I’m Not Here
I’m shopping. Pray for me.
I hate to shop.
I don’t hate spending money…clearly, I have no problem with that. I hate going into a store when I don’t know what I want to buy. I like to go in, grab what I want and get out in the shortest possible time. But alas, as I’ve waited until the very last minute to buy Christmas presents, having just sent in my galleys for Phantom Pleasures yesterday, I have no choice.
ARRRRGGGHHHHH!
I remember back when I worked outside the home. As a teacher, I didn’t have much energy at the end of the day to do my shopping, so I usually saved it all for one day. I was childless at the time, too, so it was sort of fun to get up really early, hit the stores and challenge myself to buy everything I needed in the shortest amount of time. I would call my husband with hourly updates! I think my record was five hours. And that included lunch.
Ah, to be young again!
Now, I have no way of finishing all in one day because my day is really only 8:30am until about 1:30pm, when my daughter is in school. I actually have no business doing anything but writing, since if you’ve been following the little meters on the side of this blog, you’ll have noticed that I haven’t added any new words to my book for two weeks and Carly has totally caught up to me. My book, PHANTOM TOUCH, however, was moved back in the NAL schedule and will no longer be an October release. Instead, it’ll be out in December…which bought me more time.
So, there will be a Christmas after all!
Here’s the plan…tomorrow, all children’s gifts. Thursday, the adults. Friday, I have a half-day to do my wrapping and hiding. By 11:45am, my daughter and her two best friends will be here and despite having a houseful of kids, I anticipate getting back to writing.
Oh…and sometime in the next two days, I have to do invitations for my daughter’s birthday party. Her birthday is January 1. Seems like such a long way away…but it’s not!
Like I said before, pray for me.
And anyone who is NOT finished with their Christmas/Holiday shopping, who has not even thought about sending out Christmas cards, who is having trouble remembering what day this is…you can all enter to win THE FIRST bound ARC (not my home-made ones, but one from my publisher, wahoo!) of PHANTOM PLEASURES. The rest of you over-achieving, OCD shoppers who are already done with all your holiday work are not eligible.
Post a comment. US residents only. Yada, yada, yada and ho, ho, ho. :wreath:
Update: The winner of my ARC, it’s #9, Laura J! Please email me with your snail mail address and I’ll get it out in the mail as soon as possible. My email is julie @ julieleto.com.
I am done, Julie! I know I shouldn’t rub it in, but if it makes you feel any better, I don’t have kids, I took a whole week off from work to do Christmas cards and present buying, and this is the first year ever I am stress-free. I wish you luck, sweetie - it’s brutal out there. :wreath:
And remember, you’ve made me a very happy reader to hear you’ve turned in another book. Music to my ears.
:happychanuk:
Comment by Stacy ~ — December 19, 2007 @ 6:36 am
I hope you get it all done…I’m praying for you! lol I do know what day it is and unfortunately I have to go get dressed. Work is calling.
Comment by Kim — December 19, 2007 @ 7:28 am
Good morning jungle buddies and
Hey Jules, you and I are similar…must have been made from the same mold…I ABSOLUTELY abhor shopping…if I don’t know what I want, then I don’t go…my record for shopping has been one hour tops…I go get what I want and I am out the door…well, being single might have something to do with it too…
BTW, I have not even attempted to go Christmas shopping this year…and cards, what are those? Haven’t even crossed my mind…well actually it did, but I don’t have enough left over from last year and I can’t afford any this year, so there goes that idea…I am going to settle for making phone calls on Christmas day…is that bad of me? I hope not…
I love surprises and this contest is definitely one of those…hopefully everyone else have done all they had to do for Christmas, because I really one to win this one…Just kidding…
Please ADD ME to the drawing for the ARC…pick me, pick me, pick me…:
I will love you for ever and ever and ever if I win….well, I actually love you guys already so maybe I should beg a different way….ok, got it…I am down on my knees and praying my little heart out….
pray:
Good luck to all those who qualify for this ARC contest…
Congrats on completing the galley’s for PHANTOM PLEASURES and I am so happy that you got more time to work on PHANTOM TOUCH…
your name must have been at the top of Santa’s “nice” list, even though your books can be “naughty”… :
Well, see you around…good luck with shopping today and planning your daughter’s bday party…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 19, 2007 @ 7:44 am
Well, now I need to talk to you guys about Leslie’s online book…I don’t know if I should say it here…she might see it…hmm, how can I put this delicately? Maybe I shouldn’t say anything…to heck with it…I don’t care if she sees it…now what can I say?
