tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24437667324577307602024-03-25T04:46:56.599-04:00Heidi ChampaEROTIC FICTION AUTHORHeidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.comBlogger561125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-23066734083744375072014-11-16T19:46:00.000-05:002014-12-01T14:38:22.523-05:00What's New Pussycat?<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I'm glad you asked.......because.......</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2068-Crazy-Cat-Guy.aspx">IT'S NEW BOOK DAY</a></span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-12272086024022496632014-05-25T15:19:00.000-04:002014-05-25T15:19:30.344-04:00Oh How I Want to be Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlhUyUmrJGwm6dCKUptY0KdOkOMQDz6R4Mojp_5N2faYXFXGrw6nyp6FH2beGZA8H244pIU29tXsT0FtRviQUNIz7JGXZSZLNBcfnFqRFG1onmkL_N7BhshTrXKWMT89kFEUjWfX6dL4/s1600/tumblr_lbc61vHvG81qca9n0o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlhUyUmrJGwm6dCKUptY0KdOkOMQDz6R4Mojp_5N2faYXFXGrw6nyp6FH2beGZA8H244pIU29tXsT0FtRviQUNIz7JGXZSZLNBcfnFqRFG1onmkL_N7BhshTrXKWMT89kFEUjWfX6dL4/s1600/tumblr_lbc61vHvG81qca9n0o1_500.jpg" height="640" width="374" /></a></div>
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When I worked in minor league baseball in 1999, there was a guy who worked with me whose job it was to do on field promotions. He would always ask, "Who likes free stuff?"</div>
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Well, I'm here to ask you the same thing....</div>
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Hearts On Fire reviews is giving away a free copy of my novel, The Hot Corner.</div>
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<a href="http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=26848">Follow this link</a> for your chance to win!!</div>
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Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Enjoy a little early Man Candy! </div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-73861255576318284302014-05-25T07:30:00.000-04:002014-05-25T07:30:00.321-04:00Boring Stories of Glory Days<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/1972-The-Hot-Corner.aspx">It's New Book Day!!!</a></span></div>
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*coming soon to paperback!!</div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-10565581753271580012014-02-16T14:11:00.001-05:002014-02-16T14:11:37.725-05:00Shot Through the Heart, And You're To Blame<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/SteakThroughHeart.html">It's New Book Day!!!</a></span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-86434537849675614052013-12-31T16:22:00.002-05:002013-12-31T16:53:28.529-05:00It's Getting Cold All Over Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQos6svZYzI5tjo3lkGpqUkdoe-fr_YDmyYcNmJLZdYMQwCjWbJgBINzQ_LcPXxfQMkldqYXq3qOxnX4JgbyqiJHdu3dKaZleu0TLRnW5LoKrFaNlin10MiOdhuhinVXAijUbeKb-1AI/s1600/thebeginning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQos6svZYzI5tjo3lkGpqUkdoe-fr_YDmyYcNmJLZdYMQwCjWbJgBINzQ_LcPXxfQMkldqYXq3qOxnX4JgbyqiJHdu3dKaZleu0TLRnW5LoKrFaNlin10MiOdhuhinVXAijUbeKb-1AI/s400/thebeginning.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, it's that time of year again. The time where we reflect back on the 12 months that was and take stock. Even though New Year's resolutions rarely work out, it's still really fun to chart a new course for a new year. A fresh start, a new beginning. There's just something so magical about the concept. Even if the execution doesn't always work out the way we plan.<br />
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This year was full of amazing things for me. Trying to remember them all was a bit of a challenge. And, I'm almost positive I'm forgetting something. But, I also know that this year was tough on many people around me and they will be happy to see the back of 2013. Their fresh start is one of hope and promise of what the future will bring. Mine includes that as well, but I am also able to look back at this year with a bit more fondness.<br />
