The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I keep looking for ways to keep me engaged with blogging and for ways to entertain or educate the reader. So what do I have to offer?

So here's my new idea. I'm going to blog on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

The Good: my husband's birthday today. He's fabulous (and he's hot) but I think I've told you that before.


The Bad: the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC. It's a lovely older hotel (with very reasonable prices for NYC). But I was on the street side of the hotel on the 14th floor and you would have thought that I was on the ground floor right next to the uber-trash-masher. I am certain there was NO sealing around the windows. I was awake ALL night long. There's nothing worse than knowing you have to be up in a few minutes and you have to be fresh and alert for your meetings with key players at publishing companies.

Have you ever had an experience like this?




The Ugly:

The earthquake in Haiti. What a horrific experience for them. I don't know anyone there but when I see images and news reports I can only imagine that they must feel like they're in a nightmare and can't wake up. Please find a way to help--I'll donate clothing and shoes to DI.

Attitude of Gratitude--I'm grateful for good health

This is a blog post from my daughter. If you'd like to help, send me your email address (annie.oswald@gmail.com) and I'll pass along the address to you too. Merry Christmas.

From Leisy:

I couldn't think of a better way to reach more people to ask this favor. We have some friends here in Toledo whose eight year old son was diagnosed this week with an extremely rare form of cancer. The prognosis is not good and the family just wants to enjoy the last bit of time they have together. The little boy LOVES mail and Christmas. His grandmother is also a close friend and when I asked her what we could do- she said we could send he and his brother mail of any sort. I know he'd love to get mail from places besides Toledo so I thought I'd ask friends to send him some. Christmas cards or letters or anything would be wonderful. He loves spongebob, cooking, and all other normal eight year old stuff.

I don't want to post their names and addresses on my blog- so if you'd send me an e-mail (leisyoswald@hotmail.com), or comment with your e-mail address, I can send you one with the information! Thanks so much!

Attitude of Gratitude: I'm grateful for the Christmas Season

Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Attitude of Gratitude Day ?

I'm behind---again. But today I am grateful for extended family. I feel truly blessed to belong to a loving and supportive family.

We (Phil, Daysa, Rosemary and I) went to Boise, Idaho for Thanksgiving. David and Michelle hosted the event (meaning they found the location and provided the turkey and potatoes--along with lots of other stuff).

It was fun to see Ben and Chantal and new baby Jet and Kristen and Matt and new baby Sawyer.

In addition Howells, Michelle's parents and sister and husband and son were there too.


Here we are lining up for the yummy yummy food. I especially liked the moist turkey, Linda's yams, and my stuffing (made with cornbread, pecans, apples, and craisins).



I'm pretty sure Bryson ate too much. I don't know how many desserts there were (pumpkin, pecan, chocolate, peanut butter, two kinds of apple, oatmeal cake, ice cream) but it was ALL gone when we left.



And lastly, I'm really grateful that I am part of a family of game players. Thanks everybody for humoring me (Matt, Bobby, Ben, Bridger, and Chele)!

I thought you might be interested...

By Diane Roback -- Publishers Weekly, 12/3/2009 11:40:00 AM

Hunger Games fans have just eight more months to wait: the as yet untitled third and final book in Suzanne Collins’s dystopian fantasy trilogy will be released in English worldwide on August 24, 2010.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 6

I love the mountains and deserts of Utah.


Mt. Timp from our neighborhood (Daysa photo)










Mt. Timpanogos taken from a helicopter ride.










Phil at Delicate Arch













Sunset from my back porch.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 5

Today I'm grateful for my dream job. I love what I do. I love the people I work with. I love the travel. I love the people I meet and the places I go. I love the books. I love our corporate mission.

I know you think I'm nuts but it took me a long time to get here. And yes, there are days I hate the job, the problems, the politics, etc. etc. but mostly it's worth all the hassle.

So, since you're reading this, I've been part of the team that is creating, writing, reviewing, marketing and now-releasing a brand new book called Great Work, Great Career. The book comes out in December and I really really like it. I haven't loved every book we release but this one I do. This book reminded me of why I do what I do and how I can do it better.