She is the bomb…the story is really heating up in Chapter 8 and I am loving it…if you haven’t checked it out…jump off this page and log in to eHQN right this minute…make sure you start at chapter one…
Zach and Holly are just lovable characters and her grandparents sound like a hoot too…nothing like a dose of mystery and intrigue with subtle undertones of sexual tension to start the day…
Great job on today’s chapter Leslie….very entertaining…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 19, 2007 @ 7:49 am
I still have presents to buy. Not to mention the decorations that have been in my truck for 2 weeks now. I have decided to just put lights on the
mastree:, since the kitten keeps knocking it over.
The stuff I have bought is at my neighbor’s in the guest room- I bring it over bit by bit to wrap. The kitten keeps eating the paper.
We have over a foot of snow on the ground and I am still sick. All I want to do is sleep and I have to go to work this morning.
The cards I have done are going out today. I have more to do, but they need short letters and will just have to wait until this weekend.
I am saving the rest of Leslie’s story until I have time to sit and enjoy it. Midnight Xmas eve maybe.
Comment by ev — December 19, 2007 @ 8:02 am
Good morning plotmonkeys and all,
Julie, I’m done with shopping and Christmas cards. Sorry. I don’t particularly like to shop either. I’d rather do it on-line.
I will definitely pray for you. If it’s any consolation, my mother who just arrived yesterday hasn’t finished her shopping either. She is planning to go finish tomorrow.
Take care and have a great day everybody.
Cher
Comment by Cher — December 19, 2007 @ 8:24 am
I’m going out shopping today. Plus I haven’t done all of my cards yet - even though they are ecards (can’t afford to buy any), so I hope to finish them tonight. Work tomorrow, so that only leaves Friday to do ALL of my baking since I’m expected (I’ve spoiled them) to bring cookies and stuff to work on Saturday. And let us not forget cleaning the house before Christmas. Oh, and more baking for Christmas itself.
And I second Paula - get thee to Leslie’s eread!!!!!
Oh Ev, in my house it’s been cats 4, Tree 0
Comment by Bailey Stewart — December 19, 2007 @ 8:43 am
I am so disorganized this year! Julie I feel for ya cause I’m getting ready to go shopping and I am already dragging my feet. They can’t seem to find the front door!
Comment by Tina — December 19, 2007 @ 9:27 am
That would be me then. I still have a ton of stuff to buy and I have no idea what to get. I’ll be heading out again today to try and get some more done. I don’t mind shopping, but I really hate dealing with the rude people that are out there. Yesterday I was standing in line at the post office (one line two postal workers), I should have been next to be called. The woman behind me walks around me and goes before me. I could just scream. But funny thing is I got up to the other window just a few seconds after she did (and I had two packages to mail) and we got finished at the same time. So I say HA! to myself of course because I refuse to stoop to her level.
I worked in retail too many years to ever enjoy Christmas shopping like some people do. I try to be done before Thanksgiving, but this year it just didn’t happen.
I told someone the other day I was having a light blue Christmas. I have two grandma’s that are taking a downward turn and I think that is what is contributing to my mood. But come Christmas morning I know I’ll be as excited as my kids.
Comment by Laura J — December 19, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Holy crap Julie! I will pray for you because I can only imagine the malls are ugly this week.
I probably did 75% of my xmas shopping online, because I’m living in constant deadline hell. And I don’t have small children, so I was able to go out and do some shopping. And I did send out xmas cards because I’m Italian and Catholic and I have guilt if I don’t.