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As I made the list of things I did this year, it turned out to be varied and awesome and I'm really proud of it. Here it is, in no particular order, except for the 1st one, which was obviously the biggest. And, here's to an amazing start to 2014.<br />
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My year (in review)<br />
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<li>Sold our house and moved into a one bedroom apartment downtown</li>
<li>Tried Stand Up Paddleboarding for the 1st time and loved it!</li>
<li>Learned to swim</li>
<li>Kayaked four times</li>
<li>Did a cartwheel and a handstand for the first time since I was a kid</li>
<li>Lost 100+ pounds (technically started in 2012, but got to the finish line in 2013)</li>
<li>Took a pole dancing class</li>
<li>Won my fantasy football league championship!</li>
<li>Got into a single digit jean size for the 1st time since high school/early college</li>
<li>Swam a mile in the pool, a bunch of times!</li>
<li>Did a mud run</li>
<li>Saw 5 concerts, including Texas is the Reason on their farewell tour</li>
<li>Took a rowing class</li>
<li>Attempted to swim in open water</li>
<li>Bought dresses and pantyhose for 1st time in 10 years</li>
<li>Had 21 things published this year: 6 novellas and 15 short stories </li>
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So, all in all, not a bad little year. I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for me.</div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-58202995210959169602013-12-28T08:02:00.000-05:002013-12-28T13:17:11.057-05:00Beside the Victory, That's Her Destiny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwQTtuCsnTyKbxsSueV65kqLYUyrGbLHAnOxqEW90svj8qsrCkiGlG5JhUhsyQi-FeWJ3GmWKQxzYUWsRUM-bFoV_G9gQl9arcBtRrFKizw7vj7M68hjeRrtTgFKDhuHUK-TrCVjZD1I/s1600/180210_10151103224747985_214284548_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwQTtuCsnTyKbxsSueV65kqLYUyrGbLHAnOxqEW90svj8qsrCkiGlG5JhUhsyQi-FeWJ3GmWKQxzYUWsRUM-bFoV_G9gQl9arcBtRrFKizw7vj7M68hjeRrtTgFKDhuHUK-TrCVjZD1I/s1600/180210_10151103224747985_214284548_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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As if I needed any real reason to post this picture, I actually have one. <a href="http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2013/12/27/heidi-champa-free-books-december-27/">Go right here, to this site</a>, and comment for a chance to win a copy of my book, Number One Pick. I'm giving it away because I won my fantasy football league!!! I completed the most decorated season in our league's history. So, attention had to be paid. Time is limited, so hurry! And, good luck!<br />
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**Winners have been announced for my free books. So, if you commented, <a href="http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2013/12/28/heidi-champa-free-books-december-27-winners/">check here</a> to see if you won!!<br />
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-11580150906032626562013-12-25T06:43:00.000-05:002013-12-25T06:43:00.119-05:00Make the Yuletide Gay<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas Everyone!!</span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-18710671903943226682013-11-18T07:38:00.000-05:002013-11-18T07:38:00.405-05:00You Can Check Out Anytime You Like, But You Can Never Leave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIdJy3T2ErsK5a5awrYV0m2ABZTzTY5h0yc7m1msNR5ztmjbYXz6PaIhpUDbjQR2hVtgGrFyAe8bXduSn1n3XM0PeiK92F4vMYZhIRzUZDlwoE8pfrVH5Jqd0KuOEcyuHEgoY0C6ZuuI/s1600/IndefiniteStaymed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIdJy3T2ErsK5a5awrYV0m2ABZTzTY5h0yc7m1msNR5ztmjbYXz6PaIhpUDbjQR2hVtgGrFyAe8bXduSn1n3XM0PeiK92F4vMYZhIRzUZDlwoE8pfrVH5Jqd0KuOEcyuHEgoY0C6ZuuI/s400/IndefiniteStaymed.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/IndefiniteStay.html">It's New Book Day!! (yesterday, actually but hey, better late than never)</a></span></div>
<br />Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-64255349916553116802013-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:002013-11-05T08:00:00.690-05:00I Was Too Weak to Give In, Too Strong to Lose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In honor of my fantasy football team scoring my league's all time high score (162!!!!), it's Man Candy Tuesday. With a bit of a bonus....<br />
