Fresh Start

This is it. The time is here. It’s never…or now.  

After what has felt like nearly two years of having a demonic automatic baseball launcher aimed right on my family and loved ones, I’m—God willing—finally seeing some signs of a light at the end of a very dark, but substantially shiny tunnel. I don’t know why I think the tunnel looks shiny. You’d have to ask Polls…I feel like that’s her influence.

Anyway… 

Sure, that light might be dim…and, you know, flickering…but it’s there, clear as can be, and I’m trusting it wholeheartedly.

True, the whole family has been sucker-punched with amazing accuracy: Mom, Dad, me, my bestie…and, most recently, my sweet, precious, fur baby. I won’t get into the gruesome details (unknown allergy created a complete horror show; then an unexpected flu shot reaction sent him to be tested and sent my sanity nearly over the edge), but I will say the emotional experience shoved my slowly changing outlook and long-overdue reevaluation of things right up the step I’d been struggling to take.

And if the emotional upheaval wasn’t enough of a shove, the universe seemed to concur, sending some absolutely unbelievable, inexplicable, unmistakable signs.  My characters would unleash all fury on me if I failed to pay attention.

So what does this all mean? Though I have no clue how it will unfold, I am certain it’s time for me to take some chances I’ve been debating for a long while now with my writing and other ventures. Not to worry—Jex and crew will be returning with their own tales, and I will continue to work on them until all the novels are darn near complete before starting to release them (Psst: I’m nearly there with the spin-off series).  My goal is to reduce the wait time between books, yet afford the time to gamble on a few other projects. Oh, I know I’ve said that before--about reducing the waiting period between releases--but this time it’s different. This stretch of obstacles and delays has impacted me in ways I could never fully explain, and if I dared to try, I’d just end up sounding like a babbling idiot...more than usual, I mean…

And guess what? I’m actually making a resolution this year.  Not normally my thing, but this one will stick: KEEPING MY SITES UPDATED! Even if it’s just a lame check-in, I’m going to crawl out of my stupid social media shyness shell. If I can do it during LSU games, by LSU Jesus (LSU fans might recognize this name), I can do it every other time.

There we have it—a mini-rundown, revelation, and resolution post to end the year and start a new one. It’s not much, but it is a start…and isn’t that what the New Year is all about? A fresh start? 

For anyone else out there looking to start fresh in this New Year, please know you're not alone. We can do this--conquer fear, kick doubt to the curb, and face obstacles like a superhero. 

Starting line drawn. 

Let’s geaux racing & make this New Year something special no matter what!

Lots of Love to You All, 

Turning a Corner

Hellllllloooooooo out there! I’ve missed you so much! The big update: The snot monsters have been slayed! I finally surpassed that ‘restricted activity’ recovery mark and am feeling much more like myself…yet not, but in a good way. I can actually breathe better and my sense of smell is as keen as a werewolf’s now. Crazy how the little things can make such a remarkable difference to your quality of life.

Ironically, since my sinuses have cleared, so too has my head. And, Dear Lord, have the characters been impatiently waiting for me to finish their stories…particularly one very naughty, sarcastic, Aussie sorta-angel. I’m working hard to get books ready to go. I have no idea which one will be first—I’m relying on the characters to guide me there. I’m literally at their mercy…and gladly so.

So…time to wave off the stress of this past year and a half, dust off the cobwebs, and get geauxing! (LSU/Louisiana reference there. Totally proper spelling.)

Back Now

First and foremost, much love, many thoughts, and countless prayers to the brave people of Houston and surrounding areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey. You will get through this and be stronger than ever before, that much I know. <3

Well, it was a long winter. And spring. And summer. The bottom line: The sinusitis that ultimately led me to some not-so-fun procedures between January and July is still an ongoing thing. Yeah, the infection was really, really bad. Snot monsters. Who knew? Then, from December through March and some of April, my dad could barely walk (and sometimes just plain couldn’t) due to gout and the return of a medical condition that nearly took his life. During the same time frame, my poor mom struggled and is only just now feeling better after going back and forth to the doctor since February.

On the bright side, Dad is pretty much back to form and Mom is doing much, much better. As for me, I’m praying there are two more procedures before everything is back to normal again. I feel horrible for my absence and more so that my writing has been slow going since all of this started. I’m trying like all heck to get back on track, but it is a slower process than I would like.

