Report Card

Last week…

1. I had my chemo on Monday with all the usual symptoms that followed—nausea, body aches, fatigue, and insomnia. As of today, I’m getting back to normal.
2. I worked on edits for one author.
3. I slept—a lot.

This next week…

1. Tomorrow, I’ll get a white cell booster shot and have a blood draw. At some point soon, my oncologist is going to order up some more scans to see how the treatment is working.
2. I’m still working on edits for one author and will finish it by the weekend. Then I’ll start the next set.
3. I’ll try working/editing on of the pages I’ve already written for Ignition, just to keep the story in my head so at some point I can commit to writing new pages.
4. I have the last Delta Heat stories to take wide, meaning, to upload to sites other than KU.
5. Yes, my plan is very unambitious, but that’s okay.

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs!

1. September into October (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Happy International Coffee Day! (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Word Search: Crafts you might enjoy… (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Gabby Grey: Dedications (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE book!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Bucket List — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Cameron Allie: The Perfect October Fantasy Read is FREE–(for a limited time only!) — One more day to get your FREE book! 
7. Puzzle-Contest: Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day! — Win an Amazon gift card!
8. Krysten Lindsay Hager: YA Second Chance Romance that’s F*R*E*E for a Limited Time — Get your FREE book!
9. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Halloween Movies & Activities — Win an Amazon gift card!

I have a long To-do list today filled with things I need to complete before tomorrow’s date with the chemo chair. I even woke up in the middle of the night and downloaded a movie, My Spy (I know, it doesn’t have the best ratings, but I want something mindless and filled with action), and the series Reacher, so I have choices. I will be in the chair for six hours, and the initial Benadryl they hit me with to keep me from an allergic reaction will only help me nap for so long. So, I have to pre-post a blog for tomorrow morning (if I get it from my guest author in time), charge up my headphones, and pack my backpack with a jacket and wipes. I’ll have to pack my lunch bag first thing in the morning, but I’ll leave it sitting on top of my backpack as a reminder.

I just updated my weekly work plan. In the last two go-rounds, I completely blocked out chemo week, but this time I added some light tasks to each day, so I have something to prod me into doing something other than sleeping. I need to move around as much as my tired, achy body will let me.  I am determined to accept chemo week as part of my new “normal.”

Anyway, I have things to do, so let me move on. I hope you all have a happy, productive week. I wish you good health. Find little and big ways to find your joy.

Report Card

Last week…

1. I worked on edits for one author. I will complete them today!
2. I had my chemo blood draw on Thursday. My white blood cell count was back up into normal range due to the shot I got the previous week. My red blood cells, platelets, and lymphocytes took a hit. I’m anemic—which is why I feel so fatigued—so I’ve been adding more meat to my diet. I’ve been napping—a lot!
3. I finished my binge of the old Sci-Fi series, Andromeda. The last season was awful, but I persevered. I also finished Evil and hate that it’s over after only four seasons. I loved everything about it—the cast, the story lines, the sets, the way they filmed it, the funny little nun who battled demons—she was my favorite character—and I have mixed feelings that she wound up retired in a silent cloister. Yes, she deserved rest. Maybe she was actually ready for it. And yes, she felt like a real person, so I’ll miss her. 🙂

This next week…

1. I’ll undergo a round of chemo infusions, and I’ll continue to track how I react throughout the days following treatment because I need to consign it to a schedule!
2. I’ll begin another editing project, but I’ll set my expectations for my productivity very, very low.
3. I’ll try working on of the pages I’ve already written for Ignition, just to keep the story in my head so at some point I can commit to writing new pages.
4. I’ll try to force myself to move more than I usually do after treatment. I want to know whether it helps the awfulness pass more quickly!

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs!

1. What does this mean to you? (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win a FREE book!
2. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Mary Church Terrell – Lifting As She Climbed (Contest + Excerpt) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Pretty Scribbles Puzzle and a Question (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Vintage Board Games — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
5. September into October (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Happy International Coffee Day! (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
7. Word Search: Crafts you might enjoy… (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
8. Gabby Grey: Dedications (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
9. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Bucket List — Win an Amazon gift card!

Report Card

Last week…

1. Last week was one week after Chemo Week. The last time around, by Monday, I was almost back to my usual self, energy and discomfort-wise. This time around, it wasn’t until yesterday, Saturday, that I didn’t want to spend all my time in bed rather than forcing myself to go through the motions of being “normal.” I had hoped this chemo thing would be something I’d adjust to and I could get on with my life. Again, I’m adjusting my expectations and my schedule as a result. I know it’s got to sound a little weird, but I have to keep notes and plan my life because that’s part of who I am.
2. Because I wasn’t fully back up to speed last week, I canceled the pre-order for Ignition. If you’ve been waiting for it, I apologize.
3. I worked on edits for one author, sporadically. I should have completed them, but I’m close.
4. The family is still being lovely to me. The 15-year-old and I have movie nights, where I choose a classic to share with her. Hot Fuzz was very enjoyable. The 11-year-old has really taken to crochet and comes down to raid my yarn stash often. Then, she sits, and we watch reruns of Reba (her current favorite sitcom) together while she crochets and I enjoy the company.