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-32465258694072039822013-10-30T08:34:00.000-04:002013-10-30T08:34:00.360-04:00Be Yourself, Man, Be Proud of Who you AreI've had a few run-ins recently with people who, while probably not being intentionally malicious, have shit on what I do. It's not the first time this kind of thing has happened. I realize that what I do isn't exactly like what most people do. I'm extremely lucky that I'm in a position where I can do what I love. Most people, for whatever reason, aren't so fortunate. While I'm still a bit reticent to write this post, I felt it was something I needed to do. <br />
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Since early 2008, when I packed away the day job, I've had 131 individual pieces of fiction published. (with reprints, that number is even higher) That includes appearances in 110+ anthologies, 16 novellas/novels, a few websites and three magazine appearances. Not too shabby, especially when I thought this whole writing thing would never amount to much. I'm so incredibly glad that I was wrong.<br />
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I keep tabs on my publication numbers, but I rarely crow about them. I don't really feel comfortable constantly reminding people of how many times I've been published. It always feels like bragging, and not in a good way. I'm jealous of people who view the whole process of publicizing their successes as nothing more than smart marketing. I wish I could think of it that way. And, I do...to a point. The rest always feels like patting myself on the back a little too hard. Which I don't like to do, lest other people think I'm a self-centered twit only concerned with Twitter followers and 'exposure'.<br />
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I came to realize recently that this reluctance is a big part of the problem. How can I expect other people to take what I do seriously when I downplay my own accomplishments all the time? I've actually caught myself saying out loud when people are impressed by my job, "It's really no big deal". Who fucking says that? Especially when it's a lie. Because, it is a big deal. A really big fucking deal if I do say so myself. Maybe if I was a little more 'shout it from the rooftops' about my writing, other people would be too. As it stands, my biggest champion isn't me...it's my mother-in-law, who tells everyone (and I do mean everyone) about her porn writing daughter-in-law. <br />
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That should be me telling everyone that, loud and proud. But, most times I'm shrugging when someone else is mentioning it, downplaying it all because on some level I'm still afraid people are going to judge or be offended. The funny part is, I have yet to meet anyone who has been offended. Not truly, anyway. I mean, sure, I've gotten the quizzical looks followed by "why?" when I reveal what I do for a living, especially when it comes up that I write primarily M/M fiction. As if I need some huge, existential reason. How about because I think it's freaking HOT!? And, if the evidence is to be believed, I'm at least fairly good at it. (once again, can't bring myself to say freaking amazing, even though from time to time, I think it's true) I'm sure there are people in my life who would be offended, but I can't really worry too much about that. At this point, it's really their problem, not mine. <br />
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I'm not writing this to fish for compliments or to get other people to pat me on the back. I'm really writing it to try and work out why I can't toot my own horn a little more. I mean, like I said before, if I act like what I do is insignificant, I'm sending the signal to other people that it is. And, that has to change. And, according to psychology stuff I've read on the Internet, acknowledging your problem is the first step to fixing it, so here it is. <br />
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My name is Heidi and I don't tell people I write smut with enough pride. Whew, that felt good. Now, on to step two....<br />
