The Misadventures In Candyland

What do you stand for?

2013-04-25T03:30:00.000-07:00

I realize you probably came to the conclusion I ran off with the circus or started communicating via sign language which is why you haven't read a post from me in a long while. And even the last one had a lull with the few before it. I miss talking to you guys on a regular basis. For realz.

In the time that has filled the spaces between blog posts, I've been busy pulling toys from the litter, clean clothes from the trash and melted candy from tiny hands. And that's just #2 ( the child, not the bathroom reference). Offspring #1 is a whole other story, which I'm getting to.

At the start of the school year, my sweet baby girl was targeted by a neighbor who 1) rode on the same bus and 2) was in the same class. Lilli was afraid to wear her hair in pigtails because the girl told her it was "annoying." Then it became her not wanting to wear certain clothes because the girl said she looked fat. Of course, the girl started following her home, poking at her, trying to steal our mail. Soon after, Lilli came home with nail marks on her arm, and then, the last straw--pinch marks on her nose from where the girl pinched her nose shut in an effort to make her stop breathing. Because my daughter talked to this girl's boyfriend.

They are all SIX YEARS OLD.

There were calls to the school and promises that things would be 'taken care of' however, it took the better part of a whole school year for anything to change and I'm still unsure as to what really got through to the girl who often wanders around the neighborhood, alone. I feel bad for her. I hate that she doesn't have parents teaching her right from wrong, or hugging her a lot, or really paying any attention to her. But she is not my first concern. My baby is.

Through all of this, the hubs and I watched this incredibly powerful movie, Bully. We knew from the trailer not to make any other plans because it was sure to leave us in tears. It did more than that. Sure, this running I've been doing (half marathon in 1.5 weeks) has loosened up a lot of emotions that had been stuck in the dark crevices of my heart, but this movie broke off a big chunk. It was like something was pulling me to do more. A lot more.

You all know me. I've raised money for lots of charities and even when we're broke, I find ways to keep giving. I always wanted to change the world, but my voice has remained so small. Bully was sort of a breakthrough. Maybe it was the timing with Offspring #1 and what she was going through, maybe it was time for me to confront my own bullies, maybe I just realized how to fulfill my destiny. Regardless, it prompted me to reach out to those in the film, the Bully creators, as well as our school Superintendent and the movement that is growing from it could potentially be amazing.

I'll be hosting a Stand For The Silent Anti-Bullying Rally and screeninng in Covington, Ohio on Sunday, August 4th, with guest speaker, Kirk Smalley, who is featured in Bully. I am also in talks with a few others who may be a part of this benefit to which all funds raised through donations and a raffle will go to Mr. Smalley to spread awareness to other communities for SFTS. My part in this is very small right now but I hope to become a bigger part with the success of this event.

I'm telling you this because I need your help. You don' have to come to the rally though, I'd give you 7 hugs if you did and they'd be long and awkward. You probably wouldn't want to leave after that. You don't even have to donate via the link below. If you did, I'd send you some cool SFTS stuff and give you internet hugs. What you can do is share the link (if you want)! Whether I have financial backers funding this event or not, makes no difference. I'm starting to realize why I'm on this earth (aside from my babies) and if it all comes out of our wallet, so be it. But if you want to be part of helping me, share the link, use the link, date the link...whatever you see fit. I promise you, I will hug you somehow, someway.

SHARE OR DONATE: STAND FOR THE SILENT ANTI-BULLYING RALLY

Did you know suicide is the 4th lading cause of death in children under 14? Help me Stand For The Silent so that my daughter or your son don't become another victim of bullycide or any other form of bullying. Remember The End It Now Project? This is that, but MUCH bigger. I'm not getting a lot of Facebook...or real life support right now and if there's anything I've learned, it's that authors/writers take care of each other.

Tell me what do you stand for?

<3
Candyland. OUT.

Hey! Filthy Spammers...

2013-02-21T08:17:00.002-08:00

Um...

It's true. I've been MIA off and on since the birth of #2.

HOWEVER, we still have manners, yes? My super kewl blogger friends would never leave scuzzy, spammy comments for me to find. They rock hard.

You, filthy spammers, do not rock. You are the opposite of rocking. You roll. You roll so hard you're making us all dizzy. Is that your goal? If so, YAY! If not, look into how to rock online and SPAM them instead.

I may not be around as much as I once was but this is still my home and you are trashing it.

If you SPAM me, I will delete it and the SPAM gods will visit you in your sleep and SPAM your dreams with guilty images of me scolding you.

Promise.

To my actual, non-SPAMMY awesome bloggers, I <3 you. I will be posting more often once this schedule isn't thieving my rational thoughts (did I ever really have any?). Miss you. Love you. Mean it.

<3

Candyland. OUT.

Fat is jiggly

2013-01-10T09:48:00.001-08:00

Yo.

Get this. Not only have I been running for a few months now, but I'm training for my first half-marathon!

WHAAAA?

Yes. In case you don't know me, that last sentence is absurd because I don't run. Like ever. If Michael Myers himself were chasing me, I'd still walk at a brisk pace. Running is for people who need to work on patience. Or people that need a bathroom. It's not for people like me. Well, except it is now it is.

I don't know how it happened but somewhere in this super stressful few months, I found refuge in hitting the pavement. No music, just the sounds of my breath and my feet against the earth are all I need. It's like therapy. For everyone I've ever wanted to punch in the ear, I run for you. So I don't punch you in the ear.

You're welcome.

On the downside of all this extremely strange behavior, I have no proper running gear. Imagine running in a blizzard or a torrential downpour with a huge hooded sweatshirt, too big sweat pants and shoes that give you blisters. I've done that. Almost daily. I've taken care of the shoes part, but the rest will have to wait. Even the hubs has joined me in my quest to torture myself for 13.1 miles which is like WHOA.

His shoes are tearing a part along the bottom soles and with registration fees for this race being the equivalent of our monthly car insurance (for both of us), we decided to get sponsors. But due to an underwhelming response (read: we have one amazing sponsor whom I love dearly), and my bounty of resourcefulness, I present an open letter to my most favorite people in the whole world (YOU).

***

Happy New Year! We are a husband and wife team training for the nation’s largest half-marathon, One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, in Indianapolis, IN. The race, to be held Saturday, May 4^th, 2013, will be our 1^st and we’re looking for sponsors! With one of us being a stay-at-home-mom to our 2 small children, the costs involved for travel, gear, and registration fees are more than we can afford, no matter how badly we want to achieve this goal together. For those of you who don't know us, running this race is just about the last thing you'd expect us to do (aside from finally teaching a gorilla sign language like we've always dreamed)!

