Grand Prize ~ $75 gift certificate to the book store of the winner’s choice
Runner-Up Prize ~ $25 gift certificate to the book store of the winner’s choice
Plus chances to win books every day until November 2nd.
Defined by magic. Ruled by desire.
In the Court of Edaeii, magic-imbued Evangeline is rewarded for her gift in manipulating emotion with a sapphire stone set into the perfect curve of her lower back. Her greatest rival in the royal court is the enigmatic Anatol, instilled with the power of illusion. He may better her in magic, but he is her absolute equal in passion.
They share something else—they’re both targets of low-born revolutionaries bent on overthrowing the palace of the privileged few. Rescued from the mobs by Gregorio, the brilliant revolutionary mastermind, they’re given sanctuary. But in this warm refuge, Evangeline soon finds herself torn between the magic of one man she has always desired, and the excitingly new and radical moves of another. For her, there is only one choice.
Evangeline, Anatol and Gregorio come together as one to explore the possibilities of love beyond reason, and to indulge in pleasure without limits.
Join me every day until November 2nd (except Sundays) to celebrate the release of Jeweled! I’ll be giving away a book from my backlist every day (with the exception of one special surprise treat). The grand prize and the runner-up prizes are book store gift certificates for $75 and $25, respectively, (the winners can choose the stores).
Rules/Directions for the Book-a-Day Contests:
1.) Check back every day to see what book is being given away and who the winner was from the day before.
2.) Enter each day for a chance to win. If you win a book, you’re eligible to win again, so keep trying!
3.) All winners are responsible for checking back to see if they’ve won. They must contact me within two weeks of the announcement to collect their prize — anya(at)anyabastauthor.com
4.) All contests are open to non-U.S. entrants. I will pay to send the book overseas if you win and you don’t reside in the United States.
5.) Contests are void where prohibited.
Rules/Directions for the Grand Prize and the Runner-up Book Store Gift Certificate Prizes:
1.) To enter for a chance to win the book store gift certificates, read the question below and answer it in the comments. You have from today until November 2nd to enter. I will announce the winners of the book store GCs on November 3rd.
2.) Don’t forget to check back on November 3rd to see if you won! All winners must contact me within two weeks of the announcement to collect their prize.
3.) This contest is open to non-U.S. residents, BUT PLEASE NOTE that the GCs must be purchased for use at a U.S. book store using U.S. currency. If you can work that out, go ahead and enter.
This post will remain sticky for the grand prize/runner-up entrants. Scroll down for the book-a-day giveaways. The book-a-day giveaways will begin on Tuesday, October 19th. Good luck!
Question for the Grand Prize and Runner-Up Prizes of the $75 and $50 book store gift certificates:
In JEWELED the overall theme for all the characters is pushing past comfort zones to find new ways to survive. In the end, sloughing off the past and embracing new ways of living works out exceptionally well for all three of them, although it’s frightening at first.
I think most of us are afraid of change and tend to cling to what’s familiar and comfortable in our lives. What do you think? I know I have familiar routines I cherish–two cups of green tea in the morning, walking on the treadmill every day. Do you have routines like that? Have you ever voluntarily (or perhaps involuntarily) made radical changes in your life for the better?
Awesome contest!!! I have not made any radical changes in my life (except if you count having kids as radical which I do sometimes!!!). I have my routine and I like it. I think everyone is afraid of too much change, its scary to face but if I had to I would.
by natalie Cleary October 18th, 2010 at 11:43 amI am a creature of habit and don’t deal well with change. Because of that, I am stuck in a job I don’t particularly like but am afraid to leave.
I do have my routines; some spanning years. When getting ready for my dreaded job in the mornings, I watch Angel on TNT. I couldn’t tell you how many times I watched the entire series as it plays over-and-over but it’s part of my routine and I can’t seem to break away from it. It’s like it’s a part of me now.
The only big change I’ve ever made in my life was when I decided to go back to school several years ago. It was difficult and due to finances I wasn’t able to finish but I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. Even doing research. It was going back to school that made me realize how much I enjoy writing.
Maybe one of these days I will feel confident enough to leave this job and maybe with financial freedom I will be able to go back to school and get a degree in education. I would love to teach high school English. The thought of introducing Shakespeare to a bunch of teenagers thrills me to no end.
by Melanie Thomas October 18th, 2010 at 11:43 amI do have a routine every day but I try to do something different every day too! I’m not a person to keep a routine for a long time! I get bored really easy and tou can see that if you take a look at my hair! I change them all the time! I have made radical changes voluntarily in my life! I’m not a person you fears change! In fact, I embrance it!
by vickyvak October 18th, 2010 at 11:43 amOh I definitely have routines. It’s the little things and it’s mostly that I like to do certain things a certain way. Sometimes I don’t even realize I do it. LOL I’m sure I probably drive people crazy with it too. There are times when I realize it and try to make a conscious effort to change how I do some of those things, but it’s hard to break habits.
by Rae M. October 18th, 2010 at 11:45 amDue to health issuses there isn’t much I can rely on routine-wise. There are certain ways I have to take meds and eat, but outside of that I’m not sure what each new day will bring.
But thanks to that I think I’ve learned to take joy in the little things around me. Changes in the weather, taking time with my family and pets they’re treasures I couldn’t do without.
