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comicfan

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  1. comicfan
    Recently someone asked me, “How do you become a Promising Author?”
    To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to respond, but like any good English major, I did my research.
     
    First I found a whole piece on how to become a Hosted Author.
    Hosted Authors must have
    an existing body of quality writing AND
    an established reader base.

    In addition, Hosted Authors are encouraged
    to be active participants in the GA community,
    to cross-promote and link back to GA when posting stories elsewhere, and
    to encourage their readers to join the GA community.

    To request consideration to become a Hosted Author, please contact Talonrider by PM.
    Which is really nice to learn about, but not what I was searching for. I mean I am a Promising Author, so I should know how it came to be. So back to digging through the information to pass to the one who asked it.
    Finally I got an answer to my question with this information.
    Criteria for Promising Authors
     
    Promising status’ purpose is to help develop writers who have already shown initiative in improving their writing and promoting themselves; to give up-and-coming writers exposure and help them build a fan base. It is like an intermediate step between Author and full Hosted. Promising Authors do receive their own forum, as well.
     
    - demonstrates a basic level of writing ability
    - is actively seeking and accepting assistance to improve their writing
    - uses editor and beta readers, or is seeking same
    - number of completed stories
    - series vs. short stories
    - participates in and contributes to the GA community; is actively involved in building and improving the site; shows an interest in all parts of the site, not just their own
    - promotes the GA site (ex. if they post elsewhere, they link back to GA as their main site)
    - shows initiative in promoting their work and growing their reader base, and/or is open to learning how
    - if they have a reader base established, that can be taken into account but is less necessary than for Hosted Authors
     
    One major component of receiving Promising Status is the author’s willingness to agree to a 60 day exclusivity to any new material that is being posted on and off-site, with an exception made only for personal sites such as off-site blogs or webpages. Nominations for promotion can be made by other site members, notice from WST/site staff members, or by contacting the WST Deputy Lead.
     
    To request consideration for Promising Author at this time please contact Cia.
  2. comicfan
    The weather outside is a damn mess. They are expecting up to two feet of the heavy wet snow, but I don't care!
     
    My wife is getting married. I know that makes no sense. About 9 years Tracey started working with me. She was sweet kid who didn't drive. Occasionally I gave both her and her brother a lift home, but that was really about it. Then life does one of those things that brings you together. Her grandmother passed away. No one from work was going, but I felt I should. She was so grateful to have someone show up for her besides her boyfriend.
     
    We began to hang out together, go to movies, the occasional dinner. It gave her a chance to vent, and me time out. People at work couldn't understand what we could have in common. She is young enough to be my daughter, but she is a great friend. When people at work asked if we were dating she laughed, asked to borrow the silver ring I always wear and told everyone she was my wife. When my mother passed she left everything and came down to LI to help my family grieve and support us however she could.
     
    Last year, after many years together Tracey and her boyfriend finally became engaged. During the summer there was talk of what part she wanted me to play in her wedding. I told her as long as I got an invite I didn't care. Tonight they asked if I would be the best man. To put mildly I am over the moon. The daughter I never had, close friend, and all around buddy wants me to be a major part of her wedding. Beaming ear to ear here.
     

  3. comicfan

    Bad luck streak.

    By comicfan,

    Alright, I don't know what I did in my past or former life, but lord am I paying for it now. Haven't been sleeping well, fighting with my father, worked an hour on a beta project only to have it vanish, and then the damn car. Last week on the way home the front left tire went flat. Woke up this morning, before I had even crawled out of bed, the front right tire is flat. Repairs are one thin , but my luck has been replacement. Seems I am not allowed to save a dime lately. Grrr. Sorry just needed to vent.
  4. comicfan
    I try not to get upset or bent out of shape, but today was really screwed up.
     
    On Friday I left work all excited. I had Saturday off and I was opening Sunday. I really don't follow football, yeah my brother thinks I'm daft but when did the Jets last win? Anyway for me the Superbowl simply means I get to see friends, eat, and have fun. Right?
     
    I got to work early to find the schedule I had was wrong and had been completely rewritten. I was now closing instead. Needless to say I didn't even walk in my door at home until after eight pm. The party was an hour away. So the first chance I had to reconnect with friends was gone. I had missed every Christmas and New Year's party so I guess this is just par for the course.
     
