Hamster life

Sometimes I think it would be nice to be a hamster. My Dwarf Hamster (I took Harvey back and traded him for a nicer model which I named Luna) sleeps off and on through the day and plays mostly at night. She doesn't have to worry about children, or bills, or anything except where her food and water is and whether to run in the wheel or climb up the toobs (yes, that's how it's spelled). Well, she has to worry about me sticking my hands in the cage to hold her, but that seems to be it. Of course, life is always greener and all that . . . were I actually a hamster, I may realize that it isn't the wonderful life I imagine it to be.

Alas, I am (and will continue to be) a human. So I have bills that I need to pay, children that need cared for, a house that needs cleaned, and sleep that has been lost (never to be found). Though I sometimes wish this wasn't my life, it is, and I will make the best of it. Besides, if I were a hamster, I wouldn't have the pleasure of typing. :-)

In truth, my life is good. I have a house to live in (even if it isn't always clean), I have a husband and children who love me (even if they also annoy me now and then), I have food to eat (even if I have to prepare it), and I have fingers to type with (even if they fumble once in a hwile). So my life is more desirable than that of a hamster (though a hamster gets more sleep). :-)

As for writing, I've not done much. I've enjoyed critiquing the work of others and have plans to do some revisions based upon critiques others have done on my work. But the plans have yet to be carried out. I've sent a couple of queries to agents, but haven't heard back. I'm not sure if this signifies a lack of interest, or a contemplation of an offer. I suppose if I don't hear back, it's a "no."

I am researching a couple more agents and will query them soon.

You write, right?

Yes, it's true, I've done some writing! I know, I know, amazing isn't it? I guess you all need a moment to compose yourselves after that little shock. Go ahead, take a moment. Better now?

So, what writing did I do? I composed a short story that will probably go nowhere, but it was fun and fulfilling to get back into the groove. Now, I know I should focus on my novel, but I'm taking some time to look at the novels of others and giving my opinion . . . otherwise known as a critique. I am also sending some of my work for critique by others. I love this process as it gives me the opportunity to learn what other people think of my work, and hopefully help those I critique.

Besides, after spending so much time with my novel, I have to admit, I'm at the hating-it-and-wanting-to-chuck-it-out-a-window stage. Having critiques helps me get the spark of love for my work back. Then I can revise and improve and hopefully all will be well with the world . . . well maybe the world is a bit too much, but at least everything may be well with my book and thus my little corner of the world. :-)

Yes, Virginia, there is a blogger!

Well, it may be hard to believe, but there IS still a blogger here. I know I've been lax in posting to my blog. Shame on me! I think I'll have to punish myself . . . let's see, perhaps I should ground myself to my room! Yeah, I like that idea, no phone calls, no children, no housework. *sigh* If only . . . :)

I'd like to say I've been busy writing, and I suppose if I were a liar, I COULD say that. Alas, I believe in honesty so I'll tell the truth . . . I've been lazy! I've done a bit of reading, spent time gazing at my fish, ran to kids' end-of-school programs and activities, and tried to make friends with my new Dwarf Hamster (named Harvey The Wonder Hamster . . . please tell me someone else out there knows where this name originated! Otherwise, I'll feel dreadfully old and nerdish). He's a cute little thing!




But he likes to bite me every time I put my hand in the cage. He's even taken to biting me when he's out of the cage. I get the feeling he doesn't like me. I'd feel bad, but my oldest daughter had him before me and we had to trade (I got her hamster, and she got mine) because he kept biting her (as she is only 6, I felt the need to protect her from this mean little thing) so I know it's not just me. I may have to take him back to the pet shop on Monday if he doesn't behave himself (we got them on Wednesday) and see if I can trade him for a less ferocious model. :-(

Anyway, that's what's been going on . . . I really should keep up with my blogging better! Sorry all!