Um…wear comfortable shoes today. :wreath:
Comment by Jaci Burton — December 19, 2007 @ 9:35 am
Good luck! BTW, Tina M is my hero!
Comment by katie — December 19, 2007 @ 9:50 am
Well Julie, I’m with you, I absolutely HATE to shop. I’m not done, nor do I know what to buy. I should have been gone by now too, but here I sit trying to decide my next move. I did get my cards all sent out, and the things that I did buy are still under the bed and in the closet waiting to be wrapped. I also have cookies to bake yet, but I’m still sitting here. I’m having a difficult time getting motivated to do any of those things this year. I guess I just want it to be over so hubby and I can leave for our cruise.
Good Luck shopping Julie, and anyone else who isn’t done. :santahat:
Comment by Kathy — December 19, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Julie, I’ll pray for you. I have all of my Christmas shopping finished except buying a couple of bottles of wine and some more rum for the 3 rum cakes I have to make over the next 2 days to give as gifts. Still have just a few gifts to wrap. Of course, I shop not only for the gifts I give, but those from my dad, brother, and sister. My brother gets in from Orlando on Friday and we will head to my Dad’s house until Christmas day.
Comment by Liza — December 19, 2007 @ 9:52 am
I have done most of my shopping, but unfortunately I will have to brave the mall this weekend to finish up. I haven’t sent out Christmas cards and honestly don’t know if I will. Time is not on my side. LOL I will pray for you. Good Luck.
BTW PLEASE PICK ME!!!!!
Comment by Patty L. — December 19, 2007 @ 9:55 am
Julie I can sympathize with you. I finally got my cards done last night. I have everything that’s bought wrapped. I still have those gifts that you just don’t know what to buy to do yet and that’s what I hate.
And I can also sympathize with having a child with a January birthday. My daughter’s is January 3rd. I only have a few gifts bought for her birthday. I try to do that with Christmas so I can lay everything out and figure out what I am giving for what occasion.
Good luck!
Comment by Michelle — December 19, 2007 @ 10:16 am
:santawhat:Hmm, but what if you’re someone that doesn’t have any shopping to begin with except for getting a couple of cards? Does that count as being done, or not having started yet? LOLOL:wreath:
Lois
mastree:
Comment by Lois — December 19, 2007 @ 10:54 am
Julie, I feel for you. Im in the same boat as well. Im not even started with any christmas shopping. My brother keeps changing his mind about what he wants for xmas… jeez just pick something and stick with it. Our family isn’t doing gift cards this year. I dont even know what to get my 8 and 11 yr old nephews who has everything. My 4 yr old niece thats easy, MY Little Pony or Strawberry SHortcake. Stuff that i had when i was her age. And I dont even have a xmas tree yet. My job keeps me busy with 12 hr days. Plus on top of that I moved to a new place last week, so im still living in boxes. Im probably going to be in those long lines at UPS or FED EX to send out boxes. heehee.
Good Luck Julie… Hope everyone has a wonderful week.
Comment by Elisa Varey — December 19, 2007 @ 11:25 am
January birthdays–Mine is the 14th and it is tough having it come right after Christmas.
When I was growing up my mother forgot mine a few times. Then about three years ago, my mother-in-law’s husband passed away two days after my birthday from a short but vicious illness. So, I feel bad every year when my birthday comes because it’s a stone’s throw from when John died. I feel guilty about any celebrating of my birthday. But one of her other sons was born on Jan 11th so at least I’m not alone.
Cher
Comment by Cher — December 19, 2007 @ 11:27 am
Dear Julie,
(don’t enter me, but I simply had to add my two cents.
I don’t mind not being entered because I definitely appreciate the chance I get every Friday. So I’ll leave this one for my other jungle pals.)
After this blog, I’m definitely feeling guilty. I always try to push it. The longer the better. Normally, I don’t hate shopping at all. Okay, I’m not addicted to it either but from time to time I love searching through the shops. But definitely not at Christmas time. Because then, you’re barely able to breathe. Everywhere are people always in a rush. And I thought Christmas was about piece and quiet. No such luck here, guys. Now hating Christmas shopping, you might fear I haven’t even started yet. But…I already have. I think that would deserve a pat on my back.