    I made one joke today about being nominated (Thank you to those who did) but the comments I never even got to read cause my new phone glitched and instead of pulling them up it erased them. So I will work on a few beta projects and hope my friends enjoyed the game. I miss them, but guess my luck holds.
     
    Hope everyone is having a good February.
     
    Wayne
  5. comicfan

    New Year- same old me

    By comicfan,

    Well I hope everyone is doing well so far this year. I have been busy doing a lot of things so far this year. Just not sure where I will end up.
     
    1) Doctors- been keeping up with the foot dr. He has gotten me supports for my shoes and hopefully that ends the pain in the feet for now. I did have a cold which made me cancel the dentist so need to reschedule.
     
    2) Beta- Been working with some talented authors lately. I am not sure when they plan to begin publishing their latest stuff but Billy Brat, Sid Love, and Andy all have some really interesting stuff heading out soon.
     
    3) The Fiscal Cliff- I am not one to point fingers, but will say all of those elected didn't stop to consider those who put them in office so now we all pay. The jump in taxes,while not enormous, was enough to cut into my meager savings, and may end up costing me my hotspot. I really am pushing for a new job at this point.
     
    4) Writing- I am in a funk. Working on seven projects, but haven't finished any of them. Opps.
     
    5) Postcards- stupid I know but I so enjoy mail that isn't junk mail or bills. Hopefully my friends are enjoying mine as much as I am theirs.
  6. comicfan

    Christmas

    By comicfan,

    Even at the worst of times you look for a silver lining, or so my grandmother always said. So I'm taking that advice and running with it.
     
    Today is Christmas and I hope everyone had a great day.
     
    I managed to sleep late. With my schedule lately that was an unexpected pleasure. Add to that my father cooked this year for a change and I am ecstatic. I can't remember the last time he cooked.
     
    I was luckily enough to have some friends who sent me gifts so this year I had something to open on the big day. I'll admit one of my favorite gifts this year was a book on English Fairy Tales and Legends. Anyone who knows me, will immediately know this was right up my alley. I love fairy tales and have many collections of the Grimm Fairy tales so this fit in nicely with that.
     
    I also collect magnets and I received a gift of those as well. Then of course there was the chocolate. As a chocoholic there is no such thing as bad chocolate, unless it has nuts in it.
     
    I hope the holiday brought you smiles, times with friends and loved ones. Enjoy it all. Merry Christmas.
  7. comicfan

    December into January

    By comicfan,

    I have not exactly been enjoying this month. It has been hard for so many reasons. Forgive me, but this is going to be one of those blogs.
     
    1) My job is hell. I work retail and that alone is hell for anyone who has to do it. However I get the added bonus of working customer service. That is its own special type of hell. I've been told I have ruined people's Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, Honeymoon vacation, and Wedding plans because I couldn't or wouldn't return something. Add in the weird hours and hellishly long hours and things just keep getting worse. I have finally reached the point where I know I need to find something else. I have been applying to both teaching positions and other jobs where my degree might come in handy. Please wish me luck there.
     
    2) Health is not where it should be. This applies both to my father and myself. My father just had his cataract surgery last week. He came through with flying colors but this is just another event in what has been a trying year for his health. I nearly lost him this summer. Regardless of how much we fight, and the fact that half the time I feel three inches tall due to his comments, I still don't wish to see him dead. Add in the issues I've had with my mouth, the plantar's fascia, and my high blood pressure and yeah things aren't going so well for me either. My weight loss has gone to a stand still and basically I'm ready to sit down and cry. Oh well.
     
    3) The school shooting. For six years I lived in Bethel, Connecticut and worked in Danbury. Every chance I got I took the ten minute drive to Newtown to go to the second run theater to catch up on movies or visited friends who lived in Sandy Hook. I returned to Long Island three years ago when my mother passed away and my father's health took a blow. Seeing the tragedy that has struck the area I knew so well is heart breaking. My heart goes out to all those who live and work there. I have friends who are teachers there. I'm blessed that luckily my friends were untouched by the tragedy directly, but will now live forever with this branded on their hearts and in the way the deal with students and families forever more.
     
    4) Depression. This is one of those things that strikes most clearly at this time of the year. Whether it is the first year without someone you love, or the twentieth. Whether it is you being alone, or just feeling that way when surrounded by others. For some it is the dark thoughts that are allowed to run wild and take away the light that is all around them. I have so many friends that is affecting. I worry for them. I hope that if things get bad they can find the strength they need or the help they might to keep fighting and living the life they deserve. I'm dealing with a touch of it, but mine is nothing compared to some I know.
     