What do you get out of sponsoring us?

· -Press coverage via local newspaper outlets

· - Recognition via all efforts to raise money on a flat-fee or ‘per mile ran’ basis for our school system

· -Your name or business included on the back of our race day t-shirts

No amount is too small! Seriously. Like $1 gets you a spot on our backs. We are truly grateful for any donation and will strive to do our best for you. In fact, most mornings you’ll see us out in the rain, wind, and snow as we train harder than we ever have before! Our bodies hate us! But we don't care! We're going to do it or little unicorns will lose their horns.

Indy peeps: We also invite you to make the trip to come cheer us on! Visit www.500festival.com/mini-marathon for details.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, email me at candaceganger [at] yahoo [dot] com.

We can't do this without you. Well, we can, but then we wouldn't get to wear your name. Not under normal circumstances, anyway.Whether you sponsor us monetarily or emotionally, we *heart* you. When we cross the finish line, we will think of you. And probably Ryan Gosling because that's a given.

FutureHalf-MarathonFinishersCandyland+TheHubs. OUT.

I'm Forked

2012-12-17T10:48:00.001-08:00

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves walking, whistling (yuck, never), and smiling without a care in the world and then out of the blue, we realize we're waist-deep in a pile of manure wondering how the crap we got into the crap and how the super crap we're going to dig our way out of the crap. It's often referred to as a fork in the road, or a defining moment when we'll choose which path to take. Will it be to fall over and sink into the manure or to dig your way out? Will it be give up or fight?

Will it be this life or that one?

Probing, yes (that's what he said). But what's the answer? For me, the time has come to put aside [pretty much] everything to focus solely on my family. For the last many years, I've been pushing them off when my primary full time job is supposed to be full-time SAHM. It started off that way when offspring #1 was small, but of course life is effing expensive, so, without leaving home, I found ways to make some cash. No, I did not sell my crazy hot bod (yeah right) from my living room couch. Nor did I invent the wheel but man I wish I had. However, I did use, to the best of my ability, my so-called writing skills to help make ends meet.

But not without painful sacrifice.

I used to love writing but for months now I've been battling with a multitude of issues that have led to this nagging feeling deep in my gut telling me to choose. My kids or my work. I tried to ignore it, but I realized it's time to give my children the attention they deserve while they're still young. I guess all I needed was a good fork to make me choose. We may not be rich in money, but I hope we make up for it in love, or whatever that saying is. I should be a philosopher. Maybe I'll look into that.

Anyway, my only New Year's resolution in the coming year is to be the best mother, wife, daughter, sister, and person I can be. Everything else will just have to wait. I'll write that killer book (in my own name) someday. I'll devise a plan to rid the world of plastic cups someday. I'll swim with the dolphins someday. I'll have a pony named Tickle Tickle someday. I'll touch Ryan Gosling's abs someday.

With all the tragedy in the world, I just want to hug my loved ones tight for as long as I can. What else matters, really? I'm hugging you all now. For a really long time. And no, I won't let go.

Thanks for always reading, always supporting, and always hugging me right back.

What are your resolutions for the coming year? I hope it involves hugs and/or ponies.

Candyland. OUT.

Books = Happy Faces

2012-11-27T04:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, offspring #1 brought home a paper explaining that her homework this week is to write a letter to one of the soldiers the class "adopted" from a platoon of 24 men. We haven't worked on it yet, mostly because when asked what she wanted to say, she remarked on Justin Bieber's "cute smile" and that she'd like to "be Korean" like Psy and really do it Gangnam style. I felt these two things may not be the best way to lift a soldier's spirits, so we're still brainstorming on the letter. In the meantime, she drew this:

The other part of her homework is ongoing, through December 14th. Because the class adopted a whole platoon, they're looking to fill as many boxes of things for the soldiers as possible. One thing on the list that obvs caught my eye was BOOKS. Of course I didn't even flinch because I've met so many amazing authors who I hope will want to help some soldiers have a happy holiday, even though they're away from home.

If you have a published book, or know an author or editor who does, please pass this post on. I'd love to make sure every soldier gets a book (preferably autographed). If you're interested in helping out, email me at candaceganger@yahoo.com. You'll be able to mail to me or to the school directly. Whichever makes you more comfortable. I'll give you all the details and I'll also pretend I'm hugging you. I might even kiss your forehead on behalf of all those serving our country.

Regardless if you help, please spread the word.
I WANT AT LEAST 24 BOOKS!

I also want a pony named Tickle who wears ribbons in her hair and a cow named Marcia who eats strawberries. If you can make that happen, you'll get more than a forehead kiss.

Be giving this season, friends. And while you're at it, tell me one of your holiday traditions. Do you have a cookie swap? Do you wear only cable-knit sweaters with pictures of Prancer? Tell me!

<3

Candyland. OUT.

This is where time stands still

2012-11-19T04:09:00.001-08:00

Friends. I come to you with a heavy heart.

If you remember, I came to you in January and poured my soul onto the web. I was ashamed and embarrassed and thought there's no way anyone could possibly care enough to hold out a helping hand.

I was so wrong.

Dozens of you stepped in. You made sure we had diapers, formula, and gas money to get back and forth from the doctor as Baby S went through a difficult time, medically. Some of you sent me a single dollar and told stories of how it was your last dollar but my story touched you and you couldn't turn away. Even being a writer, I still cannot find the right words for how grateful my family and I are for having so many angels out there. Without you, my husband, two small children and I would have drowned.

But now, it's my turn to pay it forward.

I came across a local woman's story, Jeanna Guffey, that has me completely heartbroken. This is about a mother (a friend of a friend) who, in all her braveness, chose to carry her 4th child to term even though she'd been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer that put her at a 5-year survival rate WITH conventional chemo and radiation. This woman chose to forego those treatments and preserve her quality of life left with her beautiful babies and husband.

In the last few days, updates state the woman is now in hospice. With children ages 6, 4, 2 and a newborn born in July, her husband is currently off work and their insurance does NOT cover anything she's in need of. You can see where I just want to empty my wallet and send every single penny to help this family. This immediately makes me think of my darling Lenny Lee, whom I want to smother with hugs. In case you don't recall, here's his interview where, despite his ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia), he remains the strongest and most positive person I've ever known.