But I haven’t started the wrapping but as soon as I’m finished with the shopping I’ll do this, too.
I think my problem with Christmas gifts is that I always think way too long and hard about what the right present would be. Because I really don’t want to disappoint anybody and I don’t want the person to use the gift I bought for her as a gift again
Julie, I think with your daughter’s birthday just a few days later you definitely have your hands full. I’m glad that you now have some more time with the book and can concentrate on Christmas as well as your daughter’s birthday.
Another subject: I think I mentioned that I would be getting a white Christmas according to forecasts last week. But now, there’s no such luck. The lastest prognosis tells the opposite. WTF I’s getting colder and colder here but no snow?
I wish luck to everybody who isn’t done and take care all
See you
Vero :wreath:
Comment by Vero — December 19, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Cher, that is sad…I have a similar dilemma, my paternal grandmother, Leila, died on my 26th bday…that year was the year from hell, because the tragedies occurred a few weeks later in September on 9/11…it is very difficult for me to separate my celebration from the sadness of that…and to top it off…my brother’s dad (really half, but it’s full to me), the only father I have ever known, died around Christmas last year…my maternal grandfather died around Christmas the year before…and my sister’s dad ( same situation as my brother) died Thanksgiving of the same year my brother’s dad died…these are some of the reasons why I get in such a slump around the holidays…I try to just make it through the other days and hang out here with you guys and the monkeys…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 19, 2007 @ 11:35 am
Julie, I feel your pain! I’m headed out to shop today too and am at a loss for several people I need to buy for. I don’t think I’ll finish today either as I’ve got my son’s school holiday party at 1:00. At least you’ve got a plan. I’ve been feeling under the weather the past couple of days and feel worse today, so I’m having a hard time getting my act together.
Good luck to you and all you other last minutes shoppers like me. :elf:
Comment by Robin — December 19, 2007 @ 11:39 am
Cher and Paula, I’m really feeling with you. Honestly, I was lucky not having experienced this. But I think it must be difficult to seperate because on the one hand you want to celebrate with your family but on the other you should be sad. But I think your mother-in-law’s husband knows that you think of him and your mother-in-law does, too. So I think you don’t have to feel bad because the people you love will always be there where it matters most: in your heart.
Robin, I’m with you and I hope that you will feel better soon. Poor us, that’s the weather again.
I cross my fingers for all those who still have to shop. (that applies to me as well.) But you and I will do it.
See you
Vero
Comment by Vero — December 19, 2007 @ 11:50 am
:wreath: I’ll say a prayer for you Julie!
I’m done and thank goodness for that because I wouldn’t want to fight the crowds the week before the big day. I pushed myself last week to finish up even though I felt like crap (I was starting with a head cold) and I’m so relieved to be done. :santahat:
Comment by Carolyn A. — December 19, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
I feel your pain Julie…I’m about 90% done but that doesn’t count the food shopping because I do Christmas Eve dinner, and I still have to bake, and my husbands Christmas party for work is Saturday night so that sort of throws me off….but it will get done, it always does.
mastree:
Comment by Tina Martinesi — December 19, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Oh enter me in this one. I am nowhere near to being done. Good luck with everybody. I hear from Santa, that gift cards are great last minute choices!!
:elf:
Comment by Laura K — December 19, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
Hi, I haven’t been around in a while. I have been peeking though.
I just had to share with you, my friends that I have ignored (sorry)
Even though I have two young kids (7 & 9) I only bought my first gifts last night. It has been a horrible month. My mom had a tumor, thank God it was benign. My nephew, Zane, was diagnosed with a brain tumor the same day. Zane (age 11) passed away on Dec. 7. There is no Commercial Christmas this year. Zane will be at Jesus’ birthday pary in heaven, though.
My family loves to pass away between Thanksgiving and Cchristmas or even on those two holidays. I cannot remember the last time we did not have a tragedy during this time.
I believe I am beginning to dread the winter……….
