In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been…I’ve been trying to do too many things at one time, as usual. I’m trying to get ready for the South African book launch for STORM; trying to keep up with my duties as a pole instructor; keeping a watchful eye over my increasingly curious toddler; and attempting to coordinate and organize the writers participating in my fantasy/scifi/horror anthology coming out later this year – Flight of the Phoenix.

I’m sure someone else might not have been quite as overwhelmed by these time-consuming tasks, but the fact is that I am.

As with many things, you really only discover how much there is to something once you actually start doing it. And you also really only discover the less enthralling aspects once you’re in over your head. But you learn. You learn shortcuts. You learn to delegate. You learn to be realistic. You learn to deal with it.

I am now prioritizing more strongly; I have moved out a few dates and come up with solutions (having awesome friends really helps); and I intend to get off my self-pitying ass and work at it all. Because I refuse to let challenges, setbacks and (let’s face it) laziness steal my dreams from me.

I have a whole list of life lessons, if you will, that I chant at myself (and sometimes other people) to keep me going. I’ve received a lot of unhappy looks from people who still want life to be romantic and super magical, but here is my hard-learned wisdom:

There is no magical fairy who is going to make everything okay but, at the same time, the world is not out to get you. You have to make it all happen on your lonesome.

If something is worthwhile, it will take serious effort and perseverance.

And, just because you have to put in most of the effort yourself, doesn’t mean it’s less valuable or less awesome.

So, when I end up giving you a crazed look of maniacal hysteria (see picture above) because I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, just know that I plan to get through this; I plan to come out victorious; and I won’t give up without a fight.

By Grabthar’s hammer, I will prevail!!!