Stephanie
by Stephanie B. October 18th, 2010 at 11:56 amDragonStar1974 (AT) aol.com
That is so true i dont like changes im afraid of them! I have a routine some would say a very boring one but i enjoy it like taking care of my dog checking my email every morning and nite having dinner at 5pm stuff like that
by Sandy Butler October 18th, 2010 at 12:05 pmRoutine structures my life and helps me feel in control. I feel wild if I do something as crazy as take a half a day off of work with no notice and don’t tell any one! LOL
Right now I am working on the voluntary change of doing something creative everyday. My inner artist is starving and I feel so much better when I give her an outlet. So far it has been rocky, but when I stick to it I feel so energized!
by Miranda October 18th, 2010 at 12:13 pmI am a creature of habit and I hate change. I often drag my feet when it comes to taking the leap into the unknown. But, there have been times when my husband has urged me to do things that I didn’t want to do that made life so much better for me/us.
by CrystalGB October 18th, 2010 at 12:31 pmI defiantly like my routine. I try not to throw it off to much. I have to say the biggest changes in my routines were when my children were born and the first years of there lives. Its so hard to put little ones on routine when the want what they want now lol.
by Stacy (Chllybrd) October 18th, 2010 at 12:37 pmI definitely do not like change and it gets worse the older I get. I am actually going to school now so I can get back into the medical field so I can have a regular, fixed schedule.
by Tamara Shurling October 18th, 2010 at 12:37 pmSeveral years ago the company I was working for went out of business. I was working really long hours and a lot of weekends and holidays. I decided I really didn’t want to work those hours any more so since I was already out of work anyway I changed fields and now work Monday through Friday days and have holidays off.
by Sandyg265 October 18th, 2010 at 12:46 pmGreat contest. Congrats on the New release. It looks really good.
I haven’t made in major changes but I do pretty much have a set routine everyday. There’s not much that changes from it. I have to have either tea or Dr. Pepper in the morning.
About the only thing I have really changed has been my spending habits. I don’t spend money as fast/as much as I used to. That’s the trade off for my new car and our new house. I miss being able to always buy books as soon as they come out but the trade off is definitely worth it.
by Heather Brewer October 18th, 2010 at 12:50 pmI dislike change (seems common!) and as I get older it seems I am less adventerous. If I am forced to make a change I become very nervous and it does not go well. If I chose to make the change, its a very different story. I recently set aside an hour 4 times a week to spend on ME (working out – nothing radical) and feel better and stronger. This routine has become my new habit, one I hope will continue.
by A Hunter October 18th, 2010 at 12:56 pmI have a lot of routines in my life, some of which I would like to change but don’t know how. Sometimes I think I’m wasting my life by not doing something different.
by Anne Jones October 18th, 2010 at 12:56 pmI am definitely a creature of habit, and it’s comforting to me to have a routine that helps me get through the day.
My hubby and I were married a long time before deciding to have our kids, so that would be the most radical change I ever made, and definitely one of the best accomplishments in my life.
by Cathy MacDonald October 18th, 2010 at 12:56 pmPoeple most often will fight change when it happens and then once the change has taken place and it is a very good change; they turn around and wonder why they did not make the change sooner. I have found that the more things change, that many other things in our lives stay the same, like a morning routine, which route we drive to work, etc. The biggest change I have made was travelling on my own, it was scary and wonderful all at the same time.
by Diane McMahon October 18th, 2010 at 12:59 pmI actually had a much more routine-oriented life then I thought, until a not-so-pleasent day showed me just how much I don’t like change. Since then, I’ve slowly tired to shake things up in my life, so when something unexpected happens I won’t be so taken off guard again 🙂
by Chelsea B. October 18th, 2010 at 1:07 pmHi!
by Laney4 October 18th, 2010 at 1:07 pmYou are very generous with your readers. Many thanks!
As for routines, I have several. I try to get up at the same time every day, whether working or not. I try to have healthy meals at home daily; the only time we eat out is for special occasions and/or when I win gift certificates from local restaurants. We have company over for meals most weekends when not working, often playing cards or croquet, depending on the season. I play badminton 5 nights/week, so I tape my shows and watch them when I get home at night. And the list goes on.
On the other hand, I really enjoy non-routine things to do as well, so we try to plan outings with friends and family often, trying out new places/cities within a 2-hour radius.
A recent major change was that we were down to one car for 8.5 LONG months, and it always seemed to be me who went without. As a result, I tended to grocery shop less often. In the past I’d go out once a week and hit a bunch of places in town. Now I go out every couple of weeks or so (with my husband picking up milk in-between), when the sales grab me, so my pantry and freezer tend to be replenished slowly. Mind you, when the grocery sales are on, watch out!
I have to say I do like change – a lot – but only with certain things. I will go out of my way to change things up in my life so that nothing is routine (I had NO routines until I had my daughter).
BUT – and this is a big BUT – it has to be me who is changing my routines. If someone else descides on the changes for me, or disrupts things I don;t like changed (like when my husband decides to be “helpful” and puts away my pots and pans all in the wrong places) then I have a harder time dealing with it.
But overall – I do LOVE change – I know I am one of the few and I live in a house with a family who all HATE change with a passion!
Susan R
by Susan R October 18th, 2010 at 1:12 pmsusanmik@gmail.com
I think everyone’s different with their acceptance of change. I know when I was younger change didn’t bother me so much and lots of changes happened from going away to college to moving to changing jobs. Now I don’t like change as much but I have found that it just takes more time to get used to things.
by Maureen October 18th, 2010 at 1:18 pmI am of two minds about risk or getting out of my comfort zone–at times I want to keep things the way they are and other times I do things like run for political office, take a part in community theater and work at a haunted house scaring people. I guess I take calculated risks and get out of my comfort zone when it suits me.
by Shirley Cochran October 18th, 2010 at 1:28 pmI definitely have routines that I stick to. I have made radical changes in my life and I am still on the fence about how things turned out. In some ways it turned out great but I think the cost was high.
by Raelena P. October 18th, 2010 at 1:39 pmA few times I’ve made radical changes in my life: moving away from home to go to a college where I knew no one, deciding to study abroad for a semester in a country where I didn’t know the language, and then moving to Chicago for my internship. I have my routines too, like reading for at least half an hour before bed. I don’t mind change, even embrace it at times, but it does scare me.
by Ashley L October 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pmThe only routine I can think of that I have is just that I always follow a pattern when I’m reading books. I’ll read a historical, a contemporary, a paranormal, a contemporary then an anthology. Then start the cycle over again.