    5) A sense of tradition. I don't know how to word this to make it seem kinder. I've never been a tic for tac kind of guy. My birthdays are usually total disasters. I've had to wait for people, had fights, been stood up, and had other issues but this one in a way was the worst. There have always been at least two things I could look forward to on my birthday. One was going out to a restaurant of my choice for either lunch or dinner. The second is a cake. Sometimes it has been homemade, sometimes it was just a cup cake but it was something. I got two gifts this year. One was a gift card and one was cowboy boots with a really large heel. Yeah, boots. I don't mind boots but with my plantar's fascia I was told low or no heels and make sure they don't bend and such. I wasn't even wished a Happy Birthday. The gift was left on my bed when I went to the grocery store. There was no cake and I wasn't taken out for a meal. A friend who was supposed to meet to go out, cancelled. I did get a great gift the day after from a close friend which helped, but as far as I'm concerned that was it, there are no more attempts at celebrating. It is just too painful.
     
    6) Christmas - This has always been my holiday. This year there is no tree. There are barely any decorations. My father doesn't want them. I have gotten gifts from friends. I am stock piling them. I guess because I would like something to open on Christmas. It is also partially because after my birthday this month, well I would like to have something to look forward to for Christmas. I don't know if that makes sense. I guess the idea of being single and having to deal with another holiday isn't going to make me jolly. Instead I came across a picture of me dressed up in a Santa outfit and my mother beside me when I worked in a restaurant years ago, sort of reminding me why it was special and what I am missing. In so many ways I just need this holiday season to be over.
     
    7) The New Year - Well the Mayans say the earth undergoes a major change or end. Depending on who you believe that ending was either last year or this coming Friday. If the world doesn't end then I can honestly say I wish everyone health, love, and support in the new year.
     
    -Wayne
  8. comicfan
    Holidays are here so naturally I was waiting for the other shoe to fall. And it did, right on my foot.
     
    I was having issues with my foot just before Black Friday. However with the massive hours I worked last weekend and the beginning of this week my foot swelled and it was hard to walk on. I finally got an appointment with the foot doctor. I was hoping for a planters wart but that isn't what I got. I have one heel spur on the back of my foot, another on the base of my foot and something called planter's fascia which is basically a problem with the muscle that runs from the base of the foot to the toes. Lucky me. I got a shot today, exercises to do, told not to work any more marathon hours, and to be back in his office in two weeks. He hopes to correct it with the exercises and a shoe insert. However if that doesn't work I might need surgery.
     
    Dad has his eye surgery on the 13th of December.
     
    I got all the Christmas Cards out. Packing up the gifts I have to send. I have a few to get done. I mean I have to get ones out to England, Germany, South Africa and a few to friends here in the states, plus my brother, and Godson. The only one I haven't even considered yet is my father. Great son, I know.
     
    Oh well, the stuff I took just kicked in so I hope to be able to sleep.
     
    Final comment before I forget, a dear friend has had some major set backs. Considering she is one of my normal team, that leaves me a bit short on help. If anyone can lend a hand see my post on the Forum. For those wondering who I am talking about see Renee Stevens' blog.
  9. comicfan
    It is that time of the year again. The time I use to love, but over time has become nothing more than overtime and craziness. I guess that is what happens when you work retail. Of course it doesn't help to work retail at the return desk either. So as everyone gears up for Thanksgiving and black Friday, I prepare for the lines, the yelling, and being told once again I have ruined some family's Christmas or Hanukkah because I personally don't want to get the item from where I am hiding it in the back because they know it isn't sold out, won't return the item they bought last year so they can replace it with this year's model, or am a lazy bastard who won't order them what they want and get it for them at half price because they are such a great customer. Happy Holidays.
     
    After all it is only a thirteen hour shift for Black Friday. I guess I shouldn't complain. At least I don't work for one of the retailers who feel they should open at 8pm on Thanksgiving evening so their employees have to be there by 6pm. Good bye holiday. Hello retail hell.
     
    I wish I could say that is all a joke but I hear that year after year and wonder if the Grinch stole more than just Christmas, like maybe some of their minds.
     
    Turning this focus off the wild ride I am about to embark on once again and onto how I am planning to stay sane this year I have had to make some decisions.
     
