Tremendulent!

I really am trying to get back into this blogging thing. It'll click eventually!

1. I broke up with the fellow I'd been seeing for several months. It'd been a rather long-distance thing (8 hour train ride) but we talked every day. It's been really hard. I still can't actually say or write the words 'broke up' without tearing up. But, it was time. He'd really been pushing for me to move down to where he is and I just plain didn't want to. There's a 90% chance that I'll move back to the States in the next few years. I was happy to keep this casual and enjoy ourselves and that's not where he is. There were also other things about him that were giving me pause that I knew I couldn't live with. Thing is, I breezed past red flags and ignored my gut feelings throughout my marriage - I can't do that again. So I didn't.

We're planning to stay in touch and there appear to be no hard feelings, but we'll see. It still sucks and I still feel like crap. You'd think that doing the right thing would make you feel better, right? Dang it.

2. I'm doing ALL the self-care. I'm headed to the library on Saturday and have already requested a bunch of random non-fiction books about various topics just so I can read and take notes and enjoy the peace of the reading rooms. I'm making my favourite pasta dinner tonight. I'm starting a personal training thing at the gym on Monday with someone who runs a ladies-only bootcamp the rest of the year (so I trust her and she knows me and my skills). I'm also getting my hair cut next weekend. I can do this. *fingers crossed*

3. Driving lessons continue. Still hard. However, at my lesson on Tues (the morning after the break-up where, yes, I did cry on my driving instructor because of course I did - she's very nice and it was fine), I apparently had the best lesson yet and if I drove the same way on my test that I did on Tues, I'd pass. Yay! Progress!

4. I managed some decent writing last weekend on a WIP, which I wasn't expecting. But it was me, a cappuccino and my notebook in a cafe and the words appeared on the pages. Nice.

5. One last thing about this break-up (sorry, I'm such a broken record right now) is something my counselor said to me when I saw her last night: I'm having such a hard time right now because I wanted this to work. I cared. I connected with someone. I wanted a relationship. I let myself be vulnerable and open for possibilities. I tried and for awhile, I was really happy. And that's a good thing. I have no regrets about that whatsoever. I was strong where it counted and I listened to my gut and I did something about it. I can be proud of myself for that.

I hope everyone is doing okay! Happy Thursday! ♥

In an attempt to liven my DW back up, here's 5 Things on a Friday!

1. I am TOTALLY renting The Meg tonight. I love shark movies and I adore Jason Statham, so this is going to be so bad, it's AWESOME. (And how hilarious is it that when I went to add tags to this entry, I apparently already have a Jason Statham tag? Good job, past!Seren!)

2. I'm taking driving lessons. Yay? I have an American license, but since I'm a UK resident, I have to actually get a UK license. It's...going. I only ever learned automatic, so this whole clutch thing is nuts. And what's with the no stopping at junctions? What's this giving way nonsense? I'm from the land of if you don't STOP, you get a TICKET. It freaks me out. However, saying that, today my instructor said I drove my best yet. Woo!

3. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping! All the gifts to US people were shipped out last weekend. I'm taking myself to a cafe tomorrow to do my Christmas cards.

4. I really, really, REALLY want to get my motivation back for a tide of hope, my Abigail Ashe-epic thing. I'd love to get just one chapter out before the end of the year. Any tips on how to get one's muse back in line?

5. I met my little god-daughter last night and she's adorable, I'm so smitten! She smiles and seemed very interested in my hair and glasses. I cuddled her all evening. And my little 3 year old nephew is OBSESSED with Thomas the Tank Engine. He KNOWS ALL OF THEM BY NAME. He gets a little upset when little sis heads towards his trains, though. He's clearly been taught how to 'politely' get his parents' attention though, because sis was headed straight for his trains and he said, at the top of his lungs, "EXCUSE ME, MOM AND DAD, EXCUSE ME, MOM AND DAD," while pointing at her. It was hilarious and he's such a clever fellow.

