Ok, it's that time of year again. I'm thinking about Resolutions for the coming New Year. Here's my short list (rough draft).
1. Write every day (At minimum 5 lines in my new 5 year journal)
2. Finish my novel
3. Go to bed early
4. Get up early
5. Move my body
6. Eat well
7. Help others (still working on specifically how)
8. Work on organization
I think that's enough for today. And it's time for bed (might as well start now!)
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Quizzes
I've not been on top of my blog this month, and when I started getting back into reading my friend's blogs, I came across Girlzoot's Crappy Gift post. Now I'm throughly enjoying myself by wading through other quizzes and finding stuff like you know you're from... when... hehe... Now, I only work in Boulder, but this next list made me laugh so I'm sharing it here:
|
You Know You're From Boulder When... |
|
Your diet consists largely Boca burgers, Silk Soymilk, sushi, and Celestial Seasonings tea. You understand the utility of burning a couch in the street. Your kids wear 'Baby Gap' clothes. You really believe that there is a war between Boulder High and Fairview. You shop at Alfalfa's, and think that it's quilty eating. You wear shorts in the winter. Riding your bike in the middle of the street is okay. You had a hour long coversation about the Ramseys, and your sure you know who "did it." Your hybrid car is stocked with Ani Difranco and Indigo Girls CD's. A member of your family either works or plays for C.U. Sandals are worn year around, regardless of temperature. You have either been, or sent your child to an alternative school, (ie. New Vista), because the other schools didn't challenge you/them enough. Your waiter has a PhD in philosophy, and a MA in Women's Studies You rather starve than eat something that isn't organic You understand that "8 glasses of water a day" is what is required before 10:00 a.m. Your sense of direction is: towards the mountains and away from the mountains. Your friends don't eat meat, but they guzzle microbrew and designer coffee like it's water. In any given line you can see a white person with dreadlocks who is barefoot and the next person is wearing Prada, Chanel sunglasses, a Rolex and is dripping in diamonds. You're invited to a Halloween party only to find out "party" means serving peanut-pumpkin soup and sitting around reading Edger Allen Poe. A "bike ride" is at least a 4-6 hour event, a "shower" is optional. The only women wearing makeup are over 50 years old. You know all 4 seasons: "winter," "two day spring,""drought season," and "one day fall". The 3 most popular bumper stickers are: "Free Tibet," "I love my dog," and any array of Democratic political candidates. The more holes a young person has in his clothes the more zeros are in his trust fund account balance. April showers bring May blizzards. You tell someone you're training for a 10K and they tell you they're training for a marathon and the Ironman. The true feud which divides people is between those who "board" and the "two-plankers." You've dressed in shorts, sandals, and a parka. You've gone skiing in July. You've gone sunbathing in January. "Rio," "Pearl," and "Walnut" have nothing to do with Rio, pearls or walnuts. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Boulder. |
Crappy Gift, anyone?
| You Are a Fruitcake! |
 |
Monday, December 06, 2004
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like in single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards!!!!!!!!!!!!
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like in single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards!!!!!!!!!!!!
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
As seen in my email
THINGS TO DO BEFORE the Jan 20th Bush inauguration, while you still can:
1. Get that abortion you've always wanted.
2. Drink a nice clean glass of water.
3. Cash your social security check.
4. See a doctor of your own choosing.
5. Spend quality time with your draft age child/grandchild.
6. Visit Syria, or any foreign country for that matter.
7. Get that gas mask you've been putting off buying.
8. Hoard gasoline.
9. Buy all the porn you can carry.
10. Borrow books from library before they're banned - Constitutional law books, Catcher in the Rye, Harry Potter, Tropic of Cancer, etc.
11. If you have an idea for an art piece involving a crucifix - do it now.
12. Come out - then go back in - HURRY!
13. Jam in all the Alzheimer's stem cell research you can.
14. Stay out late before the curfews start.
15. Get within 6 feet of a stripper in a state where it's still allowed.
16. Go see Bruce Springsteen before he has his "accident".
17. Go see Mount Rushmore before the Reagan addition.
18. Use the phrase - "you can't do that - this is America".
19. If you're white - marry a black person, if you're black - marry a white person.
20. If you're gay, learn to butch it up so people will think you are straight.
21. Take a walk in Yosemite, without being hit by a snowmobile or a base-jumper.
22. Enroll your kid in an accelerated art or music class.
23. Start your school day without a prayer.
24. Pass on the secrets of evolution to future generations.
25. Stockpile hard liquor.
26. Learn French.
27. Two words - Doggy Style.
28. Attend a commitment ceremony with your gay friends.
29. Take a factory tour anywhere in the US.
30. Try to take photographs of animals on the endangered species list.
31. Visit Florida before the polar ice caps melt.
32. Visit Nevada before it becomes radioactive.
33. Visit Alaska before "The Big Spill".
34. Visit Massachusetts while it is still a State.
1. Get that abortion you've always wanted.
2. Drink a nice clean glass of water.
3. Cash your social security check.
4. See a doctor of your own choosing.
5. Spend quality time with your draft age child/grandchild.
6. Visit Syria, or any foreign country for that matter.
7. Get that gas mask you've been putting off buying.
8. Hoard gasoline.
9. Buy all the porn you can carry.
10. Borrow books from library before they're banned - Constitutional law books, Catcher in the Rye, Harry Potter, Tropic of Cancer, etc.