    1) There will be no Christmas cards this year. That doesn't mean I am not sending Christmas greetings out. What it does mean is with my ever growing list of friends and family I can't afford to send close to sixty cards out all over the world. I can do it if I send postcards so that is what I am doing instead. Face it thirty five cents I can afford rather than a dollar ten or more for some cards I mail. Besides I have Christmas packages to get out too and I have to cut somewhere.
     
    2) Holiday shopping - other than three people who I haven't had time to get out for my shopping for Christmas is done. Yes I don't wait for the holidays otherwise i would be screwed. I was never a fan of hitting the malls at holiday time and working retail just has me feeling sympathy for those who are stuck in that special type of hell.
     
    3) Holiday Baking - Anyone who knows me at all knows this is my way to relax. I love to cook and to bake. So I managed to make sure I have two days off in December together in the early part of the month so I can do mine.
     
    Remember, the holidays are almost here. Plan for them. Don't let yourself panic about what you spend or how things go. If you want to enjoy them, then do. I am making sure I have time to see the people special to me. The biggest gift I might give to both them and me is time. Time to see them, time to relax with them, and time to just renew the bonds that make people special to me.
     
    Whatever you might celebrate, enjoy. Happy Holidays all.
  10. comicfan

    Life's ups and downs

    By comicfan,

    Hi All,
     
    I know it has been a while but I figured I would update things a bit. I am really having some ups and downs but trying to keep it going.
     
    I prefer to focus on the good.
     
    I am up to five Halloween cards this year. One of them was a postcard for the Day of the Dead. That was a first for me so really made me smile. Plus one of the people who sent to me mentioned they didn't know Halloween cards existed. They should just wait. Any of my usual's know I send out cards for all occasions. Granted I have missed one person's this year. (Don't ask I feel like an idiot already) However, I do try to keep them all straight and get them out.
     
    My brother finally went to find out about the pain in his back. Whatever it is, it has to be better than the constant pain he has been in, so I consider that an improvement.
     
    Dad's results came in. The blood loss was from tears in the lower stomach and upper intestine. So far all results show it healing and his body recovering. The surgery that was done on his leg is also healing well and his doctor is pleased with how it is closing and how he is handling it.
     
    I have had friends dealing with various issues. I am always willing to lend support and an ear. I can't always fix things.though God knows I wouldn't mind being able to do so, but I am only human. I just wish so many people would stop saying they don't want to tell me cause they know I have a lot on my plate. For any reading this, let me make this clear. If I can't take a few minutes to put whatever small issues I am dealing with aside to listen to you, then I really shouldn't be friends with you. Sorry, there are always going to be times when things go wrong, but the fact is a friend will always make time for you. Sorry, I'm human like everyone else, but I sure as hell ain't made of glass and going to fall apart at a moments notice. I hope to hell I am made of sterner stuff than that.
     
    So, the Halloween Story is still in revision after I got it back. I wanted to make sure I fleshed out what my beta pointed out to me so it makes sense. My editor went over and passed a few more comments so still finishing it up a bit. Working on the winter anthology story now and Jonas. (Sometimes i wish I just killed him off. The boy doesn't want to work with me, but I am determined to finish him off next week and write the five chapters straight through.) Wish me luck.
     
    Wayne
  11. comicfan

    Signs of Life

    By comicfan,

    Okay I didn't want everyone to think I forgot everything I was working on. I have been writing just so you know.
     
    1) I have the End of the World Anthology story finished.
     
    2) Started work on the Winter Anthology.
     
    3) Wrote what was suppose to be a very short piece for the Anniversary Prompt. Well right now it is about ten pages and still growing so by the time I finish it will either be a long short story, or a short three part tale. Depends on what it is like when I finish and what my beta and editor suggest.
     
    4) I am busy also fixing and rewriting Seeon. When it comes back out it will be vastly different but also allow me to easily go in for a second run on it.
     
    5) I haven't forgotten Jonas. I know there are people who probably would like to slap me upside the head thinking it will never be done. I do apologize, but Jonas was put aside while I dealt with my father's illness. It was literally only today that we got all the results in from his various tests. They found he was bleeding both from the lower stomach and the upper small intestine. He has had what medications he takes altered, including ending his aspirin regiment in an attempt to change how his body handles things. Hopefully he is back on a road to recovery and I can get back to finishing Jonas up.
     
    6) I have special project I was working on which will be completed and put up as well.
     
    7) Yeah, it is Halloween month and am unsure whether I should try to do a scary tale or something just for the holiday. I guess it depends on whether my readers are tired of me and if I can find a little time slide that in. lol.
     