I've lost my biological father and a great uncle; Erik lost his grandmother. A friend's mother is in remission. Cancer is everywhere these days. It's frightening. In terms of Jeanna, I cannot imagine leaving my babies at such a young age and the pain this family carries goes beyond the financial. You reached out to help my family because you honestly are the greatest people I've ever "met." Please let this be just another way for you to show your awesomeness and consider donating or sending positive vibes or even thoughtful cards to this family who so desperately needs a giant hug.

Imagine if this were your sister.
Or your daughter.
Or your best friend.
Or YOU.

***

UPDATE: I wrote this yesterday morning...before I'd heard the news that Jeanna Guffey passed away. Just 4 months after giving birth to her 4th child, she is now with the angels. I have cried about this non-stop. I don't have to know her to put myself in her shoes. To think about leaving my children so soon. To think about how broken her dear husband is feeling right now with losing his wife and the mother of his children and now having to do it all...WITHOUT HER.

Click on THIS LINK to read more and to donate or get an address to send cards to. With Christmas approaching, let's help to make sure these 4 precious babies are enveloped with more than the grief of losing a mother. I want you to reach out, just as you did to me, and send this father and children any of the things below:

-Diapers
-Gift cards for formula, food and gas
-Money to help pay doctor bills and lost income
-Books for the children
-A card to say you care
-ANYTHING

Just reach out. Any way you can. Please. Help heal this family's heart. I would do a Candyland-style fundraiser if I had known about this sooner but now it's about showing these humans we are all human, offering compassion and a virtual hug.

To ANYONE who donates or sends anything between now and Dec. 1st, send me an email at candaceganger@yahoo.com with the subject titled "I DONATED"for a query, synopsis, or 1st chapter critique. It doesn't matter how busy I am. You help them, I help you.

As always, you rock more than you know and I *heart* you so much, I'd share my grilled cheese.
Even if you choose not to donate, please help spread the word.

<3

Candyland. OUT.

The boys call me Pancake

2012-11-13T05:22:00.001-08:00

If you've been sitting around twiddling your thumbs for my next post, I'm sorry. I don't want your thumbs to twiddle. I really don't. I could give you a bullet point list of why time has sucked away my blogging time because bullet point lists make everything seem logical.

Reasons why seedless watermelons are terrifying:

They still contain some seeds
They don't contain all seeds
They make small monkeys scream
The pink color looks like candy but it doesn't taste like candy
This bullet list is stupid but seedless watermelons are terrific

See? With bullet points, things just make sense. But I'm not going to tip-toe around where I've been or what I've been doing. I owe you more than that. I owe you the truth. I stopped blogging because, apparently, Google does my job for me. If you can Google any of the topics below, and still find me, I've done my job, and I've done it well.

Oh, how I miss high school. Just not for the learning part...

I'm not sure I can top any post I've done in the past, so just keep Googling, my friends. However you find me, I'll be here. Or there. Or somewhere. And when I do post and you turn up, I'll be there, too, because nothing I'm saying right now makes any sense. Except, yes. Also, no.

If it were Friday, I'd let you feel me up. Soon, friends. Soon. Until then, get to the bathroom on time and if a boy ever calls you pancake, either marry him or offer a dance-off.

Candyland. OUT.

Eat cake and be freakin' happy

2012-10-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

Today is one of m favorite days of the year. Our little buddy, resident writer, blogger and super-kid, Lenny, is turning 13!!! Can you believe it? And what's even better is, I have a video that Blogger won't upload! STUPID BLOGGER!<--Argh.

So sorry, Len. I'll get it up here. Promise.

Until then, the TOP TEN REASONS I LOVE YOU:

-You're so much sweeter than sugar.

-You are more thoughtful than a million thinkers combined.

-You raise everyone up when they are low.

-You tell good jokes!

-You have a soft spot for animals.

-You're an amazing writer.

-You're more giving than the giviest giver that has ever been.

-You make me smile.

-You bring joy to everyone you hug (online and off).

-You are my inspiration, every minute of every day.

So much love from me, Erik, and your little sister and brother (Lilli + Sully).

Eat a lot of cake (like your little bro) for me since I have to watch my weight. BOOO!

<3 <3 <3

CandylandlovesLenny. OUT.

Feel Me Up Friday: Saved

2012-09-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

I am living my Plan A. There is no Plan B.

If you remember back to the very beginning of this year, my life was filled with all sorts of emotional ups and downs as we welcomed our miracle baby into the world just a few months prior in October 2011. His medical issues were debilitating and left us in a dire financial and emotional state right around the time I lost my position at work.

Everything was falling a apart and I felt so incredibly helpless.

Thanks to a whole lot of giving hearts, my family was able to [kind of] catch up and find some semblance of stability as we tried to navigate our way through such a trying time. The months were long but sweet Baby S powered through and, as we near his 1st birthday (along with his big sister's 6th on the SAME DAY), I am so blessed and so grateful to have made through to the other side of all the worry.

No one should ever have to worry about how to pay for something their child desperately needs, but that is where we were, every day, hoping to afford the medicine and doctor visits that sweet doll required. Since all of that has happened, so many changes have come to be. My long-time position at phy.org disintegrated, I've written my memoir about the tedious search for my [deceased] birth father, and I've met some amazing people that have allowed me the opportunities to help provide for my family. All of that inspire me to start my own business, Words Like Candy, and become a full-time freelance writer and editor, doing what I love most: using the power of words to change someone's life.

Because words are power.

If you've ever doubted yourself, wondered if you have the strength to carry on after tragedy, loss, or pain, look deep inside and find the words to convey what you're feeling, or more so, what you're lacking.

It's coming up on the 3rd anniversary of my first miscarriage (September 29th, 2009), and while I'm feeling a combination of sadness and grief for the hole in my heart that can never be healed, I am also so grateful for the experience as a whole. It was that day my life changed...I CHANGED. I realized then how short life is and how fragile we all are for the tiny blip of memories we're allowed to create. I ache for that baby, but I understand now it was a part of my growth as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and human being; all of which have strengthened my ability to find the words to evoke some sort of emotion, and hopefully, inspire others to do the same.

Even after that first loss, when the winds of change weighed heavy on my heart, I never gave up hope. And two years later, on New Year's Day, when I lost another baby, I still *knew* I was meant for something bigger. You all know it was only a few short weeks before I found out I was pregnant with Sweet Baby S, and he's been my eternal sunshine through the darkest of days.

My point is, no matter what obstacles you face, hold tight to your dreams and never let them go. Sometimes they serve as a rope to pull you up when you're sinking, as they did for me. Five years ago, when I married my husband, I never would have imagined I could be a stay-at-home mother of two beautiful babies while writing for other people and actually making money from it.

