September 4th, 2009 | by KateDouglas |
***I’d forgotten about the long weekend, so I’m extending the contest for a free book until Monday, and I’ll pick two winners instead of just one***
Ever have one of those weeks where you’d like to punch a “redo” button? That’s sort of how mine’s been. I’m working on my Zebra book, the second in my DemonSlayers series (HELLFIRE) and I think I’ve “rewritten” more than I’ve written. I had to make an unexpected trip to town (when you live in the boonies, a trip to town takes a whole day) and have to go back this morning, which means two entire days lost to what I’d rather be doing, which is writing. My editor emailed me on Wednesday and wanted a synopsis for a novella due in January–one I hadn’t even thought about because the contract I haven’t had time to read is still sitting on my kitchen counter.
I managed to come up with a story idea and sent that in Wednesday night, but then I went back to HellFire and realized that I’ve written a heroine without any guts at all, and I do NOT like wussy women, so that means going back through the 50k I’ve got so far and “fixing” Ginny. Then I spent two days trying to build an Excel database with no idea how to do it, which was more wasted time…point being, I want to hit “redo” and go back to Monday. I want to write Ginny as the tough, gutsy and sort of mouthy heroine I know she really is. I want to have that story idea for the novella all mapped out and ready to go. I want to know that my Facebook friend Kay can build my database in about twenty minutes (which she did, bless her heart!) and save me all those hours of tearing my hair, and then…
Nah. Because if I hit “redo,” I might miss the good stuff. I’ve gotten some wonderful letters this week from readers who’ve read Chanku Challenge in Sexy Beast VII and thanked me for explaining all of Beth’s problems. If I hadn’t gone to town, I wouldn’t have had that time with my granddaughter and heard all about her first days at kindergarten, and if I’d figured that database out on my own, I wouldn’t have been reminded just how amazingly generous my online friends really are, so guess I’ll just quit whining and head down the hill.
Sexy Beast VII
What about you? Anything recently where you want to do it all over? Go ahead…dish! I’m waiting to hear. And to add incentive, I’ll be giving away a copy of one of my books to one of you who posts. I’m headed out, but I’ll check back later!
kate-your idea of a “redo” button is fascinating. I am celebrating 30 years at my real job today and, at the same time, working on my first novel. I have been musing (no pun intended!) over how my life might be different if I was writing for 30 years! But I can’t imagine that because I’d probably be a totally different person now if that had been my start. And I’d have maybe missed a great husband, good kids and fantastic grandkids but, most of all, wouldn’t be who I am today. And, ya know, I kind of like me sitting here at 55 still trying to live my dreams. Your books give me good things to think about-I have enjoyed the Chanku spirit and your first DemonSlayer book. Life’s what you make it-but the choices make you.
by Janell · September 4th, 2009 at 11:53 amOk. It’s been one of those months, and its only the 4th day of September. Can I have a whole 4 days redo? I haven’t had time to read this week. Ughhhh. Started my new class at school. And can i say how much I hate math? What do i need Algebra for anyways? The baby is cutting teeth, and he forgot how to sleep through the night, the kids are driving me crazy with all this school paperwork that I have to fill out, have notarized and all the school supplies they are requiring this year, and to top it all off, on our way to school, my son tells me he needs these papers signed today, and yes they also have to be notarized, and to make it worse, I forgot to pay the cable bill, and they came knocking this am. Didn’t even have my second cup of coffee yet. So can I please start this month all over? lol
lawbratt29@yahoo.com
by Melanie Ditro · September 4th, 2009 at 11:58 amKate, as I said early take the time out with your favorite drink and a good book. Go outside and enjoy for at least an hour. You will see the light and everything will fall into place.
Tracey
by Tracey · September 4th, 2009 at 12:00 pmMy “redo” moment? I would have gotten my condo in California on the market waaaay sooner than I did and maybe I could have paid cash for a house in Tennessee as planned!!!
by tamara holbert · September 4th, 2009 at 12:04 pmKate,
by Cheree · September 4th, 2009 at 12:04 pmI also think the “redo” button would be great especially when I go to check my checking account and finding I messed up again and did too much spending. Hit the “redo” button and go back and change my mistakes.
I love your books, just got my copy of Sexy Beast VII, and can’t wait for Wolf Tails 9.
Hope next week is better for all of us!