    So that is it for now. Hope all is going well for everyone. Been having fun sending out cards and things.
     
    Wayne
  12. comicfan
    Okay, I haven't had time to do things like I would like to. Been more of respond to problems then have time to relax and do what you want. My bright spot has been mail, or it was until today.
     
    I am one of those people who enjoys getting mail. A postcard, card, or note can do wonders for me. Just knowing someone took the time to think of me makes me smile. However today I got an email asking me not to send so many postcards and cards. Seems I am a disruption instead of making them happy.
     
    Basically then this note goes out to those of you here whose address I have. So I'll ask you now, if I am being a pest and you don't want mail from me just let me know. I'd rather think I was doing something to make you smile then piss you off.
     
    Thanks,
    Wayne
  13. comicfan

    Just so you know ...

    By comicfan,

    Hi all.
     
    i know I have few people who try to keep with me. I do apologize. I have been without the internet for about 2 weeks nows regularly. In order to get anything sent I have had to take my laptop to work. It isn't fun sitting in the car emailing work out and hoping it will all get back to you in time to meet a deadline. That is what happened with Amber Prince and I have to thank KC, Renee, and Cia who did what they could with the author being MIA.
     
    Dad has had a busy week. On Monday he had a growth removed from his leg.. The growth was large enough that the doctor couldn't give him stitches and the wound is slowly filling and healing. That was the start of the week. He had his Capsul Endoscopy on Wednesday. Considering the doctor has called yet with results I am not sure if I should be relieved or not.
     
    Into this stressful week I did have two bright spots. I got a card from Mark and a letter from Russ. What it meant to get mail that wasn't a bill or junnk mail I can't tell you. The smile and good will was just what I needed.
     
    I had hoped to try to get a mifi today but instead preorders for the Apple I-phone 5 started and you couldn't get near the mobile department at all. The internet will have wait tired of typing on my phone but oh well.
     
    The only fun I did have was ordering all sorts of new postcards to terrorize my friends with. Beware. They should also be on the look out for Halloween cards. I send them early.
     
    So hope that answers the questions of why I am not posting. I am trying to keep up (even post the prompts by phone), but can't do everything. Miss you all.
     
    WAYNE
  14. comicfan

    Oops it happened again

    By comicfan,

    Life, no matter how much you might want it, can not be managed. Things sneak up and happen.
     
    Dad has his capsulscopy next Wednesday. It is making him crazy and guess who the target is?
     
    I have no internet until I can afford mifi. It might take a week or so but I will be back. In the meantime I am getting things done as I can. My greatest thanks to KC for picking up the slack I had to leave with with one of my authors by filling in and doing the beta reading. My thanks know no bounds. Also a great big thank you to KC for his work on my Anthology. That extends to Sharon who offered to edit for me. Unfortunately I couldn't do much with it once I lost the internet. A copy had been sent to Renee who did another beta and to Cia by her for an edit. My thanks to all of these wonderful people.
     
    Wayne
     
    PS - to those whose addresses I have expect post cards, lots of them. I'm bored since I don't have an internet to play on but I'm also writing jonas and the special anthology. Oh well.
  15. comicfan

    Life and other issues

    By comicfan,

    Alright, so it has been a while since I posted anything and I figure I owe explanations to people so forgive me if I have been late doing it.
     
    First up is my father. Since coming out of the hospital we have been going to doctor after doctor. He has a surgeon now for the aneurisms. The doctor, who is a specialist in dealing with them informed us that Dad won't be going for surgery on on them until sometime in the new year. Okay, so that major issue is off the table for the moment, but doesn't solve the problems. He has had cameras down both ends of his body but now they want to do something called a capsulology. I might be spelling that wrong but basically it is a camera the size of a large capsul that you swallow. The main reason being, they still haven't found where he was bleeding from and they fear it might be the small intestine. No camera will fit there but this. However it is also very expensive and it might take up to a month or more for the insurance company to agree to pay for it. Nothing is ever as you might wish it to be. In the meantime he is going for bi weekly blood checks and all. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
     
    Second is the job. Well they decided to combine my department with another at work. It might have been a good idea if they had trained us all but they didn't. So in the last three weeks I have lost six people in a department of nine. They haven't hired a person and the other department still isn't trained on my job either. Can you say disaster?
     
