I’m flying up to Toronto today and meeting up with fellow Blaze writer Rhonda Nelson at the airport. Tomorrow we’ll visit the Harlequin offices. I’ve been a couple of times before, but it’s always a good trip. Of course I know the editorial staff, but it’s fascintating to meet the people in the art department and the production staff who actually see to it that the books make it to press. (Yep, it’s good to meet the folks face-to-face that you’re making their life a misery as well as your own when you’re late on a deadline.) I also like meeting the people in the business office who oversee my contracts and my money.:p And that will conclude the “little business” portion of the trip.
Ewww. I’m feeling so guilty over the next part because my husband’s bogged down at work and my daughter’s going to be stuck at the office with him…but I’ll get over it. Friday and Saturday are fun days. Friday we’re doing some treetop canopy tour where you descend via zipline and then go through some caves with a section called Fat Man’s Squeeze. Uh-huh. Saturday will be a couple of hours of sea kayaking on Georgian Bay.
It was Rhonda who pointed out that activities with our editor, outside of writing, always include having to wear a helmet. (See whitewater photos in my Stuff section if you need proof.)
Well, there was that horseback riding trip in Texas that didn’t require a helmet but I probably needed one considering I fell…not off the horse. Oh no, this was before I ever made it to the stable. Landed flat on my…butt. And a great big thank-you to the cowboy who yelled up at me from the corral, in case anyone missed it, “Hey, are you okay?”
Anyway, I’m not the most coordinated human being and when my editor said, in regards to Fat Man’s Squeeze. “You just have to twist just so and sort of push yourself through with your legs while torquing your shoulders.” Grand. I’m not afraid of heights so that’s not a problem, but my general lack of coordination is no state secret. If you hear something Friday around noon that sounds like a distant scream…it’s because I’ve managed to wedge myself into Fat Man’s Squeeze.:[ Stuck parts are unhappy parts.
Okay, I’m so ready for this, I’m already pushing my guilt aside. I knew I could do it.8)
Hopefully, you won’t hear me screaming.
Oh, WAAAAAAH! You’re only going to be 4 hours away from me! I’m so envious..!
I hope you have a great time, though, and travel safe!
Comment by Kris Starr — June 14, 2006 @ 6:09 am
Babe, you can avoid Fat Man’s Squeeze. I called and made EXTRA double sure, because while I don’t think I’m afraid of heights, I know that my considerable girth–and particularly my breasts–would not enjoy getting stuck between a couple of rocks. I have this mental picture of Precious with a boot on my ass and you tugging from the other side. :o See you soon!
Comment by Rhonda — June 14, 2006 @ 6:12 am
Kris, come on down! It seems obscene to be so close and not see you. You can help me and Precious unstick Rhonda. You want the boot in the ass end or the other? :p
Comment by Jennifer — June 14, 2006 @ 6:22 am
Hope you have a grand time :p If Rhonda gets stuck, please unstick her very gently, it hurts my body just thinking about it, YOWSAR :o Anyhow, stay safe and have loads of fun.
Comment by Ginger — June 14, 2006 @ 8:30 am
Oh now that sounds like fun, except for the getting stuck thing. I went hiking with my hubby and had to make a squeeze thru an extremely tight area. It was a bad time to realize I’m afraid of tight spaces. I freaked, just a tiny bit.
Have a great time. We’re getting soaked down here in SC. Roads flooded, cars hydro(ing) all over the road. Yuck!
Comment by Madison — June 14, 2006 @ 8:46 am
wow wish i was there. :d
Comment by kim — June 14, 2006 @ 10:48 am
Jen — If I’d known earlier, I might have pestered Precious to let me tag along. Unfortunately, the weekend is already booked. Next time let me know when you first start making plans!
Hope you have a GREAT time! :)
Comment by Kris Starr — June 15, 2006 @ 6:53 am
Ok. Now I have vision of Pooh bear stuck in the rabbit hole. And I don’t even know Rhonda… (sorry Rhonda:$) I have money on Jen wiggling through Fat Man’s Squeeze. She is never one to turn down a challenge…
I want to be a writer!! You guys alway get to do such cool things! 8) Have a great time and travel safely.
Comment by Ellen — June 15, 2006 @ 7:23 am
Back with no boots in ass–mine or anyone elses! Fabuolous time. Will post later today!!!
Comment by Jen — June 19, 2006 @ 7:18 am