Time Management

Life seems to be an in-depth juggling act and often I have a tendency to get overwhelmed. Feeling like I’m to busy to be able to tell my feet from my head is certainly not how I want to spend my days, on other hand I want to feel like I am getting as much out of my days as possible. I have the day job, family and myself all to think of on a day-to-day bases and I am determined to find a way to get as much time in each portion of my life as I possibly can.

So, I have decided to work on my time management skills which have been pretty much nil for the longest. I believe that people can change (even me) so I’ve decided to section of my days and prioritize each portion. Now I am not a strict planner and just the idea of limiting myself to a certain structure each day, every day makes me cringe. However I do think that if I set loose goals for myself on a daily bases and make the most important ones a priority, then I can get more use or better use of my time.

In using time management wisely I have learned that there is nothing worse than stressing about what didn’t get done. I am human (though being a superhero would be *sings* awesome) and realize that there are some days my goals may not be completed. I have come to understand that I have to be ok with this in order for my process to work. Now I’m not saying that I should look forward to slacking off of on my goals, I will try my best to attain as many of them as possible. However, if I miss a few for the day then it’s okay and I can always try again the next time. I understand that as I move forward with this plan then I will become more efficient over time, which is really the most important goal over all. (This, of course all sounds good in theory, but I shall see.)

Another important part of time management (for me anyway) is to make sure that I give 100% to each goal as I am working on it. When I am at the day job I don’t dwell on something else I’d rather be doing (for the most part). I do my best to make sure I am focusing on being as efficient as possible on my tasks and the same goes for my family life and me time. When I am working at a certain aspect of life I am devoted to that aspect until it is time to move on. This makes it easier to concentrate on the task at hand and often allows me to feel happier about what I’m doing since I’m not moaning and wishing I was somewhere else.

So with that in mind, I am off to be productive and insure that I am managing my time to the best of my ability.

What's the Problem with Being Naughty?

You know I have to go there sometimes, after all I am writer of awesome naughtiness. But, really I am curious about why anything of a blatant sexual nature raises so much controversy. There are some who have no qualms about accepting their sexuality, expressing it, sharing it and reading about it. On the other hand there are those who blanch even if you just mention the word sex. Now, I am not trying to say that any one is "right" and anyone is "wrong." Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and in my opinion right and wrong are often subjective as life tends to hover mostly in areas tinted with gray. In the blog title I’ve used the word naughty, not because I view sex as anything negative (I’m sure this is obvious) but just because it’s fun. I use it in a playful manner and embrace that being “naughty” can often be fun and sometimes enlightening as far as personal growth goes.

I think there’s a delicate balance between unhealthy and healthy expression of sexuality. There are some who are terrified of it and others who seem to be ruled by it. I think a healthy balance lies somewhere in the middle. However, my biggest issues are with those who insist on attempting to force their views on people like me, who enjoy writing about the discovery of the sexual journey. Since I’m a writer of erotic romance it’s safe to assume I believe that sex is a natural and healthy form of expression, when all parties involved have consented to participate. I and some of my fellow authors work hard to write books that are intense and heated but we also work to add emotional chemistry, a high level of emotion and characters that we hope will last in a reader’s mind, long after they’ve finished the book.

The most frustrating thing is when I hear comments about how sex “cheapens” or takes away from the deep emotional aspects of a story, or even a relationship. I’m really curious about where this point of view comes from. Are some trying to imply, every couple experiencing a healthy and exciting sex life has a shallow relationship or that their relationship has less emotion or companionship then a couple that doesn’t? I can’t say that I agree. I certainly don’t feel that sex makes a relationship, but it certainly doesn’t take away from it either. Actually I think these kinds of decisions are personal and the type and amount of sex had, should really be left up to each individual couple. Why do others feel the need to impose their beliefs and what could be considered negatives comments on others, when a lot of the time it’s really none of their business. If you don’t understand something, then way try to make a judgment call about it? And if you don’t like something, why bother to focus on it in the first place? Just curious.

My Boyfriend's Back by Chrissy Olinger

My Boyfriend's Back

A Short, Sweet Romance

by Chrissy Olinger

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance only .99

15,826 words

Available on Kindle
from Amazon.com -- BUY IT NOW

"Fear not! I bring you tidings of... DAMMIT!"

With those few words, Jack Lynch's world was turned upside-down. Once the nerd everyone loved
to torment, he has returned to his home town for his twentieth reunion. Now a multimillionaire, Jack has everything but the one thing that matters: his
true love. Twenty years ago he let her slip away. Now he's back, and determined to win her heart.

But screeching tires on an icy road change everything. If being temporarily dead weren't bad
enough, Norman— an angel in training— returns Jack's spirit to the wrong body— the class bully, John Lydon.

With the rockin' hot bod of his former nemesis, the help of a nerdy angel, and his own wits,
Jack has to get Rori to see him, love him, and bring about a miracle... without revealing this true identity. The clock is ticking, and he only has three days.

Jack's got the brains; his new body has the brawn; and Norman's got his back. What could possibly
go wrong?

*This book contains some mild language, no strong sexual content, and an excessive amount of silliness.

Poetry Time!

A poetry contest was held at my job. The topic was diversity or how we see or feel about the adversities in life regarding our many differences. I entered, though I didn't final, I was asked to recite my poetry at the poetry slam they are having tomorrow. Here is my piece. Enjoy.


Thunder Showers
By. Lauren Murphy


Shriveled up, dry, filled with regret
Rooted in firm, unyielding hatred
Immersed, in a dismal drought
Caused by scorching bitterness
Overcast, clouds cover my minds eye
Distorted images, incoherent thoughts
Dangerous emotions, lashing out
Lightening striking, thunder rumbling
Tearing through, the sky opening
Glistening moisture, pouring down
Soothing feelings, of raw blatant
Aching, a waterfall of relief, a shower
Of forgiveness, relief flows through me
Nourishing my core, my heart begins to beat,
My mind calm at peace, steady are my thoughts
The sky begins to clear, clouds disappear
I become free, to love, once again.

© Lauren Murphy, All rights reserved

Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

SWEET AS SIN by Inez Kelley

She was made for sin. Sin was something he knew intimately.

John Murphy is tormented by nightmares. A bestselling young-adult author, he writes the ultimate fantasy: stories where good always triumphs. He knows better. His past has shown him the worst in people—and in himself. When he moves next door to the sexy, vibrant Livvy—a woman completely unlike his usual one-night stands—he’s driven to explore every curve of her delicious body.

Pastry chef Livvy knows that giving in to the temptation that is John Murphy won’t lead to anything permanent, but she deserves a passionate summer fling. John discovers she’s as sweet as the confections she bakes while Livvy slowly unravels his secrets. But what will happen when she uncovers them all?

Carina Press or Amazon or All Romance ebooks

"The story is hyper intense, hyper complex, its what romance, new romance is supposed to be. Its NEW its fresh, it expands, its so beyond new, its freaking shiny. In the package wonderful. I loved it, I loved it I loved it. " -Romance Book Forums