Monday, December 22, 2008
happy monday!
I'm blogging about rewards over at Fat Chicks Running and I'm blogging about myself over at Fictionistas.
That's it for today. At least for right now. I've got a busy day, so I'll probably be twittering via my phone here and there, but no more blogging. Of course, you know as well as I do that can change...
Love y'all. Mean it.
Labels: fatchicks, fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 6:55 AM |
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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 |
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Monday, December 08, 2008
maniacal monday
The weekend was busy. I finished my copy edits. It was a whirlwind process since I didn't receive them until Thursday and editor needed them on her desk by Tuesday. But I did it. I had some difficulty with a few of the edits. Like marking the 's' off of backwards, making it backward. Both uses of the word are correct--but here in the south, backwards is how we say it--so that's how the character says it. I didn't STET it because it could just be house style and I felt like there were more important things for me to STET.
My good friend and big time author stud, Ace Atkins, advised me to make color copies of my copy edits and then use them as a reference when I get my first pass pages. So I made copies (just not color. Holy cow! Money is a little tight to be spending that kinda cash on copies, even if it is a write off) The color wasn't really necessary because the copy edits were in Track Changes in the doc, so my hand-written changes will be easy to find.
So now it's back to writing LOVE SUCKS! I'm going to power through a rough draft and spend the last half of December and first part of January revising. Wish me luck!
Labels: Bite Me, fictionistas, Love Sucks, writing
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:01 AM |
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Monday, December 01, 2008
I've got nuttin...
We didn't decorate this weekend we were too tired from all that eating on Thursday.
I did some writing--which I will be doing a whole lot of over the next few weeks. Deadline is end of January so I need to get moving.
Hope y'all had a great holiday and a relaxing weekend. Did you decorate? Overeat? Get lots of sleep?
Talk amongst yourselves while I'm busy making stuff up today.
Labels: fictionistas, holidays, writing
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:49 AM |
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Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving week: Monday
This was a good weekend. I did some writing, watched some movies, Fishdog came home after a long week in Oxford and went to the Metallica concert then he and the boys raked up 30 bags of leaves from the backyard.
This week I'll be writing and cleaning and decorating the house. We're hosting Thanksgiving and should have quite the crowd.
Labels: fictionistas, holidays
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:43 AM |
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Monday, November 17, 2008
please leave a message...
I blogged about Books to TV/Movie over at Ficitonistas. Pop by and chime in.
See y'all tomorrow.
Labels: fictionistas, writing
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:26 AM |
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Monday, November 10, 2008
monday blues
I've blogged at Fictionistas and FatChicksRunning! today. Pop by for a visit.
Labels: fatchicks, fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:34 AM |
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Monday, October 27, 2008
Home is Where the Haunt Is
Labels: fictionistas, holidays
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:51 AM |
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Monday, October 13, 2008
melodramatic mélange
We are just going to ride out this bad economy storm and hope that maybe things will turn around in the spring. The good news is, we can write our losses off for the year, so that will help.
Something that cheered me up this weekend?
My friends Dana Belfry and Eden Bradley (pictured) thought of me while they were hanging out together. Hmmm, wonder what made them think of me?I'm plowing onward and upward with LOVE
And finally, I'm blogging about music over at Fictionistas today. Click the banner below!
Labels: fictionistas, Mel-O-Jumble, misc, writing
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:13 AM |
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Monday, October 06, 2008
welcome back.
Yes, I'm fully aware that I just outted my age. Or did I? For all you know I grew up watching Welcome Back, Kotter on Nick at Night. Heh.
Anyway, I took a little blogging break over the weekend. This was the first weekend home in 5 weeks and I really tried to take advantage of it. I blogged about all the things I did over at Ficitonistas. Click the banner and take a look.
This week I'll be writing and cleaning and preparing for another trip to Oxford. I got some calls about the house over the weekend and I'm really hoping it will sell soon. This economy is sucking hard. Please let this bailout fix it soon.
Now, for your enjoyment...Vinnie Barbarino...
Labels: fictionistas, misc, tv, you tube
posted by Mel Francis @ 11:10 AM |
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Monday, September 29, 2008
librarians rock
Click the banner below:
Labels: fictionistas, librarians
posted by Mel Francis @ 7:15 AM |
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
round up
A follow up to yesterday's blog: The Obama HQ and the local campaign sign store were both out of signs. I did get my bumper stickers though. I should be able to get yard signs next week, so the plan is still on to get 10 signs and give the jerk who messed with my freedom of speech the proverbial finger.