As for voluntarily making a radical change I only did that once, at my last job when I just quit without the back up of a new job but it was definitely a wise choice on my part.
by Mandy B. October 18th, 2010 at 1:53 pmI made radical changes last year when I headed off to college 2 hours away from home. I’m proud to say I made it the entire first semester without breaking down! The second semester, not so much. But I’m working on some slower changes now. One meltdown a year is plenty…
by Ley October 18th, 2010 at 1:53 pmI love ruts. They’re warm and comfy and it might sound better to call them habits but when you’re as deeply entrenched as I can get then they’re ruts. I loved my job and found myself working 7 to 7 in a 9 to 5 job because of it. My late mothers ill health was the dynamite needed to blast me out of what had become a habit that was detrimental to my own health and relationships. I continued through various positions within the same organization (a Bank) for an additional 7 years until retirement. I can honestly say that I have experienced a great deal of change and stress because of it but you don’t really know what you are capable of until you confront it. I may love my comfy ruts but life and growth are only possible through change.
by aj October 18th, 2010 at 2:23 pmI have always been one to have a set routine. That way I know what to expect. However, there are times when that routine gets pushed aside and I fear the unknown. But I do know that anything out of my comfort zone will only make me a stonger and better person.
by Marci October 18th, 2010 at 2:24 pmInteresting question! I do have routines during the workweek that keep me functioning on time. Sometimes the day in day out routine wears on me and I feel the need to break out a little bit. For instance, I’ll find an alternate route home when I have a little more time. On weekends, I don’t wear a wristwatch. Little things like that make me feel less trapped by routine.
by Melissa D October 18th, 2010 at 2:24 pmI am a creature of habit!! I like things to go certain ways and be done certain ways. I do try to deviate away from my routine sometimes, because I realize I am going overboard. Then without knowing it, I get right back in the same routine 🙂 My daughter is completely different from me. She never knows when or if she is doing something!! I could not survive like that!!!
Congrats on Jeweled! It really looks like a great read and I love the cover
by Judy Cox October 18th, 2010 at 2:27 pmMy morning routine is to have a cup or two of tea before jumping into the shower and getting dress. If I don’t have my tea, I am a grouch for the rest of the day.
by Catherine Lemanski October 18th, 2010 at 3:10 pmI am an a huge creature of habit. If my habits change I become very anxious. I wont bore you with my day but it doesn’t vary much from day to day. If something unexpected comes up that changes my routine I have to admit I am not the time to handle it well but I DO handle it, and no one around me knows I just about had a mental melt down doing it. And when I get home I am very proud of my self for handling it with such flare. 😀
by Mellena October 18th, 2010 at 3:24 pmThe biggest change that I ever made was moving to London for a year! Believe me, adapting to a new continent was very challenging for me. I am glad I went though because I had a great time! It is nice to be back at home in the US though 🙂
by Becky Jean October 18th, 2010 at 3:25 pmI had a great habit: 8 to 10 cups of coffee a day until I got told by my doctor to ease up on the coffee. I swear had withdrawal signs for the first couple of weeks; but now I drink herbal peppermint tea instead. Much better for my health.
by Diane Sadler October 18th, 2010 at 3:36 pmI do have some routines that I follow. Sometimes when I don’t get to do them or they are changed the day is just thrown off for me. There have been things that I’ve found that are changed for the better but it definately gets taking used to. I like my routines especially when they are good routines for me to have.
by Lexee October 18th, 2010 at 3:43 pmOne of the things I do all the time is drink hot tea in the mornings which I absolutely love and go for walks at lunch which gets me out of the office for a little while which really helps me to relax for a little while at least. I have also did a major move where I didn’t know anyone at first which was a completely radically thing for me to do but it was completely voluntarily and I think was for the better.
by Larena Wirum October 18th, 2010 at 3:48 pmI am the type of person who likes routine so a few years ago moving to a new town all by myself was really big. I grew up in a small town (on a farm surrounded by cows) then all of a sudden I was in the middle of the ‘big’ city. It was fun while it lasted. Learned a lot about myself and the world around me.
by Heather S October 18th, 2010 at 4:00 pmI have to find a new job and that will involve readical changes from my commute every day to getting to know new co-workers and having to work days instead of swings. Many of my routines will have to change. I know this will eventually form a new routine but it is scary until that time.
by Lindsey Ekland October 18th, 2010 at 4:00 pmAwesome contest!! Right now I have completely changed my life (for the better). I’ve got a new, fablous job, I’m putting myself through college – I have no time for anything left but I love every minute of it. I remember when I would complain that there was too much time in the day…and I while I miss that extra time, I don’t miss what my life was before.
by Casey H October 18th, 2010 at 4:07 pmChange is hard for most people, but I often like it. I get bored quite easily and am always moving. I do have nightly rouitine of working out which I don’t like disturbed.
by Vikki parman October 18th, 2010 at 4:11 pmChange is a four-letter word! But I have been known to do it. Like when I went back to school after basically flunking out of 2 colleges. Even went on to get my MBA. Yes, change is hard but most often worth it! Congrats on the new release!!
kk
by keatonkat October 18th, 2010 at 4:38 pmNo, I’m such a coward. I stay with everything to the end no matter what. Kept jobs I shouldn’t have. Put up with people I shouldn’t have. I even read all books to the end – once in a while though that works out and I find I’ve liked it afterall lol.
by catslady October 18th, 2010 at 4:43 pmI do have certain routines. I have to shower before having my first cup of tea or coffee and breakfast. Change is hard, but I think it’s also good for us.
by Jane October 18th, 2010 at 5:00 pmI stick to the same routine until I change it to another new routine. I haven’t made any radical changes on purpose. Just about all of the changes have been made because I had to choose a new option. Even though the changes would not have been my first thought for the most part they’ve worked out pretty well.
by Leni October 18th, 2010 at 5:02 pmI am a creature of habit no doubt, but I guess the most radical “stepping outside the box” thing I ever did was move half way across the country to Texas. I have never lived very far from the rest of my family and after my mother passed away I went to visit a neice and the rest is history. I have been here about 5 years now and I love it. I go back and visit the family, but Texas is now my home. Other changes have happened since I moved here and they have all be pretty good.