Comment by debb — December 19, 2007 @ 1:16 pm
I need a good book to read!
Comment by Karen B — December 19, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
I’ve still got two more (impossible) people to buy for but since my birthday is tomorrow I’m doing nothing but relaxing today.
Comment by Ladytink_534 — December 19, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Good Luck Julie! :elf:
I am going shopping today also but not for Christmas! Just necessities, food, etc.! Most of my cards are out, may or may not get more done! :snowmanhead: I finished my shopping on Sunday & the out of state ones are mailed. Mostly I am done. I want to make one more batch of cookies and make some lemon curd. That will about do it for me! My finances don’t allow a lot of buying so I just buy gifts for my grandkids & maybe something for me!!! :stocking:
Everyone have a good day! By the way, I love to shop!! :wreath:
Comment by Donna M — December 19, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
I’m so not done but I refused to stress about it! I hate shopping but I only need to buy a few things and I’m good.
Debb, I’m so sorry for everything! that’s awful.
Comment by Wendy — December 19, 2007 @ 1:56 pm
I am done with the shopping but have a ton of wrapping to do. Best of luck to those of you who still have shopping to do. Went to Wal-Mart yesterday and bought groceries for this week and next. I don’t want to go anywhere near there next week.
Debb, I can understand where you are coming from. The last six months have been a mess for us. Several deaths, hospitalized parents, the whole works. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I hope the rest of your winter goes smoothly.
Comment by Kelly H — December 19, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
I was not born with the shopping gene. I have to work in it all day so I sure don’t want to be in it when I’m off. But I still have shopping to do so off I go. :wreath:
Comment by Carol R — December 19, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Julie, Here’s wishing you exceptional good shooping vibes. I finally finshed yesterday after work.
But I still have to finsh decorating the house. At least the 
mastree: is up. Only 6 more shopping days left. 
you know someone had to do it.
Comment by Ardie — December 19, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
I am finished and most of it is wrapped.
Comment by Estella — December 19, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Oh Debb, I am truely sorry for your loss.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — December 19, 2007 @ 3:44 pm
ack! it hit me just a few days ago that xmas is on tuesday! TUESDAY!! i have to finish a blanket, while working full time, going to stupid holiday events and driving to see the relatives. i’m so stressed!
Comment by Cail — December 19, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
I left the house at 7:00 this morning and walked back in the door at 1:30. But you want to know something? Once I got out there, heard the bell ringers, saw the people bustling (not really hurrying and everyone smiled) it got better. I started to get the Christmas feeling. Of course, that meant that I bought too much at the grocery store (when I think I’ll get all of this baking done I don’t know).
All of those who have suffered losses, you’re not alone. My mother passed away October of 06. She’d had Alzheimer’s and I was her caregiver for 7 years. My birthday is Christmas Day. And for the first time in my over 40 years, I woke up to an empty house, no one to wish me Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas. The same this year.
Anyway, at least my shopping is now done. But I still have the ecards, baking, cleaning, wrapping, picking up the tree after the cats have knocked it over for the umpteenth time.
Now I’m on my way to Leslie’s eread. Its the only kind of read I can afford.
Paula - thanks for dropping by. I’ll be emailing you.
Comment by Bailey Stewart — December 19, 2007 @ 3:59 pm
Sorry, I’m done shopping too, though I still have baking and wrapping to do. And you picked a great prize, I would love to read Damon and Alexa’s story.
Comment by Cathy M — December 19, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
Debb, you and your family is definately in my prayers right now.
Comment by Laura J — December 19, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
*sigh* Leslie, I’m in love with Zach.
Comment by Bailey Stewart — December 19, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. It is much appreciated, especially at this time of year.
I love this family. You are all the best.
Comment by debb — December 19, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
I’ve only have two gifts done. I think I’m going to give up and order gift cards. Haven’t sent out ecards yet either.
Comment by Jane — December 19, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
I’m so sorry Debb, your family must be just devastated!
And Paula, the holidays really can be the hardest time, my Mom died in late October, and I know there is always a definite feeling of sadness as the holidays approach, for all the wonderful memories and moments we shared, and regret that my kids will never know them and never knew her.
