Monday
08Feb2010

Using the Blog to Make Friends

People sometimes ask me why I blog. I have no good answer. When I started this blog, oh so many years ago, the thought was that I would use it to promote my book, Lessons In Stalking. (See the promotional link? Subtle, yes?) The idea was I would write about my journey of book promotion. However, after the fifth, "I did a book signing. Three people showed up," entry, I decided a new focus was desperately needed. 

I started writing about daily life. Which is the worst possible thing you can do on a blog, according to the experts. It's the "No one cares you ate tuna fish for lunch," rule. Or in my case the, "No one cares you ran yet another mile. Stop the self-congratulating and go shower, already," rule. 

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DateMonday, February 8, 2010 at 7:38 PM | AuthorDena Harris | Comment4 Comments | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | tagged , , , , , in , , , ,
Friday
05Feb2010

Uwharrie Mountain Run... Not For Me

It's time to come clean. I am dropping out of this Saturday's 20-mile Uwharrie Mountain Run. There was a chance the race was going to be cancelled due to inclement weather and I hoped this might help me save face, but no such luck. An e-mail from the race director came through last night with the subject line "THE RACE IS ON!!"

Here are my reasons for backing out:

  • We already have snow accumulation on the ground. As I type this, more snow and freezing rain is falling. Uwharrie is a treacherous run during dry conditions. Running downhill on loose gravel covered in ice scares me. 
  • I'm not ready. I have done minimal trail running and no hill work. 
  • I need an attitude adjustment. Running the mountain requires a big dose of "bring it!" attitude which is missing from my mental make-up. 
  • I want a friend. It's more fun to suffer and struggle through one of these things when you have a partner to push you. 

I'm disappointed in myself. Sitting out the race because of the weather is probably the smart call, but I know that I lucked out with that excuse. I would have run it if the weather had been clear, but I know I'm not ready and I'm just as happy to have an excuse to bail. 

What I'm looking at for Saturday instead is a 20-mile run on the treadmill. I'm hoping I can get to Greensboro to run with the group but we'll see what Mother Nature holds in store for us.

Meanwhile, it's absolutely stunning outside. A fresh inch of snow on the trees and rooftops and big, fat, flakes continue to fall. 

I haven't given up. Next year, Uwharrie, be warned.

I'm comin' for ya. 

DateFriday, February 5, 2010 at 6:59 AM | AuthorDena Harris | Comment5 Comments | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | tagged , , , , , in
Tuesday
02Feb2010

What's Up In Dena's World?

This week has our favorite writer feeling frazzled. To get a grip on life (and because she has, like, ZERO energy to come up with anything more creative), here's a quick peek behind the wizard's curtain:

WORK

  • 2 newsletter articles
  • Developmental edit on book due to editor
  • Write, rewrite, rip apart and write again children's book for client
  • Conduct interviews, interviews, interviews for other book for client
  • Transcribe interviews, interviews, interviews
  • Write book from interviews, interviews, interviews
  • Compose query letter and sample columns for magazine I want to work for as a columnist

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DateTuesday, February 2, 2010 at 8:50 PM | AuthorDena Harris | Comment4 Comments | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | tagged , , in , , , ,
Monday
01Feb2010

Food Rationing

We got hit this weekend with about 10" of snow. Because I am a calm, rational, hard-core Mid-Westerner, I don't follow the rest of the lemmings to the supermarket at the first hint of snow, stocking up on bread, milk, batteries and duct tape as though Armageddon is at hand.

This, I believe, makes me intellectually superior to those around me.

It also makes me stuck in the house with no damn food to eat. 

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DateMonday, February 1, 2010 at 9:15 AM | AuthorDena Harris | Comment3 Comments | | | Print ArticlePrint Article | tagged , , in
Saturday
30Jan2010

Best Day Ever: Haley Finds A Home

Who can resist a face-eating dog?The power of the blog, people. The power of... the... BLOG.

Or the power of the exceptionally cute puppy. Whatever. Neighbors, running buddies, and all around good people Josh and Iris saw the Petco pictures on the prior blog entry and were captivated by "Brains... I need more brains... Haley," as seen here. We exchanged a few e-mails on where said couple might go to meet Haley, if, strictly hypothetically, they decided they were in the market for a third dog. 

They went, they saw, they fell in love. Haley (soon to be renamed) came home with them that day. 

I all but did cartwheels around the house. I know what wonderful people Josh and Iris are and I am happy-to-the-point-of-tears for this dog that can't even imagine what a wonderful life she's going to lead. 

I've been promised pictures along with a name reveal, so stay tuned for updates. 

And beware. This is the second dog I've found a home for among friends. I'm coming for the rest of you. (That means you, Kim.)

Cheers,

Dena

DateSaturday, January 30, 2010 at 6:41 PM | AuthorDena Harris | Comment3 Comments | | | Print ArticlePrint Article
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