Down this road again...

I’m on the prowl again.  Things didn’t work out with my last agent, she left her company and things got fuzzy.  So here I am.  A free agent as they would say in sports.  Wouldn’t they say that?  Nevermind the analogy, I’ll have to ask my husband about that one.

Now I’m in the process of getting my manuscript as tight as I can so that I can begin submitting to agents and maybe even a few publishers.  The funny thing about this stage is that it’s exciting as much as it is anxiety inducing.  You begin to fret over the negative “what ifs” because you’ve been down this road before, but then you get so pumped about the potentially positive “what ifs” that you just feel is your destiny.  I’m super imaginative so I can so see myself accepting that publishing contract someday in the future.  I can see myself with a nice, long career in writing, totally giving up my science career.  Sadly, I am also a realist, and can see myself trying to reach the carrot that’s been dangling in front of my face, but never quite coming close enough to grab it.

I guess that’s why phrases like “Que sera sera” are clichés.  I specialize in clichés by the way.  If you  need one, hit me up.  I’ll be happy to lend you a few.

So, please keep me in your prayers and your thoughts!

And, here’s a few pics too, just to keep the tradition going!

Fourth of July 2011

 

New Year, New Me!

I’ve decided that in every aspect of my life, I’m going to put my BEST foot forward and put forth nothing but excellence.  I just want to be the best me that I can me (sooo cliché, but so true), so I’ve decided to do my best within this year to relinquish all (or most) of my vices and then improve upon my virtues and other good things in my life.

So here’s the good list:

*Improve my physical and mental condition.

Lol.  How’s that for starters?

Physically, I aspire to be in better shape, so I’ve recently taken up running.  The last two days I’ve essentially run/walked a 5K (both days!).  Today I did 3.3 miles and did the same yesterday (do I need to mention how I can feel absolutely every muscle in my body??).  This is toning me up way better than my elliptical workouts ever did and I am excited for the results that will be sprouting up soon.  #10lbsGoAwayNow!

Also, I plan to improve my skin care regimen and from my previous post, you might already know that I am on a journey with my hair now as well.

I’m excited that I will also be getting some improvements on my teeth.  My front tooth has been chipping lately over time and after speaking with my dentist, he told me that braces would help deter any long-term damage.  After speaking with an orthodontist, it was recommended that I get braces for approx. 12-18 months.  Now, I’m a 32 year old woman who does NOT have aspirations to return to adolescence, so I decided to move ahead with it and get Invisalign braces.  They’re the clear, plastic kind that are virtually indistinguishable!  Soooo excited about this fix.  

Then lastly, I’ve decided to be more patient.  Yes, I’ve decided.  I believe that having patience isn’t a gift, it’s a choice.  I wouldn’t say that I’m high strung, but I definitely have more anxiety than the average bear.  I noticed that the moment I made the decision to step into a perpetual zen zone (what I call it), that my emotions weren’t so wacky all the time.  Plus, it helps to meditate on the scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:3.

The bad list?

*Curtail my red wine habit

Well, I looooove red wine.  But, lo and behold, wine is NOT calorie free.  Darn.

Not to mention that it stains my teeth, and my workouts have been ineffective because of the extra calorie load.  When I finally get my Invisaligns, it will be that much harder to imbibe anyway since I have to wear them 22 hours a day and when I eat or drink anything I have to scrub them and brush my teeth.  It makes for a tedious routine so I may as well cut my losses now.  

            *My teeth being chipped away has also made me realize that I may be weakening my teeth with my nail biting habit.  So for the first time since I gave birth to my son, I actually have nails!! So this is a bad habit that I’m happy to kick.

So, that’s it for the moment.  Thanks for listening to my ramblings!!

Hair and Writing...not necessarily in that order

Okay, lots of new and exciting things happening!  Well, I have an agent now! Her name is Liz Jote’ of Objective Entertainment.  Things were actually finalized this past December and I’m overjoyed to be working with her—she truly ‘gets’ my writing and has really brought my novel to greater heights.  Typically, when it comes to stuff like this, I’m a realist.  My head is not usually in the clouds but I’ve got a feeling about things this time.  Keep your fingers crossed for me and if you’re not overtly opposed, whisper a few prayers on my behalf.   For more info on my writing, visit my official author website www.nicieconleymurphy.com.  Let me know what you think about it!

On another note…I’ve ditched my chemically processed hair for a new and improved version of my hair.   

