I ran away.

Warning, big ol' drama queen post coming...

I ran away. I've been under a lot of stress lately, not just concerning my book, but personal issues at home that have prompted me to freak out due to a lack of "support". I've been dieting like crazy and working out at the gym with a personal trainer. Usually weight lifting and working out is supposed to be a great stress reliever, however, I'm so far behind that the results are coming at a snail's pace. In a word, I'm frustrated.

My husband lost 40 lbs in a month. He's on a strict diet and exercize regimen that only the hard core could possibly stick to. Of course, this is how his brain is wired anyway, so it comes as no surprise that he lost the weight. What is difficult is that he berates me and guilts me for not "working hard enough". He doesn't seem to understand that it is harder for women to lose weight than men. Making comments about my lack of dedication hurts me, not helps me.

The same goes for my writing. I've had a hard time getting personal quiet time in order to write. I'm constantly being harrassed by requests from everyone to do something for them. I haven't been getting help around the house, and it seems as though now that I've recovered from my health crisis, everyone expects me to turn into Wonder Woman (I know she's my alterego, but c'mon!) and handle it. I've become overwhelmed.

As a result I blew up. And then I packed my car and disappeared. I ran away. Like a big baby.

I'm back now. I know blowing up is not the answer. I've voiced my feelings about this situation and hopefully I'll be granted some time and space in order to do my own thing. Hopefully as a result, things will start moving again. I can say this much; I lost 4 lbs the previous week, and another 3 since. I've also completed a key scene in my book that was driving me nuts. I hope the editors don't beat me up over it too much. (Revisions at their request have been plaguing my psyche.) I'm now half way through the revisions of my book. Hopefully they are satisfactory.

Anyway, now you know what's been going on. I understand I made promises to this blog, but sometimes life gets in the way. I'm back now.

~Robin

For Keith, because he asked...

Alright ENOUGH!!!

The holidays are finally behind me and I can sit down for a moment and take a breather! What a hectic year! I don't think I've ever attended so many parties, and ran around like a chicken with my head cut off! I've hardly had time to do anything for myself at all, but the new year is fast approaching, and I plan on getting my ass in gear and FINALLY completing the revisions I've been working on for many months now.

This past year has been incredibly hard on me, trying to get my strength back, return to a regular writing routine, and getting my personal life back in order. My health issues caused me to lose a lot, and it is only in recent months that I've felt strong enough to actually join a gym and push myself to regain my former self. My legs were so weak, I could only walk a short distance before pain would creep in and force me to rest. The hysterectomy damaged me in unexpected ways. I couldn't sit for long periods of time, but I also couldn't stand. My whole body ached and the medication caused me to bloat. I ended up on heavy duty pain meds, which made me practically useless. Psychologically it did a number on me.

I had gained over 30 lbs, and lost muscle tone. I've always prided myself on having great legs, strong thighs, and shapely calves. I used to joke that I could choke a man out between my thighs...*insert dirty line here*...But it was true! I've always had a sporty physique and natural curves based on maintaining a high fitness level. Then cancer reared its ugly head, and surgery cut me down at the knees, err, legs. I literally couldn't hardly walk for about 6 months. My legs turned to jelly. But now, well now I'm back and feeling much better!

I have a trainer now, and she's kicking my ass! Sure I've lost a lot of strength and it's going to take some time to get it back, but I'm not going to allow excuses to enter my mind, and my New Year's Resolution is to gain back my figure and my strength by my birthday, May 11th! My other goal is to have my book ready to go by this spring as well. No more procrastination, no more laziness, no more excuses.

By the way, I wore my hair down for the first time at a Christmas party. Before I'd been slicking it back into a stubby ponytail and wearing a drawstring piece to add length. I debuted my new hairstyle, and it was funny, everyone thought I was wearing a wig! LOL! My hair is officially touching my shoulders, and I cut my bangs so I looked like a China Doll. It is very thick, black, and glossy. Anyone who knows me, knows how I felt about my hair. It is coming back and I am starting to feel like my old self again.

So, I know this post sounds like complete vanity, but unless you've gone through this yourself you cannot fully appreciate how much this stuff affects you, like it did me, on so many levels. I'm back, I'm feeling good, and the new year is going to be AMAZING!

I hope yours will be too.

~Robin

Save the Evans City Chapel! Night of the Living Dead

Fix The Chapel.com is the grassroots effort of Night of the Living Dead fans to restore and preserve the chapel in Evans City Cemetery, a cinematic landmark from the George A. Romero classic horror film originally released in 1968. Fundraising activities include donations and merchandise sales through the web site and online auctions, as well as raising awareness at horror conventions and via social networks such as Facebook and YouTube. A goal of $50,000 is being sought.

The restoration and fundraising project is being organzied by Gary R. Streiner, key member of the production staff on the original Night of the Living Dead and currently a resident of Evans City, PA. In 1967, Streiner was working at The Latent Image together with George Romero and his brother, Russell Streiner, in Pittsburgh when production began on the landmark film in which he was one of the original ten investors and owners. In 2008 and 2009, Streiner organized Living Dead festivals in Evans City which attracted the largest reunion of cast and crew to date.

fixthechapel.com

Stare at this pic for a few minutes...