I hope everyone is well! Happy Friday!!! ♥

I was tagged for this on tumblr and thought I'd post it here, too.

10 Good Things In 2016

Tagged by the lovely @thefairfleming

1. My immediate family is safe and healthy and, ultimately, happy.

2. I have an interesting and varied job that I’m made myself indispensible for and I’ve learned SO much and I’m really enjoying it. (I work in a farmhouse! There are so many SHEEP and DOGS!)

3. I finished the bare bones of my original novel that I’ve been working on for four years. I just need to get all the pieces together and fill in some blanks. And write the sequel.

4. I finally allowed myself to realise that getting an upper back massage isn’t a luxury, but something that I actually need to get through the month.

5. Ghostbusters! Black Sails! Lucifer! Constantine! Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries! Bob Ross! From Dusk till Dawn! - Just a few things that I watched and enjoyed this year.

6. I’ve learned so much about so many different things that are affecting people around the world. I’m limited in what I can do, but I’m doing all that I can. I voted for a woman to be the president of the United States and that’s no small thing.

7. I walk beside the sea every morning.

8. I’ve gotten to know new people - in person and virtually and I’m so happy to know you all!

9. I got to travel to St David’s, Pembrokeshire, Wales and it was lovely!

10. Despite this year trying to kick my butt, I haven’t let it. I’ve stayed aware of my limitations and helped myself to take better care of myself and my family. I’ve drawn boundaries and kept to them and feel better for it. 2017 is going to be tough, but I can do it. So can you! I love you all!

Things on a Tuesday!

1. First off, does anyone have any good recommendations for a good facial cleanser? Summer is sort of here and I really need something that attacks oily skin. Ugh. The biggest lie I was ever told was 'oh, your acne will TOTALLY clear up when you're older!' I'm 37 years old. It hasn't cleared up.

2. I got to PLAY WITH A PUPPY YESTERDAY! She's adorable. She's a little Jack Russell/Patterdale Terrior mix named Jwdi (Welsh for Judy). Oh, the puppy breath was lovely and rejuvenating and she's such a cutie-pie.

3. Um, I can probably only say this to y'all but...I have no desire whatsoever to see the new Captain America movie. *ducks* I'm so tired of this franchise, I can't even explain it. And I wish I wasn't! It's an actual active fandom and I'd love to participate but I just don't care? *sighs*

4. The Great Re-Jigging continues apace. It's proven to be a bit harder than I thought it would be as I'm changing quite a few things as well as trying to tie it into another story I'm writing in an attempt to go for the series route. So I'm having to say good-bye to characters and it's SO HARD. *sniffles* But, I have a good grasp on where I'm going so once I'm past the nit-picky things, I think I'll hit my stride somewhat. It's been fun getting back into some of these characters' heads. I love McCoy and Chapel in all their reincarnations. ( have a pic of their faces because i'm terribly predictable like that )

5. I've been using my Crock=Pot lately and oh mama, I love my Crock-Pot. I made THE best chicken ropa vieja on Sunday. It just fell apart and was juicy and spicy and So. Good.

Happy Tuesday! ♥

Five Things on Friday!

1. I'm feeling a wee bit better this week than last. There are still things that need to be resolved, but I'm not quite as rage-y as I was. I probably need to find some kind of outlet for some of this stuff, but I'm not quite sure what yet.

2. My job is definitely managing to use every single skill I've ever accrued and listed on my CV. In addition to all the admin skills, it's calling upon my vet tech skills from way back in the day. I've spent the majority of the week looking at parasite eggs through a microscope. I know. *waves hands* I like it, though. It's nice to do something a little different than the usual.

3. I finally finished watching Galavant and my heart is filled with the purest joy imaginable. I'm also happily watching Death in Paradise on BBC. Not for the plots, just for the sunshine and the music. And Danny John-Jules who, fun fact, in addition to playing Cat on Red Dwarf was ALSO one of the Firey's in Labyrinth (the red feathery guys who try to take Sarah's head). Good times!