It's a dream come true.

Today, when you think of what you want for that brief second, between caring for your partner or washing the dishes, remember to keep reaching for the stars and never, EVER, give up hope.

Without hope, what do we have?

What are you hoping for today?

Candyland. OUT.

Recapture YOUR Dream. Or another piece of chocolate. Either way.

2012-09-18T04:25:00.004-07:00

Sup, playas?

I love a good book dream that comes true. Just like my girl, Justine, and her book Recaptured Dreams. Today is her book's birthday! Yay! Happy birthday, book!

Stop by her blog and help her blow (get your mind out of the gutter) out her candles. Tell her Candyland sent you and you'll get absolutely nothing except the feeling of being cooler by association. To her, not me. Confused? As am I. Pretty often. I digress.

BLURB: Ten years, the Atlantic Ocean, and several rungs in society have kept Xavier Cain from having Sophia Montel. Now twenty-seven, he’s spent his entire adult life building a fashion empire that could finally prove his worth to her family. When fate reunites him with Sophia at London’s premiere fashion show, one problem lodges in Xavier’s path: Sophia doesn’t remember him.

The only obstacle that has kept Sophia from Xavier is a horrific car crash that erased her memory at seventeen. She’s spent the last ten years fighting to reclaim a sliver of her past that her mother refuses to help her remember. When Sophia meets Xavier at the London show, however, all her fantasies come to life in one night of passion. Discovering he is the missing link, she is determined to find all the pieces to their love story and her memory.

Xavier wants forever. Sophia wants her memory. If they take this chance, they’ll have to start over. How far are they willing to go get what they want? And when the past catches up to them, can they handle the truths it has hidden?

Contact Justine by email: dell.justine@gmail.com

Order a copy today on Amazon.
Order a copy at Barnes and Noble.
Recaptured Dreams on Goodreads.
Recaptured Dreams on Facebook.
Friend me on Facebook
Check out her Blog.
Find her on Twitter.
Find Recaptured Dreams on Goodreads Profile

And don't forget to check out Omnific Publishing. Romance ... without the rules.

Go support Justine and buy this book! Or, comment for your chance to win a copy!

<3

Candyland. OUT.

Yo Yo Yo. It's like Santa on Christmas going Ho Ho Ho

2012-09-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Yoyoyo.

Sorry for the silent treatment~I didn't mean to. But today isn't about me. It's about my girl, Sheri because...listen up...

SHE
SIGNED
WITH
PAULA
MUNIER
OF
TALCOTT
NOTCH
LITERARY!

I hope you heard that. We go back a ways in the writing game so I am SOSOSO proud of her. In honor of the big announcement, she's having a giveaway with some pretty cool stuff. I know this because I'm sort of part of it. The giveaway is open until September 27th. WINNERS will be announced on September 28th. (Entrants may win more than one prize!)

Giveaway #1: Enter here if you want to win something by me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway #2:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway # 3: You must enter giveaway 1 or 2 to enter this as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
So go! Enter! Be Merry! Or be yourself! Whatever! Also, offspring #1 (the super sassafras-infused child) has never eaten Subway but insists she loves their "cooked-up Mexican sausage" with "salad" on it. This is completely irrelevant. Just wanted to share. Good day.

Good luck and tidings and all that.

Candyland. OUT.

5 Things no one tells you about a paid rub-down...

2012-07-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yes.

Oh, hi.

It's hard to believe people actually pay to have a stranger give them a massage. Especially when you have a spouse or partner or magical unicorn. But once upon a lifetime, I bought a Groupon for a couple's massage. I thought it'd be a fun way to spend the morning and with all EG and I have been working, I was looking forward to relieving some stress.

Um, no.

I've had massages before but each time, much like childbirth, I forget how completely awkward it is. Then as soon as I leave I'm all "I want another one!"

Things no one tells you about being rubbed down:

*They're going to get oil in your hair. And they're going to really work it into your scalp. Sure, it feels good at the time, but when you leave, you look like you were electrocuted. It's not cute. And now you smell like you've been at an orgy all morning.

*They're going to pretend you'll be covered while they work on certain areas. You won't be. All your business will be out. I hope you cleaned up.

*There will be a moment where OOPS WAS THAT A NAIL TOO CLOSE TO MY PARTS? Yes. Yes it was. Don't flinch. It will just make it that more uncomfortable.

*You will be the most stressed out you've ever been in your life. You won't relax. You'll be worried about looking relaxed, but not too relaxed. You don't what the lady (or man) to think it's putting you in the mood. Because that's the last thing on your oily-haired mind.

*Your hand will get caught in the lady's necklace and when she goes to gently remove it (you are face down and can't see), she will hold your hand for a weird amount of time. She may squeeze it. Don't squeeze back. You're not dating now.

Overall, it was "relaxing." It's in quotes because that's what I'm supposed to say. EG liked it, and I guess that was the whole point since it was my gift to him (that he loved SO MUCH he forgot about it until it was nearly expired).

I'm never getting one again (I said this about kids after offspring #1).Well, maybe (I said this, too).

Have you ever paid for a stranger to make you feel awkward?

Candyland. OUT.

Random: 10 Business/Productivity Tools You Should Know About RIGHT NOW

2012-06-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, friends. Winners from the edit contest have been notified. On another random note, here are some links for those of you who are self-employed (as I am) or looking to be. Also: Baby S is teething. No antidote. Just a fact. Happy Tuesday.

1. Bitrix24.com - Bitrix24 is a new startup that offers free sales/collaboration/productivity to small businesses. If your company has fewer that 12 employees, you get free CRM, free project manager, free file sharing/document manager, free calendar and other free goodies.

2. GotFreeFax.com - As the name implies, GotFreeTax is a free online faxing service, which lets you fax 3 pages for free to any fax number in US or Canada.

3. RememberTheMilk.com - Free To-Do list, iPhone and Android support.

4. WaveAccounting.com - This online accounting SaaS that offers unlimited invoices and expense tracking as part of free plan for small businesses.

5. JetRadar.com - This free low airfare meta searchengine searches through 700+ airlines to find best deals normally available through direct purchase on airline sites only (to combat price comarison services, airlines oftentimes reserve lowest prices only to own websites). Very handy if your business requires frequent travel.