Kitteh is blogging over at Fictionistas today about sparkly things. Check it out.
I'm headed back to Oxford this weekend. The 1st Presidential Debate of the season will be held there Friday night and I can't wait. Of course, it bothers me to no end that basically only the media will be allowed to attend the actual debate. The citizens will be watching it via jumbotrons on the square.
How does that make sense? Aren't debates for the PEOPLE? I think it would be amazing if the media was banished to the jumbotron viewing and the actual citizens were allowed to witness this historic event in person.
I was surprised that Ole Miss was chosen. The historic meaning is monumental since it was just a little over 45 years ago that the University was forced to accept its first African American student. (James Meredith) And now, forty-six years later, we have our first African American Presidential candidate--debating in the same town where US soldiers were deployed to stop the racist rioting.
I was hoping to bring the family with me this time. We have no soccer this weekend and I really feel like this is a great chance for the kids to witness history. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Nemo has a cross country meet on Saturday morning. There's no way we can get him to Oxford for Friday night and back to Little Rock first thing Saturday morning.
Maybe I'll take Rader with me...
Labels: fictionistas, friends, politics
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:36 AM |
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
housekeeping...
Today's blog is some basic housekeeping. Mainly because my house is in major need of keeping and that's what I plan to do.
- The comment issue has been fixed on my blog. Now you can go to the 'permalink' or directly from the RSS feed and comment. Big thanks to Chrissy and Fishdog for their work on fixing that mess.
- Kitteh (aka, Kristen Painter) has interviewed fashion model and author Carol Alt today over at Fictionistas. Get thee over there and read it. Then comment. There's a book to be won here!
- Have you checked your facts today? Both campaigns stretch and distort the truth and sometimes they flat out lie. But FactCheck.org tells you what's true. Which lies can you live with? Which truths are closer to your heart?
- I have been totally in a Staind mode this past weekend. Like to the point that I've memorized all of their songs on their Chapter V album. (Which is seriously the best album ever. Their song PLEASE gets to me in a big way.) Plus at least two of their songs are included on my playlist for three different stories. I heart Staind. I plan to buy their new album today. Illusion of Progress...
- Now that I think about it, every one of the books I've written has had a scene in it that was inspired by a Staind lyric. Maybe I should write them a letter.
BTW: My kid is doing a fundraiser with Ugly Mug Coffee which you guys know I've touted and tweeted on several occasions. If you're interested in helping us out and trying a great coffee, email me!
For your enjoyment, another song of the Chapter V album that I love. Couldn't find a video for Please...
Find more videos like this on STAIND
Labels: fictionistas, fishdog, misc, website
posted by Mel Francis @ 6:56 AM |
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Monday, September 15, 2008
home again, home again
Am too tired to blog twice today, so you can find my unspectacular post over at Fictionistas. Click the banner...
Labels: fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 12:33 PM |
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Monday, September 08, 2008
manic monday...
So I told y'all that Fishdog and Nemo did the paintball thing yesterday. Holy shit they came back all bruised up. And they were dressed head to toe in fatigues. Nemo even had on a 2nd pair of pants underneath is fatigues.
Behold the madness. Will somebody please explain to me how this paintball thing can possibly be fun?
Labels: damn kids, fictionistas, fishdog, idiots, paintball
posted by Mel Francis @ 10:15 AM |
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Monday, August 25, 2008
rainy days and the ocean
Oh, and Sockmonkey... spent the morning in the storm. She's drying out. Poor thing just didn't handle the first night of drinking very well...she even did a little drunk dialing last night. I hope she didn't say anything too bad to Gnomeboy when she called.
I, on the other hand, know when to say when. It took me a long time to learn it...but it does seem that the lesson has finally kicked in.
More tomorrow...or maybe even later today.
Labels: fictionistas, sockmonkey, vacation
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:15 AM |
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Monday, August 11, 2008
find me here
Maybe I'll have more to say later. Until then, click the banner.
Labels: fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:27 AM |
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Interview with Colleen Gleason
Click the banner and check out my interview with Colleen Gleason--author of Regency-set Vampire Slayer books...The Gardella Chronicles. Leave a comment or ask a question (Colleen will stop by sometime today to answer questions) and two lucky commenters will win his/her choice of one of Colleen's books! If you haven't read her yet, you're missing out!
Labels: Colleen Gleason, fictionistas, must buys
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:23 AM |
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Monday, July 14, 2008
come see me
I'm blogging over at Fictionistas. I'm confessing another 'Dirty Little Secret'
You don't want to miss out...click on the banner!