4. I was reading a writing blog that was discussing Wake-Up Calls and Turning Points and went - Ha! I've got that! I've already got that part! Holy crap, I'm in the middle of the story now! *flails* It's nice to realize that I'm firmly in the middle of things. I still need to work on fleshing things out as opposed to being very plot-point and action-oriented.

5. Well, I have a lovely bag of McCoy's Salt and Vinegar crisps that I'm going to decadently enjoy because it is Friday and I have been on my feet all week.

6. Ooh! Bonus point - I'm currently rocking a very cute outfit of jeggings, brown ankle boots, a chunky off-white jumper and a scarf with little sheep on it. Go me!

Happy Friday! ♥

Happy New Year, everyone!

I hope everyone had a nice holiday period. I made (and ate) SO much food, including: cranberry creme brulee (because I got a kitchen blow torch for Christmas which is probably the closest I'll ever get to a flamethrower), Coke-brined ham, black-eyed peas and rice, kale and cabbage, cornbread and a proper Christmas cake which I decorated. It was a fun combination of British and Southern food. (if anyone wants recipes, let me know!)

I have a few things!

1. Holy crap, the response to my two Star Wars fics is amazing. I forgot what being in a large fandom is like!

2. Speaking of fandom, and sadly, I think this one is very small - is anyone watching Scorpion? It's a CBS Monday night drama/action thing with ridiculous science and even more ridiculous scenarios, but I'm kind of hooked. I've more or less binged the first season this last week. It's a team show, which I love and the characters are actually really fun and mostly three-dimensional. I'm also in love with all the possible pairings, so...that's fun! Anyone out there watching? Anyone? Bueller?

3. I have two main writing goals for the year:

- Finish Teeth, Claws and Guinness so that I can get that done.
- Write a romance novel, which I've already started.

Doable?

Happy Sunday! ♥

Things I'm Watching, Reading and Writing Wednesday!

Watching: RE: The new Star Wars trailer - I'm going to go on record and say that I do NOT trust JJ Abrams with the new Star Wars movie further than I can throw him. I am approaching the whole thing with extreme caution and very tempered enthusiasm. I am STILL not over the travesty that was the most recent Star Trek movie. That being said, John Boyega is amazing and I hope he gets everything that is good in the world.

I'm still with From Dusk till Dawn and am actually a bit anxious about the season finale coming up.

I haven't watched the latest Lewis, but I will!

I think I'm taking me, myself and I to see Crimson Peak week after next when it finally gets to town. No one else is all that interested, although sis-in-law might be up for it, provided lil nephew lets her take the evening off. (My little nephew is the cutest thing! He's smiling now and he loves watching Auntie Seren make jazz hands above his head.)

Reading: I just re-read Maybe This Time by Jenny Crusie because it has ghosts in it and I'm trying to figure out how to actually write a novel-length story. The longest thing I've ever written was my Avengers are the A-Team Big Bang which clocked in at about 50,800 words. I'm up to 40,000 or so on the novel thing, which is probably okay? I still have a fair amount to write, I just feel like I'm missing something. Ah well, that's what editing is for.

Writing: The ghost story is still ongoing. I've run into a bit of a problem in that I'm not sure how to get from Point B to Point C. I've gotten from Point A to Point B, but the next bit is giving me issues. I may just skip it for now and write Point C and come back to the muddy bit.

How is everyone? Happy Wednesday! ♥

Answer: Probably, but I like it and I wanted to use it. :D

Thursday Things!

1. The weather has turned and Happy Autumn Equinox to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Happy Spring Equinox to those in the Southern Hemisphere! (I find that SO cool. The fact that the earth has the amazing opposites occurring. Just nifty!)

