOT because I think they'll make me skinny, cuz that's just BS. But because I thought they were really freaking cute. I ordered them in bronze. No fringe. (sorry stinky, even I couldn't go there)

I love flip-flops and I needed a ~~brown~~ bronze pair, so there. They are really cute and if they actually do make me skinny, then the joke's on you.

Speaking of ~~not so~~ skinny, I exercised quite a bit this week, but apparently not enough to do any scale damage. I was up a half a pound which SUCKS ASS. Especially since I worked really hard this week to stay within the parameters of the diet. The good news is, I'm down like 5 inches...so I guess it is working, one way or another.

I watched Top Chef last night. I just love this show--but am I the only one who thinks this season is full of a bunch of entitled whiny titty-babies? Good lord. I needed a valium by the time the show was over. Dale stresses me out. And what was up with Spike goading Jen like that. And dudes, don't you guys know that when the judges are talking to you and telling you that your dish sucks, you should just nod and say "you're right. I can do better." Damn. I think half the time the chef that gets so defensive is just talking themselves into a trip home.

On the storm front, we're supposed to be getting more tornadoes today. Fun stuff.

What's going on in Thursday-ville for you guys? Anything fun?

Lovely Amanda is talking about Jane Austen over at Fictionistas...

Labels: exercise, fictionistas, must buys, tv, weather

posted by Mel Francis @ 9:08 AM | | links to this post

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
more later

I have completed my new proposal and submitted it to my most awesome critique partners, Maria and Louisa. They will now devour my proposal, chew it up, spit it out, and tell me to try again. And I will. Rinse. Repeat.

I hope to have this to Deidre by end of next week. I think it's a really strong story and I hope I'm not kidding myself. (been known to happen before...) This is only the 2nd proposal I've written since I sold last year. It is also only the 2nd YA I've ever written. I'm excited. Very excited. I'll tell you what my story is about after it's being submitted. Until then, you just have to trust me that it's good. :) Probably one of the most marketable and fun stories I've ever thought of.

I'm off to walk the Big Dam Bridge while my kids are at soccer. Ruby is very excited.

Labels: exercise, writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 8:36 AM | | links to this post

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
tuesday already?

When the kids have a 3-day weekend, my week gets all messed up.

Today, I have a hair appointment. Then I need to come home and work on my manuscript. I had planned to go to the gym today, but I'm a little sore from yesterday's workout, so I may not make it.

My fitness goals for the year are going well. I've had a couple of setbacks, but overall, I've lost a little over 10% toward my goal. I feel great. I've actually cut out coffee and diet sodas. It's been over two weeks since I've had either. I didn't really mean to cut them out, it just happened. So, I'm going with it.

Reading wise, I've been chipping away at my RITA books. My stack is interesting and I'm hoping that I'll discover at least one new author...if not more.

What's going on in your life today? Anything fun? Special? Nothing at all?

Happy Tuesday, y'all.

Labels: exercise, misc., writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 8:14 AM | | links to this post

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
do you understand the words that are comin' outta my mouf?

When I say the words "Please, leave your brother alone. Don't look at him, speak to him, flip him off, touch him, poke him, or kick him under the table. And please, no more silent "I'm gonna slit your throat" threats."

Do y'all understand me? Or am I speaking a foreign language? An alien language?

Something must be wrong with me because apparently, my damn kids don't understand anything I say.

Not. One. Damn. Thing.

Speaking of damn, I'm heading to the Big Dam Bridge to walk it off.

Hasta la vista.

ETA the video. Was running late this morning (due to aforementioned children of the corn) and didn't have a chance to find...

Labels: damn kids, exercise, idiots, the kids, you tube

posted by Mel Francis @ 6:35 AM | | links to this post

Monday, October 08, 2007
big dam bridge

Little Rock is the proud home to the world's largest pedestrian bridge. It's almost a mile long (4/5 of a mile to be exact). The bridge crosses the Arkansas River over Murray Lock and Dam and that is why it's called the Big Dam Bridge. Which is the perfect pun because it is a big damn bridge.

The boys love asking me if I've been to the Big Dam Bridge because they think they're getting away with cursing. Ian totally tried to nonchalantly blow it off and say "I know" when we pointed out it was "dam" and not "damn".

Anyway, Pete and I walked the dam(n) bridge this morning. I jogged a little with him, probably about 1/3 of a mile. Not nearly enough, but since I haven't been to the gym in 3 weeks, it was plenty. I walked the nearly 2 miles in 26 minutes. Not too bad. Not great either.

Writing wise, I plan to hit it for 5 pages today. Not a lot, but we have to take the car to the shop and do some other shit today. Maybe we'll go look at a house or two and hope while we're there our house in Oxford will sell.

Happy Monday y'all!

BTW: It's not too late to donate to save the ta-tas! Jenna the sex kitten walked on Saturday. I'm still waiting to see how well she did. She's 74% to her goal of raising $2600. Every little bit helps, so save a ta-ta and donate a buck or ten.