At the very least, I plan on keeping the blog & FB updated more regularly, even if it’s with a bunch of nonsense (kinda like most of this post, right?). Twitter, however, will be where I release my annual crazy. Yes, it’s that time of year again: LSU FOOTBALL. All sense of reason (what little remains, that is) quite literally flies out the ears when LSU takes the field. Apologies in advance to anyone who may witness my wackiness—you may conclude I need professional help. To those cheering for teams who may take the field against LSU: Nothing but good sportsmanship here & may the best team win…so long as it’s LSU (just kidding…kind of).

Now for the big news: In December, before the chaos unleashed, I became a mama to a precious little angel. Please meet my fur-baby, Crosby St. Nick (yep, he was totally named after my favorite crooner, Bing Crosby, and the one and only Santa Claus). I realize my holiday addiction comes through in his name. Well, I've never hidden my crazy, so...yeah. 

Baby Crosby

And, yes, he's fast becoming a big LSU Tigers fan! 

Okay, I will see y’all soon with new puppy pics and new updates…including one that has been requested a few times from readers. ;) In the meantime, I hope to see you on Twitter for some serious fun on game day & Geaux Tigers.

The Final Wave Has Landed! BACKRUSH is Here!

Now Available on Amazon

The Mer-Nor Gang's final adventure has finally arrived! It's the conclusion I've been waiting to write for, oh, over a decade, now, I reckon. Writing BACKRUSH was probably the most emotionally exhausting, yet gratifying journey of the series. So much has happened over the course of ten years--I'm not sure what I would've done without The Merworld Water Wars. This world has been my home and the characters have always been, and will always be, my family.

The Mer-Nor Gang and I hope you will love its conclusion. 

Ride the Final Wave on Kindle (paperback coming soon): 

BACKRUSH, Now Available on Amazon.

The Final Wave Is Crashing Soon!

*waves* Hiya! Been a while, huh? I know, I know, it’s unforgivable...but maybe this will help: Wave Five, the final wave in The Merworld Water Wars series, is complete! And it is one long novel, let me tell you! Phew! 

Over a decade in the making, the final installment in this series had me on a seriously possessed emotional roller coaster—I cried and laughed…and cried and laughed some more.  Honestly, I was such a mess writing Wave Five, you’d think I’d lost the few marbles I have left. I know I’ve said it before, but these characters have been my family and there for me during some not so sunshine-y times; they’ve meant a great deal to my mom over the years with all she has had to deal with. They’re more than paper and ink, silly as that may sound.  

Anyway, I just wanted to give a quick update and let you know the Mer-Nor Gang will be returning very soon now! Details to follow about Wave Five, along with the cover reveal and blurb. 

Oh! And I haven't forgotten about introducing you to some wonderful fellow Indie authors! From the computer situation to the cruddy winter & spring, I just haven't been able to devote the kind of time these authors and their wonderful books deserve. But I'm getting there, slowly but surely! 

Lots of Love to You <3

Roundup: Shells, Writing, & Unleashing My Crazy

Um, under a rock…or the bed…or in a cave. Okay, not really, but I might as well have been. This summer has been kind of a rough one; I think, in part, this summer’s ups and downs have made me a little extra shell-bound lately. Lots of worry, tears, and fears. My mom means the world to me, so seeing her not doing so great sends me even deeper into that darn shell.

Of course, it’s no secret that my social media skills need a lot of work. For whatever dumb reason, I’m seriously social media-shy. It’s stupid, I know. But every single time I started to write a blog/FB post, I'd just clam up and think, ‘Okay, this is going to sound stupid and pointless. Literally no one will be interested in my babble.’ I realize how foolish that sounds, believe me, I do…I really do. Reckon I just didn’t want to further highlight my inner idiot, not that it needs any help—it does a fantastic job of rocking the stupid all on its own.

Anywhoo, I’m trying to crawl outside the shell I tend to retreat into, which means…expect babble. Apologies in advance. :/

Anthologies.

I’ve had the great privilege to work with several groups of tremendous authors, and all I can say is…get ready for boatloads of AWESOME! And for anyone who has read my Merworld Water Wars series...you’re in for some extra crazy fun in a couple of these anthologies. 