2. Husband and I made beef burgers last night and I made a poor man's aioli that was really tasty. Get some mayo (or plain yoghurt), some hot sauce (Of your choice - we used Cholula) and half a lime. Add a bit of each until you have something that tastes good to you. In my case: ALL THE LIME, little bit of the hot sauce and enough mayo to make sure it wasn't just lime juice. Very tasty.

3. I have another job interview tomorrow. *sighs* I have no idea what the salary is, but if it's decent, then I think I'd like this one. It sounds busy and interesting.

4. I've had two really good writing days in a row! Over 2,000 words a day! Woo! I'm up to Chapter 8 and I have it all plotted out. Woo! The characters actually have voices and motivations! FINALLY!

5. Two writing links for the fun of it:

100 Random Storytelling Thoughts And Tips, Starting Now via Chuck Wendig's Blog. Serious warnings for NSFW language. The man has never met a curse word he didn't love. And I'm not sure if I agree with all of these, but it's a fun, entertaining read with some thought-provoking points.

Writing and Romance: The Basics of Fiction - this is Jenny Crusie's side blog. She's posting weekly points around fiction while she's contemplating putting together a how-to book. This week's is about Protagonist vs Antagonist. She doesn't go into extreme detail, but still a good resource with great pictures.

Happy Thursday! ♥

Hullo, new people and old friends! That friending meme was amazing! If you haven't heard about it yet, get thee over to Snickfic's No Frill Multi-fandom Friending Meme, there are a lot of people looking for folks to chat with.

So! A Seren Update!

1. I didn't get the job I interviewed for on Monday. Ah well. I'm not super disappointed, however? I mean, I'm bummed that I didn't get it, but I don't think it would have been a good fit. I had a chance to speak to one of the other applicants and she was WAY more qualified than I was and I hope she's the one they went with. I still have several applications out there but good Lord, the hiring process is so. slow. *grumbles*

2. In other news, writing and research continues. I've been able to spend nearly every other day at the library in the afternoon and that's been so good. I know where I'm going with the original novel thing and it's becoming fun as opposed to This Thing That I Need to Just Write Already.

3. In fannish news, the only thing I've been consuming lately is Bob's Burgers with the fam. This show cracks me up. I (and only me) have been keeping up with From Dusk til Dawn because the relationship between Ranger Freddie and his wife, Margaret is awesome. I almost want to write something...

4. The weather has been so gorgeous lately. The sea was this deep blue yesterday and so still! Perfect weather really for the UK. It can't possibly last.

5. If you are looking for an entertaining audiobook, I highly recommend The Lord of the Rings read by Rob Inglis. Le husband and I are listening to it at night and it's SO good. I was falling asleep the other night and he woke me up for the Eomer part. 'It's your man,' he said. The boy knows me well. (reminder to import more Karl icons over here...)

Happy Thursday! ♥

I'm having one of those days where I am just not very happy with myself and life and everything, SO! I am going to list out the cool things I did today, because they are good things and I did them and they aren't to be ignored (by me!).

-Took an hour long walk first thing this morning along the seafront. This is turning into a new habit for me. It's me, the seagulls, the sea and the waves, a few joggers and dogwalkers, my iPod and it's wonderful alone-time.
-Beta'd a FANTASTIC fic for a friend (You know who you are and it's brilliant!)
-Finished some edits on my Het Big Bang and got it ready for uploading tomorrow.
-Searched and applied for two jobs (both admin, not super well-paying, but perhaps a start?)
-Had tea and cake with some family even though I am not really feeling super social, but I did it anyway.
-I just watched the last hour of Anastasia, SUCH a good film. ('And then I'd keeck her, sir')
-I'm having dinner tonight with more family, which again, I'm not really feeling, but it's going to be at this great Spanish deli and the food there is amazing and I'm wearing black capris and my new teal scarf that has little sheeps on it and it looks pretty nice.

That's about it, but it's pretty darn good. How is everyone's Tuesday shaping up? ♥