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-62451989024574339462013-10-21T08:41:00.000-04:002013-10-21T08:41:00.065-04:00Are You Hiding From Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been brought to my attention that I haven't been blogging nearly enough. Which is true. So, I figured I'd start out with something simple, something that didn't require a lot of effort on my part. Because, I've been really hella lazy when it comes to my blog. Not really sure why that is, but maybe it's time to remedy that. So, to that end, I decided to bring out some new Man Candy. I'm not sure this is the blog post my friend Jesse had in mind, but hey, it's a start, right? As some of you know, I'm a huge fan of swimming. This picture is part of the reason why.<br />
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-45933199041832878152013-10-20T07:50:00.000-04:002013-10-20T07:50:00.043-04:00We Can Reach our Destination, but We're Still a Ways Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPA6RDhJCC0MQmkuWorY8juMqZmWQDgOmd07XxZe33iRbBEcwnF7WKiM071iIYXUQAAUqYPhVC0uIzr5L5yoKiRtR0tMRWRXrNBtC8rE9dUJCvHjrPqm9WOc1WiodDF-FcIEcj3JrQVU/s1600/NextStopFunnelCakemed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPA6RDhJCC0MQmkuWorY8juMqZmWQDgOmd07XxZe33iRbBEcwnF7WKiM071iIYXUQAAUqYPhVC0uIzr5L5yoKiRtR0tMRWRXrNBtC8rE9dUJCvHjrPqm9WOc1WiodDF-FcIEcj3JrQVU/s400/NextStopFunnelCakemed.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/NextStopFunnelCake.html">It's New Book Day!!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">_</span></div>
<br />Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-67225155188419199612013-09-05T14:46:00.002-04:002013-09-05T14:46:46.735-04:00But Where do We Begin Now That You’re Back From the Dead?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu5zu72uhUnW4Rd8cOIqfXUqGNNvs_FMOVE-Lc01768magkzwVR0MlzwA93uZeEG8IwqJznU-dp36OhDoBe3lZ9Nv3Gq3ol1uDrHClc7N9oyS2wbF5BTQksMdjiSlCrlpoSIx34E5ElU/s1600/100_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu5zu72uhUnW4Rd8cOIqfXUqGNNvs_FMOVE-Lc01768magkzwVR0MlzwA93uZeEG8IwqJznU-dp36OhDoBe3lZ9Nv3Gq3ol1uDrHClc7N9oyS2wbF5BTQksMdjiSlCrlpoSIx34E5ElU/s320/100_4009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new place!</td></tr>
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Yes, where do we begin? It's been over a month since my last blog post. I could make excuses, blaming it all on the move and my two projects due by September 1st. Actually, those sound like good reasons, because they are my reasons. It was a hectic month, packing, cleaning, schlepping boxes to and fro, and trying to squeeze in time to finish two manuscripts, each of 15k plus. But, I managed to do it all.<br />
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After the dust settled, I decided to take a few days to clear my head, and blogging didn't factor into the equation. I visited the Mothership, watched crazy amounts of TJ Hooker reruns and basically vegged out. But, now I'm back to work. My new digs have been very conducive to the creative process. As I type this, I'm at an adorable little coffee shop, where I did most of the writing I've done in the last few weeks. I can walk to two very nice places, with free Wi-Fi and delicious iced coffees. <br />
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I also walk to my bank, to the YWCA to swim and to several very awesome eateries and bars. The farmer's market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and is half a block from my new apartment. In short, I'm relishing the city living, as minor-league as our city may be. There's a lot to be said for not having to drive. It's something I hope to have at our next stop, wherever that may be. <br />
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Anyway, so that's where my lost month went. I'll have some exciting news to post soon, as well as more Man Candy. So, stay tuned. Hopefully, there will be no more rabbit holes for me to fall down. At least not anytime soon.<br />
