Update to the 02.10.2010 Club

WOW! I can’t believe that it’s already November 2009. Where did the summer go? I also realized that I haven’t updated the 02.10.2010 Club on my journey toward the BIG 50 since June.

Looking back over the things I did, there was at least one activity that was new for me each month from July – October.

July 10 – had a long lunch with a new speaker friend at a wonderful Chinese restaurant. When I returned home in the late afternoon, I found that my A/C wasn’t working properly.

Here in Texas we were in the middle of multiple days of 100+ degree weather. I immediately called the property manager, however, with it being late on a Friday afternoon, I knew my chances of getting immediate help were slim to none. Next, I contacted a couple of friends who might offer a cool place to stay. Nadda…I learned I had “fair weather” friends not scorching weather friends. So…what is a girl to do? What any Texan pioneer woman would do…I spent the night sleeping outside under the Texas stars.

The next morning the A/C repairman was out bright and early and within a couple of minutes had solved and fixed the problem. The poor mouse that ran across the electrical thingys outside was fried and gone to the great cheese house in the sky.

August 10 – actually spent the afternoon and evening of August 9 at Lake Granbury with the Singles Group from First Baptist Church, Grapevine, TX having a wonderful day of boat riding, skiing, eating, and just fun fellowship.

September 10 – kicked off the North Texas Christian Writers Conference with the Faculty dinner at El Paseo in Keller, TX. This was my first year to be a presenter at this great conference. My topic was, “Is Your Web Site Working For You…or Against You?” I highly recommend this writers conference to anyone who is interested in taking your writing career to the next level. Mark your calendars for next year’s conference on September 17-18, 2010.

October 10 – drove up to Denton, TX to catch a few minutes of a writers workshop lead by Jodi Thomas. She’s a New York Times Bestselling author, three time RITA award winner, and has been inducted into the Romance Writers Hall of Fame. After the workshop, we had lunch together at an English pub in downtown Denton. I’m currently enjoying reading her novel, Twisted Creek.

November 10 – ??? There’s nothing on my calendar…yet. Stay tuned…you just never know what will happen next

What do Valkyrie and Dark Pursuits have in common?

Hi dear friends and family who are joining me in counting down to my 50th birthday! (If you’re new, please see the Categories section on the right and click on “02.10.2010 Club to find out what this is all about.)

Today, January 10, 2009, is the second of 14 mini-celebrations as I journey toward my BIG 50 birthday! Each month on the 10th of the month, I’m doing something fun, enjoyable, and not too expensive, to celebrate.

December 10 was a busy (can you say BUSY!) day. I managed to squeeze in lunch at Taco Bell. Now that might not mean much to you, however, the person who suggested that I have a taco received a $10 Del Taco gift card for her fun suggestion. By the way, I love Taco Bell

For this month, I decided to step it up a knotch since it is a Saturday, afterall.

Actually, I’ve been somewhat celebrating since Thursday. A friend from California flew in to sing for our Dallas Connection Dinner of the Women in Christian Media organization. Another friend was the keynote speaker, and I got to see a lot of ladies who are just WAY COOL!

On Friday morning, my CA friend and I went to hear best selling author and speaker, Laurie Beth Jones, for the First Friday women’s event in Southlake, TX.

So..after dropping my CA friend off at the airport this morning, the rest of the day was mine.

Here’s what I got to do today.

1. I renamed this from “14 10’s to 50″ to the “02.10.2010 Club” and formed a group on Facebook. If you’re on Facebook and didn’t receive an invitation to the club, please email me at karen@karenpower.com and I’ll get you in

Tom Cruse in Valkyrie

2. I went to the movies to see “Valkyrie”. WOW! I wanted to see this movie because for some reason I totally missed this in high school history classes. I recommend this movie! It’s a little intense, however, worth sitting on the edge of your seat, and biting your fake nails for. I drove home thinking, “What if they had succeeded? How different would things be?” and it made me futher reflect on something that I’ve been pondering for the past few weeks — faithfulness, loyality, resolve (more on this in a few days).

Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins

3. I stopped by my local B&N bookstore to buy a copy of a new book that had been recommended to me. They didn’t have it…BUMMER! Heading to Amazon online to order it! (I will get a copy and talk about it in the near future…a little suspense for you.) So instead, I picked up a copy of best-selling author, Brandilyn Collins’ newest Christian suspense thriller (can you say those three words together? YES!).

I’ve just had a fun time on this cold January day in Texas. A good day so far —  I have a seen a good movie. For this evening, I’m planning to curl up under one of my new Christmas blankets and read a good book! I might even have a bowl of hot soup as was suggested.

OKAY…if you’re still with me…leave a comment to this post and your name will be entered into a random drawing for either an Amazon gift card or a movie theater gift card (please include in your comment your preference and if you have AMC theaters near you).

It’s been a good January 10th mini-celebration! Catch you later…

6:09 p.m. CT — just found out that today’s mini birthday celebration #2 will forever be remembered  with the birth my dear friends, Randy & Lauren Briggs’ first grandchild,  Jonathan Laurence Briggs, Jr. CONGRATULATIONS! (and proud parents Jonathan & Joy Briggs)

14 10’s to 50 – 12/10/08

Okay Birthday Countdown Friends,

Here we go…

December 10, 2008 was the first 10th of the month in the countdown to 02.10.2010 (I love that date — might have to have a T-shirt design contest or something).

Yesterday was a BUSY day in that I had to finalize things for the four groups of Children’s Choirs at First Baptist Church, Grapevine. The Preschoolers had a concert and reception. While at the same time, the Grade Schoolers were having a Christmas party and rehearsal. My job…get everything in order,  ready to go, and then help as needed. The choir directors were great, and handled the Preschool activities. YEAH! I  got to serve Cici’s pizza, cinnamon rolls, and drinks to a group of hungry 1st-6th grade children.

So…before all that flurry of activity hit full force, I decided to enjoy a nice and quick lunch. Credit for this idea goes to Janet Lynn Mitchell of Orange, CA. She’s known to eat a taco a day at Del Taco.

While I don’t have a Del Taco nearby, I do have a Taco Bell (one of my fav’s). Here’s where I went…Taco Bell, Keller, TX.

I couldn't go through the Drive Thru. A lady had bumped the curb and got her car stuck. Now that's a trick.

And here’s what I ordered…3 crunchy taco supremes and a cherry Pepsi.

Now for the most fun of all. Out of yesterday’s suggestion from Janet came the idea of having some contests and prizes along the way. I would have loved to have eaten my tacos with Janet at her Del Taco or have her here to eat with me at Taco Bell in Keller. Since that wasn’t possible, Janet will be receiving a Del Taco gift card. Then when she has a taco, she can think of me (And everyone said, “Awwwwww!”) Stay tuned. Participate  when you can, and who knows, you might be the next lucky friend to receive a party prize! Thanks for joining me on this journey to 50! It’s going to be a trip of a lifetime!