Post-vacation – Sunday January 5, 2014:

Well, after the ice storm was over and had wreaked absolute havoc to the homes of people who live all over the GTA and Durham Region, the insurance companies (at least mine) came through with some money to replace all our lost frozen and refrigerated food.  There was no deductible applied and the money is going to be enough to make up for our food losses.  Unfortunately, the insurance company would not cover hotel bills for the nights we had to spend outside of our home because it was too cold to live there – that sucks.  And, the cost of dumping the wasted food into the dump was not covered either.  However, since I was expecting some kind of a deductible, the fact that there is none is a good thing – I can live with that.  We actually had our “Christmas dinner” of turkey and all the accessories on New Year’s Day instead.

Meanwhile, I am still not welcome at Dave’s daughter’s in-laws living in Whitby, but I decided that if I let them get under my skin, it would defeat my purpose.  So, I wasn’t given the opportunity to see Dave’s daughter and her two little girls during this Christmas break.  But, after all, I am my own person; I tell the truth whenever possible and, in this case, I just told the truth the way I see it.  Anyone else not related to them would have done the same.  That doesn’t make me a bad person, just an honest one who cannot stand bulls*t or people who spout it and, even more, believe their own bullsh*t!

Tomorrow, on Monday January 6, I am returning to school and I’m looking forward to it.  Only problem is – I have developed a cold recently and have been battling fatigue and plugged sinuses for a few days now.  However, I am devoted to my students and will be there for them till the end of the semester and the end of the year, ultimately.  That’s what good teachers do and I aim to be the best at this profession. 

As far as my newly published book is concerned, I have ordered 100 new soft cover books that I intend to use for promotion purposes.  My whole order includes a second (free) book marketing kit, 20 free soft cover copies and 5 free hard cover copies; the free copies were part of my original publishing package.  These free copies will go to family and friends only.  The rest of these books will be sold or given as gifts (through redeemed gift certificates I will give out only to certain people).  Finally, later in January or early February, I will be initiating a publicity campaign to promote my book in both Canada and the United States.  This campaign via the media will help expose my book to millions of people that I would never be able to reach on my own.  However, I am also in the process of sending out a newsletter to the book retailers in the main cities of Canada and five of the largest cities in the United States.  Perhaps, I will also be able to do some book signings locally and further afield.  Hopefully, something good (like getting some really good book reviews and winning some writing contests) will help people to decide to buy my book this time making me a successful, award-winning author.  Only time will tell.