Labels: exercise, tits, writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 9:12 AM | | links to this post

Sunday, October 07, 2007
70 days of sweat

I'm going to sweat it out with Sven for 70 days starting on 10/15. Doesn't that sound sexy?

Any of you writers out there wanna join me?

Oh and I'm hitting the fitness trail again. I've been away from the gym for 3 weeks and I feel sluggish and yucky. I wonder if I can lose 70 lbs in the 70 days? Okay, probably not. But a girl can dream, right?

Labels: exercise, writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 8:35 AM | | links to this post

Sunday, September 09, 2007
have things changed?

In the comments of my last post, Liz said:

I haven't been to a high school football game since I was in high school. I too miss it, although my memories of the games include sneaking drinks in, chatting, walking off site to smoke, and checking out the 17 year old guys. Have things changed?

In a word? Nope.

But apparently I have.

It's a bit strange being an adult at a high school function. I haven't seen so much eye rolling and gum smacking in one place ever! I looked around for a 17 year old guy to make out with, but they were all already occupied in the with their own girlfriends. Darn.

The clicks are still around in full force. The junior high kids go off and nerd it up together. The senior high girls are all wearing too much make up and showing too much skin. Whatever happened to jeans and t-shirts at a football game? When did hoochie "skirts" become the in thing for a football game. Honey, when you sit down, we see your bidniz. K? And when you stumble down the bleachers and fall because you've had one too many "Cokes", well, we can really see your bidniz. Put on a pair of pants. Hell, I'm not picky. Put on some panties! The kids don't need an anatomy lesson just yet.

The senior high boys are all trying so hard to look nonchalant that they all end up looking constipated.

Pretty much, things haven't changed at all.

Saturday was busy, busy for us. We got up and went to the park for a family run. Fishdog and Ian ran about 1.5 miles and Rader and I walked and ran a mile. We were getting ready to start our second trip around the track when a yellow jacket decided to attack. It got Rader on the arm, landed on his ear and I knocked it away. We ran toward the van, got about 10 ft. away from the original sting site, and that bitch yellow jacket caught up to Rader, landed on h

is shoulder blade and stung him again. Bitch had to die! Get my boy twice! Of course, you know how bad those things hurt and Rader did a good job of letting Saline County hear his wailing. After a while, he was okay. I was afraid he was gonna let the drama interfere with his soccer game that afternoon, but he manned up and managed to play a helluva game. The kids lost, but I was proud of the way Rader played.

Now the weekend is over, today we rest, hang out with some friends, and tomorrow we start all over. Soccer, cross-country, confirmation class, CYM Jr., working out...oh, and writing. Yeah. Gotta fit my job into my busy schedule!

Labels: exercise, family, football, the kids, when insects attack, writing

posted by Mel Francis @ 1:21 PM | | links to this post

Monday, August 20, 2007
checking in then checking out...

So, I spent the weekend in Oxford. Got in Friday night, dropped Rader off with a friend and then headed to my next door neighbor's house for some late night swimming. The water was so warm it was like swimming in a giant hot tub--or giant pool of pee. We decided the hot tub analogy was better.

Saturday was a day for cleaning. We didn't accomplish as much as we wanted to but we did get the back 3 bedrooms and bathrooms cleaned and in ship shape. Then we went to see our friends Richard and Heather in Water Valley, MS. It was a good time, but I thought I was gonna have to cut Rich's fingers off. He kept trying to touch my nose "diamond". And he kept saying "you got something on your nose." Yeah, that never got old. But it was Richard, so I forgave him. Besides, he's from Alabama, he really doesn't know any better.

I wasn't feeling very well, so we left a little early. I was in bed by 9:30 that night. It seems my mother passed on her chest cold to me. Ian had it last week...so bad he actually missed his 3rd day of school. I've been fighting it with everything I've got. Vitamins, sleep, airborne, more sleep...today I'm feeling much better. Which is good because I didn't want to go to the beach with a cold.

Oh, did I forget to mention I'm going to the beach this week?

Sorry 'bout that.

I'll try to blog some while I'm there, but honestly, don't be surprised if you don't hear from me. I don't think I'll be able to type while I'm two-fisting my beverages...

I'll be back on Sunday night. If you haven't heard from me by next Monday, call the blog police.

My workout was good this morning. I ran 2.15 miles in 30 mins on the eliptical and did arms and abs. I know I'm still as slow as a snail, but it feels good to be back in the exercise saddle. I have to make sure I at least walk while at the beach this week--otherwise it will be like starting over again next week.

Maybe I'll drink light beer while I'm playing the role of Sungoddess. Okay, maybe not.

Any book recommendations for my week of lounging?

Labels: excuses for not blogging, exercise, friends, life doesn't suck, traveling, vacation

posted by Mel Francis @ 9:52 AM | | links to this post

Wednesday, August 15, 2007
back to school, 2007

Gee, don't they look happy?

The good news is, orientation went well on Monday night. They really took to the school and their teachers. My first impression was that the school was very tight-knit. That they all know each other and if they don't know you yet, it's only a matter of time.