ETA:Banner is clickable now. Thanks, Lucy!
Labels: fictionistas, secrets
posted by Mel Francis @ 6:00 AM |
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Friday, July 11, 2008
use this word more often
Pronunciation: \ˌin-tər-ˈlō-pər, ˈin-tər-ˌ\
Function: noun
Date: circa 1590
: one that interlopes: as a: an illegal or unlicensed trader b: one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity
Interloper is a great word and I believe we need to use it more often. So everyone go forth and use interloper at least three times today.
You can start now by posting a sentence in the comments.
Here's mine:
Kristen started out as an interloper, but her
Gwen is blogging at Fictionistas about her fear of clowns. I haven't even gone over there beacuse I'm so scared. Click the banner and chime in with your thoughts.
Labels: chatter, fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 7:57 AM |
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Monday, June 30, 2008
back to the grind
Today I'm blogging over at Fictionistas talking about Summertime...did you have a summer job or was it your job to play?
Click on the banner:
Here's a few more pics from last week...for your enjoyment.
Fishdog is the real hero of the week. :)Labels: fictionistas, fishdog, lads, pictures
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:57 AM |
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Monday, June 23, 2008
I wish I'd known then...
Click on the banner.
Labels: fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:07 AM |
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Friday, June 20, 2008
literary agent Nathan Bransford
Get thee to the Fictionistas and read Gwen Hayes's lovely interview with Literary Agent Hottie, Nathan Bransford. Also, check out his blog.
Click on the banner
Labels: awesome casserole, chatter, fictionistas, nathan bransford
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:53 AM |
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
another contest!
are having a contest!Stop by and read the interview, then leave a comment today for your chance to win Nico Medina's YA novel Fat Hoochie Prom Queen! Read the blurb - the book sounds like a hoot! Here' s the blurb:
Margarita "Madge" Diaz is fat, foxy, and fabulous. She loves herself, and is adored by almost everyone else...except queen bee/student- body president Bridget Benson. These two girls have a history that's uglier than a drag queen after last call. During a heated argument, they decide there's only one way to end their rivalry: Be named prom queen, and the other backs off. For good.Of course, everything looks different in the sober light of morning, but pride is at stake and the race is on. Madge is committed to doing whatever it takes to secure the title, but so is Bridget. And everyone's got something to hide.
Welcome to Winter Park High School, where the dirt's not just gonna fly...it's gonna go into freakin' orbit.
All right, go get commenting!
Labels: contest, fictionistas, must buys
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:01 AM |
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Saturday, May 03, 2008
last night
Have pictures--some I can even show you.
We got back to our room around 3:00 a.m. Maria's Loinfruit (Stephanie) and I ordered a pizza. Well, she ordered a pizza and french fries then yelled at the room-service guy when he said they don't do fries that late. 'WHAT? WHO DOESN'T DO FRIES FOR LATE NIGHT ROOM SERVICE?' Um, well, the Lenox Room service, that's who.
This morning we were up and at 'em early. I met fellow Fictionistas blogger, Chrissy. We had a lovely gossip over breakfast and coffee. Had the nicest time. Wish I could've spent more time with her, but Maria, Loinfruit, and I had a Duck Tour Appointment.
OMG. The Duck Tour. What a riot. Everyone should do a Duck Tour of Boston. Go. Now. Make a reservation.
I'll post pics when I get home. Now I'm going to warm up and rest (it is as cold as a witch's titty in a brass bra here today). We're having dinner tonight and then I fly home tomorrow.
Boston is a beautiful town. It's weird, I'm not really a "history" girl, but every time we pass a beautiful piece of architecture or something from the set of JOHN ADAMS I think, "Wow. History is here."
It's true.
BTW, I haven't seen Matt Damon yet, but I promise, I'm looking.
Labels: fictionistas, friends, Matt Damon, traveling
posted by Mel Francis @ 3:37 PM |
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Monday, April 28, 2008
prom night
No. I'm not kidding. Please feel free to heckle me. Madonna meets gold lamé--with really big bangs.
Labels: fictionistas, prom, reunion
posted by Mel Francis @ 10:53 AM |
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Friday, April 25, 2008
holy chipotle!
#1 on the list? Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing
2,900 calories
182 g fat
240 g carbs
This weapon of mass construction is the caloric equivalent of eating 14 Krispy Kreme doughnuts, before your dinner arrives. Even if you split this "starter" with 3 friends, you'll have downed a meal's worth of calories.