11. If you have an idea for an art piece involving a crucifix - do it now.
12. Come out - then go back in - HURRY!
13. Jam in all the Alzheimer's stem cell research you can.
14. Stay out late before the curfews start.
15. Get within 6 feet of a stripper in a state where it's still allowed.
16. Go see Bruce Springsteen before he has his "accident".
17. Go see Mount Rushmore before the Reagan addition.
18. Use the phrase - "you can't do that - this is America".
19. If you're white - marry a black person, if you're black - marry a white person.
20. If you're gay, learn to butch it up so people will think you are straight.
21. Take a walk in Yosemite, without being hit by a snowmobile or a base-jumper.
22. Enroll your kid in an accelerated art or music class.
23. Start your school day without a prayer.
24. Pass on the secrets of evolution to future generations.
25. Stockpile hard liquor.
26. Learn French.
27. Two words - Doggy Style.
28. Attend a commitment ceremony with your gay friends.
29. Take a factory tour anywhere in the US.
30. Try to take photographs of animals on the endangered species list.
31. Visit Florida before the polar ice caps melt.
32. Visit Nevada before it becomes radioactive.
33. Visit Alaska before "The Big Spill".
34. Visit Massachusetts while it is still a State.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Holiday Wishes
A bit late, but Happy Thanksgiving! Banana bread anyone??
My baby cousin, Caitlin, loved her new blanket that I crocheted for her baby shower. “Grandma” says she sleeps with it in her crib, and regularly kicks it off, just like we all did at her age. “Mama” says she loves how soft it is. Aww, warm fuzzies!
Thanksgiving was relatively peaceful; we brought our baby, Charlie, and nearly gave my aunt a coronary. But the dog was good and she didn’t chase the cats, mostly she made laps around the kitchen and dining room and tried to eat the cat food. Elmo, the scaredy cat, came out after everyone else had left and bapped Charlie on the nose. I was upset until I remembered that Elmo has no toenails and could really only sass my dog, which she didn’t even seem to notice, poor dear.
I even got some writing done, but I have yet to upload anything from this long weekend. I will be done tonight, huzzah! I am less than 2k away from my NaNo goal of 50k! But the story won’t be done, not by quite a bit. I think I made some good habits about writing every day, so even if I write less, it will still be good. I hope to have the manuscript done by March for NaNoEdMo, hehe. I imagine, taking into account what I’ve already written, that the finished first draft will be around 85-95k :) Not bad for a first draft!
My baby cousin, Caitlin, loved her new blanket that I crocheted for her baby shower. “Grandma” says she sleeps with it in her crib, and regularly kicks it off, just like we all did at her age. “Mama” says she loves how soft it is. Aww, warm fuzzies!
Thanksgiving was relatively peaceful; we brought our baby, Charlie, and nearly gave my aunt a coronary. But the dog was good and she didn’t chase the cats, mostly she made laps around the kitchen and dining room and tried to eat the cat food. Elmo, the scaredy cat, came out after everyone else had left and bapped Charlie on the nose. I was upset until I remembered that Elmo has no toenails and could really only sass my dog, which she didn’t even seem to notice, poor dear.
I even got some writing done, but I have yet to upload anything from this long weekend. I will be done tonight, huzzah! I am less than 2k away from my NaNo goal of 50k! But the story won’t be done, not by quite a bit. I think I made some good habits about writing every day, so even if I write less, it will still be good. I hope to have the manuscript done by March for NaNoEdMo, hehe. I imagine, taking into account what I’ve already written, that the finished first draft will be around 85-95k :) Not bad for a first draft!
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Neil Diamond Lyrics
Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show
Brothers and Sisters
Little bitty children
Black and white
Rich and poor
Gay and straight
Great and small
We are god’s children ALL!
I must have some live version of this song, I couldn't find these lyrics anywhere on-line, official or unofficial, but every time I hear it, I just get goosebumps.
Thought I'd share :)
Brothers and Sisters
Little bitty children
Black and white
Rich and poor
Gay and straight
Great and small
We are god’s children ALL!
I must have some live version of this song, I couldn't find these lyrics anywhere on-line, official or unofficial, but every time I hear it, I just get goosebumps.