Janell, I feel exactly as you do. I know that not all my choices have been all that great, but they’re all part of who and what I am, and I can’t imagine having more fun…as far as that thirty years when you weren’t writing? Well, I spent twenty writing and getting rejections, but I was also learning and growing and living life. I signed my first NY publishing contract when I was 55, and in retrospect, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Things happen when they should.
Tracey, yesterday I took your advice and went outside and watered the yard. That’s one of the most relaxing things I can do. (I don’t just “sit quietly” very well!) it was a gorgeous day…and I’m looking forward to the drive to town. It’s all through the mountains and the maples are already beginning to turn. Should be a nice drive over the hill. Thanks!
by KateDouglas · September 4th, 2009 at 12:08 pmI’d like to redo the whole summer, not because of bad stuff happening but more because I was too lazy and didn’t get half of what I wanted done completed. I drive school bus so I got the summer off but I go back to work on Tuesday and my own university classes start on the 28th. The end of summer means the end of laziness and I wish I had more time to goof off.
by Celest Fitzpatrick · September 4th, 2009 at 12:12 pmOh man, what I wouldn’t do for a redo button! I’d sleep more, eat less and exercise — well, at all!
I’d spend more quality time with my family and less money.
I’d lock myself in a quiet place — check that — outside, sunny, no bugs, a very quiet waiter to keep me fed and hydrated — and READ!
But at the same time, I’d have enough hours in the day to do everything else! 
Heh heh.
~bella
by Bella · September 4th, 2009 at 12:13 pmRedo button!!! Dh has been in the hospital since July 18th. I have to work (4.5 hours away from the hospital) which means driving up Friday and driving back Sunday.
But like you if I hit the redo button, dh wouldn’t have a new liver that is working wonders. Now if I could just redo the part where he got meningitis two days before he was suppose to be released to come home.
by Chris Roberts · September 4th, 2009 at 12:18 pmYesterday. I so wish I could redo yesterday. It started out great, but somewhere along the line just went wrong. I ended the day depressed, up to late, worried about a friend, and without all my homework done. But I guess most of it worked out in the end. Sometimes we just don’t know what’s best for us!
by Ley · September 4th, 2009 at 12:28 pmI have gotten to the point where like you I realize if I did have a redo button I would miss out on those wonderful quirky moments that when you look back really do make life interesting. I am glad that you prefer your female characters to be smart and sassy. I like having characters that I can identify with more. Working in typical male dominated field, I have learned that smart and sassy is about the only way to maintain my sanity.
by Margie · September 4th, 2009 at 12:31 pmKate, I so wish many days that I had a redo button. But then I pick up a book and go to another world and it’s like a redo button. Have a good weekend!
by Doris · September 4th, 2009 at 12:41 pmMy redo would be to not get more fraudulent checks, not have do a time suck at the sheriff’s office and the bank, and not have to deal with phone calls from the ether that do nothing but hang up, or try and sell me garbage- on my private unlisted cell phone number. I should have holed up and read books all week, turned off the phone and never checked the mail.
Re smart and gutsy women, when you work only with men in a man’s field and have to prove yourself to the men or get out. Then they say you’re not a real woman. Gah! Talk to the mate about that one LOL, he’s the one that taught me how to be this way.
by Cass · September 4th, 2009 at 12:42 pmI’d like to redo Monday Aug. 31st, and not go to the doctor’s office and get a cortisone shot in my wrist, it hurt like you wouldn’t believe.
by Dianne Meierotto · September 4th, 2009 at 12:44 pmI tell people all the time her at the police station that when I was yournger that I use to pray for boobs, little did I know that God really has a sense of humor and I would grow up to work at a police department and be surround by boobs! LOL
It is really a double edged sword. You have to be strong and tough but if your are too tough and strong then you are a lesbian and if your are too feminine then you are a princess or a token to make “quota”. It doesn’t matter that you do your job better or faster than your male counterparts.
