Si, Se Puede--Yes, you can!

1.  Have annual thyroid sonogram visit later today.  Back in 1988 my gynecologist found a huge growth in my throat which later was diagnosed as possible thyroid cancer.  I had surgery and the surgeon removed the half of the thyroid with the growth.  Luckily for me it was benign.  My younger sis had the same thing happen to her only hers was thyroid cancer. So two years ago I asked for another sonogram to check out the remaining side.  They found some nodules and one is bigger than the others.  This means I have to go back every year so they can monitor them to see if they grow any more. Cross fingers it's okay!  In the meantime, I've not had a diet Coke for a week.  One tech told me to do this with my mammograms as it might help not get cysts.  I've also tried to have a salad every day and been cutting back on other sugary things as next Monday I have to have blood work to not only check my thyroid level but my cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Oh, joy. 2. W

1. So it's official!  I'll be a Cybil's judge this year for the YA Speculative Fiction category.  You all know how much I LOVE this genre!  I'm also so excited to be working again with the fab Sheila Ruth, who is filled with awesomeness!  Plus, there's some amazing YA fantasies this past year! Can't wait! From last year's Kidlitcon.  Sheila is on the left side of me! 2. Actually watched the GOP debate.  Husband was surprised.  I'm not a Republican but I feel you need to keep on top of things and not just read Twitter for your information. The day before I saw this on Access Hollywood and couldn't resist taking a photo.  Talk about Freudian slip: I try not to get all political, considering all the trolls and hate that's out there right now but I vowed I wouldn't be silent whenever I hear racism.  Trump's hate comments against undocumented individuals really frightens me.  Not so much him, but those who

1.  This week started off with my younger brother, Brent, getting married to Angelica in Vegas. Doesn't she look gorgeous in this photo? Angelica is from Baja, California.  I've only spoken to her over the phone, but she seems very sweet.  One thing is for sure.  She's made my brother happy after a very unhappy previous marriage.  Wishing both of them the best. 2. Homeschooling week three has been tough.  In our church, teens in grades 9-12 go to early morning Bible study called Seminary.  In our ward(kind of like local church), it starts at 5:45am. Yes, you heard me right: 5:45 A.M. Since I'm the mom and all, guess who has to get him up at 5am? So this is me: Though I've been using that time to do some writing.  So it's ending up to be a win-win situation. 3. Oh, have to share this latest.  This is a video with Mexican-American actor George Lopez's take on Trump. Hilarious! https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1015355

I'm really excited about the latest Cindy Pon book!  Why?  I love her way of weaving in Chinese mythology into a fantasy that makes it come alive!  Plus, it has a diverse protagonist! LOVE! Cindy Pon is the author of Silver Phoenix (Greenwillow, 2009), which was named one of the Top Ten Fantasy and Science Fiction Books for Youth by the American Library Association’s Booklist, and one of 2009′s best Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror by VOYA. The sequel to Silver Phoenix, titled Fury of the Phoenix, was released in April 2011. Serpentine, the first title in her next Xia duology, will be published by Month9Books in September 2015. She is the co-founder of Diversity in YA with Malinda Lo and on the advisory board of We Need Diverse Books. Cindy is also a Chinese brush painting student of over a decade. Visit her website at  www.cindypon.com . “Skybright … ” He tugged her gently to him. “I never feel as if I can speak of my past with the other monks. Because of

1. Week two of homeschooling ninth grade has been filled with confusion on the whole on-line thing.  During our yearly family meeting, went over goals and incentives to motivate son to do well so he can transition over to public high school next year. High school so far has had it's challenges. So can see son telling me this: Since I write YA, I always kind of related with my protagonists and not the parents.  Now that I'm a mother of a teen?  Omg, am I one of those 'parents'? I can get through this.  There's always cute animal gifs to look out, right? 2. OCCRWA's Birthday bash's theme this year is ONCE UPON A TIME. I'm suppose to dress like one of my favorite characters.  I'm thinking of either doing the whole America thing from THE ELITE series: Or evil Levana from Marissa Meyer's LUNAR series.  I love tormented antagonists. 3. I'm a guest blogger over on my publisher's blog.  TOP 5 HAUNTED SITES IN SACRAMENTO i