by Debbie October 18th, 2010 at 5:08 pmI am a creature of comfort…. But I recognize that sometimes pushing the boundaries of my personal comfort zone will do me good – as I try to teach my children the same. One of the biggest things I did early on was move away from the comforts of home 2,000 across the country to go to grad school where I didn’t know a single soul. It was a very scary experience – but one that changed my life for the better in so many wonderful ways.
by twimom227 October 18th, 2010 at 5:15 pmI am a creature of habit. I do the same things the same way, over and over. I like to think that I have the best, quickest, easiest way to do something and that is why I do the same things, the same way.
by Gayle O October 18th, 2010 at 5:26 pmI am not big on taking huge risks but I occasionally take small ones 🙂
Because of my type-A personality I definitely hate change. I have a latte every morning and do laundry and cleaning on the same days every week. I like sameness because things are less likely to go wrong and I can make plans easier because I know what’s exactly going on. And no, I’ve never been forced to change. Thank heavens.
by Joder October 18th, 2010 at 5:56 pmChange makes me anxious! I did make a big change this summer and helped my mother and youngest sister (both have health problems) move to my town. So I made new routines to include them!
by Susan October 18th, 2010 at 6:05 pmI always get up, have a pop & check my email to start off… it calms me then I usually call my mom 🙂
-Brandy
by Brandy B October 18th, 2010 at 6:13 pmbrandyzbooks@yahoo.com
I have not made any radical changes in my life. I hate change,makes me anxious.Of coarse stuff happens and things do change but you have to roll with it and figure it out. Then I find a routine and stick with it again.
by elaing8 October 18th, 2010 at 6:52 pmA couple of years ago I got sick. I sat my husband down and told him how much I love him. I have made it a habit (and it’s a change for the better) to tell him how much I love him. I am all better now and I still make sure he knows everyday that he is my light and love! Because of that I have changed my diet and exercise habits (I want to be around for a long time to come). I even keep the house cleaner (it stops a lot of fights). I am just more connected.
by Jen B. October 18th, 2010 at 7:09 pmI really don’t like change when it’s out of my hands, but I’m fairly adaptable, so as long as I have a period to sulk and brood, I usually get over it.
One routine I have is checking email and Twitter before I settle down to work…which actually is detrimental to my productivity–so many interesting, shiny things out there!
by Julie October 18th, 2010 at 7:55 pmI actually have not made any radical changes in my life. I am a creature of comfort and don’t like change.
by Danielle Gorman October 18th, 2010 at 8:23 pmhonestly i hate change i did how ever make a big change when i decided to move awya from my fmaily to a place where i know no one i have a comfort zone i drink things a certain way soda in the can has to be warm
i sleep when its day light ect I have a habitand a funny routine that works for me im not keen on change but will if its for the better of my life
by SiNn October 18th, 2010 at 9:09 pmWhen I was 29 and recently divorced I decided to make a radical change in my life. I had been substitute teaching for a couple of years but going no where. I decided I would go to Truck Driving School and become an Over-the-Road Truck Driver. I loved to drive so I thought why not make money doing it. At times it was hard, scary, boring, dirty, tiring but most of the time it was fun. I drove through 48 states and Canada. I met my soul mate while driving and we had 12 years together before I lost him. If I hadn’t made that radical change in my life, I would have missed out on an exciting adventure & a special person in my life.
by Jill M October 18th, 2010 at 9:22 pmMy morning routine is “Do not talk to me or ask me any questions until I have my coffee.” I wake up too early in the morning and sleep late at night because I have too much to do. My limit is one cup of coffee. Any more than that, I will be up trying to take care of today’s business.
by Kai W. October 18th, 2010 at 9:38 pmI am one of those people who are stuck in a rut! I have a very strict routine in the morning, have a job that I have held for 12 years (scared to go somewhere else…here I have job security), have several addictions as my family calls them: soda, cigarettes, and books ( I have over 1,000 and all romance) and I truly don’t feel comfortable unless I have read at least one book that day! LOL!!!
by Cris Lash October 18th, 2010 at 9:46 pmI hate change but i have involenterly given up caffine lately and I’m so not a happy camper about it even if it is better for me
by jennifer mathis October 18th, 2010 at 9:51 pmChange is very uncomfortable for me… I feel that I have to have some sort of routine and plan things ahead… I try to take things in stride when the unexpected happens, but it can make me feel out of sorts!
by Colleen October 18th, 2010 at 10:15 pmI definitely am a creature of habit. I have certain routines when I get up and when I go to bed. I do certain things on certain days, and it throws me a little when things change. It’s funny though b/c people say I’m really flexible though. I always think about making some radical change, but I just can’t make myself do it. One day I’ll break out of my comfort zone. 🙂
by Andrea L October 18th, 2010 at 11:08 pmI haven’t made any radical changes unless you count moving back in with my disabled parents to help take care of them. I know that any kind of change is hard and scary, and when it comes to changes in my own life I tend to avoid them until I have no choice but to face it.
by Heather F. October 19th, 2010 at 3:21 amIronically, I was more fear-averse when I was younger. Now I am less afraid to rock the boat but for the most part, the changes that occurred in my life have happened involuntarily.
by Scorpio M. October 19th, 2010 at 5:34 amThat is a beautiful cover.
by Rebekah E. October 19th, 2010 at 6:50 amI am 100% a creature of habit. I have my ways that work and I like sticking with them. I can handle change okay, but why stress myself out when it can just stay the same? *blush*
by MinnChica October 19th, 2010 at 7:00 amThanks for the great contest! and for opening it to international readers! To answer your question, I don’t like change much but can usually cope if I have to. And sometimes it turns out for the better!