6. PRLog.com - Free press-release distribution service.

7. Weebly.Com - Free website creator. Does not require any technical experties.

8. PickyDomains.Com - This one isn't free, but rather risk-free (naming service). If you need a cool domain name, product name or slogan, PickyDomains charges you ($50), but only if you decide to use one of their suggestions. If you don't like anything, you don't pay anything, hence risk-free.

9. Join.Me - Join.Me is a cool free webcast/webconference service that allows you to do free webcasting for 4 people.

10. Kolab.org - Kolab is free open source e-mail/workplace collaboration plaform. It's a little ugly and takes some technical expretise, but hey - free is free.

Candyland. OUT.

To those of you who entered... (not like that)

2012-06-12T07:02:00.001-07:00

Heyaa, friends!

Because there weren't so many entrants to win an edit donated by Words Like Candy, I need the following to report to me.

Calling:

Patty Blount
Christine Hardy
Vic Caswell
Misty Provencher
Lee
Nicole Zoltack
Randy Hill

Please email your first paragraph, genre, + word count to info@wordslikecandy.com .

The hubs + I will read through, together, and HE will choose which (3) stories I want to edit. Never thought your entry would be in the hands of a drumming snowboarder, yeah? Surprise! The (4) I don't choose will still receive something from me, so regardless, submit your info, please!

Email me and I'll email you and we'll email and it will be email-a-rific!

Candyland. OUT.

Long.Over.Due. + Frickin' Sweet Contest

2012-06-07T04:05:00.001-07:00

OMG.

I'm not even going to patronize you with "I'm sorry."

I can't believe it's been this long since I've told you ridiculous stories. I'm completely ashamed and I'll gladly go to my room (if it means I get some sleep).

For real, I've missed you all. I think of you often. I may have even had a dream about a few of you. Shhh. When I had bun #2 in the oven, I had no idea just how crazy life would get. Then, even after, I tried to keep up with things, but failed miserably. Because of my hubby's work schedule, I've had to be both parents most of the time and it has literally take up until recently to find my way.

It wasn't that long ago I had ~~a little~~ A LOT of help from my friends (you). I was overwhelmed. I've never felt so blessed before and I dreaded the day the blessings would stop. But stop, they did, and I wasn't exactly prepared. The good tidings helped our family catch up on so many things, yet not everything, and that's where it got hard again. The bills (especially medical) were just too many and with two growing kids? Fuggeddaboudit.

You all know of Baby S's medical problems and the strain it put on our wallets. I still receive bills that haven't been covered by insurance or accepted for any of the financial assistance programs. And that doesn't include my own medical issues since giving birth.

UPDATE: Despite the bills, which I refer to as reminders of how far he's come, Baby S is doing so good. He's off the medicine. He's off the rice in bottles. And he hardly ever spits up or wrenches his back in pain. He finally feels good. Well, he did feel better until he learned how to roll onto his back (stomach sleeper) and we had to roll him back 50x/night. He did figure out how to roll back on his own just as he cut his 1st tooth. One milestone after another here!

But the point is, NO MORE GI SPECIALISTS, NO MORE MEDS. He's the happiest, sweetest little thing I've ever seen and I'm grateful for his health and presence in our lives. Even his sister likes him which is kind of awesome.

I owe a large part of it to all of your prayers and concern.

He's on a date here.

Anyway, who knew babies could be so effing expensive? Well, technically I did since I already have another one, but still. Diapers, formula, wipes, baby food, shampoo, lotion, toys, clothes, IT'S A LOT. To make ends meet, I've been busy writing and editing for a number of clients, as well as maintaining my job as an assistant editor for Phys.org.

After a bounty of successful transactions, I realized 1) I'm working all the time and still not making enough money and 2) With all the freelance work, why haven't I started my own business yet? So I fixed it. Introducing...

Words Like Candy offers various kinds of creative writing as well as extensive editing + proofreading services. In honor of my website's grand opening and to celebrate my baby's good health, I'm having a little contest. Spread the word. Post my logo on your blog, Tweet about it, FBook it, or simply link to the website. Then, call your mother and tell her about it. And your mailman. Tell him.

I hate when bloggers offer to tally points for various tweets/etc, because I'm too lazy to do all that. So I thought, what better way to celebrate a creative service's opening that to have you actually be creative and use, you know, your writing as a reference.

HOW TO ENTER:

Paste the first paragraph of your ms into the comments below. Because this will be a reader's vote kind of thing, get the word out about it! I will not choose the winners--YOU WILL. You don't have to have a finished ms. You can enter something you're working on and save me for later. The point is, I need clients and referrals and WORK.

Deadline for this is Monday, June 11th at midnight EST. Because it's Baby S's 8-month bday. Yesss.

PRIZES:

(3) Winners will receive full ms line edits with comprehensive notes and critiques.
(3) Winners will receive Words Like Candy tees

Also, the first (10) people who to go to www.wordslikecandy.com, and hire me, will receive a 20% discount off your first service (limited time offer that will expire). I also offer flexible payment plans and free 5-page sample edits.

Check back Tuesday for more info on the selections + how to vote.

I wish I could give more away but the whole reason I opened Words Like Candy is to make some cash. And obviously to help some awesome writers become even more awesome.

Entering starts now.<--Gross.

Seriously. Tell me your story.

Candyland+HealthyBabyS. OUT.

The. End. It. Now. Project

2012-03-21T02:40:00.003-07:00

I was bullied.

It started in 1st grade. I'd had an obscene amount of Sprite with my lunch and my teacher, a real a-hole, refused to let me go to the bathroom. I had to go. Bad. I squeezed my legs as tight as I could but once we were paired for a project and I hit the cold, hard, tiles on the floor, all that Sprite came pouring out of me. Even at that age, I wanted to die. My life was frozen. All the laughing faces pointed at me. My partner scooted away in disgust. And I felt my heart nearly drop. The teacher, annoyed, scolded me and ordered me to the nurse's office so I could change clothes.

All they had were sweat pants about three sizes too big. The rest of the day, I kept my chin in my chest and avoided eye contact with all the kids who were then whispering about the girl who peed her pants.

But that wasn't the worst part.

That day was terrible. If I think back, I can still feel the embarrassment. I can still hear the laughter. It's loud. And it doesn't stop. For the entire remainder of elementary, there was this one boy, this one deeply disturbed boy with gold teeth, who made it his mission to remind me every day how disgusting I was. At first, I'd ignore him and cry in the bathroom. But as the years passed and the kids grew and forgot, he didn't. I kept to myself so when he came around, my legs trembled and my brain shut off. "I know what you did," he'd say, followed by a demand I'd have to meet in order for him to keep quiet. I remember begging him not to remind everyone...so I did whatever he asked. Sometimes it was homework, others, it was whatever stupid request he had such as asking the teacher a dumb question to make *him* laugh.