Yes, I’ve cut it all off.  Not exactly Sinead O’Conner-esque, but darn close!  If you’ve ever known anyone with relaxed hair, or have it yourself, you might know that relaxed hair cannot be undone.  It’s not extremely versatile and it can be quite fragile.  I really wanted to embrace my hair the way it grows out of my head so I decided not to transition, but to just rid myself completely of the relaxed hair so that my true texture can shine through.  I’m thoroughly enjoying the feeling of wash and go hair, as well as getting to know my hair as God intended it to be.  I can’t wait until my twa (teeny weeny afro) has grown into the lioness’ mane that is sure to come.  Just this afternoon I ran out to get some Jojoba oil and other hair products.  (Shh! I’m a product junkie! Yikes)  It’s only been about a week and half and I’ve littered my bathroom sink with product after product after product trying to find my holy grail system.

And because I’m the Queen of snapshots, here are a few pics of my new ‘do!

More on hair later….

And this is the look I'm going for...that girl in the middle, she's my little sister.  Her hair rocks. 

The other women are (from left to right), my mom, Stephanie (my older sister),

Lori (younger sis), Kenya (my 12 year old niece), Angie (my other older sister), and Moi!

This is a picture of me, two of my sisters (my father's children), and my dad.  I was the only one left that had chemically processed hair.  Now, I've taken the plunge.  Conley girls unite!

Winter Happenings

Hi People!
It’s always so long between posts, but I aspire to do better in 2011! I have so much to blog about that I wonder if my fingers won’t be sore when I’m finally done! I suppose I’ll just highlight a few things and be done with it!

Life:It’s December now and the holidays are upon us! Luckily, even though I’ve had tons of birthday cake this Oct and Nov., and lots of Thanksgiving food, I haven’t put on any weight! What does this mean? It means I’m free to be a glutton this Christmas! Yaay!

Well, it does mean that, doesn’t it?

Imagine this

In honor of my father for Father's day, I wracked my brain for something special to do that didn't involve a tie, or a new wallet. What I came up with rivals all other gifts that I could have ever imagined.

Backstory.

My father is almost 70 (this November). He was born in Huntsville, AL to very young parents. His mother was only 16 years old when she had him in 1940. My grandfather wasn't much older, and together, within 3 years, they had 2 more children, my uncle, Eddie, and my aunt, Betty. My dad remembers yanking on her skirt while she was cooking and cleaning in the kitchen. She must've been obviously pregnant during the time of this memory, but he doesn't remember the details.

Two weeks after my Aunt Betty was born, my grandmother began hemmorraging. The only hospital in town denied her registration because she was black. She died. She was 19.

I can only imagine how such a young family fared in that time. Men didn't take care of children. That wasn't a man's place.

When my dad was 9, his family (and a new stepmom to boot), moved to Louisville, KY to start a new life with other family.

....I was born in 1978. I share my grandmother's name.

May/June Happenings

My son is now 6 months old! Can you believe it! I can't! It seems like yesterday that I was carrying him, and now he's all over the place, getting into EVERYTHING!! He's such a happy baby and is truly a unique character. My daughter is a minature adult now and we have a wonderful time watching her grow up and listening to all the things she has to say.

Here are a few pics (since that's what I do best :)

Lovely Days

Its been a while, and now I’m back to work. Back to writing. And back to being a busy busy bee.

My son is 4 months old now, and my daughter is 2 ½. They are a hoot!! If you could only see my daughter play “mother hen” to my son, you’d fall out of your chair laughing. The only thing is that when she pats him on the head, I have to constantly remind her to be gentle. Toddlers don’t know boundaries and she is no exception.

My son is getting Christened on Easter and I’m super excited. All of our family is coming up and in honor of Mathias, we are all wearing blue. We wore pink for my daughters Christening which was 2 short years ago.

And because you know I can’t resist, here are some pics of my family these last few months!

Family

It's been a month now since I last posted, but alas this month has been busy. Christmas is now upon us, and I'm finally able to get out into the hustle and bustle.

Anywho...here are some family pics that we just took with our amazing photographer, Megan.

Enjoy!

He has Arrived!!

I'm happy to announce that I have a new son, Mathias, which means "Gift of God"

born November 14, 2009 at 6:16 p.m.

Weighing 7 lbs, 10 ounces

Measuring 21 inches long

Maternity Photos

Here are a few of my maternity photos. I was 27 weeks in these pics.

These photos are the work of Megan Parker at www.meganparkerphoto.com/

She's amazing as you can see!

And now, a few maternity photos from my last pregnancy!

Yeah, I know, I'm a bad blogger. I stick my head in about once every two months for an update, but what can I say? Life's busy. Especially now when I've got a toddler with mounds of energy and a new baby to plan for.