by Tamsyn October 19th, 2010 at 7:19 amWe all find ourselfs in routines of our makings or the makings of others but I love change – at times it is scary with the fast heart beat and the sick to the stomach feeling but the joy of finding new friends or places is well worth it. I have had a wide range of jobs in my life and believe I am now at the one that is the keeper but the job itself changes all the time. Change can also be joyful – the birth of my first granddaughter 8 days ago was a wonderfull and joyful change for me (I took two weeks off of work to fly out to help) stressful change for daughter and son-in-law. Change is what you make of it – I try to find the joy in any change (sometimes as in a death there is little joy except that your loved one is no longer in pain) and forge ahead with a positive attitude – as I had a boss say to me once – the only constant thing in life is change
by Debbie Shepherd October 19th, 2010 at 7:54 amI have never, ever traveled by myself. I have never taken a trip just for myself. At the encouragement of Lauren Dane and Megan Hart I have registered to attend next years RT! I am stepping out of my comfort zone but am also soooo excited to meet everyone. My husband has been great and very supportive of my doing this wholly for myself. Hope to see you there!
by Stacie October 19th, 2010 at 8:12 amI certainly have my everyday routines. Make one small adjustment and the lives of all around me seem to fall apart. I guess you can always make changes and start new routines though, right. With the way the world is today you do what you have to do to make things work!
by Kathy October 19th, 2010 at 8:37 amI’m a creature of habbit and I love my routines. It gives me a sense of calm. Something soothing to make all that is hectic in life/the world seem a little bit further away or not so scary cause I still do my normal things. Like having tea for breakfast while checking my email. Making lists of things to do and crossing off what’s been done. Ordening my shoes and books even when they are already neatly put away. Watering all the plants according to scedule … all before eating and running out of the house for work. It’s comforting and so I decided to stick with it, at least for now.
by Kirsten October 19th, 2010 at 8:53 amYes, I have made a radical change in my life that was for the better. I had my son. And then I had another one. The first was planned after much convincing of the hubby. The second wasn’t and freaked the both of us out. However, after 7 weeks with the new Psy, we’re no longer freaked out with having a second kid in the house.
by Jackie (Literary Escapism) October 19th, 2010 at 9:06 amI loved the place I grew up in and the family and friends who surrounded me. It came with the comfortable habits of getting together in familiar places doing familiar things. Then I moved away expecting to travel for a few months before settling down to a career and hopes of then meeting someone and eventually starting a family of my own. I ended up meeting the man of my dreams and living abroad for over a decade. We became a holiday destination for the beforementioned friends and family. I am back in the fold now with hubby and kids with me.
by Little Lamb Lost October 19th, 2010 at 9:14 amI am very much a creature of habit. However if needed I find I can accept change and still do fine. The most recent such being the last of my children leaving home.
Just wanted to add thanks for the great contest, sounds like there are going to be lovely things to win and I would love to be a big prize winner as my book wishlist is growing like topsy lately 😀
by Ilona October 19th, 2010 at 9:41 amMaybe I am a strange one but at times I welcome changes. Your can get set in your ways and start doing things automatically and if you can change it makes a day quite interesting. Change is good for me. susan Leech
by susan leech October 19th, 2010 at 10:12 ami definitely think people hate change especially me. An as for routine yes my entire life is from the time i wake until i go to sleep (mostly because my pets expect it), i think it might be a little OCDish but so what i like my life the way it is. But i did once involuntarily make a change which i will not speak of but i will say it gave me a nervous breakdown and 2 days i don’t remember even 17 years later. ANYWAY Happy Halloween thanks for the great contest 😉
by April Strength October 19th, 2010 at 10:25 amMany people are afraid of change, but without change history repeats itself! I do believe that many of us seek the comfort/ security of having our daily life being routines that if any changes do occur then the outcome of the end of the day is unpredictable! Unfortunatly if change does not occur some how in our lives then there is no way to see if there is any better ending out there for us!
The biggest change I have had to make was when I went from being able to be impulsive to having a daily routine that had to be followed after I became a mother of twins… and there has to be a degree of change daily with kids because if the kids figure out what your going to do your already three steps behind them! I think any parent would agree to that!
by Laura p October 19th, 2010 at 11:39 amI never really had a routine…until I had my daughter a year ago. Now every day revolves around her, mostly of the get up-eat-play-nap-get up-eat-play-nap variety. I’m comfortable with it now, and don’t know if I’m more nervous or excited to see how that’s going to change as she grows.
by Bethany C. October 19th, 2010 at 11:53 amThe only real routine I have involves waking up just in time to panic, throw on some cloths, forget about breakfast, and run to class just in time to not get a funny look from the professor (usually). After that I tend to check messages on the various websites I’m on, look at my blog, and decide that I put off writing that review until after my next set of classes.
A couple of years back I went to a boarding school just to see if I fit any better there then I did back home. It was kind of nice, finding a place where I fit, but also really weird to not have exact rules of the house or to not have set meal times or anything like that. Twas rather off putting at first.
By now I also have a friend who seems to make a game out of dragging me out of my comfort zone. Whether it be to a bar or a party or just surfing random you-tube vids and listening to odd music, she seems willing to do quite a bit to get other people to react in interesting ways.
by Lauren October 19th, 2010 at 12:41 pmI spent most of my adult life moving and changing and so now I enjoy my somewhat regular life.
We have eleven children, so life was always quite erratic. Now there are four teenagers at home and things are a bit more quiet. I look forward to cuddling with my hubby at night, I look forward to my big milk coffee in the mornings.
My days are still changeable…I don’t keep a regular day. Sometimes I start work early, sometimes late, sometimes there is lots of work, sometimes very little. So, I guess I still haven’t really got too much of a regular life…hehe!!!