I felt tortured. Like an animal. Or a slave. I couldn't escape the humiliation. Day after day the pain resurfaced. This is when I first remember being depressed and turned to self-harm. Between the ages of 7-11, I lost me. I couldn't figure out how else to deal with the pain and I sure as hell couldn't verbalize it. It wasn't until I went on to middle school, and the idiot bully didn't, I started to heal. But the wounds will always be there.

I already told you of my daughter's struggles in school and it wasn't easy for her to tell me. But I persisted. Not just because she seemed a little off one day, but because it's my job to dig beneath the surface. I ask the right questions. I've gotten to know some of her friends and their parents. I've talked to the teachers. I'm doing everything possible to *know* my child and who is around her when I'm not.

Communication is important. Start talking. Keep talking.

It's only the beginning for her. Some days the girls are all friends. And the next, they're pushing her to the ground. This is where it starts. And to me, this is where it ends. From the tender ages of 4-5, when socialization begins, we need to educate these children what bullying is, why it's wrong and how to prevent and/or stop it. If you're a parent and you're only now talking to your teen, chances are, it's too late. With bullying statistics on the rise, it seems everyone knows someone who's been the victim of bullying. Or worse, a victim who's succumbed to the constant fear and pain by ending their life.

This is serious.

It has to end. Like yesterday. This is why I started The End. It. Now. Project.We can fix this. No more school shootings. No more kids afraid to ride the bus. No more fear. Pain. Shame. So what can you do?

Sign the petition
Download conversation cards about bullying
Download information on how to talk about bullying
Volunteer to speak at a local school: GET KIDS TALKING
Download a detailed speech sheet for school visits
Download a sticker sheet and spread the word
Share the video
Buy a tee

Together, we can end this. Bullies are lame. Don't be lame.

<3

CandylandAgainstBullying. OUT.

FAIL. Also: Are you kidding me, baby?

2012-03-19T04:49:00.000-07:00

Due to time (or lack thereof), the big announcement will be posted on Wednesday...

Until then...

Candyland. OUT.

Make another joke while they hang another rope

2012-03-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

Some alarming news:

Did you know 1 in 7 Students in Grades K-12 is either a bully or a victim of bullying?

I'm sorry but ONE IN SEVEN. And it starts in KINDERGARTEN. Not only is it starting crazy young, but the consequences have also become more terrible by the second. Forget the days of being stuffed into lockers and hung on the flagpole by your underwear. Some kids are mean. Really mean. Other kids are committing suicide. Shooting up schools. Cutting, drinking, drugging, numbing the pain. Dropping out of school. They're having their self-esteem ripped from their chests and buried in the dirt.

Kids. My God. KIDS.

I have a kid. Two, actually, though only one is old enough to wipe her own butt. It's only been lately she, too, has had problems with a certain clique that makes her cry, pushes her down, makes her feel less than beautiful. On some days, that is. Other days, they're all best friends. However harmless, I see the pain in those big eyes and I know what I have to do: Protect her. Always. Until the Day I die.

And I know I'm not alone.

Whether it's your child or not, you hear these stories and your heart breaks. If it doesn't, you're made of stone or jaded by all the violence. It's not okay, though.

IT'S NOT OKAY.

Monday I'll be revealing what you can do to make it stop. Because instead of division, we need unity. Instead of hate, we need love, or at the very least, tolerance and acceptance. It may start with the bullies, but it ends with us.

You can read more about bullying from my friends:

Talli Roland
LM Preston
Donna Martin
Sheri Larsen
Jonathon Arntson
Nicole Zoltack
Jessica Bell
Dawn Ius
PK Hrezo

Until Monday, read, listen, watch, think.

"Never forget the fragility of adolescence..."

-Bullying drove 8th-grader to suicide
-10-year-old girl commits suicide because of bullying
-Jarod's Story
-Ryan's Story

Candyland. OUT.

I meant to call. Really.

2012-03-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

Oh. Hey.

This is the awkward moment where I realize it's been a long time since I talked to you and you're all "why haven't you called?" and I'm like "I've been busy. I meant to." And you're all "Mmm hmm. Right." Then you twirl your hair and stare at me like you're imagining stabbing me in the eye with your fork. I have no excuses. Except the usual [insert melodramatic monologue about babies, work, and why Ann Curry is the Antichrist].

...back to my point...

I'm working on something. A movement, of sorts. I can't take this era of bullying. I just can't. I can't sit back and read about all these kids killing themselves. I just can't. So I will do something.

I.Will. Do. Something.

And hopefully, so will you.

Join me next Monday. It will all make sense next Monday.

You always knew I was a tease.

Until then, please share your stories. Have you ever been bullied? Do you know someone who has?

Forward this on. I want to hear as many stories as possible.

Candyland. OUT.

Feel Me Up Friday: If you need me, I'll be in the corner with cake

2012-02-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. Hooray. Yes, that was sarcasm. Although, it's been awhile since I've dished. You're welcome.

I've had a hard time accepting the turn of tide. This last decade was, by far, the best of my life, despite the ups and downs. It seems I spent ages 20 and 21 flailing through a soul-sucking relationship. We were too young. We were too stubborn. We were too [insert everything bad]. Around 22, we parted, as friends, and I focused more on my music (i.e., this is when the Bert incident was nearing).

This is when I found myself. This is also, the year someone important to me lost the cancer battle. This is also the year my heart was given and broken, given and broken and finally, taken by the one who I'll spend the rest of my life with. 2004 was a big year.

In the 8 years since, I've married my love, lost 2 babies, had 2 more, lost a best friend, found a long lost grandmother, moved about 7 times, became a writer, got an agent, lost and agent, had a band, lost a band and so much more. The last ten years have taught me how to be strong. How to fight. I want to welcome this day, my 30th birthday, with open arms. But something's holding me back.

Like, the past.

Some say never look back but I say, the past has made me who I am. And I'm grateful for every second of it. To say goodbye to the time I was given, that got me where I am, is bittersweet. I want to say I've got it all figured out. I'm going to sell a book this year. Buy a house. Be the best me I can be. But the future is a big unknown. And I think that's why I'm scared to embrace this day.

To those of you still searching, still looking for answers, still wondering how to leave your mark (so that people actually, you know, REMEMBER you), I'm right there with you.

Also, so is this guy.

