I realize the Olympics officially ended Sunday evening here in the United States. But I just couldn’t resist posting these quotes I read on a yahoo groups. Let me know which one was your favorite or if you heard another one not listed.

Here are the top nine comments made by NBC sports commentators so far during
the Summer Olympics that they would like to take back:

1. Weightlifting commentator: This is Gregoriava from Bulgaria. I saw her
snatch this morning during her warm up and it was amazing.
2. Dressage commentator: This is really a lovely horse and I speak from
personal experience since I once mounted her mother.
3. Paul Hamm, Gymnast: I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and
father.
4. Boxing Analyst: Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in
boxing, but none of them really that serious.
5. Softball announcer: If history repeats itself, I should think we can
expect the same thing again.
6. Basketball analyst: He dribbles a lot and the opposition doesn’t like it.
In fact you can see it all over their faces.
7. At the rowing medal ceremony: Ah, isn’t that nice, the wife of the IOC
president is hugging the cox of the British crew.
8. Soccer commentator: Julian Dicks is everywhere. It’s like they’ve got
eleven Dicks on the field.
9. Tennis commentator: One of the reasons Andy is playing so well is that,
before the final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them… Oh
my God, what have I just said?

Ever since returning from San Francisco, it feels like all I do is write and run. Which I love. But now, I’m carving some special time out for reading. It’s not just any book I’m making time for. It is a release I’ve been looking forward to since her last book came out one year ago. She’s my favorite author and the woman who inspired me to write–Sandra Brown.

Here is a synopsis from Smoke Screen:
When newswoman Britt Shelley wakes up to find herself in bed with Jay Burgess, a rising star detective in the Charleston PD, she remembers nothing of how she got there…or of how Jay wound up dead.
Handsome and hard-partying, Jay was a hero of the disastrous fire that five years earlier had destroyed Charleston’s police headquarters. The blaze left seven people dead, but the death toll would have been much higher if not for the bravery of Jay and three other city officials who risked their lives to lead others to safety.
Firefighter, Raley Gannon, Jay’s lifelong friend, was off-duty that day. Though he might not have been a front-line hero, he was assigned to lead the investigation into the cause of the fire. It was an investigation he never got to complete. Because on one calamitous night, Raley’s world was shattered.
Scandalized, wronged by the people he trusted most, Raley was forced to surrender the woman he loved and the work to which he’d dedicatd his life. For five years his resentment against the men who exploited their hero status to further their careers–and ruin his–had festered, but he was helpless to set things right.
That changes when he learns of Jay Burgess’s shocking death and Britt Shelley’s claim that she has no memory of her night with him. As the investigation into Jay’s death intensifies, and suspicion against Britt Shelley mounts, Raley realizes that the newswoman, Jay’s last sexual conquest, might be his only chance to get personal vindication-and justice for the seven victims of the police station fire.
But there are powerful men who don’t want to address unanswered questions about the fire who will go to any lengths to protect their reputations. As Raley and Britt discover more about what happened that fateful day, the more perilous their situation becaomes, until they’re not only chasing after the truth but running for their lives.

Sounds like the “2008 Thrillmaster of the Year” has done it again. I’m only twelve chapters into the book but I’m hooked. And I’ll finish it just in time for another important book release next Tuesday… If you’re in the mood for an engaging Romantic Suspense/Thriller, be sure to check out Smoke Screen!!!

Romance Writers of America, approximately a 9500 member organization, hosts a national conference for its members (both published and unpublished writers). San Francisco was my second national conference to attend. And boy did it seem even busier than last year…if that’s even possible. The conference kicked off with a 500 author Literacy signing where all the proceeds were donated to the cause. I saw Rita Nominee Jade Lee (who I met at the Arizona conference back in April). She’s a hoot. Love her.
Another author I reconnected with but from last year’s national conference and who I like to call my “mentor” was Teresa Southwick. She used to be a member of the local chapter but lives in Nevada now. I met her in an elevator last year and have stayed in touch since. Such a sweetie!!

And finally, here’s a picture for fun. Sherrilyn Kenyon brought with her two live male characters from her book, Acheron. By the end of the night, I think most women there had their picture taken with them.

The next three days consisted of workshops (either on an aspect of the writing process or career advice), meeting new people, and hanging out with friends. I had an appointment with an editor from Harlequin late Friday afternoon. Back in May, appointments with editors and agents were available online on a first come first serve basis. I knew exactly who I wanted to meet with but didn’t see the editor’s name. One month later I checked again and it was there with only a couple slots left. Who was feeling lucky then?? Even though I was a little nervous, my two friends who already knew the editor both said she was really nice. Because there have been stories of agents or editors who do sit there stony-faced and make you lead the whole conversation. So knowing I didn’t have to meet with a statue and feeling confident in the research I’d done over the line and confident my story was exactly what she was looking for, I felt good heading into the meeting. And judging by her request I send in my full manuscript, I’d say it was a success. I’m elated to say the least!!!
So overall, between the appointment with a fantastic editor and my first half marathon completion, I’d say San Francisco will always have a positive ring to it.

Sorry to take so long to report but I did run the San Francisco Half Marathon on Sunday. And it was awesome!!! The race day atmosphere is an incredible feeling. 16,000 racers all joined together, proving to themselves and others that they set a goal and could reach it. Here I am pre-race in front of the Bay Bridge. It’s about 6am and the sun is still below the horizon.
Looking back, I would’ve worn a pair of light gloves because coming from triple digits in Texas, I wasn’t used to the middle to upper 50’s. The most incredible momement occured about five miles into the race when the course led us onto the Golden Gate Bridge. I pulled my cell phone out of a little zippered pocket I had on my running skirt and called my husband. He thought the race was over and asked how I did. He couldn’t believe I was calling him in the middle of the race but was glad to share such a special moment with me. It was a good thing I called when I did because the next four miles running across the bridge and back were pretty brutal as far as the wind was concerned. I saw some official race pictures of me on the race’s website and my knees turned red they were so cold. But after getting off the bridge and running the last 3-4 miles, I actually picked up my pace. I ended with a time of 2 hours and 6 mins. Not bad for my first half marathon. Here’s the post race pics.
The three other ladies with me were my conference roommates. Thanks for coming to the race Tracy, Nikki, and Dawn!!
But I can’t forget to mention my friend who was extremely disappointed she couldn’t run the race with me. My inspiration and great friend, Robin Bielman! And also a big thanks to Ted for support and taking pictures!

Now don’t feel too sorry for her. This tough cookie has already ran 4 half marathons!!! And I’m sure that won’t be all. I hope your foot heals quickly Robin so you can get back to running for exercise. I know how much you enjoy it.

In the mean time, I’ll contemplate if any other races will be in my near future.

Tomorrow, I will run my first half marathon in San Francisco. The weather is cool compared to the triple digit weather of Texas. We’re talking 50’s at night and 60’s during the day. Here is a picture after receiving my registration packet.
Looking over the race course, I was thrilled to see I’ll be running over a bridge!!!
No, not this one but close. I’ll actually run 4 miles (over and back) on the Golden Gate Bridge.

There is some disappointing news to report. My friend Robin, who was supposed to run the race with me, is injured. And it’s not a case of wimping out. It’s a real bonafide injury. You can’t tell from the picture but she’s in a boot (and also pouting because she’s completely bummed she’ll miss the race).
I will definitely miss her beside me but I know healing the tear in her arch is much more important.

On a side note, the writing conference is going great!!! I’ve met more wonderful people and have absorbed as much informaton as possible. But I’ll post more about the goings on later.