I’ll have special posts detailing these phenomenal books in the very near future. For now, here’s a brief introduction to three upcoming anthologies:

Celestial. In Celestial, readers will see how the presence of a comet influences life, love, relationships, and beyond. For my contribution, Comet Cotillion, I thought it might be cool to give you a glimpse into Marina’s life before arriving in Saxet Shores. You’ll visit Madame Helena’s institution while Marina, Trey, Polly, and Meikle were patients there. Expect wackiness, some rather unfortunate ball gowns, Polly’s bizarre suitors, a glimpse into the strength of Meikle and her bag…and hopefully lots of fun.

Somewhere South of Normal. Here, readers will vacation on an unknown island…where leaving may not be an option. When you visit False Key, you can expect sun, sand, surf…sex…danger…mystery…and pretty much anything and everything you can and can’t imagine. ;) As for my stories (Oversplash & Overbite-Me), well, let’s just say there’s a freaking hot, naughty, Aussie sorta-angel awaiting you. And, yes, he’s working his sexy…oh, Dear God, is he working it. ;)

Candy Cane Kisses. OH HOLY RUDOLPH! I’m going to be part of a Christmas romance anthology! I'm trying to decide whether to write a sexy or sweet story. Hmm. Naughty or Nice. Just can't decide, but I'm totally ready to put on my elf hat!

Author Appreciation Month.

Oh, oh, oh, I’m SO excited to hold my first ever Author Appreciation Month. I will feature four spectacular authors who I feel so blessed to know. Each week will spotlight a different author—we’re talking reviews, character interviews, author interviews, and…a big ‘ole GIVEAWAY! Stay tuned for the next post detailing everything! 

Character voices, that is! And, oh, man, have the characters been talking! I'll have tons more details to come, but basically, there's a little of everything: NA/Adult Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, and, of course...

Book four/Wave four of The Merworld Water Wars! It's  underway! However, there’s an issue—books four and five really should be one book. But, Dear God, it would be absolutely massive! So, I’ve decided to write books four and five back-to-back. The idea is to publish book four when I’m about halfway done with book 5. It may be a longer wait between Rifted and book four, but the wait between four and five will be much shorter.  I just don’t think it would be fair to make anyone who's reading this series wait ages for the final book. I dunno. I just want to do what's right for readers and my characters. Maybe I'm over-thinking. Wouldn't be the first time. lol :/

And finally… If you’ve read my books or any of my blog posts, you know I’m a little wacky. Wacky, crazy, goofy, dorky, or gorky, as Mom says—call it what you want, but whatever it is, it tends to be my comfort zone.

Starting Saturday, I will elevate the weird to a whole other level as LSU takes the field for their first game of the season. I’m a sports fanatic. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m a total girly-girl, but trust me when I say I can scream the stripes off a referee better than half the guys I know. If you’d like to come see the circus, drop by my Twitter page during an LSU game. I’ve been told it’s an unfiltered sideshow. Yeah. Like I said, just point and laugh. I won’t mind.

Book 3 updates, Satanic Sinuses, & an Epic Migraine

First off--and I know this is waaaaay late--I hope EVERYONE had a wonderful holiday season, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and/or Happy Kwanza! I miss the holidays.

Big hugs and many thanks to all who entered the 12 Authors of Christmas Giveaway! The winner was drawn, notified, and was super excited. I hope y’all had fun with all of our author spotlights and discovered new books to devour on our bookshelf posts.

So, it’s been a while, huh? Where the heck have I been?! Well, I’ll tell you…

Some of you may remember I was down and out in November with sinusitis. Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Uh, a sinus infection? Dude, that’s lame. I would totally think the same thing…if I hadn’t gone through one myself.

This sinus infection was of the evil variety. We’re talking stuffy nose (lame), scratchy throat (lame), sinus pressure so terrible that it radiated nearly unbearable, shake-until-you-feel-faint PAIN straight down into my jaw and teeth (definitely not lame), and facial swelling to the point that I couldn’t move my mouth into a smile on one side of my face (now we’re talking Halloween-scary, folks). This thing was no freaking joke.