This next week…

1. This week, now that I feel a bit better, I’m going to push to get as much work done as I can before Chemo Week begins next Monday.
2. It’s the end of the quarter, and I have to update all my plans. The calendar is looking a bit bare. I’m keeping my expectations low of what I can accomplish, until December, when my current rounds of chemo are scheduled to end.
3. This week, I’m working on an editing project for one author.

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs!

1. Just a quick update and a Word Puzzle! (Contest) — Last day to enter!Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Are you ready for hot cocoa season? — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. What does this mean to you? (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
4. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Mary Church Terrell – Lifting As She Climbed (Contest + Excerpt) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Pretty Scribbles Puzzle and a Question (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Vintage Board Games — Win an Amazon gift card!

Report Card

Last week…

1. Last week was Chemo Week, beginning with the infusions on Monday. It hit me hard midweek, lingering through Saturday. All the usual symptoms: chemo flush, muscle and joint aches, difficulty sleeping, overall weakness, etc. Very uncomfortable. However, this time, depression did not set in. I medicated as minimally as I could and waited it out, working in short spurts in the mornings before throwing in the towel to rest. I feel like I napped the week away, which is a strategy, I guess.
2. Once Upon a Legend, my Western novella, released this week! I hope you all picked up a copy!
3. I worked on edits for one author and completed them.
4. My daughter, the girls, and my SIL continue to be the best support I could ask for. They wait on me hand and foot when I need it, and encourage me to move when I need that nudge. I really am very, very lucky to have them.

This next week…

1. This week I only have to see my chemo clinic team once for a blood draw and a white blood cell booster shot. Yay!
2. I have to wrap up Ignition. It’s the fourth and last book in the Delta Fire series. I moved the release date to October 1st. I hope I’ll have the energy to create, otherwise, I’ll have to cancel the release. It’s just two, maybe three chapters, but that feels like too much right now.
3. I’m working on an editing project for one author this week.

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs!

1. Tell me a story: Sweet dreams are made of these… (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Report Card, Open Contests, and a Puzzle Contest! — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Gabbi Grey: The Paranormal Story I’ve Always Wanted to Tell (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Just a quick update and a Word Puzzle! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Are you ready for hot cocoa season? — Win an Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Anna Marie Flamini!
*~*~*

Just a reminder before I blast you with Sunday’s post! I have a novella arriving early Tuesday morning! Have you pre-ordered your copy?

Once Upon a Legend is sexy fun set in the Wild, Wild West with a lawman who doesn’t know quite what to think about the woman who falls into his arms from the stagecoach and starts telling him of the danger coming his way… Enjoy!

Report Card

Last week…

1. I guess it’s supposed to be traumatic, but on Monday morning, I showered and, as I was washing my hair, my fingers dragged away clumps of hair. It was time. My dd and the 20-year-old shaved me bald.
2. Last week was ridiculously busy with appointments. On Monday, I saw my oncologist. He didn’t like my white cell blood count, so he gave me another WBC booster shot. On Tuesday, it was another trip to the city to have tests run at the hospital where the port installation surgery would take place. Then, I had the surgery on Thursday. I now have my “borg” port.
3. On Wednesday, my SIL drove me to the nearest military installation an hour and a half away to get me a new ID card. I was a little bummed that my hair didn’t last long enough for the photo. LOL
4. I worked on edits for one author. I also took care of a lot of administrivia—you know, stuff that has to be done but doesn’t move the goalposts or pay the bills.
5. My daughter, the girls, and my SIL continue to be amazing. All four girls in the house were there for me on surgery day even though we had to begin the drive at 4 AM. I really am the luckiest Nina in the world.

This next week…

1. This week is “Hell Week.” Um, by that I mean I have another chemo treatment on Monday. What follows for the rest of the week will not be pleasant.
2. Once Upon a Legend releases on September 17th! I hope you get your copy!
3. I want to wrap up Ignition. It’s the fourth and last book in the Delta Fire series. I moved the release date to October 1st. I’m not sure I’ll have the energy to create, so I might have to push off finishing until the week after.
4. I’m working on editing projects for two authors this week. Two that I have to finish. So, I’ll be hoping for an hour or two of lucidity every morning to putter away.

Open Contests

Be sure to check out these posts and enter to win the prizes that are still up for grabs!

1. Word Search: Signs Fall is coming… (Contest) — This ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Movie Night! — This ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Tell me a story: Sweet dreams are made of these… (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Katherine Eddinger Smits: Cassadaga, Florida: Spirits, Ghosts, and Mediums (Contest + FREE Read) — Win an Amazon gift card. Plus, pick up a FREE Read!

