somewhere i went today

How, you ask, did I go to Sacramento today? Thanks to this book:

I borrowed this book from Kristy on Kindle and read it today at work (because it's been totally boring the last couple days and I haven't been able to do anything except read and try to write while I'm waiting for QA to review and give me feedback on my practice files before I "graduate"). It takes place in Sacramento. This book was kind of silly, but I liked it by the end. The guy is a little fruity at the beginning and totally acted like her gay best friend (I mean, come on...what guy in their straight mind knows how to expertly do a girl's hair and makeup???) But, by the end I was cheering him on. I wive any spoilers, but...it did make my dreams of being published seem a little more possible. I write at least as good (I think better) than this girl does. I can totally get published!

my hometown

I'm not sure what picture to put here today because I'm not sure where my "hometown" is. I grew up in three different states, during three very different times of my life. Which one is the one? From birth to 8 I lived with my family in Mesa, AZ.

From 8 to 16 we lived in Milwaukie, Oregon.

(I miss Mike's and sometimes crave their chocolate Oreo shake BAD!!)

From 16 to 23 I lived in Utah with my family. During that time we lived in Kaysville and then Lehi/Eagle Mountain.

(I worked for two years at the Bakery on Main St--the building with the green awning)

From 23 until today I am back in Mesa. So...where is my hometown? Is it possible to claim three different places as your hometown? I love and hate things about each of them. Each of these places is a part of who I am, and each holds a special place in my heart.

my favorite quote

the fruits of my labor!

Ruby only produced one grapefruit this year, but it was super yummy! I can't wait for next year :)

my favorite place in the whole world

My favorite place in the whole world: my parent's house with my family. Followed closely by this place:

my favorite store

I LOVE THIS STORE! It's like...the best of everything I love. Books, books, and more books, then fun and unique gifts and home decore, and it's attached to Wildflower Bread Company. So, I can go browse for hours, find a new book, then go order some yummy food to enjoy while I read. The only bad thing? It's so far away!! I wish it were closer. Although, it's probably a good thing that it's NOT, otherwise I would spend WAY too much time and money there!!

i never leave the house without...

I'm starting another photo-a-day challenge for February. I really enjoyed the one I did last month and wanted to continue. So I found a new list!

Day 1: A picture of something you never leave the house without.

I never leave without a pen (or 12) and a notebook in my purse. I constantly get ideas for scenes in the books I'm writing, hear song lyrics that are especially apropo, hear funny quotes that people say, jot down thoughts I want to blog about later, figure out my budget for the week, or need to make a list of things I need to do and will forget if I don't write them down RIGHT NOW. I would be LOST without a notebook and a pen easily accessible.