I really think I'm pretty good at gauging caloric content. I mean, I've been on a diet for the last 20 years, I'd like to think I've learned something! But seriously, I had NO IDEA. I would've guessed 1500 calories. Which, split 4 ways wouldn't have been quite so horrific. But 290o? Split 4 ways is still 700+ calories each. That's not even including the beer I'll be drinking with it. (and no, it won't be any lite beer shite. I promise) Then if you tack on the 9oz Victoria Filet (what I always order at Outback) you've just added another 540 calories and 44 grams of fat. That's not including the loaded baked potato.
Dayum. that's all I got to say.
On a good note, I discovered that Guinness Draft in a bottle is only 126 calories! Now that's a "Light Beer" I can wrap my tongue around. (On a bad note, my other favorite beer, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is listed as the beer NOT to drink...200 calories. eek!)
Speaking of food...Gwen is blogging about Chocolate over at Fictionistas. Go forth and drool.
Labels: fictionistas, wtf
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:06 AM |
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
a mel-o-dramatic mélange
Finish revising proposal, send to DK.checkStart plotting new book idea.partially checkedClean off disgusting desk, partially checked. Finishing now.- Hang anniversary present over desk.
- Vacuum and dust.
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!
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
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 |
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
listmania
- Finish revising proposal, send to DK.
- Start plotting new book idea.
- Clean off disgusting desk
- Hang anniversary present over desk.
- Vacuum and dust.
Wanna take bets on which of these things will be on tomorrow's list?
In good news, Ian's mid-term grades were fantastic. He has an A in algebra. At mid-term in February, he had an F. Call me dumbfounded. I am so proud. I think that Sylvan thing has really worked out in our favor.
Hey, if any of you out there are good with sending out positive thoughts, could you send them to Oxford and the house-selling faeries? I know the market is shite right now, but surely our house will sell soon? I don't wanna have to go to work at Wal-Mart!
Rhonda is talking about bad dates over at Fictionistas. I'm sure you've NEVER had a bad date. Ever. Pop over and read about ours...
Labels: fictionistas, goals, the kids, writing
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:40 AM |
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
i'm a looooooser
Yesterday, pollen waged a war with me...and came out the victor.
I am sniffing and sorting and have a head full of mucous. But my yard looks great--Silver Lining; Let me show you it.
Now, if I could just wave my magic wand and get the inside of my house to shape up. That would be wonderful.
What are y'all up to? Anything fun? Wanna come clean my house? That would be great.
Kristen is blogging about BOF over at Fictionistas today. Don't know what BOF is? Betcha do. Head over and find out....
Labels: fictionistas, gardening, lolcats
posted by Mel Francis @ 8:38 AM |
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Monday, April 21, 2008
in the garden
Oh, I did blog over at Fictionistas today--about yardwork. Go Figure.
Did y'all do anything fun this weekend? Talk amongst yourselves...
Labels: chatter, excuses for not blogging, fictionistas
posted by Mel Francis @ 11:56 AM |
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
adventures in grocery shopping
My FitFlops arrived so I "worked out" all day yesterday by wearing them. (interesting aside, my calves were a little sore when I went to bed last night. Just sayin...) The best workout was at the grocery store, as I added to exercise program by pushing the overflowing cart around. Plus I worked on agility by avoiding all the idiots hanging out in the middle of the aisle chatting it up on their phone. Or, more accurately, chatting up the air as the talked into their headset.After I checked out (I had a moment of guilt when I realized I'd left my recycled/reusable grocery bags at home. My bad, environment) I navigated away from the checker and toward the secondary exit. This exit doesn't have double-wide sliding doors. Only single.
I got through the first door with no problem, but had to stop where they store the baskets as a man entered. I was in the middle of the area, and had nowhere to go because there was a man and woman standing in the doorway chatting it up. The man who had just entered tried to go around me and get out of the way, but there was no room, so I slid my basket to the left, thinking Mr. and Mrs. In-The-Way would shift as well.
Well, I was wrong. And my basket ran over Mrs. In-The-Way's foot. I was mortified for about a half a second. I apologized and apologized. And then I stopped.
WTF do you think is going to happen when you stand in the middle of the goddamned doorway?
I hope she wasn't hurt too bad. It was a heavy basket. But there's nothing I can do about it now.
Sigh. Idiots. They're everywhere. And have you noticed, they're usually running their mouth not paying attention to the world around them?
Rhonda's talking about Teacher Crushes over at Ficitonistas. Pop on by and confess your dirty little secrets.
Labels: fictionistas, idiots, wtf
posted by Mel Francis @ 9:54 AM |
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
ooops. forgot to blog
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