Valerie
by Valerie October 19th, 2010 at 1:14 pmin Germany
who can shop from Amazon US
I’m very much a “routine” kind of person but I’m actually thinking of moving overseas for a couple years just to have an adventure and see the world!
by Sarah M October 19th, 2010 at 1:21 pmHI ANYA! I AGREE, MY MOTHERINLAW AND SISTERIN LAW ARE BOTH ELDERLY AND REFUSE TO SWITCH DOCTORS AS THEY WERE WITH THEM FOR 20 YEARS! I EMBRACE CHANGE AS IF IT BENEFITS ME I ENDORSE IT. HOPE YOU GET WAY DOWN HERE! LOL
by Linda B October 19th, 2010 at 1:28 pmI have definitely stuck with familiar and safe routines for the whole of my life where I’m always studying to prepare for exams or go out with friends to movie instead of partying too much. A most recent decision I made was to do a Europe trip for next summer, which allows me to explore and do something exciting and different from everyday life. I mean, we only have one life right?!
by Jeanette Juan October 19th, 2010 at 2:26 pmVery much have a routine and if my husband is home, he totally throws off my day and I can’t seem to recover from it *L*
by Jean P October 19th, 2010 at 4:44 pmI like routine just as much as the next person, but I also like change. I have a few daily routines that if I don’t do when I usually do….just feels wrong ;(
I’ve also made radical changes in my life more than once and have never regretted those choices. When I was in college I decided to study abroad and it was one of the best things I could have done to become more of the person I am today.
A few years ago I also quite my well paying fulltime job so that I could move closer to my family. I found that I was living to work, instead of working to live and that was no longer acceptable. When I realized that I only saw my family 20-30 days a year, that it was time…overdue for a change. And while I don’t make nearly the kind of money that I do and can’t buy all of the things I might want I have never regretted that decision.
Change is good…but so is routine 🙂
by booklover1335 October 19th, 2010 at 4:52 pmI have a pretty set routine in the morning myself – a couple of cups of coffee as I check my email, then on to writing!
Margay
by Margay Roberge October 19th, 2010 at 5:02 pmI CAN’T FUNCTION W/O MY COFFEE FIRST THING
by Linda B October 19th, 2010 at 5:09 pmyou have asked the key question, kiddo. i am such a creature of habit, i sit every morning with my daughter, and we play cards and drink coffee for about 3 hours. then i go gat on the computer and remain on line with surveys and contests pretty much all day. then i cook supper and either get back on the computer or watch tv till i feel sleepy enough to call ot a day. WOW, excitin’ right? but the upside is, for the last three years, i’v been winning quite a bit actually, and when i redeemed all my survey sites for christmas i got darned near 1000$ for christmas. as i am disabled, that will come in REAL handy. love ya, kid, sue
by sue hieber October 19th, 2010 at 5:41 pmthe last radical change I made was when I quit smoking I smoked for 10 yrs and man was that hard. I am trying to start walking and eat more healthier but man that is hard too. I did it for six months and lost 43 lbs but I did too much too soon and quit. I’ve not gained all the weight back but it’s close. So I am going to slowly start eating healthier and trying to find an exercise I like to do.
by Pamk258 October 19th, 2010 at 6:40 pmHmm I don’t know that I am afraid of change so much as I like my comfort in having my routines. I have passed that along to my 4 year old (not a good thing!) who likes things done the same way every single time. Right down to having four blankets to go to bed and having to put them on him one by one and in a certain order. 🙂
by Kelly Thrash October 19th, 2010 at 7:02 pmI have to say I am a bit of a nomad. Since I have had kids I have put down roots but every now and then I get itchy feet and wonder if we, as a collective, should do a big move. I likely won’t till my kids are gone from the nest, because I worry it will be too hard on them, but I would love to just pull up stakes and make a radical change. For the last 10 years I have lived in the same place and had the same job – it is the longest I have ever stayed anywhere since becoming an adult – and while it is satisfying I also feel stifled. So I would have to say that I like change of the positive kind. Change that lets you make new positive steps forward, perhaps in directions you never imagined.
by Rory g October 19th, 2010 at 7:35 pmI try to always make changes in my life so that I stay excited. I think the biggest and scariest change to date that I have made was about 10 years ago. I never lived more than at the most two hours away from my family. I am a nanny and was offered to relocate with the family I worked for. We lived in Pa and the father was taking a job in Washington State. The first few months were the hardest of my life. I had no friends or family and my best friend (my mom) was 8 hours away by PLANE! It turned out to be the smartest thing thing I could have done, I grew a lot. During my time away I was able to find myself apart from family expectations.
by Foretta October 19th, 2010 at 9:55 pmAbout two years ago I stopped smoking which was a huge change. I now must have a cup of coffee each morning or I feel off
by Patti October 19th, 2010 at 9:58 pmFour years ago my life changed forever. I remarried and combined my family of three girls with my husbands family of one girl and one boy. Our three oldest kids were all in their tweens so it was a big adjustment. We still have our struggles but work hard to make it work. I would not be able to live (sanely lol) without my daily coffee!!!!!!
by Tammy October 19th, 2010 at 10:02 pmone ritual I have is to always always carry a book with my. I once was stuck behind an accident with nothing to read for hours. Lesson learned the hard way.
by Carol October 19th, 2010 at 10:05 pmWhen I moved to Floridia with my boyfriend my idea of myself changed a lot. I did not know how set my ideas of right and wrong were. Away from the safetly of my family my boyfriend was a completely different person…and not for the better. I moved back home and learned to make my own decisions regardless of what others think.
by Terri October 19th, 2010 at 10:08 pmlove the cover of Jeweled. Very sexy…
by sf sex toy October 19th, 2010 at 11:15 pmThe older I get, the more I hate change. I guess, that I’m getting set in my ways.
by Marlene Breakfield October 20th, 2010 at 4:33 amThe only routine I can think of is my morning coffee, get a wicked headache by the end of the day if I don’t have that coffee. I am always doing radical changes, from moving from state to state, dyeing my hair every other month a different color (LOL) or just changing the way I dress. People always say they can’t really figure me out because I am always changing, which I like because it keeps me mysterious, heehee.
by Ivelisse October 20th, 2010 at 5:12 amoh my goodness – what timing. I believe that you read certain things in life when you are meant to read them.
We moved from the West Coast to the East Coast in June. I think about the move all the time and I cannot find a new routine here yet.
The fall is really nice . . . check back with me in winter!
by Ayelet Kennedy October 20th, 2010 at 7:44 amI have a rally loose routine. I travel for work so it really makes it hard to have routine.
BUT when I am not traveling I have a morning routine and I find if I don’t have my diet coke, I am totally out of sorts.