Happy Friday.

CandylandForever29. OUT.

Why didn't someone tell me?

2012-01-31T03:08:00.000-08:00

FRIENDS.

That awkward moment when you realize you've been shaving in all the wrong places.

The car.
Your closet.
The parking lot behind your daughter's school.
The grocery. Isle #4.
The kitchen. While dinner cools to a simmer.
The Olive Garden. Over the sink near the wall.
The rock show. In the middle of the crowd.
Your front yard.

All this time, I've been doing it wrong. Why didn't someone tell me it's not cool to whip out a razor in the Pac Sun dressing room?

Friends don't let friends shave in all the wrong places.

Candyland. OUT.

And then, this happened...

2012-01-25T10:30:00.001-08:00

Let that marinate.

Candyland. OUT.

In which my jaw falls to the floor at the kindness of [not so strange]ers

2012-01-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

So here's the thing...

When I posted last week, in all my humility, I never thought in a billion years how far that post would go. I'd hoped, prayed, pleaded to the sky to receive just a few dollars. I knew the blogging community was a-freakin-mazing but OMG I am speechless. Completely speechless. Overwhelmed. Grateful. Humbled. I've tried typing this post twelve times but nothing sounds right. Nothing's good enough. I want to say THANK YOU but those eight letters are so insignificant compared to the temporary stability you've provided for my family. Thank you pretty much sucks. I need a better, more impressive phrase to show you what you mean to me.

Like...AREYOUFREAKINGKIDDINGMETHANKYOU!!!!!!!

That's more like it.

But the best part...the best part is the inbox full of personal letters telling me it's okay to ask for help, it's okay to need a hand, I've been there. You've told me of being so broke, you learned how to stretch your oatmeal into cooked patties (yuck). You're still reeling, still dealing with the premature birth of your baby (at 25 weeks) and you have medical bills of your own. But you still want to help. You emailed me about the devastating earthquakes in New Zealand when your newborn grandson was simply trying to survive after a difficult pregnancy and unimaginable complications thereafter, all while fleeting for safety from the falling rubble and concrete.

You cried to me about your infertility, your poverty. Told me you used to self-injure, too. Said your house is being taken and your life is in shambles but you felt compelled to act. You donated your last dollar. Sent diapers, formula and books for my babies. Books for me. Thanked me for simply telling my story, for being brave, courageous, a heroine. I don't see that, but you do. You believe in me, even when I don't. You care about me, even when I don't. You care about my family, even though you don't know them. You came to me with words of encouragement, words of hope, words that have been like gold to me. You've shown me it gets better and that we are in this together.

"TOGETHER WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL," you tell me. And I always sort of knew it but never had this kind of good fortune to really feel it. That's not to say good things haven't happened to me, because I'm extremely blessed, but financially...this is beyond anything I could have asked for.

Because of you, my family can eat. And eat. And eat.
Because of you, I have my wedding rings back.
And they will not leave me again. Ever.
Because of you, baby S has formula and diapers.
He can poop forever if he wants (I think he will)
Because of you, our electricity will stay on.
Because of you, child #1 will not be kicked out of school.
In fact, she's paid through the end of February.
Because of you, our car will not be taken.
Unless someone steals it.
Because of you, we are not broken anymore.
WE ARE NOT BROKEN ANYMORE.

While the storm hasn't completely passed, you've provided my family with an umbrella...a chance to stay dry for awhile. Things are still showing up in the mail, through UPS and Fed Ex. It's like Christmas every single day. My heart is so full. I've been smiling for a week-and-a-half. Played with offspring #1 a little longer each day. I breathed in sweet baby S a little more. Hugged my husband a little bit tighter. My kids can see how much lighter I feel, how much easier it is...to breathe. Because you've pulled the weight off our...off of MY shoulders. Instead of being preoccupied with how I'm going to get through it, I've been released...

Released by you.

Now, some numbers for you, as of Thursday, January 12th, though I don't feel it appropriate to say exactly how many donors (a lot!), how much money was raised both online and through the mail (more than I ever imagined possible...) or how much of that Paypal ate in fees (grrr).

200+ emails (I'm still responding)
I've never spoken to about 90% of you
1 CHUCK SAMBUCHINO!
70+ new blogger friends
Countless links back to me (THANK YOU)

You don't [physically] know me, but you still care. I am closer to you than my a-hole cat. You know everything. No secrets. You tell me your life story, I tell you mine. You have my back, I wax yours (if you need that kind of thing). I will most definitely pay these debts forward when someone else is in need.

It would be my pleasure.

I want to hug each one of you for an awkward amount of time. To those of you with no email attached to your blog comment, please know I'm so thankful. I will spend the next three years personally thanking each of you through your Paypal addresses. Please be patient as I get organized. If you've requested a query or MS crit, please forward them my way, though it still won't be enough to ever repay you. If you've declined those offers but change your mind in the future, I'll still be here, as thankful as ever. To Chuck's donors, I'll forward your emails to him, and he'll be in touch.

Now, someone get me an agent so I can sell my book to pay you back, thank you in the acknowledgments, and/or become a best-selling author who will brag about how cool you are.

One more thing: If you haven't seen it already, this is me:
http://www.dearnewmom.com/2012/01/pregnancy-after-loss/

Also, I have a great friend who is donating a percentage of all Scentsy sales to my family as well. If you love this stuff, please order through her. If you've never tried it--PLEASE DO!

https://cyndiswafford.scentsy.us/Buy?partyId=68086171

You all are our angels. 2012 is looking up. Now, hopefully, we can save enough money to buy a house in the coming months. So baby S will no longer live behind a small curtain next to our bed. It's like a claustrophobic jail cell. So offspring #1 can paint her walls purple as she's always wished. She loves purple. So we can have a bedroom door. We have NO DOOR. So we can finally have a place that's ours. Our family now complete, we need a place that's ours. With all the things your generous donations have paid, this might actually happen. Before, it was just a dream...

I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for helping me, so I can help my babies.

Thank you.

With so much love,

<3

Candylandandfamily. OUT.

Lower than a rapper's pants

2012-01-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know, I wear many hats. Too many.

One of them, I'll refer to it as my "bonnet," caused a monumental shift in Candyland...land...a few months back. In September, my employee position at "bonnet" was changed into an independent contracting position with fewer hours and instead of bi-weekly pay, I now receive direct deposit a month and a half ahead. In other words, I will work the end of December through [approx] January 23rd, but won't get a check until the very end of February. And so on.