After going to the doc and getting some meds, it finally started responding…and so did my system when it decided to sprout hives in allergic reaction fashion. Yeah. So much cuteness, let me tell you. *Note the sarcasm*

Fast forward past New Year’s Eve and it’s hello sinuses. They’re ba-ack, though, thankfully, not to the extreme evil they achieved in November. This time they simply knocked me sideways with sinus pressure and a migraine I couldn’t kick. Lovely. My eyes haven’t been able to tolerate a computer screen for quite some time now…

…until…

…my mom came to the rescue. God, I love her! She found a little personal humidifier for me, which was something the doc recommended, but, um, I’m really bad about changing filters and all that nonsense. Well, this personal one is filter-free! Just fill with water, plug it in, and you’re done! Genius. Isn’t it cute?! 

After about a couple months with this little workhorse and I’m already noticing significantly less pressure in my face and no nagging headache, which means I can look at a computer screen again!!! Hurray! 

Annnnnnnnnnnd then my sinusitis came back. Yeah. BUT it wasn't as bad, and I swear it's because of the little humidifier. Well, after taking the new meds, I seem to be back on track...for now...until the next round of acute sinusitis attacks. And let me tell y'all: there is nothing 'cute' about acute sinusitis. 

What about Book 3?!

Here’s what we have:

*The most gorgeous cover on the planet which is currently getting all dolled up with typography.

*Hook

*Blurb

Um, you didn’t mention the actual book.

That’s because I can officially say…IT’S DONE! Dude, it has taken me forever because I haven’t been able to be on the computer much. So, I turned to handwriting. Of course, the migraine kinda destroyed any sort of eyeball-usage. So, I employed a recorder—I used one before Christmas when things were too chaotic to sit at a computer for any length of time and found it really helpful.

The problem? I’ve learned a few things while transcribing from said recorder: I hate my voice. I sound stoned, even though I’m not; my attempt at an Australian accent is completely hideous; and I’m an even bigger idiot than I thought I was, so…yeah...good times.

Bottom line: I’m working my rear off on this book. I feel AWFUL for the delay. Stupid evil sinuses. Seriously. They’re evil monsters from the depths of the devil’s toilet.

A cover reveal and release date is just around the corner! I promise! <3

The 12 Authors of Christmas Giveaway!

Pictures by me. Yeah, I'm not so good with graphics.

Y'all know my love of the holidays is pretty massive (dare I say borderline crazy? Eh, I reckon there's nothing wrong with candy cane and Kris Kringle-like craziness). Last year, I held my first ever Holly Hootenanny giveaway and loved every single second, even though I was a complete newbie and a little duh with everything.

So, it was important for my inner-Santa self to try and fill my virtual Santa sack with more goodies than ever. And with the help of a very special new friend, this is exactly what happened.

Enter fellow mermaid author, Susan Fodor. Thanks to her brilliant Mermaidapaloosa, I met some incredible authors and, more importantly, new friends.

Susan and I decided to work together to bring as much jolliness as we could conjure up!

So...are you ready? Here we go...let it snow books and goodies!

Susan Fodor, graphics extraordinaire, created this beauty. Mine are SO lame compared to hers! Thank Santa for Susan, otherwise you'd be stuck with my lameness. <3

Prize Breakdown:

*17 books:

Paperbacks:

FINNED paperback by Sutton Shields

OVERFALLS paperback by Sutton Shields

SILVER TIDES paperback by Susan Fodor

Promises paperback by Amber Garr

Betrayal paperback by Amber Garr

Arises paperback by Amber Garr

Landlocked paperback by C.S. Moore

Dewitched: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen paperback by E.L. Sarnoff

E-Books:

Dewitched: The Untold Story of the Evil Queen E-book by E.L. Sarnoff

Untethered E-book by Katie Hayoz

The Boys of Summer E-book by C.J. Duggan

My Daylight Monsters E-book by Sarah Dalton

Cake: A Fairy Tale E-book by Dina Keratsis

In Your Dreams E-book by Amy Martin

As You Wake E-book by Amy Martin

*READER’S CHOICE* of ONE E-book by Elle Casey

*READER’S CHOICE* of ONE E-book by Jenn Cooksey

Extra Goodies:

1-Handmade beaded Untethered bookmark from Katie Hayoz

1-Bookmark(s) of The Syrenka Series from Amber Garr

1-Coca Cola Collectible Plush Penguin (approx. 15” high) with Throw Blanket (approx. 50” long x 60” wide) from Sutton Shields (Thank you to my mama for finding him <3)

The beautiful Christmas Tree blanket this little fella is sitting on was made by my mama. <3 (not included in the giveaway--it was my Christmas present from her a couple years ago. I just wanted to point out her awesomeness. :) )

1-Box of Just Bieber Trading Cards from Susan Fodor

WOW! What a haul, right?! Rudolph might need a little extra help getting all these goodies to the winner! Not to worry--Susan and I are glad to volunteer!

