Resolution Violation

I have a confession: I am violating this year's New Year's Resolution of maintaining my status quo.

I am starting something--a writing class.

At first, I rationalized that because the class already existed, it doesn't count as a Resolution Violation. I am not starting  it. I am taking over as the instructor. And I used to attend as a student.

It's not new.

But the role is  new.  So, it counts.

If you live in Western Mass, join me in my new adventure at the Westfield YMCA.

Here's the link for more info:  http://westfieldymca.org/healthy-living/group-interest/

Rocking the Scrub Top

A few months ago, I received an email requesting I sample a new Dickies Scrubs top from Uniformed Scrubs.  I am very glad I accepted.

The shirt is easy to wear, easy to clean and looked great all shift. I'm pretty picky about what I wear to work, but this top is now my favorite.

To check them out some nurse scrubs yourself, here are some links to like them on Facebook, follow their blog, add them to your circles, follow them on Twitter or check out their boards on Pinterest.

And use this 15% off coupon code until August 31st: "trueblue".

Thanks Uniformed Scrubs for thinking of me. :) 

Challenging "Status Quo" Theories

© Mistercheezit | Agency: Dreamstime.com 

What is the definition of status quo?

Dictionary.com

status quo

  [kwoh]  Show IPA

noun

the existing state or condition.

Also called status in quo.

Origin: 
1825–35;  < Latin status quō  literally, state in which

What does status quo mean?

WIKI Answer:

(1) It refers to the present situation.

(2) It is often represented by a law.

(3) It is not a view, but people can be against it.

My New Year's Resolution for 2013 was to maintain my own "status quo." It was born out of a conversation I had with a mentor years ago, when I expressed a need to grow in my current job. She actually asked me, "Why do you need to grow now? What's wrong with just status quo?"

I had no answer for her, except that I was bored and tired and needed something MORE. But I pondered her question for a long time. So, in late December, I asked myself that question.

I decided to give status quo a try. After all, 2012 had been a huge year for me professionally: I released my first co-authored book and found a new job that is completely outside my comfort zone. It was time to build up the skills I already had without adding anything new.

Hence, I chose the words "For once I want to enjoy my status quo" when I declared my goals for 2013.


Who would of thought some of my closest friends would tell me this is a horrible idea? And then they reprimanded me for even thinking it.

But my stance is personal. It's about MY STATUS QUO, not anyone else's. I desire to enjoy my "state in which". I desire to appreciate my "present situation". I want to develop skills I already have, maybe even perfect them. I want to grow taller, not spread out even more. I want my roots to take hold so my foundation feels more secure than it did last year. I want to catch my breath.

So, I am where my mentor was a few years ago. And now, I turn the question around to them and ask: "So what IS wrong with status quo?" because in the end: Everything is in a state of flux, including the status quo. Robert Byrne


PS-I started this blog a few weeks ago. And I may have to declare my New Year's Resolution a wash. I have accepted yet another challenging and growth inspiring professional role. Maybe I'm not meant to have a status quo.

The Next Big Thing: Just a Girl

I am honored to be a part of "The Next Big Thing Blog Tour." My dearest bestie Sera Rivers tagged me months ago. I meant to write this post sooner, but didn't. And for that, I am sorry. However! It's a new year and I have a new focus. I will stop making excuses and start pushing myself into uncomfortable places. That's the only way to grow right? So, here I go, talking about myself and my work, even though it makes me SUPER uncomfortable. Thanks, Sera!

What is your working title of your book?

Just A Girl

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Okay, so here is where I start choke. My head tells me no one really wants to hear about this, so keep it short. But then I have another part of me, okay...another voice in my head that says I am being silly. Of course people want to know. YOU would want to know, right? But then that first voice reminds me I am a nobody and no one cares to here from you. 

See where I'm going with this? Opposing forces with in me say the same thing day after day: 

The negative side: "You are just a girl! No one cares."  

The positive side: " "You are just a girl. The world needs you."

I began this novel to explore my story. I wanted to understand my experiences.  And I wanted to see if I could write a novel. What I found was so much more.

What genre does your book fall under?

Realistic Young Adult Fiction

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?                                                      

Loredonna by Shailene Woodley

Abby by Abigail Bresllin

              

                                

Carra by Laura Marano

Beth by Debby Ryan

Shannon by Vanessa Hudgens

Kate by teen version of Reese Witherspoon

Sam by teen version of Jason Biggs

And for good measure: GEORGE CLOONEY would direct or produce or otherwise be involved  in a MAJOR way

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

What if being Just a Girl is more than enough?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I don't want to self publish because I don't want to go down this road alone. So, a very supportive small house or an agent would suit me.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

At least two years. I'm not quite sure exactly how long, but I've been revising it FOREVER!!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

This is a section that makes me cringe. How on earth do I compare myself to others? But, well, here goes. I dream to influence the world the way Judy Blume did with Deenie. I would love for my books to have the emotional punch of Gayle Forman's if I stay. And I'd give anything to have the voice of John Greene in The Fault in Our Stars.  My story, though is closest to Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr or Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My original inspiration was to explore my teen story. However, as the characters and plot continue to develop, my inspiration comes from seeing girls continue to struggle with the same issues I faced: low self-esteem, poor body image, immense pressure to be perfect and lack of decent role models.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

The best way I could find to tell this story is through a friendship triangle. And from what I've heard, many people can relate. So if you love to read about the terrible things we do to each other, this may be the book for you.

So, that's it. I did it. PHEW! I need to stop talking myself out of doing the things I want to do.  Thanks Sera again, for kicking me in the rear. LOVE YOU TONS!!