    Finally there is my writing. Well can't say I have totally abandoned that, but not getting where I want either. Jonas is fighting me, which is funny when you consider the original flowed out in one sitting. Then I am working on the fall anthology which right now has topped thirteen pages with no signs of an ending for the story yet either. Then I have been working on the rewrite of Seeon so I can get that back up but who knew it would end up have so many new chapters and parts. I just hope everyone likes the alterations.
     
    Oh and I don't know if it matters but sleep happens rarely but thank goodness I got some to kill the migraine I had. You know you are in trouble when light and even the sound of a breeze hurts. It took a "five hour nap" but now down to a dull ache instead. Hope everyone else is good.
     
    Wayne
  16. comicfan

    Tracey and Dad

    By comicfan,

    Okay so not sure what the hell this weekend will be like.
     
    Tracey is due down for her visit sometime today. That is the good news.
     
    Dad went to his doctor's appointments today. That is the bad news. His primary finally got all the results back from the testing done in the hospital. Evidently dad is still leaking blood from somewhere. They suspect from his aneurism so he is being sent to see a vascular surgeon. His primary wants the surgery done asap. Originally we were left with the impression that the surgery would be done the end of September, maybe even in October. Now we know it is to be done as soon as they can get him and a surgeon together. So if my stuff is even more sporadic than usual, well at least now you know why.
  17. comicfan

    A reason to smile

    By comicfan,

    I'm luckier than most people. Some people collect toys, games, or maybe books. I'm lucky, I collect people that become really close friends.
     
    Seven years ago, god where does the time go, a very special young lady began working with me at my job. I didn't know it then but she would become very important to me. She didn't drive and I didn't know all the bits and pieces of her life. She lived close to thirty minutes from where we worked and on more than one occasion I gave her a lift home. We became friends. Then her grandmother died and our worlds sort of collided. I was there for her and supported her.
     
    I watched as she grew up, came into her own, and became a beautiful young woman in her own right. I have been lucky to call her friend. She returned the favor when my mother passed away and she dropped everything to be at my side and support me.
     
    At work people swore we were dating. Tracey ran with the joke and began calling me husband. What is funny is she has been dating the same guy since she was 16. After many years, he finally proposed and she accepted. The thing is we are more like father and daughter than husband/wife anyway.
     
    With all that has happened with my father I was depressed by having to cancel her visit down. My "wife" isn't one to give up easily. Knowing she can't stay here, she simply told her fiancee they were coming down and is renting a room for the weekend. While down she is here to show me her ring and figure out if I am going to be walking her down the aisle (which I've told her should be done by her mother) or acting as best man (which is something I think her fiancee might have someone else for) but I know I'll end up in the wedding party and I couldn't be happier for her.
     
    So even when everything else is falling apart around me, sometimes good news is enough to turn your day around and just make you smile. Hope you are all having a good one.
  18. comicfan
    Figured I should update everyone. Dad had his endoscopy yesterday. They found blood pooling in his stomach and went in to do repairs. He was supposed to have his colonoscopy today, but someone screwed up and he had solid food. So now he is back on liquids and had to drink eight glasses of something to clean him out. He will have his test around 8 am tomorrow.
     
    His blood count is slowly returning to normal, Over all I am happy that things are improving. He seems to think he will be home by tomorrow afternoon. I wouldn't count on that but time will tell.
     
    In the mean time the one having the hardest time with it all is JJ. The poor dog doesn't know which end is up. She is use to his schedule, sleeping in his bed, and getting what she wants. With me she isn't being fed all the treats she normally gets, is having to sleep on my bed, and deal with my schedule. Poor baby won't be happy till she has him home. She has Dad wrapped around her little paws. Oh well.
     
    Work at some point tomorrow. They said they can flip flop my schedule if need be but I figure I will wait to see what is happening with him.
  19. comicfan

    Fathers and Sons

    By comicfan,

    I know there are some people who get along wonderfully with their fathers. My father and I have more of a gas and match relationship. However I try very hard to ignore the problems and help where I can since my mother passed.
     