Enter now for your chance to win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions of the Giveaway (also stated on the Rafflecopter Giveaway Terms & Conditions section):

*U.S. & International residents 18 years of age and older

*Not suitable for children. Please keep out of the reach of children.

*Shipping from me within the United States will be Priority Mail, Insured, with Delivery Confirmation and tracking will be provided to the winner via e-mail; International Shipping will either be via First Class International or Priority Mail International.

*Authors are not responsible/liable for prizes lost in the mail

*Mailing times may vary.

*Delivery times may vary.

*Open to Residents of the US and Internationally. Winner will be notified by email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. I will contact participating authors regarding your prize(s). The authors, in most cases, are shipping or e-mailing their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you in obtaining your prize. If there is an issue, please notify the author within 30 days for assistance.

*The products offered for the giveaway are free of charge, no purchase necessary. Facebook, Twitter and Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! <3 
 

Roping the Roundup, Part Two: Cover Reveal, Reviews, & Upcoming Character Interviews

It seems when I remember to post things on FB or Twitter, I forget to add them here and vice versa. *shakes head*

Roundup: 

*Cover Reveal: Ooooh, it's here! It's here! It's time! The cover for my second baby is all ready! I'll be doing a thorough post and summary on here tomorrow. If you'd like to see it sooner, please stop by The Zombie Queen herself: 

The Bookish Brunette-The Merworld Water Wars Book Two  Cover Reveal! 

* Reviews: FINNED has received a couple of truly AMAZING editorial reviews from Ashley at The Bookish Brunette and PaulHarrison of A Role Model. I reverted back to my seven-year-old self when I read them, and Mom and I actually jumped up and down and cried (did I really just admit to that?).

Here are a couple of snippets from each (**SQUEAL**). The links to the full reviews can be found in the above paragraph (done especially for you, Mom; now you can just click the link, since I know how much you hate to type in web addresses ;) ) 

 "Two words: Freaking Awesome...FINNED is a fun, sharp-witted tale of Merpeople, Normals, first love, some heart-pounding action and a centuries old war that everyone is still fighting. And MerRacing?? Oh. My. God. BEST THING EVER!!! Seriously- one of the coolest freaking scenes I've ever read in my life..." -The Bookish Brunette

"...FINNED is fun and witty. It's so packed full of charm that it is simply irresistible. The book is fun from start to finish. It's entertaining in a way that very few indie books are, and for that its more than worthy of recommendation." -Paul Harrison, ARoleModel

* Mandy's Top Ten: I also recently answered Mandy’s Top Ten on her blog, I read Indie.  Her questions, like her blog, were an absolute blast! The giveaway is over now (and stupid me didn't remember to post about it here--just FB and twitter. Hey, at least I got 2 out of 3). If you’d like to read her awesomeness and my silliness, as well as an excerpt from FINNED, pop on over by clicking this link: 

Top Ten with silly me! 

* Character Interviews: Well, the Merpeople have finally secured interviews with the local Normals (i.e. Non-merfolk, but powerful nonetheless…albeit extremely quirky). Please join chief reporter from the top selling merfolk publication, Sandierays, Clarissa Smoggrove as she attempts to dig up dirt on the resident outcasts of Saxet Shores, Texas (operative word being ‘attempts’).

Let’s just say these interviews could get very, very messy.

First up on Ms. Smoggrove’s radar is Meikle Martinez, a powerful witch with a dark, somewhat unemotional demeanor. Well-known for her mysterious obsession with her purple sequined bag (rumored to hold some unknown power), Meikle is a self-proclaimed non-hugger, prefers black to all colors, & shows unwavering loyalty to her friends.