I love it when a woman is the lead character and kicks butt without having to take crap for it!
by Margie · September 4th, 2009 at 12:50 pmSome times I would love a redo button, but I would only like to change parts of the last week. I was crazy busy and some of it was good, some I could do without. I sold 3 houses and I’d like to keep that part but I spent the rest working out of town away from my family, that I would like to change. So now I am tired and all I want to do is have a long hot bubble bath and read a good book. Can I hit the redo button now because I have to go out of town again and I won’t see my husband until tomorrow evening now. It will all be worth it when I am climbing up to the Mt Everest Base camp.
by Lynn Haskin · September 4th, 2009 at 12:55 pmSo I have been following your work for the last year and a half and I am glad to say that I only need to get your Star Quest Series and I will have all your books. I have not read them all just yet but I ma getting there. I would have to say that I am having so much fun with the Wolf Tales series. I feel like anything can happen and they will stick together thru it all. It kinda gives me hope. Thanks for all your wonderful writing and I cant wait for your next couple of books to come out.
by Chelsea · September 4th, 2009 at 1:28 pmChelsea Beck
Hey Kate…yeah, you are going down to town. The past week is one that I wish I could “redo,” but as you state. “Your life is the sum total of your experiences,” and without them you wouldn’t be who you are…I added that part, so I decided not to stress myself out over what happened. I love the covers of SBVII and WT9, btw.
Peace and love,
by Paula R · September 4th, 2009 at 1:31 pmPaula R.
Kate, it’s always a pleasure 2 read of your daily travails, and then switch 2 another web-link 2 read the description of the man, firmly in the Winter of Life, who was able 2 describe his dream of being a tree whose trunk may B ending but whose leaves and roots reached out beyond the scope of our meager eyes. Sure, i was originally drawn 2 the website with the “carrot” of free books, but i am glad i wandered into your online comments. I suddenly feel a burst of fresh air that will make my next efforts a bit easier.–yours, ken mcmillan, author of upcoming Worlds of Autism novels
by ken mcmillan · September 4th, 2009 at 1:52 pmKate, whining is good for the soul. I used to work for the state of Cal and I have learned to make it a science. ;> D I learned a long time ago that everything happens right on time. Not necessarily my time but that is what the idea of a “redo” button is all about. For the past week I have been dropping pots and burning my leg, not watching where I was going and falling cause I stepped in a pothole. Sliding in the kitchen and falling over my granddaughter’s spilled Kool Aid. I have been cursing and my body has been talking about my mental state. I think that somebody is telling me that I need to pay attention and slow down to a speed I can safely navigate. Sore everything says, YOU WILL LISTEN AND DO!!! With my kids and friends yelling at me to take care of myself, I am using this time to whine but truth be told, they are right and I will heed the warning and instruction. I think my time is up.
Talk to you later. Mo
by Mo · September 4th, 2009 at 1:55 pmKate, we all have those. I’ve had that kind of week myself. Today especially! It’s good that you look at the positive side of it too though.
Anyway, thanks for posting this site. I haven’t seen it before. I love it!! I now have some more books to read (while I’m waiting on your next book of course)!
by Lisa · September 4th, 2009 at 2:14 pmI think we all wish we had a redo button for certain times in our lives. I know I do. Hinesight is 20/20. I think that is why books become so all very important to me. It is my time to escape into a world that doesn’t overwhelm. Even if it is for a brief 5 minutes a day it 5 minutes worth taking. I hope your life becomes less stressful and more productively stress free. Thanks for letting us escape through your writings. You make us want to go on in our lives where a redo button would be nice.
by Lynda · September 4th, 2009 at 2:48 pmI can think of a couple of times I wouldn’t have minded being able to do redo. I think there are times everyone would love to redo something.
by Larena Wirum · September 4th, 2009 at 3:45 pmIf I only had a “redo” button at work…..attitudes would change….work would be accomplished….and all the petty drama that I could care less about in others lives would be gone……Thanks for writing such wonderful books that help me “undo” all the stress work gives my life…..
by Heather Swayngim · September 4th, 2009 at 4:15 pmWhat about hitting redo for those times when you just want to savor the moment and look at the experience when not overwhelmed by emotion or fatigue etc. That is one of the reasons to read because the experience can be repeated and the story started over again.
by Lindsey Ekland · September 4th, 2009 at 4:34 pmRedo buttons for everyone!!! Seriously considering the same option, wouldn’t that be lovely? Never the less, I have had the same type of week and it’s really good to know that others are too. Misery loves company etc…… I can totally commiserate with Excel, as I just recently started a new job and the co-mgr. gave me ALL of the clerical duties. Tearing out HIS hair seems more like my style though.
On the plus side, grandchildren make it all worthwhile, and while the new job is a challenge, it’s a good one and that too is worthwhile. So, onward I march and every now and then pray for the magic genie with a redo button.
by shelia c. · September 4th, 2009 at 5:00 pmRedo would be great, but as we have previously stated, going through life’s little “bumps” ends up making us stronger. If we hit redo at every little “bump” we all be a bunch of woosies and not strong, vital women!!!!
by Suzanne · September 4th, 2009 at 5:23 pmI would love a redo for two nights ago! I know we can learn a lot from “life’s little bumps” but sometimes there are just things you don’t need to learn from, you just need/ want to take em back.