Puzzle-Contest!

Because I had a guest yesterday, I didn’t run my Saturday Puzzle-Contest! So, let’s do it today!

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle… It’s a photo of a ridiculously, aesthetically pleasing woman hanging laundry. I can’t seem to resist these “cottagecore” photos. Anyway, solve the puzzle then tell me whether you still hang laundry to dry outside. 

I’m updating plans for the week. I have to cram as much as I can into this week because next week is chemo on Monday, and based on the last round, I know I’ll be toast for the rest of the week. I’m trying to get a little ahead of myself and pre-post some things, so I don’t have to even think about work next week. We’ll see. I’m still not functioning at my pre-chemo level—and I do know how ridiculous that sounds, but I have to have goals!!!

Report Card

Last week…

1. Recovery from chemo continued. Insomnia, lack of stamina are lingering issues. I had a blood draw on Thursday and had to rush to Hot Springs to the main clinic for a white blood cell booster shot. My WBC count was in the toilet.
2. Workwise? Progress was uneven. On good days, I powered through edits for myself and one author.
3. My daughter, the girls, and my SIL continue to be awesome. They get me to my appointments, see that I’m fed, and make sure I’m included in some family activities so that I feel “connected.” They keep me grounded and happy.

This next week…

1. This week will be ungodly busy. I have an appointment with my oncologist, an appointment with the surgeon who will install my chemo port, and the port surgery at O-dark-thirty on Thursday.
2. I will complete revising and upload Once Upon a Legend, which releases on September 17th!
3. I want to wrap up, Ignition. It’s the fourth and last book in the Delta Fire series. I moved the release date to October 1st.
4. I’m working on editing projects for three authors this week and am determined to complete two.
5. Hopefully, I’ll get out of the house this week for something fun. I want to stretch my legs at the flea market. I have to start walking since I can’t swim—and it has to be this week because next week is chemo week.

Open Contests

1. Gabbi Grey: A Little Risqué (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win a FREE eBook or audio book!
2. Krysten Lindsay Hager: Top 10 Favorite TV Shows to Escape With (Series FREE in KU!) — Be sure to pick up the series for FREE in KU!
3. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Signs of Fall…? — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Happy Labor Day! (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
5. Word Search: Signs Fall is coming… (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
6. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Movie Night! — Win an Amazon gift card!

I skipped my usual end-of-month summation/plan yesterday. Who wants to recap the month from hell, right? Short-term goals are what I’m working on now, so I’ll just give you my weekly recap/plan to help me keep on track and let you know what’s up. Today, I feel focused/unfuzzy. That’s good. I even made a list of things I want to accomplish today. Lists are comforting to this former project manager. 🙂

Report Card

Last week…

1. I began chemo. It completely obliterated me for over five days. I know now that I can’t plan to accomplish a damn thing during my “chemo week.” Monday and Tuesday, not so bad. Wednesday and Thursday—gutting and exhausting. Friday, baby steps back. Saturday, take it easy, but get back to work slowly. I only have to do this every three weeks. Gah!
2. I accomplished nothing, workwise.
3. Other than on Monday, after chemo when I was still feeling a little bit of energy, there was no swimming. Pool season is now officially over for me. The water is too cool, and the weather has dumped a bunch of rain and leaves.
4. My daughter, the girls, and my SIL have been awesome. They did everything for me, keeping me fed, watered, and keeping me company when I wanted it. I’m very, very lucky.

This next week…

1. This week I’ll finally get the chemo port installed in my chest. I also have a blood draw so the doctor can monitor my progress.
2. I have a new story I want to wrap up, Ignition. It’s the fourth and last book in the Delta Fire series. I moved the release date to October 1st.
3. I’m working on editing for another author this week. I plan to finish by next weekend.
4. I’ll be editing a story I’m republishing that no one has likely read. Hope you like Westerns with quirky humor, plenty of kink, and a hint of paranormal. Once Upon a Legend is up for pre-order now!
5. Hopefully, I’ll get out of the house this week. I want to stretch my legs at the flea market. Start walking since I can’t swim.

Open Contests

On the Delilah’s Collections website!

1. In One Picture: Elle James’s “Sex, Spies, and Subterfuge” (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. In One Picture: A.J. Harris’s “Secret Garden” (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. In One Picture: Darah Lace’s “Most Wanted” (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
4. In One Picture: Cindy Tanner’s “Mayday” (Contest–2 Winners!) — Win a FREE anthology—2 winners!

Here, on this site!

1. 10 Things to Bring to Chemo (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Summertime Fun! — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Hannah Bond – The First African American Female Novelist (Contest) — This one ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Gabbi Grey: A Little Risqué (Contest) — Win a FREE eBook or audio book!
5. Saturday Puzzle-Contest: Signs of Fall…? — Win an Amazon gift card!