    This week has been one trying week. Tuesday my father was very ill. He couldn't even keep water down. I wanted him to go to the doctor or the hospital but he fought me at every turn because he had an appointment with his doctor on Wednesday. Well Wednesday he seen his doctor who after checking on him suggested he go to the hospital but he refused. The doctor sent him for blood work warning him that if anything showed up he was going in. Thursday his doctor is off. Friday I get an emergency call to rush him to the hospital. They kept him in and around 2 am this morning sent him for a cat scan. His blood had very low hemoglobin. His blood pressure was extremely low and they did an endoscopy this morning finding blood in his stomach and did surgery on him. He has had three bags of blood and I have lost track of the iv bags, plus they are talking a colonoscopy to check the walls because of the amount of blood he lost and him stating there was no change in blood or stool. Sounds gross I know but more alarming is the lack of where the blood was going as it pooled. So he will be in the hospital till Monday at least. At least his nurses are sweethearts. i feel bad listening to them talk about the hours they have to work. Trust me, with a mother who was a diabetic and in the hospital more times than I can count I have always respected the nurses who work for the hospitals. They do incredible work, especially with people like my father who make terrible jokes. But then again it might be the opposite thing with me and my father. Thanks for letting me rant. If you can spare the prayers or good wishes, well I appreciate them.
     
    Wayne
  20. comicfan
    Just figured I would update and fill in a few blanks.
     
    I have been trying not to stress about work. We are going through a restructure and who knows what that is going to entail all. I am suppose to find out tomorrow morning at a meeting. Yeah, I'm really happy to get out of bed at five am to make this thing. Love all store meetings.
     
    Also dealing with work has been the tragedy of one of our district managers. He was out with his family on a boat on the North Shore of Long Island. The boat flipped and three children were killed. One of them was his daughter. The tragedy is one no one completely understands yet, but we are saddened to find out one of the children killed was his daughter.
     
    Then Long Island like most of America has been hit with this outrageous heat. Watching the news they keep telling people to stay in the shade or inside. Drink plenty of water and don't go out in the hottest part of the day. Seems no one listens. The heat and humidity tonight is making it uncomfortable to even sleep.
     
    Personally just been having a hard time getting things going here. I don't do well in heat and can't completely focus like I would like to on my writing. I do apologize for not getting out a chapter of Jonas, but to be honest it is low on my list of priorities at the moment. I have expected company at the end of the month and I have so much to do and finish before she arrives. So you understand this is one of my best friends from when I worked in Connecticut. I sort of adopted her and she was at my side when my mother passed away three years ago, A better friend you could never ask for.
     
    With all the changes and tragedies happening both here and in my life in general it reminds me of one important thing. Don't allow yourself to get bogged down in the details and forget to live. People won't remember that you cleaned your toilet or washed your car, but they will remember the times spent together and the memories you make with them. The best present you can ever give another person is a memory of time together that they can treasure.
     
    Enough for one night. May you all be safe in this heat.
     
    Wayne
  21. comicfan
    I'm finally feeling better today so I did some cooking. Some people know I am on weight watchers so trying to be very careful with food. I love lemon chicken but so many recipes I came across called for all sorts of stuff I normally don't have in the house or would push the points I use right through the roof. Then I came across this chicken recipe that is easy and low cal. Basically all I have to count it is the chicken itself. lol.
     
    Ingredients
     
    3 - 4 pounds of Chicken. (Originally they say use breasts and legs with the skin. I used chicken cutlets pounded out thin.)
     
    2 Tablespoons of Lemon Zest
    1/3 cup of Lemon Juice (Basically I used the juice of two lemons and little from fridge of store bought to make up the difference. I always use a recipe as a guide but alter for my own tastes.)
    2 cloves of garlic. (I was out so substituted 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.)
    2 Tablespoons of fresh Thyme or 2 teaspoons of dried
    2 Tablespoons of fresh Rosemary or 2 teaspoons of dried
    1/2 teaspoon of salt
    1 teaspoon of pepper
     
    I will tell you right now that is the original recipe as I found it. I did cut down on the Thyme and Rosemary cause I wasn't using that many pounds of chicken, because I was using dried I used on teaspoon of each. I had six cutlets that I pounded flat. I will note as I went off the main recipe but it turned out really delicious.
     
    Take all your ingredients and put it into a ziplock bag. Allow the whole thing to sit and marinate in the refrigerator for about two hours. If you are using breasts and legs make a few small cuts in the meat to allow the marinate to get into the meat and season it.
     
    When the marinate time is up, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Place the chicken in a single layer on a tray with a lip. Place a small dab of margarine or butter onto each piece of meat. Keep the marinate for later. Put into the oven and prepare to cook it for about 50 to 55 minutes. (Note : Because I used thin cutlets I had to adjust the time. They cooked about 35 minutes.) Be prepared to check your meat around the forty minute mark because the breasts and legs might be done around different times.
     