With the recent birth of Baby S, things have gotten even harder. From pregnancy, he's been a needy baby. It started with the loss of fluid near his head causing me to be in and out of the hospital (= monumental bills piling up), then he died at birth. Thankfully was brought back to us but it was not without issues. He's had problems with different formulas and medications which they attribute to reflux. After we got our sweet Sully home from the hospital, his condition has only worsened.

It's been a pain in the arse. But moreso, I feel bad for him.

We've been in and out of the doctor's office and hospital for testing, he's been on different medications and formulas and even to the chiropractor. And because of his spitting up and projectile vomiting, the poor baby feels as though he's hungry all the time, therefore, we're going through formula like it's toilet paper. I don't know if that makes sense but we're going through a crapload. Haha. I made a funny.

Also, when a baby S eats, the end result is a pee-filled or dirty diaper. Thank BERT an old friend gave us boxes of diapers back in July or we'd be using whatever t-shirt we could pin up on the kid right about now.

The loss of pay, along with Baby S's problems have had a dramatic effect/affect/effect/affect/whatever on our finances. In fact, this Christmas was the lowest we've ever been. Despite my dear husband working as much as he could and me doing the same with 2 jobs (they BOTH pay monthly...) and raising two kids, the only way we could give them a Christmas at all was by doing the unthinkable. No, not that (no one would pay for this anyway). I've gotten loans on all my jewelry, including my beloved wedding band. It stings to be in such a position. Waiting for tax time so we can get a refund to pay everyone off, popping anxiety meds every time a bill comes, wondering where our next meal will come from...

We just can't get ahead after all that's happened.

I'm telling you this because I've nowhere else to turn. I don't consider you bloggers or even friends. You're family. Everything I've gone through, you've been there with me. You've been there for me after two miscarriages, for every New Medicine post-bliss ramble, but mostly, the times in between. When I felt as though no one was listening, there you were.

But this is different. I need something else. Any other time, YOU KNOW I'd happily raise money for the women of Ghana, or the AFSP and TWLOHA. I'd even give you my marrow. Just ask. Seriously.

I have no money, but if you ask me for a dollar, I'll dig through my cushions, count my change, until I find one to give you. I debated doing this but I'm so desperate right now, I have nothing to lose. We owe so many people...people who can take our car, kick child #1 out of school, turn off our electricity, garnish our wages...we're sinking.

I'm here to strike a deal.

While I've had to stop accepting MS and queries for critique due to time, I still have the following to offer! Anyone who makes a small (miniscule, even) donation to the charity of Candyland via paypal will receive one or all of the following:

-A creepy public love letter
-The word HUG on a piece of paper that I will mail to your door
-A New Medicine sticker. Because I have a trillion.
-A humiliating picture of me posted on the web
-Admiration
-Undying love and respect
-GRATITUDE

**ALSO: Guide to Literary Agents and Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market Editor CHUCK SAMUCHINO has come to me with a generous offer! Get your query or synopsis edited by the best in the business! He's offering his services at a discounted rate of $40, donated to me. I will then email Chuck your email address and he'll connect with you and edit within 1 week. If you need help with your query, this is a steal by a pro. Only 8 available. If you are interested, please put CHUCK somewhere in the donation notes. Email me with questions.

A little about Chuck: Chuck Sambuchino is the editor of Guide To Literary Agents and Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (both Writer's Digest Books). He is the author of the writing books Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript, 3rd Ed. (2009) as well as Create a Writer Platform (Fall 2012). He is a popular presenter at writers conferences nationwide and runs the Guide to Literary Agents Blog (guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog), one of the biggest blogs in publishing.

He is also a humor book author, with his 2010 book How To Survive A Garden Gnome Attack being featured in Reader's Digest, USA Todayand The New York Times. The film rights were recently optioned by Sony.**

This is post not a joke, as much as I wish it were. Donate .01 to 1,000,000. I don't care. If you choose to read and move on, I won't be offended. In fact, I'm going to move on after I post this. What a stupid post. I don't deserve a handout, and I sure don't want one. Make me work for it. That, I can do. Name your price.
Send all pennies to candaceganger@yahoo.com and sparkles will combust in front of you. If you prefer, loan me your pennies and I can pay you back when the dust settles. You help me and I promise, when you need me, I will help you.

Isn't that what family's for?

I was going to delete this post after 48 hours but with a few encouraging emails I realized...my family needs all the help we can get right now...so...48+ hours later, here I am...

Candylanddesperate. OUT.

P.S. A few people have asked for a more direct way to help out. If you prefer snail mail, email me and I'll give you my address. Also, without being a weirdo, here's a Paypal button that's easier to click on instead of search.

Justin Bieber makes the sun shine. Also, I've lost my mind

2011-12-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

I've been gone awhile, both in my head and virtually (maybe even physically...can YOU see me?). It's a funny thing to be a writer. We spend much of our lives daydreaming about how to string together words so they make people feel something. We want them to get lost in our imaginary worlds or connect with our true stories.

More than fiction, I've shared my hopes, fears and utterly ridiculous escapades for better or worse. Those of you who read regularly, for the better part of three years, I attached myself to three wishes. I repeated them almost exactly one year ago in this post.

I will not stop trying to make a baby, because I believe it will happen.
My son, Sullivan, will be 3 months old on January 11th. He is a miracle by definition alone.

Credit: mBphoto

I will not stop querying, because I feel deep in my gut, no matter how much I sometimes want to throw in the towel, my agent is out there. And yours is too.
I did land an agent, though, due to her peacing out unexpectedly, I'm now without. BUT, I now know I can do it.

I will not stop missing my father, but I will learn to heal.

I am still working on this one.

Two out of three wishes granted ain't bad. With a new year approaching, I have brand new resolutions and for once, I prefer to keep them to myself.
(Except for these:)
-Make Justin Bieber Day a regular thing in our house because without Justin Bieber, the sun can't shine
-Wear socks with holes only when home alone, not at parties
-Learn my native language (which one...)
-Meet Ryan Gosling's abs
-Change the world one snarky comment at a time
-Write something that ends up verbal vomiting out of a celebs mouth
-Teach baby S to play Dream On-->guitar<-- by the time he hits 4 months

I think these are pretty reasonable goals. My point is, you never know where life will take you so keep an open mind. If I hadn't resolved to fight, to keep going no matter what, I'd still be stuck back in this post. Oh and with that, baby S is stirring. He must be ready for his first lesson.

What do you resolve this year? If you don't tell me, it won't come true. This is a fact.

Candyland. OUT.