My daughter borrowed a book from me a few nights ago. It wasn’t mine, it belonged to a friend. My daughter spilled water all over it after I had told her to be extra careful. I snapped at her and told her she couldn’t borrow my books anymore.
Thankfully, it only took me a short while to be grateful that my 17 year old WANTED to read a book of mine (not erotica!) and that the cost of replacing the book for my friend was less than the damage of hurting my daughter’s feelings. So all is well now, but if I could redo being so snappy to begin with, I would!
by Diane · September 4th, 2009 at 5:40 pmi’d only want a ‘redo’ if i had knowledge of what to do to clean up the situation that needed redoing.
by Denice · September 4th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I wish that i could redo that last four days, it has been rough to say the least, with both kids sick, but i got a quick pick me up, your latest book, yum
by jackie jones · September 4th, 2009 at 7:09 pmGreat post Kate! Man, there have been many times in my life where I wanted to do a redo. A lot of those times had to do with writing. I’ve been working on an 86k manuscript for a while and, like you mention, a lot of that time is spent in revising.
There are times when it’s so hard to get on paper the vision I have in my mind of a character. Anyway, I submitted the manuscript to an agent, who took the time to email and let me know the issue she had with it. I completely agreed with her points and it really burned that I hadn’t caught that before submission.
That’s happened before and it can be very discouraging.
by Michelle Lauren · September 4th, 2009 at 7:40 pmI can completely understand, I occasionally have days that I would love to hit the “redo” button. The only thing is, there is usually several good things from that day that I don’t want to lose. I hope the rest of your week/weekend gets better.
by Amanda Kunstman · September 4th, 2009 at 7:41 pmI’ve so much of my life on a computer, that having the undo buttons seems so normal that when I’m dealing with real life it seems odd that I can’t make use of it then. I have to admit it would really come in handy when in the kitchen when I’m cooking and baking.
by Sue A. · September 4th, 2009 at 8:18 pmMy redo would be the color I had my husband paint the kitchen. I get a room in the house redone every year by my handy dandy hubby. Just a few months ago I got new cabinets, new stove, microwave, faucet. He ripped down a wall, all kinds of stuff. Well, I had him paint the remaining walls purple! I look at it now and it looks like an Easter Egg. AWFUL. I really don’t like it at all. I think I just picked it because I couldn’t make up my mind. I just can’t stand it. So even though I will not be doing the work, that would for sure be my redo. YUCK
by Amy M · September 4th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
If I could “redo” this morning on my job, I definitely would! I informed one of the supervisors about an error that I discovered which was made by another division of our company. Apparently, the supervisor was having quite a few issues herself, and she snapped my head off in front of my coworkers. As we all know, there will be no apology coming from the supervisor. I will feel uncomfortable around her for a long time. 
by Virginia C · September 4th, 2009 at 9:10 pmHi Kate,
by Felicia T., Chicago · September 4th, 2009 at 9:12 pmGreat idea about the redo button, wish I could go back and redo the entire week, did some on the job training all week and today I finally got a chance to go back to my desk, which was swamped because when I am away my work just piles up, I sure wish that I had a back up or just a little help. I guess I’ll follow your lead and just stop whining
Boy can I sympathize with this! I’ve done the same thing lately and while I agree on not changing the longterm, I’d really like to redo the last 6 months.
by Beth aka Scifibookcat · September 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pmHey Kate,
I’m with you in that, as much as I would like a “redo,” I would miss too much good stuff, I might not meet the neat people I have and I agree with another poster who said that they might not be the same person if they had a “redo.”
I save all my mulligans (redos) for the Disc Golf course!
Carrie
by Carrie from Wisconsin · September 4th, 2009 at 11:03 pmWow! This will teach me to leave on blog day…
Tamara–there are a whole lot of people saying the same darned thing! Prices here are in the basement, which is only good if you want to buy a house in California right now!
Cheree…excellent time to call for a redo. I’m afraid to look at my checkbook…
Celest–are you SURE you’d want to redo lazy? I think that sounds like a mental health break, especially for someone who drives a school bus!
Bella, yours sounds wonderful, but I think you’d need a magic genie and a whole stack of wishes to get all that!