Tkanks!
by Katie October 20th, 2010 at 8:22 amKatie
i have alot of familiar routines. in the morning i get up and have a smoke to start off my day, i do things at certain times. but it was completely differrent2 years ago. but when had to move everything changed in my habits. but i think know matter what happens, you will always adapt to your situation.
by ruth cardoza October 20th, 2010 at 11:24 amMost of the things in life are set up to invoke routine, (yearly doctors appointments, store hours, bus schedules) So to some degree we all have them. But I believe everyone needs to change things up a little every once in a while just so we don’t get bored with everyday life.
by Casey Legg October 20th, 2010 at 11:25 amThe only routine I have is my shift as a volunteer firefighter – other than that I do not have any consistency in my daily life. I’m fairly infamous for taking big life risks – moving hundreds of miles away, leaving the country for a few months to “clear my mind”, entering the fire academy at 35 with a bunch of 17 year olds…LOL. I am not particularly comfortable with change, nor do I particularly enjoy the discomforts and uncertainty that come with it, but I have found that I readily stagnate in positions of comfort, and the only way that I am able to grow as an individual, emotionally and spiritually, is by putting myself in situations that require me to be at the top of my game. I have made some spectacular missteps, true, but I have also found some of the most beautiful moments of my life, and I have accumulated a wealth of “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences. I guess my routine is the very lack of routine. 😀
by Melody Miller October 20th, 2010 at 1:09 pmJust had the fire alarm go off in the middle of a migraine induced nap, both of which are going to mess up my schedule for the day, but the alarm made my head ache worse again. There goes sleeping at a reasonable hour.
Any of you have something like this happen recently?
by Lauren October 20th, 2010 at 1:12 pmI have recently had a very radical change because I have become a diabetic and have had to really change my habits.
jellybelly82158 at gmail dot com
by Julie Swaney October 20th, 2010 at 3:33 pmI left my own life behind and moved to be with my brother for a year, while he was struggling with health issues. He lost his battle with cancer. I’m back home now, but life will never be the same for me now.
by Sue A. October 20th, 2010 at 10:33 pmThough habitual routines (those every day ho-hum bath-dress-eat-sleep rituals) are the foundations in our lives, I admit that I seldom know what will happen from one moment to the next.
My life seems ever-changing – sometimes exhausting and often exhilarating…much like Anya’s books. 😀
That’s why I buy them.
by Debi October 21st, 2010 at 11:07 amI have given up Pepsi (again). Back in 1995 when my mom was quite ill, I was drinking at least 10 cans per day. Gradually I reduced it to 4 and then quit cold turkey a few years back. I go up to 6 months without any pop and then something sets me off (like feeling ill and nothing stays down but Pepsi, go figure). It still seems like a radical change to me, as I miss it tremendously.
by Laney4 October 21st, 2010 at 3:25 pmIS IT ME OR MY GLASSES I CAN’T WHO WON DAILY! I GAVE UP SODA AS IT KEEPS YOU FAT AND NOW DRINK ONE CUP OF COFFEE , TEA AND LOTS OF WATER. UGH!
by hotcha1 October 21st, 2010 at 3:33 pmI gave up smoking 4 weeks ago I still can not believe I did, but every day I am
by Karen Lopezavalos October 21st, 2010 at 8:13 pmsuccessfull I am off smoking.
my next goal now is losing weight if I have not gained weight since a quit smoking than I can lose weight
this are my recent brilliant life changens
I’ve recently made a radical change in my life. I used to eat anything I wanted, calories galore, but now I have chosen to eat mainly vegetables and taken out red meat from my diet altogether. Fruits and veggies for this lady! I’ve also thrown out juice and soda from my life. Sadly, I can’t stop my coffee. Every morning, religiously, I’ll get my small cup of coffee.
by Monica Leon October 22nd, 2010 at 5:58 amMy life changes as my dog changes. She learns new tricks and makes me keep up with her instead of her keeping up with me. Life changed with a big dog. I’ve never had a big dog inside the house and if she bites it’s above the ankles. Had to teach her not to bite quickly.
by Christina Harrison October 22nd, 2010 at 8:19 amGood question. It is hard to change, cause we don’t have to think so hard. The biggest change I made was to be happier and not get so upset over the little things. I think it makes me an easier person to be with.
by Louisa October 22nd, 2010 at 3:48 pmI hate changes in my routine. It sometimes put me in a state of panic. I have to do laundry on Thursdays, and house cleaning on Fridays. The biggest change I ever made was moving from Maryland to Oklahoma. It was a big change, away from my family and friends but I’ve grown to love it here, so the change was for the better.
by Lisa F. October 22nd, 2010 at 4:58 pmSeveral years ago, I started walking on the treadmill right after work. I try to do some time every day.
Pat L.
by Pat L. October 23rd, 2010 at 4:28 pmGreat contest! Esp for those of us wanting an ereader and books for it (hubby is talking about that of xmas).
by Victoria October 23rd, 2010 at 5:14 pmInvoluntarily changes made [radical] changes in your life for the better??
When I was in my second year at college and had just turned 21 (took time off between high school & college, that’s why 21), I became a type 1 diabbetic. Yes, the bad, must take shots for the rest of my life kind of diabetic. It changed my life in ALL sorts of ways. As for routines: I take a shot in the mornig and at bed, plus with each meal; meds to help my body with am & bed shots. I watch what I eat, of course. I have learned SO MUCH about health issues I never would have before, it is scary. And I won’t even get started on the insurance problems. My life completely changed that day the Dr told me I had diabetes, but it has never been boring….
