Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Look out, I'm on a roll

So I finished my book yesterday morning and sent it off. I spent all day thinking "Maybe I should have Sadie go to..." or "Ooo, I should fix that scene where..." and then I'd realize I didn't have the book anymore--no more changes for awhile.  The big problem for many writers is that by the time you send the book off, you hate it. Key Lime Pie isn't any different. I'm sure it's the lamest book I've ever written, that my publisher is making faces at it and that in six months I'm going to have to brace myself for "I used to really enjoy Josi's books but something's...happened." However, lame or not, it's done and THAT is something to appreciate.  So, what did I do with my newfound freedom?

Well, I got my eyebrows threaded, that was cool. I've been wanting to do it for months, since my sister in California told me about the process, claiming you don't breakouts or have to give up a layer of skin. Here's a youtube video about it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlxWQDgK0eg  it was a very cool process. If you know any stylists who might want to learn how to do it, the lady I went to is going to be doing some training before she moves this summer. I hope, I hope, I hope someone learns how to do it. I liked it way better than waxing.  At the first of the year I decided to reward myself with pampering for every 14 days I wrote for at least an hour, then I got so busy I didn't have time. I've got three saved up, and I used one yesturday, I'll get a pedicure within the next week and a haircut soon to follow. Those will be very happy days!

And then, after I got home I started digging in to all the projects that have been waiting for me all these weeks (Okay, years.) I reorganized my "gift wrapping" supplies and decided on a new home for them (I've been tripping over bags, tissue paper and ribbon in my closet and bedroom since Christmas) and then I pulled out my vapor steamer and took on The Grout. Yes, it is supposed to be capitalized as it is a fearful foe. Turns out The Grout really isn't black. Who knew?  I spent hours, and 3 nylon and two metal heads, scrubbing, scrubbing, scrubbing, and I only got the kitchen (the photo is of the border into the hallway, proving I have more work to do) but it looks SO nice! And it felt so good to be sweating over something physical. Today I'm going to seal it, so it stays beige for awhile and then I'll be moving on to...The Master Bedroom Closet. Dun, dun, dun.

I've also put a home organizing book on hold at the library--I'm sure this phase will only last me a couple of weeks, but I'm prepared to take full advantage of this mood to deep clean, organize, and pamper my home in the meantime.

If you've got any fun little organization tips, I'd love to hear them.

13 comments:

Heather Moore said...

Yeah, I used to scrub grout too until I found a company (Zerorez) to do it for me. It's spendy, but worth the trade in hours I would have spent.

Nancy Campbell Allen said...

Look at you! I plan to do the same thing to my house later today when I hit "send." Well, maybe not the Grout. I have more elementary tasks waiting for me. Like the Dishes.

Annette Lyon said...

No advice, but dang, I was a steam cleaner now--my grout is in a sad state.

(And KLP is a great manuscript. You done Sadie good.)

Kristina P. said...

I have been looking for someone local to do threading. Guess I need to look a bit harder!

Karlene said...

No advice either. But yay, you!

And my Grout? So bad it scares the neighbors.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Good for you Josi!

I'm actually in the same frame of mind right now myself. I'm sensing some before and after pictures in my future...

Rachelle Christensen said...

Hey, Josi--Come on over! I have lots of black grout. :)I'll bake you cookies? JK! I'm happy you got your book done, congrats!

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

You've inspired me. As soon as these edits are off to my editor I'm digging out the steamer. :)

Anonymous said...

I used to love Josi's books...AND I STILL DO!!! =D

I'm sure Key Lime rocks because all your stuff rocks. I've yet to read anything of yours that I didn't like.

Grout and I aren't friends. But that's why I'm such good friends with the steamer! Gwa ha ha!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

I've been getting little spurts of the organizational bug, too. I think it's in anticipation of spring. Please spring, come! =)

Julie Wright said...

I have no tips, but feel the awe of all you've done! WOW!

Valerie Ipson said...

Love that you posted your kitchen grout. Such bravery.

Libby's Library said...

Stop - go get yourself something to munch on, and a glass of something cold, or a mug of something hot,to drink, and mosey on over(or better yet - RUSH) to:

www.flylady.net
www.flylady.com
(whichever floats your boat)

She is fantastic. Seriously! I've been using her "system" for years.
Now I NEVER suffer from CHAOS(Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome),and I don't have to work my fingers to the bone, trying to catch up...cause I'm already there!