Chris, I had no idea you’ve been going through all of that! Is your husband over the meningitis? When does he finally come home? I will definitely hold the good thought for both of you.
Ley, I’m sorry. Wish you could redo that one, too, though sometimes just getting through those bad days makes the rest look even better. Take care.
Margie, I’d love to know what you do–women who have to work with mostly men develop a wonderful sense of self confidence–I see it in my daughter. It’s like you have to put up with so much every day, you somehow learn to cope a whole lot better than the rest of us!
Doris, now you know why I love writing so much!
by Kate Douglas · September 4th, 2009 at 11:21 pmMargie, I do agree, believe me. If you read my books, you’ll know that ALL my heroines are tough and they’re usually control freaks. My women don’t take any crap off anyone, which is why I’m rewriting Ginny in HellFire. I realized last night she was going along with the hero MUCh too easily!
WOW! Lynn–congrats on the sales but i want to hear more about Mt. Everest!!! Are you scheduled to climb, just going to the base camp or WHAT?
Thank you so much Chelsea!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my books. I have WAY too much fun writing them… 
Thank you Paula–saw your text but haven’t even had time to open it! Will check it when I get where I’ve got a signal.
by Kate Douglas · September 4th, 2009 at 11:30 pmThank you, Ken. My dad’s been gone for 36 years and I still miss him every day. He was such an amazing man and I still recall him describing those thoughts as he was nearing his end. He would be amazed by all the “leaves” there are now! So many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all of them wonderful. (and never, ever feel guilty about trying to nab a free book! Those suckers are expensive, which is part of the reason I’m so excited about the new series–mass market and only $6.99!)
Mo? May I quote you on that “whining is good for the soul” line? I like that…and be careful! You don’t need to be landing on your butt like that, m’dear! You’ve got to stay healthy so you can read for me. As soon as I “fix” Ginny, I’m sending you some pages.
Lisa, so glad you’ve found us! Not all but most of the Aphrodisia authors blog here, and I think most of them give away books. There’s always something going on!
Thank you, Lynda. I really do appreciate the kind words.
Larena, I had a “redo moment” myself today when I pulled out onto the freeway and realized the traffic was going about 4 mph! Took me twenty minutes to get to the next place where I could pull off and take a different road. I SO wanted to redo that merge!
Thank you, Heather. That’s the nice thing about writing–I work in my office at home w/o having to deal with anything beyond my husband wondering what I’m going to fix him for dinner–no drama, not petty little issues, just a really cute, occasionally starving spouse….
What a neat thought, Lindsey! You’re right, though. There are so many times where you wish you could go back and savor the moment–I think about when my kids were little and we were so busy with so much and my husband worked nights. He missed a lot of things during those years. I’d like to do them over and slower!
by Kate Douglas · September 4th, 2009 at 11:42 pmSheila C…Excel and I will never be friends. I wish you well…and you can always IMAGINE tearing out the boss’s hair…
Suzanne, thank you for that excellent reminder!
Diane, we’ve all been there, done that. I think of times when I snapped at my kids when they were growing up and it was because I was tired or having a bad day and not so much anything they’d done–and I would feel HORRIBLE about it.
But ya know what? They survived and so did I, and I learned that sometimes an apology was a lot more meaningful than anything else. Not always easy, but acknowledging that I wasn’t perfect and quite capable of screwing up usually went a long way toward making things better.
Good point, Denice!
Thanks, Jackie! Glad to help–hope the kids are better!
Michelle, don’t let that discourage you! Take the agent’s insight and make it work for you. That’s why I have beta readers–we’re usually too close to our own work to see where we’ve missed things that could make it better. Good luck!
thanks, Amanda. My week is already looking up. Taking a day to think about the story from a distance, so to speak, has me ready to hit it tomorrow. I just needed a fresh perspective.
Sue A–we DO have a redo button for the kitchen. It’s called a garbage disposal…
Amy, your post totally cracks me up because I’ve done the same thing–except I’M the one who does the painting! Paint is cheap. Change it. you’ll feel better!
Virginia–you have no reason to feel uncomfortable around your supervisor merely because she acted like a horse’s ass. If anything, you should feel extremely superior–you were doing your job and she blew it. Personally, I think I’d want to enjoy the moment….
Felecia, I’m taking Mo’s advice. She says whining is good for us, so whine away!
by Kate Douglas · September 4th, 2009 at 11:55 pmBeth–six whole months?
