Ten Things Still to Do

Staci here, thinking up my list of ten things I’d still like to learn or do. I can all but guarantee that this list will change, maybe even by tomorrow, but at this moment in time, here it is:

• Learn how to use tools to fix a toilet and perform other odd jobs around the house. I’m very lucky that my husband is handy, but that’s made me ridiculously lazy in the home repair department. I need to learn to do these things myself. I mentioned this item to my husband, and he became offended and accused me of plotting to rid myself of him. I assured him this wasn’t the case, but that odds were in my favor I’d outlive him, since I’m a few years younger and women traditionally outlive men. He didn’t seem mollified by that answer.

• See the great sights (or would that be sites?) of America, such as Mount Rushmore, the Washington Memorial, and the Liberty Bell.  Nothing cements the events of history like seeing the actual locations where everything happened.

• Learn how to tweet. I keep hoping Twitter will be a passing fancy that I can ignore, but it’s stuck around much longer than I anticipated. At some point, I should probably learn the basics. Can’t you sense my enthusiasm?

• I’m going to steal one from Mary Anna and Priscilla’s lists. I need to start exercising. I like to tell myself I’d do a regular exercise program if only both kids were in school. Then I like to tell myself that I get plenty of exercise chasing after those same kids, but I really don’t.

• Read all the unread books in my bookcase. I’m slowly plugging away, but whenever I get close to catching up, people start passing books to me that they think I’ll enjoy, or I find a book sale and can’t help but buy a few, and then I’m back to working my way through a big stack.

• Which reminds me, I need to read more nonfiction books. I have a few on my bookcase, like From Dawn to Decadence, that have been sitting there patiently for years, but every time I pick one up, I feel like I’m back in school, and I put it back.

• I don’t enjoy shopping for clothes, but I’d like to eventually have a robust wardrobe where I can be invited to any event and already have the appropriate outfit to wear. I recently read Death by Darjeeling, and when the main character was invited to the opera, she immediately ran through the list of items in her wardrobe that might fit the bill. If I got such an invitation, I wouldn’t be running through a list, I’d be running to the mall. I also need outfits for that weekend yachting trip up in the Hamptons, a vacation at a dude ranch, and my stay at a ski chalet.

• Learn to deal with public speaking. Now that I have a book coming out (July 3rd!), I somehow agreed to a handful of book signings. Before September, I must quell my inner fear. I’d say more on this topic, but it’s making me nervous.

• Ride every roller coaster at Cedar Point. I may need two days to accomplish this goal, since Cedar Point now boasts over fifteen roller coasters and counting. Once the kids are older and taller, I’m booking that flight to Ohio. In the meantime, I hope to explore a few caves,
  take lots of hikes, and share many other adventures with the kids.

• Learn to start working on my blog earlier, so I don’t have to think up ten items at the last minute.

Comments

[Ann]

Hi Staci...
So you can handle loop-de-loops and roller-coastery accelerations and quick-turns without fear, but public speaking makes you quake in your shoes? It's an interesting combination!
I applaud your list, and a big CONGRATS on your upcoming book release!! YAY!! Just in time for the 4th of July fireworks!

[Susan Shea]

Staci, So excited that your debut book is coming out very soon - are you reading anywhere around the Bay Area so your LK pals can come to cheer you on? Most importantly, be sure to let the world know where to get the book!

[Staci]

Ann, I can scream my head off on a roller coaster and no one will pay any attention, but do taht at a book signing...
Thanks for the congratulations!

[Staci]

Susan, I'll be doing a series of signings in the Tri-Valley area in September with Ann and Penny, along with Carole Price (another debut author). Without my fellow authors propping me up, I don't know that I'd be doing any signings. We'd love to see our LadyKillers friends there!

[Dani Greer]

I would love to review this book. How can I get a copy?

[Priscilla]

Thanks for agreat list, Staci! Public speaking is one I'll add! By the way, your title for the new book is great.

[Michael A. Black]

Good list, Staci. It reasonated with me, although you'd have time to ride every roller coaster in the USA a dozen times each in the time it would take me to get through my unread books on my shelves. In fact, I can't even see the shelves anymore. Congrats on the book and good luck with the public speaking. Just pretend you're talking to a bunch of friends.

[Staci]

Thanks, Priscilla! My husband is in sales and has no trouble speaking before large groups. I wish it was that easy for me!

[Staci]

Michael, I have to constantly read and then pass the books along to make sure all the remaining books fit in the bookcase. Now my kids have books that take up three of those shelves, so it's even harder to keep the stacks from expanding.

[penny warner]

Great list! Love the last one about procrastination...of course, you left it to last....

[denver pool builders]

Hey there..

Finally some good advice. Very useful information that can help all us authors. Well done.