I have a confession to make.  I’m a reality TV junkie.  I don’t think there is a month in the year where I don’t have at least one reality TV show to watch.

Right now I’m in reality heaven.  I’ve got Dancing With the Stars, The Amazing Race, as well as Survivor to watch.  When I can squeeze them in, I watch America’s Next Top Model as well as The Biggest Loser.  Sometimes, I don’t have enough recording devices to capture all the shows I like to watch.  One of my favorite shows just ended - Big Brother.  If I were to participate in a reality TV show, I think Big Brother is one I’d do well.  I also wouldn’t mind participating in the Amazing Race.

My addiction started easily enough with the granddaddy of the reality TV - Survivor.  Then, American Idol came on the scene.  As television moguls thought up new shows, I became an avid viewer.  I’m not sure what the attraction is.  All I know is that I spend at least an hour a night watching common people compete for money, prizes and bragging rights.  

I think there are a lot of people who like to watch these shows.  Some of them don’t like to admit it, but at work, when I talk about the latest broadcast, they are the first ones to offer an opinion and seem to know all the players.

So my question to you today is:  Do you watch reality TV, and if so, what is your favorite show?  If you don’t watch any reality TV, why not?

WHAT’S PLAYING ON MY IPOD RIGHT NOW:  Yah Mo Be There by James Ingram

Until next time;

KMA367

Okay, I’ve figured out this blogging thing is harder than it appears.  I envision a world of people sitting at their computers waiting for MY random thoughts for the day.  That’s a lot of pressure!  I know that’s not really true, but I still feel the need to deliver.  So here we go…

What’s your favorite book of all time - and why?

For me, it’s Gone With the Wind.  I actually saw the movie first, at age thirteen.  I fell in love with Rhett Butler as the camera panned down to the bottom of the staircase where Rhett looked up the stairs at Scarlett O’Hara.  In the four hours or so it took to watch their turbulent love develop, then crash and burn, I was changed.

I came home from the theater in a daze.  How could two people who were so well suited for each other let their relationship go so wrong?  I searched for answers - in the book version of Gone With the Wind.

Although I was an avid reader, taking on such a large book seemed daunting.  But I read day and night and finished the book in about a day and a half.  And while I had a better understanding of the main characters of the book and the Civil War, I still couldn’t understand how Scarlett and Rhett’s missed the mark.

To this day I’ve never found the answer.  However, I do know that when I read the book or watch the movie, I’m going to admire Scarlett’s stubbornness and determination (and when watching the movie - her clothes).  I’m going to admire Rhett’s character and ability to mock himself and yet be Scarlett and Melanie’s hero - several times.  I’m going to admire Melanie’s gentle ways and the love she carries for Ashley Wilkes - even though I don’t think he deserves it.

The story Margaret Mitchell penned changed something in me.  It introduced me to the idea that a princess (Scarlett) doesn’t always get her “happily ever after” with her prince (Rhett).  Sometimes love just goes wrong.  Not a happy lesson to learn, but not a bad one to know as one goes through life.

Please don’t let me flounder out here in cyberspace all by myself…what’s your favorite book - and why?

WHAT’S PLAYING ON MY IPOD:  Tranquillo by Carly Simon…yes I do like Carly Simon

Until next time,

KMA367

I’ve been a writer in various forms for most of my life.  However, it wasn’t until about twelve years ago I took a Romance Writing class and then joined Romance Writers of America (RWA).  Even after joining RWA I was kind of a “dabbler” in writing. 

Part of the problem is the physical and mental demands of my job as a police officer.  Sometimes when I come home I just don’t have much more to give.  But still, I plug away. 

I’ve been to every RWA National Conference (except one) since 1996.  I’ve gone through two or three computers.  I’ve bought more books than I can count on how to write, research, and just for the pleasure of reading.   Now I’ve launched my wonderful website.

And behind of all of the time and money I’ve spent on chasing my dream to be a writer stands my husband, Rick.  Never once has he told me I should give up or that I was spending too much money and where was the return?

He doesn’t complain about the hours and hours I spend alone in my office typing away bringing life to my characters.  Instead, when I get stumped about something in my book he enthusiastically offers suggestions - they aren’t always what I’m looking for, but he makes the effort.  When he does come through I find his suggestions add so much more to my story.

I’m very lucky and I know it.  My husband is a great guy.  So when I come to you via my website, or my stories, or in a class I teach, you should know I’m being brought to you by…

My husband Rick.

What’s playing on my Ipod right now:  No Secrets by Carly Simon

Until next time,

KMA367

Greetings and welcome to my blog!

When I first entered the Los Angeles Police Academy ”Line up on the black line!” was the very first order we (as a class) were given.  Inside the academy gymnasium, the instructors yelled at us to line up by height on a black line.  I was nervous then and I’m a little bit nervous now. 

I’ve been waiting for my blog launch day for quite some time and, now that it’s finally here, I’m struggling to find just the right words.  I’m hoping you’ll find what I’ve got to say somewhat interesting and engaging, and dare I say…sometimes thought provoking.

One thing I’ll get out of the way right now is why I’m not wearing my uniform in my website photo.  There are two reasons. 

• The copyright to the LAPD badge is owned by the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club
• Officers aren’t allowed to wear their uniform for personal business

With that mystery cleared up let me move on to what’s on my mind today.

I never thought I’d own an Ipod.  I didn’t see any reason for it.  I could listen to the radio or CD’s in my car.  At home I could turn on the television to an all music station and listen without commercial interruption.  But then I got a new cell phone (another device I didn’t think I’d use), and in the cell phone is an Ipod.  What a fabulous gadget!

I’ve loaded some of my favorite music into it and listening to songs one right after the other I’ve selected is an instant mood-lifter.  When doing housework I sing and dance along to the music that was “hip” when I was a teenager.  And since I’m using the word “hip” you can guess how long ago that’s been.

Because I think the Ipod is such a cool item and because I’ve seen agent, Kristen Nelson’s blog where she lists what’s playing on her Ipod and I think that’s a neat idea, I’m going to follow suit.

What’s playing right now in my Ipod:  Private Eyes by Hall & Oats

Until next time,

KMA367                                                                                                                                             (FCC call sign for LAPD radio transmitters from 1948 through the 1980’s.  Officers will end a lengthy radio broadcast stating “KMA”)