    Approximately 20 minutes into the cook time pour the marinate left in your ziplock bag over the cooking chicken to give a boost of flavor and some more moisture.
     
    When the meat is done cover in foil and allow to rest for ten minutes and then serve.
  22. comicfan
    Alright I admit it, as heavy person summer isn't my friend. The good news is the weight is still coming off so hopefully that will help.
     
    The problem however is tonight. I came home from work, hot and not feeling well. I took a shower but that hasn't helped my head or my stomach, both of which ache. I took an aspirin and plan to get bed shortly. Still wasn't sure why I felt so miserable, so i also took my temp which is reading 101 degrees at the moment. Lucky me. Summer time and running a temp in this heat. Grr.
     
    Oh well hopefully the damn thing will break during the night. Off to bed. Hope everyone else is feeling okay.
  23. comicfan

    Moving On

    By comicfan,

    Occasionally you become compliant in life. It happens. Whether from comfort or just lack of interest, and you let life happen instead of trying to get things done.
     
    I find I don't like how my life is going so it is time to make some changes. I learned long ago to take the blame for my own choices and mistakes. So while I can't change the past, I can make some new changes to bring me into the future. Wish me luck.
  24. comicfan
    I'm having one of those days. There is no other way to put it. I hate it, but that is life.
     
    I had a miserable day at work. Add to that I'm feeling lonely and life hasn't gone nearly anything like I wanted it to.
     
    I am the poster boy for following directions.I've always done all my homework, I never cut school, I don't call out of work for a day at the beach, or anything else. I balance the checkbook, give up treating myself to make ends meet, and worry about how I can help others. I graduated as a Valedictorian of my undergrad class, and am sitting three credits shy of master's degree because my mother died and well I just haven't gone back.
     
    I work a crappy job because I can't find one that pays in the field i have a degree in. So coming home after work should be good. Wrong.
     
    I graduated college. I followed the rules. I am somehow the screw up.
     
    My brother dropped out before he was sixteen. He doesn't have a college degree. He is a marriage where infidelity is rampant on both sides.
     
    Yet he makes over 300,000 a year and I barely break 30,000. Someone tell me how this makes sense.
     
    Then I come home to my father, for who I gave up my life in Connecticut, because his health was failing, my mother had died, and he was lonely.
     
    So for that I walked into the house tonight to be told I am evidently a world class failure. I'm single with no prospects and evidently never will have any. He is afraid what will happen when he dies to the dog. Oh, and as an after thought to me too because I will not be able to afford the house with the prices NY has in taxes all, and the dog needs to be taken care of too. Evidently he isn't sure I can remember to feed her either.
     
    But at least he knows his youngest son won't let me starve.
     
    Yup, makes me feel wonderful to know I am so useless. Can I curl up now? Sorry just needed to get this off my chest before I scream or whatever. Can someone tell me again why it is I am the one who cooks, cleans, and does the food shopping, but the guy who lives half way across the country is the savoir? How does that make sense? Just lucky I guess.
  25. comicfan

    Life Catch Up

    By comicfan,

    So a bit of a catch up.
     
    First - I missed the DC GA Get together. I have enjoyed reading the posts of those who went. At least I know those who attended had fun, just wished I could have been among them.
     
    Second - Well I got the results back. From what I understand I have an irregular heart beat. It is something they will be keeping an eye on. I also was put on blood pressure medication. The joys of getting older. Seems nothing is as easy as it use to be, but at least I am still here and pushing on.
     
    Third - Seems means I was sort of scared to do too much, so I did a hell of a lot of writing. Two prompt stories, a brand new fairy tale retold, a chapter of Jonas, and a few chapters of my Secrets Can Kill story as well were worked on. Life goes on but at least something came out of it.
     
    Fourth - Been cooking like no tomorrow but at least my neighbors are enjoying it. I made a chocolate chip banana bread, sausage and cheese herb bread, apple cinnamon pork chops, my version of spiced fries, and a pot of French Onion Soup. God, if food is the way to a man's heart, where the hell is he hiding. The joy of being a nervous wreck and needing to find something to do. Thank god the temps have been in the low seventies the last few days. Tomorrow they are talking the nineties. UGH.
     
    So been told to slow down, exercise more, and continue to lose weight. So that is all I have to tell you at the moment. Just remember, you only get one shot at life so enjoy it. Regret is a real pain.
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