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-61259524035157934052013-08-05T08:19:00.000-04:002013-08-05T08:19:00.527-04:00And if The Wind is Right You Can Sail Away and Find Tranquility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFjZ1hprhHoycR345tal5xIal7hfJ1KK7Z_vd91i2eLqV04rdF9M_2EMyrLT4aarvc73DzSsDDnE8t1vuo0qDmoB7b6rmxSho5gr0RmadgIpnIgi7bu_GZwsjTB5vWoU_rFPJWH-ws9U/s1600/tumblr_lqwi55RIi31qc1pjbo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFjZ1hprhHoycR345tal5xIal7hfJ1KK7Z_vd91i2eLqV04rdF9M_2EMyrLT4aarvc73DzSsDDnE8t1vuo0qDmoB7b6rmxSho5gr0RmadgIpnIgi7bu_GZwsjTB5vWoU_rFPJWH-ws9U/s640/tumblr_lqwi55RIi31qc1pjbo1_500.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Man Candy Monday!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">_</span></div>
<br />Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-20027205116296191482013-08-04T14:42:00.000-04:002013-08-04T14:42:01.417-04:00Summer Days Drifting Away<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been so hectic around here that I almost forgot.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/SummerLove.html">It's New Book Day!!!</a></span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-38875739223971527062013-07-15T07:53:00.000-04:002013-07-15T07:53:00.065-04:00Words Just Aren't Enough to Get My Point Through<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG2eshzjKNZPVoQSTYxthvT3PqN6bYIF5GbvZK9M4X6U4Af3qAymg0Q2Zd_lmLaLXmB7DzePLyWCz7jaTavpGSxZd4Atj_uGwiOTLsUquywwhLH_yW2hnWW8hClRf-bBuXrCxgj2xtj4/s1600/tumblr_lxgi38wrwF1qk97c4o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG2eshzjKNZPVoQSTYxthvT3PqN6bYIF5GbvZK9M4X6U4Af3qAymg0Q2Zd_lmLaLXmB7DzePLyWCz7jaTavpGSxZd4Atj_uGwiOTLsUquywwhLH_yW2hnWW8hClRf-bBuXrCxgj2xtj4/s640/tumblr_lxgi38wrwF1qk97c4o1_500.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's a heat wave is coming......</span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-47052530691936113652013-06-24T07:47:00.000-04:002013-06-24T07:47:00.676-04:00It's a Good Time for Superman To Lift the Sun Into the Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BO0LoZAyhcv0J10AEyURDu0-QP8u8MKtLKu9ReTZWxMTmmUHA77RyywXOB-rZwYsheuJONpcOMxd_sFjjdQgxCHiIVlBZEXh0q-4eCShoiW3BgTCbgLD0d7lBSm_lHKuZvkgV2gY6SI/s1600/Henry+MOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BO0LoZAyhcv0J10AEyURDu0-QP8u8MKtLKu9ReTZWxMTmmUHA77RyywXOB-rZwYsheuJONpcOMxd_sFjjdQgxCHiIVlBZEXh0q-4eCShoiW3BgTCbgLD0d7lBSm_lHKuZvkgV2gY6SI/s640/Henry+MOS.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As if there was anyone else to choose for Man Candy Monday this week. Henry Cavill.......Mmmmmmmm......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">_</span></div>
Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-73963150070091346432013-06-23T18:18:00.003-04:002013-06-23T18:18:43.272-04:00Gone Where All the Letters We Write to Santa Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU3OtDaxwtwVyGu2TVBX2ZA5YmD0oaxyvzrNNRvHtPaqzjMoKBXlwasHFBN1_9wjKCQtiaET8CCpo9Y60MjSTplGT5QmTgPN8idKwZq5NwIKlJxBRXH5r7M5BMBHx9Qhat6W-0oDijGQ/s1600/AgainstTypemed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOU3OtDaxwtwVyGu2TVBX2ZA5YmD0oaxyvzrNNRvHtPaqzjMoKBXlwasHFBN1_9wjKCQtiaET8CCpo9Y60MjSTplGT5QmTgPN8idKwZq5NwIKlJxBRXH5r7M5BMBHx9Qhat6W-0oDijGQ/s400/AgainstTypemed.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AgainstType.html">It's New Book Day!!</a></span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-27249420005330709672013-06-17T08:44:00.000-04:002013-06-17T08:44:00.735-04:00Wherever You Are, Whatever You Are, Don't Lose Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPuu0Iu7KUjSOhcjZ18qB5qZQwIWmk9jVmYwuOOIcGeTHcW7dI23zHzf_eEF72009D3YTASvZk2YLTgNttfwugh5u6-SQtTK5ppMK3gclDQGE32s4Gtcp1Tvkr1xriLBDu5RE0S4c__c/s1600/tumblr_m83u9mBIrL1ro1moko1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPuu0Iu7KUjSOhcjZ18qB5qZQwIWmk9jVmYwuOOIcGeTHcW7dI23zHzf_eEF72009D3YTASvZk2YLTgNttfwugh5u6-SQtTK5ppMK3gclDQGE32s4Gtcp1Tvkr1xriLBDu5RE0S4c__c/s1600/tumblr_m83u9mBIrL1ro1moko1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Man Candy Monday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">_</span></div>
Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-65526334013985147692013-06-16T15:38:00.001-04:002013-06-16T15:38:10.584-04:00I Say the Same Things He Used to Say<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqVclLvbTRi4OEhZpsecVfalX2P1GlkDlpQ6pO5jEMdaLaPsFyQP9xW10af2ta2NHoqhcFnxIwzzmWc6UUPD_Ab8br5FaVVJ9oBDzrk4nBB2Nd_GkXK-G5sATj9A0i_2wTdD4Tsli0xE/s1600/Dad-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqVclLvbTRi4OEhZpsecVfalX2P1GlkDlpQ6pO5jEMdaLaPsFyQP9xW10af2ta2NHoqhcFnxIwzzmWc6UUPD_Ab8br5FaVVJ9oBDzrk4nBB2Nd_GkXK-G5sATj9A0i_2wTdD4Tsli0xE/s640/Dad-1.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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There's so much I could say about this man, but even all these years later, most of it is still too emotional for me to go through. Instead, I choose today to focus on all the good and not let the tears fall. Not today. <br />
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So, I'll just say, I love you Dad and I miss you! <br />
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-87454111248964000892013-06-14T08:12:00.000-04:002013-06-14T12:42:47.016-04:00I'm Sorry, I Can't Be Perfect<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9Sq6vJXv7yjSaDtFop5h_ooMgKRb5ifBbyE56REQzL1Tan0bHcu9pA-ZSy8BiTO4TKTq9GAgQF5RNCFtptFxxGaNY4ccN02D5MMC5b7gMHMhVEbSQHffzl-gya23Oo9j4RFm-u9fLPk/s1600/article-2340800-1A4BAAF4000005DC-363_306x808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9Sq6vJXv7yjSaDtFop5h_ooMgKRb5ifBbyE56REQzL1Tan0bHcu9pA-ZSy8BiTO4TKTq9GAgQF5RNCFtptFxxGaNY4ccN02D5MMC5b7gMHMhVEbSQHffzl-gya23Oo9j4RFm-u9fLPk/s400/article-2340800-1A4BAAF4000005DC-363_306x808.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIVVrrhoH8bkcuy0U_8BvbIy3WLUSpvhYM-ZgpzhYci42Ceu8FDDsJcBbL_nGMNSdiwvuS2TY20DAHczDqMAsV7XSguEEOMfyC_8VPKL1jslL8vtZQUB8tRfpPcNEb3vAwIB_jNE3q3M/s1600/article-2340800-1A4BAACC000005DC-773_306x808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIVVrrhoH8bkcuy0U_8BvbIy3WLUSpvhYM-ZgpzhYci42Ceu8FDDsJcBbL_nGMNSdiwvuS2TY20DAHczDqMAsV7XSguEEOMfyC_8VPKL1jslL8vtZQUB8tRfpPcNEb3vAwIB_jNE3q3M/s400/article-2340800-1A4BAACC000005DC-773_306x808.jpg" width="151" /></a>When I first set out to lose weight, I had myself convinced that I knew what I would look like when I was finished. As I said before, I never really set out to lose 100+ pounds. But, now that I have, things are not exactly as I pictured them.<br />
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In short, I thought when I was done with my weight loss, I'd be perfect. Perfect little butt and thighs, no leftover fat anywhere on my body and I would be able to look in the mirror and see the ideal staring back at me. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I'm amazed every day at what my body can do and how it looks now. But, I still have a bit of a belly, that I lovingly refer to as my "bagel" (uncooked, as my skin is as pale as uncooked dough.) My thighs are not free from jiggle and my boobs, well, let's just say my boobs are a bit deflated these days. <br />
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But, the one thing I've learned in this whole process is that perfection, whatever that means, is not only unattainable (when you really get down to it), but not even really all that desirable. I'd rather have a body capable of doing things like swimming lap after lap and lifting weight I never thought I'd be able to heft. A body that no matter how much I wish it would listen to me, will probably always have some flaw, real or imagined that I wish would be different. Wasting my time worrying about a little flab here and there is no longer something I'm willing to put myself through. I've got too much to do!<br />
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*The photos on this blog are both of Britney Spears, from 2011. The one on the left is airbrushed and "perfected". The one on the right is actually her. So much for perfection, even for the rich and famous.*Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-10679660647156870922013-06-10T08:31:00.000-04:002013-06-10T08:31:00.077-04:00Listen to the Sound from Deep Within, It's Only Beginning to Find Release<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Man Candy Monday!