I am excited so that's why I'm posting. My husband and I, with our daughter, just got back from our maternity session with the best and most pleasant photographer in our city. I want to post some of the pics here, but I need to make sure I have persmission first, so here is the link to her blog with a few of the photos posted.

http://meganparkerphoto.com/blog/
Just scroll down to the August 15 post.

I cannot wait until the newborn session we'll take with her once Mathias is here.
I've got 13 more weeks until due date and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

My cup runneth over.

Writing Reflections

I don’t blog much about my writing. I guess because I know if I get started in that habit that I might never stop and then there’d be no boundaries left at all. I’ve read horror stories about writers who have crossed the line in the TMI category and I have been determined to avoid it. What I’ve done is essentially end up in the opposite camp. One who never blogs about writing. Aye de mi!

I’ve been doing a lot of editor/agent blog reading lately and have been filing away quite a few tidbits about the industry. It’s like a maze out there and I can say that I am feeling my way around in the dark. My agent definitely helps me out in that regard, but I am such a nerd that I find myself compelled to learn all there is to know about publishing.

I want to know about book deals, and clauses, and foreign rights, and everything….well, everything except rejections, of course. I find myself scouring the internet for any relevant piece of information.

There are a few blogs of anonymous editors that I particularly like (such as editorial anonymous and editorialass) as well as one authored by an anonymous intern. They are truly eye opening and not in the normal sense. Everything I read on publishing is devoured in seconds, but what is startling to me are the strange things some writers do to get noticed. I am at a loss for words at some of the things that writers will do to attract the attention of an agent and/or editor. I am no stranger to the feeling of desperation of wanting your work to be on display. I often get impatient with the process and find myself daydreaming about my moment of Glory (which is really God’s moment since he is the reason for my success, should I ever garner any), but good ole common sense will preclude me from ever acting on any of my non-sensical whims, if I ever had any that is.

I mean, if pregnancy can’t teach a gal to be patient then I suppose publishing can finish the job. Maybe it’s no coincidence they both begin with the letter P.

Maybe that could be my next novel….Publishing and Pregnancy: one’s a pain in the membrane, the other’s a pain in the ____.

Really, I’m joking and although you might not be laughing, I’m cracking myself up. Lol. Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t be writing comedy.

Farewell My Summer Love

Farewell….

To the great Michael Jackson
(b. August 1958-d. June 25, 2009)

He was an amazing performer and musician. He can’t be topped. He had the best selling record worldwide of all time and no one has ever come close. In this day of downloading and ripping CD’s, I doubt anyone ever will.
Michael Jackson and I go way back. Maybe not as far back as others have gone, but far enough. My first memory of MJ was when Thriller came out. I was about 5 years old and too young to watch it without getting nightmares. It took me another 5 years to gather the courage to watch it alone. I have a old memory of finding my older sister Stephanie's Thriller LP album cover and setting it up on my nightstand as a poster. My next memory is of Stephanie’s lifesize poster in her bedroom. He had on the yellow vest and had a curl. He was so cute. And more than that, the man was just plain coooool.

(His lean was waaay hot before Matrix made it hot)

In 1999, I had the opportunity to intern in France for the summer. While I was there I learned that MJ was having a benefit concert in Munich, Germany. I bought my ticket and hopped on the train and joined the thousands of fans from all over the world as we witnessed a bit of history. That concert tour was called “What More Can I Give”. There I also had the pleasure of seeing Luther Vandross perform as well. I even made a sign that had the USA flag behind the words “We Luv U 2”. I did’t want him to think his American fans had forgotten him (some people thought I meant the band U2, which was kind of frustrating. I thought the message was clear, but I guess not). Michael is the reason that I met a wonderful French girl by the name of Celine that summer. We bonded over MJ's music and she told me that she first learned English by listening to MJ's lyrics. We saw each other for the first time since 1999 in October 2007 when my family and I went to Italy. It was a wonderful reunion and I cherish the memory. This is just one example of how MJ has brought people together all over the world.

I have posters, buttons, magazines, even a wallet that I bought for about 3000 lire (which was like a dollar back then) in Italy. I have a Michael Jackson watch and plenty of T-shirts. One with the infamous tippy toe feet. That one is cool.

I have every album he’s ever made. Even those of The Jacksons and The Jackson 5. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Jackson 5 Christmas Album. It’s a tradition in my home. I played that album so much when I was little that my younger sister, Lori, caught on and now it’s a tradition in her home as well.