Ian was really taken with his art teacher, Mr. Peterson. He's excited about getting to do some work with the Arkansas Arts Center and going there for field trips.

Oh, yesterday Ian had to go to the doctor to get his physical so he could play sports. It was the "big one" for boys... you know, "turn and cough". LOL He wasn't very happy about it, but he got over it pretty quick. He also had to get two shots...Tetanus and the meningitis vaccine. He really manned up and didn't even flinch. A few years ago, it took 5 of us to hold him down to give him a shot...this was a nice change.

Apparently with the scare over kids keeling over during sporting events, they've now added taking an EKG to the physical. So, as any proper mom would do, I promptly humiliated him by snapping a picture and now I shall further the humiliation by posting said picture here...

after I dropped the boys off today, I joined a fitness center. I did 30 mins on the elliptical (ouch) and then worked arms and abs. (ouch, ouch) As much as it hurt, it also felt great to be back in the gym. All my soft bits were getting softer....

Labels: exercise, family, the kids

posted by Mel Francis @ 11:19 AM | | links to this post

Tuesday, July 10, 2007
the big "d" day one...

I arrived in Dallas after a turbulent flight from Little Rock. The airplane ride was like a tame version of the Tower of Terror. I never felt like we were gonna free fall, but I certainly never felt 100% safe either.

For the first time ever, my bags were the first to be unloaded off the plane. That was kinda awesome. I loved the looks of envy from the other passengers as I skipped over and plucked my red suitcase and the ugly brown JORDACHE hanging bag (circa 1988) from the conveyor belt. This was a good sign.

Um. sorta.

I found the shuttle. We waited for a few mins, nobody else came so we were off--to the next terminal. We picked up a lovely lady and commenced to drive around the airport some more. We hit each terminal at the airport, then came back to where he picked me up and told us we had to switch shuttle buses. While we're waiting to board the other passenger and I introduce ourselves. Imagine my shock and awe when I discover I've been sharing a shuttle with THE Eloisa James. How fantastic! Especially since Maria is her ~~Kathy Bates,~~ I mean, biggest fan.

We proceed to find a seat on the shuttle and I meet another passenger, author Kalen Hughes. As we continue our tour of the airport, the three of us commence in a lively discussion of books, kids, camps, Italy, jet lag, beer...until we stop at another terminal and pick up...my CP Louisa Edwards! Finally we left the airport and headed toward the hotel.

After Louisa and I check in, we rush upstairs to freshen up...I swear Airplane smell absorbs into the skin... we call our friends to discover they were waiting downstairs for us to check in! Somehow we missed each other.

We go downstairs, find our way to a bar (I know, big surprise) meet up with Maria, Pam, Nic, Kalen joins us with Dorchester author, Sandy Shaw. We enjoy a couple of drinks and some nachos then split up to get ready for dinner.

Dinner was a great little Mediterranean Restaurant named Sambuca. They had a live jazz duo and we had a cute little waiter named John who was trying a little too hard but that was okay. Oh, and we had a cute little cab driver named Abu who was our chauffeur to and from the restaurant.

After our fun dinner, we came back to the hotel bar where we proceed to train our livers for conference week. Kalen, Doreen, Anne, Emma Peterson, Eden Bradley, and Lillian Feisty joined the party. We had a great time and I stayed up a little later than usual...but it was totally worth it.

This morning Louisa, Maria and I hit the gym for an hour long workout and now Louisa is headed for a mani-pedi and Maria and I are heading downstairs to work registration.

Pictures will come soon. If things go as planned, I'll have something cool to report this evening...anyone care to guess what that might be?

Labels: exercise, rwa conference

posted by Mel Francis @ 12:08 PM | | links to this post

Thursday, April 26, 2007
the embodiment of perfect pumpitude...

I am seeing a personal trainer two days a week. Rose--she may sound like a delicate little flower, but don't let her name fool you--Rose is a big meanie. And the stupid thing is, I'm paying her to be mean to me.

It's hard for me to remember my days of athleticism. I played basketball, softball, and (begrudgingly) ran track. I played volleyball one year and dabbled with tennis in college. I lifted weights and played football with the boys on the weekend. I was an athlete.

Now, here's the thing...even though I'm a large Marge, I'm still a very active chick. I walk and run and still play softball or basketball on occasion. I'm overweight but I'm not inactive. However, I hate the way I look in the mirror, so I'm trying my darndest to lose some of this extra padding.

I just don't understand why I can't lose weight while sitting on the couch drinking my Sierra Nevada. It's really not fair.

I'm walking in the Double Decker 5K this weekend, so I tell Rose when I show up for my torture session to please take it easy on my legs so I can walk on Saturday. I shoulda just kept my damn mouth shut. She made me do two extra sets of walking lunges (somebody just shoot me) and today's magic # was 25. So everything I did was in sets of 25.

I'm going to be so sore tomorrow.

Why couldn't she just work me out the Hans and Franz way?