Coming soon! :)

NOTE: I'm so sorry for all the big spaces. It doesn't look that way in the edit/create post page. I have no idea how to fix it. :/

Roping the Roundup, Part One

Clearly, I need to improve the whole blogging/Facebook/twitter thing. This is nothing new. Eventually I figure the power of super savvy will kick in and transform me into a social media guru (and this would be the definition of delusional…or wishful thinking…think I prefer the latter, yet realize the former is more accurate).

Roundup time (I chose 'roundup' over 'update' because it fits better with my Texas roots...and reminds me of cowboys):

* My parents: It’s been a twisty road up a steep hill with rough terrain, but my parents are doing better. I still worry about them…don’t think I’ll ever stop worrying. It’s a wonder I don’t manufacture worry.

* Cover for Book Two (Wave Two): The book cover for Wave Two is ready!!! SO exciting!!! It’s absolutely beautiful! I’m so, so, so in love with it!!! Seriously, who needs a man when you can fall in love with a book cover, right?! (Um, ignore that one. What can I say? It’s my way of comforting my perpetually confused, single gal heart)

I can’t wait to share the cover with anyone out there who might be reading. I hope you’re out there somewhere. Hellooooooo out there. Ooh, I hear an echo. That can’t be good. :/

* Progress on Book Two: I honestly thought I’d have the second book published by now. Everything was cruising along SO smoothly and quickly that I just figured…well, wrong, apparently. :/ Between my OCD’ing and fruitless attempts at perfection, time tends to slip by me. Then there’s the little problem with my emotional involvement with my characters and their story—sometimes, I’ll just cry through scenes and end up with a headache and blurry vision. I know I’m ridiculous!!! Still, progress is moving at a steady pace and I anticipate releasing this summer (aiming for June or sooner).

And then there’s this…

* Think there’s a very good chance I was a hermit crab in my past life: Okay, Mom laughed to the point of snorts when I mentioned this random brainwave, but check out the evidence:

Exhibit #1: Social Media Shy (Seriously, who's shy when sitting behind a computer?! I’m working on it. Literally. I’ve been researching my eyes out, trying to familiarize myself with everything and figure out a way to be less silly).

Exhibit #2: When using social media, I instantly take the Dolorean back to junior high school and once again enter the Island of Misfit Toys.

Exhibit #3: Birds, especially seagulls (creepy, right?!), have an unusual fondness for me, which is sort of disturbing ever since I saw The Birds.

Part Two of the roundup to come…

Elevator Eliminator

WOW. Okay, so I've been M.I.A. for a while, huh? It's been a pretty intense holiday season. My family has been going through so much lately. Some days, I've actually wondered if we didn't accidentally step into some alternate reality...but it just turns out we ran right through a big 'ole pile of BLEEP.  Life, right? Stay strong, have faith. That's what we do...well, I may add some crying...and worrying...and panicking...and all the good stuff that falls under the anxiety umbrella. Always an adventure when you combine worrywart and an emotional waterfall. 

Anyway, Book Two is underway!!! My characters are making me laugh HYSTERICALLY (yeah, I know that sounds slightly insane, but I guarantee anybody who has written anything with characters and dialogue will totally get it...I hope). I see every facial twitch, hear every elevation in their voices...they're REAL to me. I just love them so much! And, again, I illustrate my dorkdom. Sigh. 

I got to thinking about elevators the other day. No idea why. So, here's a little blip about elevators...and me: 


Confession: I like elevator music. There, I said it. There’s just one tiny catch…I hate elevators. Scare. The. Ever-loving. Snot. Out. Of. Me. No joke. Of course, this is probably because my trouble-causing dad chose a glass-enclosed elevator facing the outside of a seriously tall building to “bounce” with little me inside. Yeah. Haven’t been a fan since.

No one likes to admit they enjoy elevator music, right? I mean, it’s practically a universal rule that you make fun of people who like the stuff. *points finger at self and chuckles* The worst part (oh, there is one, believe me)? If I’m forced to ride within a death box on cables, I find my only solace is in the music…which means I start to hum (dead giveaway)…and that inevitably leads to whisper-singing or, worse yet, full-blown karaoke (just slap my forehead with a giant ‘L’ for loser because I have outed myself as an elevator-music-loving loser).

So. Yeah.  My brain is running on random today. I’ll probably regret admitting to this tomorrow.