</span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-61487243812635150092013-06-06T08:23:00.000-04:002013-06-14T12:41:50.564-04:00They Keep Trying to Row Away, Row Away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0SjokgFEFbaqllKLRDFVU27Gh_4qz-BTVFnV2LlYTZMeZ2YUV5sGivwOj-8G2D6ko2C6TDJrRpj23jLMvLv0huw-Becklo_yPMfILgICcy-tqwMogGRZQj_MYbzIwUW9nEwFzdl25EM/s1600/100_3718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0SjokgFEFbaqllKLRDFVU27Gh_4qz-BTVFnV2LlYTZMeZ2YUV5sGivwOj-8G2D6ko2C6TDJrRpj23jLMvLv0huw-Becklo_yPMfILgICcy-tqwMogGRZQj_MYbzIwUW9nEwFzdl25EM/s320/100_3718.JPG" width="320" /></a>June 1st was National Learn to Row Day. Who knew, right? So, I took advantage of the fact that our local rowing club was offering a free tutorial on the basics of skulling, which is two oars. Sweeping is what they call it when you only use one. *There's your fact of the day* I tried my hand at it and while it was very challenging, it was also fun. I got to go out in a two person boat with a lovely instructor who was very helpful and I managed a few good pulls in the open water during our 20 minute session. The pics on this post are from the day. <br />
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It was just another way that I found to push myself, to get me out of my comfort zone. (Much like a 5k run through mud and obstacles, which is coming up rather soon.) I decided to try something I'd never done before, just to see if I could. Just to see what it was like. That's something I haven't done for a long time. For years, I avoided even really thinking about doing fun new things because of how I felt about myself and how limited I felt in my old body. While I don't know if anything will come of the rowing thing, it was a fun way to spend a gorgeous Saturday morning. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXfvpbowquZIEbDA5_qhKiSxEsE32fK0FQjN_DwQqytNIZNLO6Lyfcogs9xT8i5GK1CyoF_UPU5pjFn7yqFqkB2ZdruumNqhqansOwqQpi3oN3JJgBatR24R2eSJngfhlQA-NdrLidcQ/s1600/100_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXfvpbowquZIEbDA5_qhKiSxEsE32fK0FQjN_DwQqytNIZNLO6Lyfcogs9xT8i5GK1CyoF_UPU5pjFn7yqFqkB2ZdruumNqhqansOwqQpi3oN3JJgBatR24R2eSJngfhlQA-NdrLidcQ/s320/100_3720.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've been working on a list of things to do this summer, sort of a Summer Bucket List. I got the idea from a few of the blogs I follow, like <a href="http://toneitup.com/blog.php?Summer-Bucket-List-5819">this one</a> and <a href="http://dirtbagdarling.com/2013/05/20/win-show-me-your-bucket-list-win-goodies/">this one</a>. It sounded like a great idea, so I've been compiling the list of things I'd like to accomplish before the warm weather disappears. <br />
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It isn't comprehensive yet, but I think it's a good start. I challenge the rest of you to come up with your own Summer Bucket List. What do you really, really want to do this year?<br />
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<u>Heidi's Summer Bucket List</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<ul>
<li>Kayak </li>
<li>Stand-up Paddleboard</li>
<li>Do an open water swim</li>
<li>Read at least 10 books</li>
<li>Finish at least four big writing projects</li>
<li>Sell my house!!</li>
<li>If we sell our house, throw a kick ass house-leaving party!</li>
<li>Hike part of the Appalachian Trail</li>
<li>Take a road trip, spontaneous or otherwise</li>
<li>Have a S'more by a fire</li>
<li>Camp in a tent.....maybe a cabin....we'll see</li>
<li>.....not sure about the rest yet..... I'll keep you posted!</li>
</ul>
_Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-18909612889965618832013-06-03T08:27:00.000-04:002013-06-03T08:27:00.107-04:00You Can Eat Crackers in My Bed Anytime, Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVSub68hYHigifT1gCP66RNVPbTJNuCEB_Vnx5Ia3J0xgVov4dvtNqcDS_TShtpH-3TnVECaMgyahsHELLkv-PKmQ2_1XGzEbK8cXXboLbUZP7VjPI7E9Y6eTrYf1uScXRp6ydlSrU20/s1600/tumblr_mdhhfq3JiA1r0i89qo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVSub68hYHigifT1gCP66RNVPbTJNuCEB_Vnx5Ia3J0xgVov4dvtNqcDS_TShtpH-3TnVECaMgyahsHELLkv-PKmQ2_1XGzEbK8cXXboLbUZP7VjPI7E9Y6eTrYf1uScXRp6ydlSrU20/s640/tumblr_mdhhfq3JiA1r0i89qo1_500.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's Man Candy Monday!!</span></div>