Words cannot express what his music has done for so many people. I guess that's why so many fans showed up at his hospital, and the Apollo, and his Neverland ranch in California. Regardless of all the other hoopla that occurred over the years, only God judge him now. But, rest assured that we’ll miss the music Mike. We’ll definitely miss the music.

Interesting Childbirth article

If you’ve read my blog and/or clicked on my links then you know I’m an advocate for natural childbirth. It’s the most effective and safest way to give birth and I’d personally rather weather the storm of labor pains than to increase my likelihood of caesarean section or worse.

Anywhoo…here is an interesting tidbit I’ve learned from Midwifeinfo.com. What do you think?

I for one am all for alternatives to epidural anesthesia. Also, if it doesn't take the pain completely away then your body can still respond to the contractions, thus allowing a mother to effectively push her baby out. This would result in fewer c-sections and less inductions (which are the devil I tell you!).

As Ms. Rooks notes in her editorial in the March 2008 edition of the journal Birth, "most U.S. women also lack access to many non-pharmacologic methods to cope with labor pain that, although less effective than epidural analgesia, provide sufficient and satisfactory pain relief to a significant proportion of the women who use them during labor." American women might be surprised to learn that "nitrous oxide is used by the majority of women in many countries
that are relatively similar to the U.S. in general socioeconomic and medical standards,” including 48 percent of the women who gave birth in Finland (2005), 46 percent of those who gave birth in New South Wales, (2004), forty-three percent of women birthing in British Columbia, (2004-5, either alone or with other agents), and fully half of all women birthing in the U.K. (2000). So what happened here, where nitrous oxide was once commonly used in hospitals around the country? Ms. Rooks faults "the evolving epidural monoculture in some hospital obstetric units" where the options for women have become, effectively, an epidural or nothing, perhaps a bit of synthetic narcotic (usually promoted by the nursing staff to get the patient through until she can have her epidural). The complete editorial, entitled "Nitrous Oxide for Pain in Labor--Why Not in the United States?" can be found in Birth, Volume 34 Issue 1 Page 3-5, March 2007.

So, we had another ultrasound this morning….

And we were blessed to find out that I am indeed having a baby boy!

His baby boy parts were very evident on the screen so I can rest assured that there will be no confusion on the day of his birth.

I am so excited because now I can go shopping!!! I truly felt like I couldn’t shop right. I will forever hold to my assertion that shopping for yellow and green isn’t nearly as fun as shopping for pink or blue. And since I have no patience whatsoever it was imperative that I find out the sex as soon as possible.

Now, I can shop in pink, size 2T for my daughter and shop in blue, all sizes for my son. Wow. My son. That’s soooo cooool! I’m so on cloud nine right now.

If you haven’t been reading my posts, the reason I knew it was a boy was only because of the name I found.

My daughter’s name is Anaiah, which means “God has answered”. She was an answer to a prayer. When I got pregnant with her, I had several boy names picked out: Isaiah, Elijah, and Micah. All biblical, but I had no true connection with the names. I also wanted a biblical name choice for a girl, so when I found Anaiah, my hubby and I quickly agreed that it would be the one.

Hubby and I both hoped for a girl, but I didn’t want to claim it because I was too nervous. He said that he knew all along.

This time around, when I found the name Mathias, which means “Gift of God”, I knew from that moment on that he was a boy. Since he was a surprise baby, he's like a present that someone knocks on your door to hand you that you never knew you always wanted. Call it coincidence if you like, but I call it FAITH. God certainly knows better than I.

I knew that the same way Anaiah’s name is a testimony to her life, Mathias’ name would be a testimony to his.
Do I have to tell you how long the 12 week wait was to find out? It felt more like 120 weeks.

Mathias, I can’t wait to introduce myself to you as your momma!

Strolling Down Memory Lane

This pic is of me and my hubby on our fourth anniversary. I can truly say that I love him more today than ever before. He and I have grown so close over the last six years since we met. Yes, I would definitely marry him all over again. (Sorry for the cleavage. In pregnancy, it's hard to avoid it, considering how they are preparing to serve their one true purpose and all, Lol.)

May 21, 2009

Just a Glamour Shot (sorry, vanity runs in my family. I got it honest)

In honor of my anniversary, here is a pic of me and my loverboy, May 21, 2005.

St. Louis Zoo Pic (See Mr. Leopard in background) -
see previous post for explanation of St. Louis/Zoo Trip.

Me in my bridesmaids dress, passing time until the wedding began. This was for the wedding I was in on May 23, 2009, for one of my closest pals since college.

Me and the Bride, goofing off (at her wedding).

Me and the Bride (from above), goofing off (at mine!)