That’s a lot to redo! Here’s hoping the next six are really good and make up for the past six!
Carrie, that’s pretty much how I feel. Even the bad stuff is part of life and it makes us the people we are. Not that I enjoy it or look forward to it, but I have learned to accept it a bit better.
Most of the time…of course, having a public forum like this blog makes it a lot easier to get through the bad stuff, because I can whimper and whine among friends! 
by Kate Douglas · September 4th, 2009 at 11:58 pmOy, Kate! That doesn’t sound like a lot of fun! ;p There have definitely been a few situations I wouldn’t have minded redoing–mainly ones where I was insensitive or rude and it took me a while to recognize that in myself. Then making up for it is so terribly humbling
I suppose as you said that all experiences add up to make us who we are, so I can only hope that those blush-worthy moments are doing their job! Best wishes to everyone who’s also desired a redo on other life moments or situations! And happy Friday!
by Fedora · September 5th, 2009 at 12:10 amYa know, Fedora, those are probably the moments I wish most that I could do over–and do right! When I’ve made a complete ass of myself (not that uncommon, unfortunately) and don’t see it until it’s too late to fix…
Not a good feeling! Have a great weekend!
by Kate Douglas · September 5th, 2009 at 12:13 amHaving a redo button would be too tempting. Would have used it for this visit from the hubby. We were all of us so aware that he would be leaving again so scrambled to get things completed from the ever present list of things to do. Then found that we had run out of time to be together for fun things. However, if I were to press that magic button, the kids and I would be heading into fall and winter without as much comfort from the cold and without as much convenience in general. I wouldn’t have learned how much the kids could pitch in to projects. I wouldn’t have had the close evenings feeling like hubby and I had stolen time and revelled in it. Writing this makes me look at that time again and realize that those items on our list became fun to some extent because of his silly sense of humor while we did them.
by Little Lamb Lost · September 5th, 2009 at 12:15 amHey LLL! Good to hear from you, and I’m sorry your spouse is off again. That would get really old REALLY fast, but you do seem to handle it well. Plus, the kids are getting older and I imagine they’re a lot of help now. Thanks so much for stopping by–I’ve missed hearing from you!
by Kate Douglas · September 5th, 2009 at 12:30 amHi Kate, I think back to a period of time when I should have been that gutsy, confident, stand-up-for-myself person. But wasn’t, and in hindsight I regret that very much. But then, I wouldn’t have those memories to give me the push to try/remember to be exactly that (in a good way
today. So I guess it does all work out! Happy weekend!
by Allison · September 5th, 2009 at 1:25 amWell, maybe not a REDO, just an Abracadabra!! You know, just to straighten things out that sometimes are soooo frustrating! I won’t bore you guys with the details, but sad to say, I’m sure they happen to everyone.
by Janet H · September 5th, 2009 at 11:37 amThere are just too many “redos” I like to redo to name. If I could only redo portions of them only that would better. Sometimes the outcome is most important. We all need to learn from our mistakes and if all redid those thing we wouldn’t get to learn our lessons in life.
by Darkreader · September 5th, 2009 at 8:28 pmOn another note:
I just finished Sexy Beast VII last night and you are right, I totally understand and love Beth now that I know the whole story. Can’t wait for more Wolf Tales and Demonfire!
If I could redo one day this week it would definitely be Tuesday. That’s the day my computer got a very nasty virus that completely wiped it out and had to send it off to be repaired. And yes, I did have an anti virus program, but the one that I use did not issue protection for this particular virus until the day after. Just got my computer back, and for the most part it’s ok. Did not lose any files, but the operating system had to be entirely reinstalled so there are still some funky things that are different.
I like my computer to be like my car. I just want to work. period. If I could go back to Tuesday I would have everyone in the household be off the computer, wake up on Wednesday, where the antivirus program would auto update and I never would have had a problem… ahh a perfect world
by Booklover1335 · September 5th, 2009 at 8:32 pmNormally I would say, yes I would love a redo button, but what if the Butterfly effect is true. What if by changing one event an entirely different chain of events is irrevocably altered???
by Marial · September 5th, 2009 at 9:15 pmCan you tell I am a worrisome Virgo….LOL…I think too much!
Hey Kate, glad to see you in much better spirits today. There is nothing like stepping away from it all and regrouping.
Hey, imagine if you didn’t make it back to the blog until today…there would be so much more that you would have to read and respond to. Have a wonderful rest of the Labour Day weekend.
