A couple of weeks ago, I had lunch with two author friends (Hi Mindy and Carol!).  Put three writers together and what do you get?  Well, the answer would most likely be "a headache" for most people.  We talked nonstop - about the craft, about our lives, about the upcoming ACFW conference in Minneapolis, and just life in general.  For over three hours, we chatted.  It was great.  The problem:  about every fifteen minutes, I'd be talking...and out of nowhere I'd lose my train of thought.  "Uh-oh.  I forgot where I was going with this," became almost a joke among us.  However, toward the end of lunch we decided that I probably didn't have the onset of Alzheimer's...I just had too much in my head to keep straight.  

So, I've created a filing system for my brain.  I'm imagining all these separate folders housing all the information for each aspect of my life.  Right now, book #1 (PLAIN PERFECT) has released at Amazon.com and should hit the shelves at the bookstores any day.  I'm knee deep in revisions for book #2 (PLAIN PURSUIT), and have already started book #3...which has been given a name by the publisher (PLAIN PROMISE).  Each of the projects have extensive file folders.  

Other folders I'm incorporating into my filing system include:  

Household - this cumbersome file is the keeper of information required to keep things flowing in a semi-smooth manner.  Does the dog have food?  Do we have food?  Are the bills paid?  I missed whose birthday???  What prescription needs refilling?  Mostly things I wish I could wiggle my nose and just make happen.

Children - this is a biggie.  Although one is 24 and off at college, and the other one is almost 17 - my boys still require their own file, one that is bulging at the seams, but filled with love.  For those who have children, I really don't need to explain what all is in this file:  You need money for what?  You did what?  Are you sure she's the love of your life?  I doubt everyone has one of those.  And my personal favorite - No I have not made a ton of money from the books and will not be taking you on a European vacation any time soon.

The "Me" file - this one is at the very back of the filing system.  Holding my menu 3 feet away...Yep.  Need to go to the eye doctor.  When exactly did I go to the dentist last?  Uh, what about a regular checkup?  Need to join the gym before my behind becomes one with the chair.  Can Melody take me for a haircut next week?  My nails look...uh, BAD.  

There's lots of other files.  It's a work in progress, but I think you get the point.  I'm determined not to spend my next lunch with the girls going, "Uh...what was I saying?"