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Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443766732457730760.post-15706437977651609972013-05-28T08:39:00.000-04:002013-06-14T12:37:22.442-04:00Carry No Weight, Let the Weight Carry You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbetjMgYRowBzxpckKt6dS085sUhh_1Td-JGN389jmuoC1bBB_HxoPawrDcm3V3wZhkXpWRbJ9HBCE4lEifidZpy3QJiVd4tvTNIutyNn0oRTzzYDrPh3MPgDcRipmFYI7PhyDNeLoVM/s1600/315081_4659181162430_793979020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbetjMgYRowBzxpckKt6dS085sUhh_1Td-JGN389jmuoC1bBB_HxoPawrDcm3V3wZhkXpWRbJ9HBCE4lEifidZpy3QJiVd4tvTNIutyNn0oRTzzYDrPh3MPgDcRipmFYI7PhyDNeLoVM/s400/315081_4659181162430_793979020_n.jpg" width="308" /></a>I've hesitated in writing this post for a while now. Actually, there are probably hundreds of posts I could have written about this topic over the last year, but I never did. I'm not sure why, but, I feel the need to rectify that now. <br />
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In the last year, well 11 months, 3 weeks and 4 days, I've lost 100 pounds. Well, actually 101 pounds. Last year, around this time, I got completely fed up with myself and I was tired of being fat. I had achieved the dubious goal of exceeding my previous heaviest weight of 235 and was tipping the scales at 238. I hated everything about the way I looked. So, I decided to do something about it. <br />
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Now, I've come to this decision before. Shortly after my 30th birthday, I set out to lose weigh and managed to jettison 50 pounds from my body before I broke my leg hiking and got derailed for a bit. When my injury healed, I never really got back into exercising and it didn't take long for old habits to take hold and the weight crept back on. Fast forward to shortly before my 36th birthday and I found myself right back where I started, in fact, worse than when I started. The hubby and I were looking to go back to Australia, and there was no way in hell I wanted to do that at my heaviest weight and have to look at those pictures for the rest of my life. I set out to lose weight and get myself healthy and try not to let my past failure deter me. <br />
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When I first started, 100 pounds wasn't even the goal. That much weight wasn't even on my radar. To me, it seemed impossible. But, with each pound gone, each time I got through a workout without passing out or dying, each time I refused to give into the temptation to jump up on my kitchen counter and eat a whole box of Samoas Girl Scout cookies, the impossible started to seem more and more possible. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394gMTt1AgsKa2BxtcDI1nq9H2llo_yz1DMeWhD9NvnENBaq0sh2npTmahSpjhtrEiQiaQBFA2Ii6ll6yEltU2B83nwBd4nmD3vPzXoDk-pM56mOLVK86Bk2Z69EuXsg3BG8sq4SsIYI/s1600/179449_10201251810362217_1111166741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394gMTt1AgsKa2BxtcDI1nq9H2llo_yz1DMeWhD9NvnENBaq0sh2npTmahSpjhtrEiQiaQBFA2Ii6ll6yEltU2B83nwBd4nmD3vPzXoDk-pM56mOLVK86Bk2Z69EuXsg3BG8sq4SsIYI/s400/179449_10201251810362217_1111166741_n.jpg" width="238" /></a>Over this journey, I've done things I never thought I would. I completed a 90 workout program that kicked my ass every damn day. (Thank you,<a href="http://zuzkalight.com/"> Zuzka Light</a>!) I started learning to swim in January and am now considering doing a mile long open water swim for charity. I signed up to do the <a href="http://www.godirtygirl.com/">Dirty Girl Mud Run</a> on June 22. Things I would have never considered doing even six months ago, let alone when I was dragging around 100 extra pounds. <br />
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The list of things I want to do has grown by leaps and bounds. (I'll get to that in a later post) Losing weight hasn't solved all my problems, but what it has done is opened up a world of possibilities of new things to do and accomplish. And, to me, that's the most important thing. <br />
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The first picture on this post was taken in August of 2012 at my Fantasy Football draft. The other picture was taken last week. Nearly 90 pounds difference... same shirt. I need to do some shopping.<br />
_<br />
<br />Heidi Champahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07022180299812200419noreply@blogger.com0