Peace and love,
by Paula R · September 5th, 2009 at 10:08 pmPaula R.
ya know, Allison, that is so true. Sometimes we have to make those mistakes, if only to learn from them. It’s not always pleasant, though!
Janet, I like that! My very own ABRACADABRA!!!
Darkreader, I just wish I didn’t have to learn some lessons more than once!
And thank you! So glad you liked Beth’s story.
Booklover, what antivirus do you have? That’s like my worst nightmare, and why I send my current manuscript to my online account every night for safe keeping!
Marial, I’m not a Virgo (I’m a Capricorn) but I would have the same worry–and in my case, something worse would probably happen!
Thanks, Paula. I had a really good day, and Ginny is getting her own set of brass balls now, which is what she deserves! I was letting her be much too complacent, and it wasn’t working at all!!
by Kate Douglas · September 5th, 2009 at 11:54 pmKate my redo button would be redo all August and get back some special people in my life. Thanks Kate for your books. Lisa
by Lisa Perkins · September 6th, 2009 at 12:19 amOh man, there were many days in my life where I’d loved to have had a redo button. Fortunately, not too many lately. I’m so happy with the path my life has taken with my career and personal life. But in the past, especially during my twenties, there were many moments I wish I could take back. If only I’d known then what I know now. *sigh* We live and we learn, though.
by Jessica Lee · September 6th, 2009 at 12:28 amI love the idea of a redo button. Many times I’ve wished to be able to redo things in my life. I turned 48 today and looking back my life has been pretty good. I have 3 great kids and have my dream job (I work in a used/new bookstore). Life couldn’t be better.
by cyndi welding · September 6th, 2009 at 12:30 amI have to admit I’m mostly curious about my chances of winning any book. However I wished I went through your set of problems. Mine are pretty bleak. No job for almost two months. So I’ve pretty much been reading about how to improve my writing, and coming up with plots of my own. On the side I do designs for apparels, a dream of starting my own business.
by Akossiwa · September 6th, 2009 at 12:51 amDo like I do all the times when I’m facing some issues, major or minor. I tell myself it is nothing because I am blessed. ^_^ next week will be better.
I do think of things I’d like to do over but then I wouldn’t end up where I am. I’m healthy, content and with the man I’m going to marry.
by Beatrice Chan · September 6th, 2009 at 1:54 amI’ve taken a few days off of work and I’ve been extreme lazy. I could ask for a redo and actually get some things done around my house, but I’m not sure I want to. lol
Deidre
by Deidre · September 6th, 2009 at 2:03 amAloha Kate,
Once again a fascinating blog. Redo?
I guess I’m hoping that I won’t ever do again what I would like to redo.
That and if there is another life after this, I want to remember the stuff I learned so that I don’t repeat my mistakes.
But I figure it’s the not so great stuff that we all have to deal with that molds us into the people we become.
Still I guess I spend my time hoping that I can undo damage that has been done to abused children. Still some mistakes are so traumatic that we spend our lifetimes trying to undo but never quite make it. So redo button is very tempting. Lol.
Once again, love how your blogs make me think.
by Jan · September 6th, 2009 at 2:51 amI like the idea of a redo button.
I’m fortunate to not have anything go wrong this week. 
by Pamela · September 6th, 2009 at 5:45 amHi Kate!
I had a major redo moment earlier this week. It’s been so hectic trying to get the kids back to school, and we’ve been short staffed at work….I’ve been a little cranky, LOL. Anyway, my daughter kept asking me to come see something she made, and I kept putting her off until I finally snapped ” Can’t you see I’m busy?”. She sniffed a little, said “I just wanted to give you this…” and brought out a card that she made me that said I was the “Best Mom Ever!!!” Boy, I felt like crap
by Cheryl McInnis · September 6th, 2009 at 7:12 amI’d give anything to redo that moment. However, I did put off the chores and took the kids for ice cream after that, so it wasn’t all bad!
