I don't like making excuses, and I'm not trying to justify, or making them to myself, but I do feel like I need to give some of these people a reason why I'm so behind. To their credit, not one person has gotten irritated with me, and are happy to hear from me when I finally get around to it.
So where have I been?
Well, I've been dealing with a preschool situation (more on that later, I promise).
I finally gave in, and cut bangs. And because I actually have to deal with them, I have to actually take some time during the day to do my hair.
I've been steadily growing crankier and lazier as this winter continues to pound us.
I've been adjusting to the fact that my three year old no longer naps and I no longer have any alone time during the day (Tinkerbell finally came and took the pacifiers, so there's no longer an incentive on Madison's end to get in bed during the day).
I've been solo parenting more frequently while Adam travels.
I've been browsing catalogs and websites for our quasi-kitchen remodel (more on that later too).
And most importantly...
I've been working on some big projects.
How big?
BIG.
No, it is absolutely not another baby. Stop it.
Time that I would have normally spent writing posts for this blog has been spent writing and editing essays...
...that will be published...
in ACTUAL BOOKS!!!!
Yes, two essays have been accepted, contracts signed, edits finished, and now all that's left to do is wait for release dates!
I can't thank Adam and Karen enough, who gave me all the Starbucks time I needed to write and edit. I need to thank the friends who were just as excited as I was when I confided the news to them, confirming that this really WAS a big deal. Another huge thank you to Amy and Lisa for reading my essays long after they stopped being funny to me and I entered that dark editing place where nothing seemed right anymore. And Adam and the girls, for providing me with all the material I could ever want. And of course, I want to thank the academy...whoops, sorry. Wrong speech.
Ahem.
Both books that are officially on the way are anthologies, with essays centering around specific themes. They have a humorous voice, and I can't wait for the finished product. To say that I'm excited is putting it mildly. They're "due" sometime this spring and naturally, you will get all the details when I know some official dates.
I love seeing my essays and thoughts here on this blog. I get really excited when I get published on bigger sites. But I've yet to be published in an actual book, with paper and pages and a cover and an ISBN number...and I'm completely thrilled at the prospect. All of the time and energy and stress they've taken have been totally worth it.
So THAT is where I've been. Good enough excuse for you?
By the way, even during my blogging hiatus, I've been active on social media, and thanks to my smartphone, I can promise to keep up with that and not fall through.
I share at least one photo a day on Instagram. You can follow me @meretomommy.
My quick musings are on Twitter. I'm there @meredithtomommy.
And I love sharing quick anecdotes from my day over on Facebook. Facebook doesn't like to show my posts to people, but I promise, I'm there. And that's where the girls funniest moments seem to end up.
AND, Facebook probably shows my actual links to new posts least of all. So if you don't want to miss one, move your eyes over to the sidebar. Find the box where it says "new posts in your inbox" and enter your email to subscribe. You do have to enter a code to prove you aren't a robot, and then you'll get a confirmation email you have to click on, but that's just ONCE, and then you'll get ALL my posts emailed to you!