Yes, lots of routines, some good, some not so good (I still hate needles!), but I have learned how to live a mostly normal life. Mordern meds and tech have made is very easy to function as most people with few even seeing me take a shot in a rataurant or anything like that. And my hubby is very understanding and help lots 😆
Vickykerr@sbcglobal.net
😉 call me odd, but I’m a big fan of chaing. If it ain’t new, its through!
by Jennifer L. October 23rd, 2010 at 5:18 pmChange is good (for the most part) and keeps you on your toes! If it ain’t new, its through!
by JenniferL. October 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pmAlthough I’m somewhat a creature of habit, I’ve made radical career changes several times in my life (from CPA to RN to corporate recruiter, and now back to CPA) and also picked up and moved when I found that I wasn’t happy in the city I was in. My dad always says, “Ask yourself, what’s the worst that can happen” and this has really helped me make decisions at the times when inertia was holding me back.
by JenM October 23rd, 2010 at 8:00 pmThis is a super contest. I think most people are creatures of habit and resist change. I know i do. I have my now routine and tend to stick to it. However I have a job that is every changing and i am constantly having to alter my work habits which always leads over to altering my personal life. Some times it is for the better. My work is very stressful as I am a protector of children and it is my job to help ensure they are safe. Having a child of my own after five years of having this career has changed the way I look at my job and the decision I make. It also makes me stop quicker and think would I have done that? Now in some ways I can relate better which can be a good think and a bad thing.
by Sandi Denmark October 24th, 2010 at 2:07 pmI was definately out of my comfort zone after my husband lost his job, and we lost our house a couple of years ago. After putting a few things in storage, we took the rest of our belongings, along with our dog, packed them up in our pop-up camper, and small pick-up truck, and left for the nearest campground, which was to be our new home. Our other belongings, which consisted of furniture and appliances, were thrown to the curb by the mortgage company. This was our new “normal” way of life for a while, but being in survival mode, we managed to survive somehow for a few months, drifting around to different campgrounds, until we managed to find a place to live that we could afford. This life might not have been easy, but it makes you stronger as a person, as well as more thankful for what you do have.
by P Roberson October 25th, 2010 at 6:25 amI like my routines too but I really am trying for force myself to go with the flow. It’s usually a very good thing.
by catslady October 25th, 2010 at 2:21 pmI know I am definitely a routine kind of girl. I like to sort of settle into a pattern and stick with it. The biggest change I’ve ever made was to leave my family and move 8 hours away to the mid-west. It was a shock to the system, and something that totally threw me out my comfort zone. However, it was worth it for my job and my honey.
by heatwave16 October 26th, 2010 at 7:09 pmI’m pretty set in my routines, but I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone on purpose sometimes. Both with good and not so good results. Thinking back to the good results, it was worth it. I’m not one to take huge risks, though, but I think it’s okay to start small and go from there.
by Paula October 27th, 2010 at 5:09 amMoving up to school was pretty radical for me, now that I am away from all my friends and comfort zones ive benn forced to come up with new ones.
by Lauren Monique October 28th, 2010 at 5:55 amIts hard and nerve racking at sometimes but i think its for the best, and it will make me a better person.
I must admit to being habitual to the point of boredom the majority of the time. Usually changes are forced upon me in one way or another, because it’s super hard to break up a routine that you’re actually used to. But I’m quick to recover from changes out of necessity, having dealt with some difficult ones in the past years with my Parents’ divorce, remarriages, and subsequent proceeding and decisions.
by Kate C October 28th, 2010 at 7:54 pmI am a person of habit in that I always turn to books when I need a stress reliever or just need to get away. Sometimes I try to talk it out with other people, but I like being able to escape into the pages of another world.
by Stephanie McCarthy October 29th, 2010 at 10:59 pmI agree with about people being afraid of changes.
I hate changes myself and love the daily routines I have for myself. Like every day, I have to get up by 9:00 or else I feel like I wasted my day.
I do sometimes try changes my life for the better. Like, I thought I didn’t want work after I graduated from school but I changed my mind and now I’m think of going back to get my masters and maybe a professor after that.
by Marjana Kaly October 30th, 2010 at 11:11 amMy routine is pretty set but I’m trying to be less rigid. Otherwise, it’s going to make me boring. Lol. My work life is pretty hectic so I find reading my outlet to relax and I’m trying to get healthier. I’m well on my way to my goal!! Yay
by Ann N November 1st, 2010 at 7:55 amHard question to answer… but I will try. I was adopted when I was 15, before that life was constantly changing, almost never in a good way. One good thing from all the bad was that I am now more able and willing to have change happen. I think because of the inconsistency, I have a better appreciation of those times when I get to have a routine. Such as exercise in the morning, work in the afternoon, veg in front of the tv after work, and read before bed.
by Denise Gardner November 1st, 2010 at 3:08 pmAs for radical changes for the better, there is one other than being adopted by a wonderful women. After college I went to work for the university that I graduated from as a custodian (because I was afraid of real change). Soon after I became aware after some major panic attacks that I was severely depressed (a side affect of PTSD from all the horrible happenings as a child). I was asked to see someone about my issues because I was unable to do my job. This is where I met the psychologist that would help me change myself. The short and sweet of it is that I decided to deal with all the pain of memory and loss so I could become a more healthy person. All that change has been the most difficult for me, probably because it is what is inside of me that I had to face.
I believe that to never change is to never grow, we should not be afraid of it no matter how difficult it is. I thank my lucky stars that I was able to change before all the pain became who I was.
Good question, I hope this answers it well.
I’m pretty much a creature of habit, but things grow boring that way.
by Jennifer L. November 1st, 2010 at 6:08 pmIn many ways, I am a creature of habit. For example, the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is put on my glasses and the second is make a beeline for my kitchen to put the kettle on so I can make a couple of cups of incredibly strong coffee in my French press. 😀 There’s some comfort to starting out each day with the familiar routine and it gives me a few quiet minutes to focus on the day’s ‘to-do’ list while I go through the motions of assembling and brewing my morning brew. But I also seem embrace drastic, life-altering changes. Next year I’ll be taking on my biggest change yet – moving from the U.S. to the U.K. to finally attend graduate school. Talk about a radical change!
by Julieanne November 2nd, 2010 at 3:45 amI have made checking this website daily (or as often as I can) into a daily routine. 😉 I also check my email and other websites in my routine. Otherwise I dont have any other routine happening as I am a mother and a night shift nurse, so every day is different for myself and my family.
by Laura P. November 2nd, 2010 at 7:57 am