Have a great long weekend
I had a fairly dysfunctional childhood, so there certainly have been lots of those “let’s contemplate a re-do” moments. I’ve figured out that I’m the sum of all moments: good and bad. I can honestly say that I’ve learned from the “bad” events in my past and have the conviction to not make to mistakes again.
by Kay Brooks · September 6th, 2009 at 8:19 amDid I remember correctly a few days ago that u woke to a dead deer(?) in the neighbor’s yard and made the statement that u “hoped the turkey vultures would eat/work faster?” I almost fell off my chair laughing at that comment
Hugs,
Kay
How times have changed. I was interested that one of this blog’s comments mentioned the Butterfly Effect, just as my adult son does, from time 2 time. Being an elder statesman, I give credit where it really is due. Long before the Butterfly Effect movies, Ray Bradbury wrote a short story about a Time Traveler whose slight jumbling of the past causes major future cataclysmic events. (I will look up the exact title, that contains the word THUNDER,
by ken mcmillan · September 6th, 2009 at 10:40 amso all the bookish folks who read this blog can read Bradbury’s masterful introduction of the “Don’t mess with the past” theme. )
I am back. The Bradbury short story title is “A Sound of Thunder,” and it has several film versions (just guessing, but Twilight Zone and Ray Bradbury Theater are probable video avenues if the trek to Amazon or the public library is inconvenient).
by ken mcmillan · September 6th, 2009 at 10:46 amLisa, I understand your sentiment exactly.
And thank you!
Jessica, I’m sort of in the same place you are. I love the way my life has turned out and continues to evolve, but I do wish I could go back and, if not change things that happened when I was young, at least APPRECIATE them more!
Cyndi–happy birthday to you!
And how cool to have the job you love. I can’t imagine putting all my energy into something that wasn’t satisfying. Thanks for your post.
Akossiwa, for what it’s worth, I give away a lot of books every month, but I also have a lot of entries so it’s literally “the luck of the draw.” I’m sorry things are bleak for you now–been there, done that–but it also sounds as if you are an optimist, and that’s so important. Hang on to the dreams. I just hope it doesn’t take you twenty years to fulfill yours like it did me! Good luck to you.
Beatrice, all I can say is CONGRATULATIONS!
I do love good news!
Diedre–nah. Nothing there to redo at all!
Ah, Jan…I know with your work you have to deal with things most of us don’t even know is going on, so your comments on the redo for kids sure makes sense. You’re a tougher lady than I’ll ever be, but thank goodness there are people like you doing the work you do. Thanks for coming by.
Pamela–don’t SAY that! You’re tempting fate!!!!
Cheryl–eeek! I can only imagine how awful you felt, but what a sweet thing for your daughter to do for you.
Luckily, children are very forgiving and they can be bought with ice cream…and believe me, there’s not a mom around who hasn’t had a similar moment where they’ve snapped at kids and felt badly afterward. We have so much to do as moms, and never enough hours to do it.
Kay, again you’re bringing up the whole point of this conversation–as nice as a redo button would be, we’re the sum total of our parts. And yep, that dead deer was mine, and the turkey vultures all deserve raises! The smell only lasted a couple of days, thank goodness!
Ken, I wonder if that’s the same story I remember reading a zillion years ago, where the time traveler kills a small reptile in the past and when he comes back to his current time, humans all look like lizards? S/F had a huge impact on me as a kid–that’s almost all I read and is probably why I prefer writing paranormal now.
by Kate Douglas · September 6th, 2009 at 11:13 amHi, Kate. Yes, i imagine the story u recollect is the one i am refering 2. There have been a variety of “what if” endings applied by different adaptations of it.
by ken mcmillan · September 6th, 2009 at 11:35 amTopic switch. I believe u said u lost your father 37 years ago, which caused me 2 calculate the loss of my parents, when i was 21. That makes it 43 years ago for me. And everything from “If it aint hot, it aint coffee” (DAD) to “Stand up straight or you’ll look like a turtle” (MOM) continue to echo in my mind.
Ken, I think I first read it in one of the old “Comic Classics!” I was just a kid, but I used to love those things! And I suspect that your parents and mine probably learned their sayings from the same teacher! I was 23 when my father died. My mother is still alive at 88, but I can’t imagine losing both parents at 21. That must have been horrible for you. I’m sorry.
by Kate Douglas · September 6th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
by Kate Douglas · September 7th, 2009 at 11:48 pmMelanie, Ley and Akossiwa are my winners—congrats, ladies! I ended up choosing three because so many of you posted. I’ve mailed all of you privately, and once I have your snail mail addresses I will get your books in the mail.
Happy reading, Melanie, Ley, and Akossiwa! Thanks again, Kate, for such a neat topic! Congrats again on your latest!
by Fedora · September 8th, 2009 at 2:01 pmThanks, Fedora. I tripped and fell this week and sprained my ankle–REALLY want a redo button for that klutzy move! This time I’d look where I was going!
by Kate Douglas · September 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am