Big hugs to you both1
Comment by Leslie — December 19, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
Thanks Bailey! I liked Zach, too. He’s got a good heart!
Comment by Leslie — December 19, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
(only enter me on my previous post)….hugs to debb and her family and everyone else who is suffering…you all put it in perspective…
Comment by katie — December 19, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
I have all my Christmas cards done and sent…hurray! Am finishing up on the holiday decorations as fast as I can and then will face the task of finishing my holiday shopping….not looking forward to entering those crowded malls…NOT at all, but there is no way I want to see the faces of my family, especially the children, if I don’t have all their gifts wrapped and under the tree. I guess I am ready to head to the stores tomorrow if you are…let’s do it!!!
Comment by Shari C — December 19, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
I hope you got your shopping done.
Comment by Cherylann — December 19, 2007 @ 7:22 pm
Debb, you and your family is definately in my prayers right now
Comment by Cherylann — December 19, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
Oh, Julie, you and me both! I really REALLY don’t like shopping, but avoiding it doesn’t seem to make the need to do it go away!
Here’s hoping you’ve had an incredibly productive day! I’ll be praying for you, and for me!
Comment by Fedora — December 19, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
Debb, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.
Comment by Robin — December 19, 2007 @ 8:03 pm
Debb, I am sorry for your loss…11 is such a young age to go…I will definitely keep you in my prayers…I am glad that you found your way back to this family…as you can see, we behind you all the way…
Jules, are you done yet? Just kidding…see you when you get back…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 19, 2007 @ 9:09 pm
I still have a few to buy and I am just starting to wrap what I have purchased. I haven’t sent any cards.
Comment by Crystal B. — December 19, 2007 @ 9:14 pm
Deb, so sorry for your loss.
Julie, loved this post. Seriously funny. I, who love shopping …
Comment by Carly — December 19, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
For all those missing loved ones {{{hugs}}}
I’ve at least started but nowhere near finished. In the store yesterday I was telling my daughter - there’s only 7 more days before christmas and at least 3 people turned around and said shhhhhhhhh - lol and others joined in the laughter - made us all feel better.
Comment by catslady — December 19, 2007 @ 10:20 pm
Paula, Vero
Thanks for the comments. Paula–geesh, that’s really tough. The only thing you can do is try and make some better, happier memories on those days in a way that honors the memory yet makes it easier for you. Kind of like the change of seasons…
Cher
Comment by Cher — December 20, 2007 @ 12:09 am
Thanks for all the prayers! I did finish all the kid’s gifts (daughter, nieces, nephews, friends) and tomorrow I’ll tackle the adults.
I also rolled 120 mini-meatballs and made a huge pot of spaghetti sauce for my daughter’s 4th grade party tomorrow. My left arm is killing me and I can’t sleep…stress will do that to you.
Debb, I’m truly sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what your family is going through. Please know you are all in my prayers.
My father-in-law died on the 17th of December four years ago–on the day we were burying my uncle. A month and a half later, my other uncle died. It was the worst year ever. I sympathize with everyone who experiences loss, but during the holidays, it’s even worse. Hugs to everyone!
As for the winner of my ARC, it’s #9, Laura J! Please email me with your snail mail address and I’ll get it out in the mail as soon as possible. My email is julie @ julieleto.com.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one terribly behind…but we’ll all catch up!
Comment by Julie Leto — December 20, 2007 @ 12:40 am
Major congarts on the win! I would have entered but I was trying to get presents out in the mail…standing in line at the PO was not what I wanted to do.
I still have several present to buy for and Christmas Cards? Yeah, right, they’re bought but may never make it out this year.
Anyway, I know I’m past the contest but wanted to post anyway.
Comment by Vicki — December 20, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Thank you Julie! I am REALLY looking forward to reading this!
Vicki, my cards are ready to go (well except for addressing them with labels, licking the envelope shut, and sticking the stamp on them).
Comment by Laura J — December 20, 2007 @ 3:46 pm