You know that adage “While the cat’s away…”? Well, my dear hubby is back in South Dakota and I have been burning the midnight oil. By reading. 
Oh, yeah. That’s me. Totally wild and crazy. staying up so late my eyes are all red and droopy the next day. I’ve been accused of having an hang over. 
I just finished two books: MY SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picault. Sad, dramatic, powerful. I made my daughter cry just by telling her the book’s premise. And LAST DANCE AT THE JITTERBUG LOUNGE by Pamela Morsi. As usual, extremely good. A very different take on a marriage-in-jeopardy story.
Oh, and I finished my line edits of DADDY BY SURPRISE in two days and turned in a partial for my next book(Mac’s story but still untitled)–lest you think I’ve been a total slug. 
Now, it’s time to prepare for the RWA National conference, which begins next week. Those of you who have been part of this blog over the years know that I have a love/hate relationship with these huge, annual gatherings. I love seeing my old friends and putting new faces to names I’ve met online, but the crowds, the lines, the worrying over clothes and wearing shoes that I don’t normally wear really zaps me.
Here’s where a good friend would bolster my flagging energy and try to pump me up. Waiting… Pl…ease. How ’bout if I include a bribe? Any uplifting comments will put you in the drawing for a book and one of my silly new promo items I ordered yesterday from Oriental Trading Company. You wouldn’t believe the kind of junk I had in my shopping basket until the reality of the grand total took my breath away and sanity returned. 
The only thing I really regret putting back was the flying frogs. But, really, how do they relate to my Spotlight on Sentinel Pass series? Sigh.
So, please, help me work on the Top Ten Reasons I Should Be Happy to Go To RWA National in San Francisco.
Deb
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Deb, You’ve been a busy bee! Just remember hard work pays off in the end. Its that sense of accomplishment. Even going to conferences you don’t like. Once it’s over, you’ll be glad you went. Have fun 
by Judith L.
on July 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 am
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How about great food and drink and making and meeting wonderful friends that you might not make otherwise?
by Ellen
on July 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
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Having just seen Mama Mia!, I have to say, I’m going to RWA with the express purpose of requesting “Dancing Queen” from the DJ at the Harlequin party.
Then I’m going to dance and dance and dance.
Any chance you’ll be joining me, Deb?
Ellen
P.S. Also, you have the opportunity to wear your tiara in public. How often does that happen? 
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Well, you’ll meet friends and maybe make some new ones and find some more great that’ll keep you awake at night.
by Minna
on July 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 pm
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You’re all just the shot in the arm I needed.
So far, my top ten reasons to be excited about going to San Francisco RWA are:
10. We can be Dancing Queens at the Harlequin Party. (Thanks, Ellen. My sis and I loved the movie, too.)
9. I can wear my lovely tiara in public without fear of getting laughed at or mugged.
8. Because I am open and receptive, I might very well make some new friends. Not sure about the keeping me awake all night part, Minna, but thanks for reminding of the first part.
7. I can eat and drink stuff I don’t have have to prepare!!! Why did I forget this part? I love to try new restaurants. Thanks, Ellen.
6. Eventually, this, too, shall pass, and I’ll look back with fond memories–or at the very least good stories to tell. Duh!!! 
Judith, this earned you a prize. Email me to discuss what to send you.
5. The wine/whine party.
4. The eHarlequin Pajama Party — and a chance to wear my beautiful silk robe that I bought in China.
3. The Let’s Talk Superromance Reader party. (I’m bringing my new favorite pistachio chips. Yum.)
2. Meeting my editor.
1. Hanging with my friends.
by Deb
on July 24th, 2008 at 10:07 am
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Hi Deb oh, I do miss being notified of your blogs. Your list of 10 sounds great - buy a new pair of fabulous shoes to take with you. I hear your hubby and my brother had quite the time while Paul was in SD. I wish I’d been born with the gene Ter has to eat as much as he wants and not gain an ounce - it is truly unfair!! Good thoughts to you and those near the fire that they will be safe. JM
by Jackie Maxwell
on July 28th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