Thought I'd share :)
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Having my writing read
Ok, I've been in writing groups in the past, and shared my writing with my fellow poets/storytellers. I sometimes needed a bit of encouragement to read my stuff out loud, but I always knew when I was sharing my work, and with whom.
Since I'm blogging my NaNoWriMo novel, I know that people are able to read it at any given time. I've given out the address to my friends and family for encouragement and to show what I've been working on all month (while holed away in my little apartment).
It is still the most surreal thing to me that unbeknownst to me at the time, people are actually reading it, and hearing a friend tell me that she wanted to shake one of my characters and say "Look, lady, you need to back off!" is both encouraging and so strange to me. I like it a lot, I think it's such a great medium to share practically instantly with the community. Still, it's strange to get a call from my mother at 10:30 at night asking if the different entrys are just very short chapters or what... But really cool to hear people talking about my work.
I can't wait to get back into the writing group groove again and read my fellow author's stuff, this is so encouraging, so fascinating, oh, I'm so tired.
Ni ni.
Since I'm blogging my NaNoWriMo novel, I know that people are able to read it at any given time. I've given out the address to my friends and family for encouragement and to show what I've been working on all month (while holed away in my little apartment).
It is still the most surreal thing to me that unbeknownst to me at the time, people are actually reading it, and hearing a friend tell me that she wanted to shake one of my characters and say "Look, lady, you need to back off!" is both encouraging and so strange to me. I like it a lot, I think it's such a great medium to share practically instantly with the community. Still, it's strange to get a call from my mother at 10:30 at night asking if the different entrys are just very short chapters or what... But really cool to hear people talking about my work.
I can't wait to get back into the writing group groove again and read my fellow author's stuff, this is so encouraging, so fascinating, oh, I'm so tired.
Ni ni.
Monday, November 22, 2004
Huzzah!!
Ok, I reached 30,000 words tonight. *YAY*
Must sleep now, no fill pen first then sleep. Blessed sleep.
Must sleep now, no fill pen first then sleep. Blessed sleep.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Cold weekend
Ok, turns out it wasn't just cold. My pilot light had blown out and my furnace was blowing cold air all over me (the intake is from the outside). *brrr* So now it's fixed and I can take hot showers and be warm in the house and the kitty can take his naps on top of the covers again (the water heater and the furnace co-habitate apparently).
Good news is once I got the heat going, I wrote over 5000 words written on my novel. Very exciting!
Good news is once I got the heat going, I wrote over 5000 words written on my novel. Very exciting!
Saturday, November 20, 2004
SuperNovelist
My Nano t-shirt arrived!! Yay! I've been wearing it all day, and I got over 3k written, so its status of new favorite writing shirt is ensured!
Ok, I'm watching the rest of SNL and going to bed. It's COLD! And me without my fuzzy slippers.
Ok, I'm watching the rest of SNL and going to bed. It's COLD! And me without my fuzzy slippers.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Inappropriate response
Today has been less than stellar in my world. I find that when one feels the need to cry 3 times in less than 24 hours for any reason at work, that day is on the down side. When one actually does cry, a frustrated, overwhelmed, panicky sort of crying, then truly one’s reached the pinnacle of bad form. V. bad form.
Tear stains on one’s shirt in important month end meeting, not appropriate.
Snapping at one’s v. understanding, gentle boss, definitely not appropriate.
Having snide joke in said meeting backfire, pissing off person with authority to sign off on finished invoices, priceless.
Overly emotional, everywhere you don’t want it to be.
I think I’m broken.
On the other hand, the people around me, including boss, care about me and send me funny pictures. And know I’m having a v. bad day and still treat me like I’m not stomping around, tossing my pens around, grumbling under my breath, and generally being beastly. Even when I say that yes, it’s good that it’s Friday because I’m buying silverware which doesn't make much sense, now does it.
Tear stains on one’s shirt in important month end meeting, not appropriate.
Snapping at one’s v. understanding, gentle boss, definitely not appropriate.
Having snide joke in said meeting backfire, pissing off person with authority to sign off on finished invoices, priceless.
Overly emotional, everywhere you don’t want it to be.
I think I’m broken.
On the other hand, the people around me, including boss, care about me and send me funny pictures. And know I’m having a v. bad day and still treat me like I’m not stomping around, tossing my pens around, grumbling under my breath, and generally being beastly. Even when I say that yes, it’s good that it’s Friday because I’m buying silverware which doesn't make much sense, now does it.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
NaNoWriMo Day Fourteen
Whee, I'm coasting on chocolate pudding and a caffiene drip.
Some people don't get it, ok most of my friends are writers, or are supportive of the writing endeavor that I've undertaken, which is making me a bit crazy (no, really?) and extremely protective of my time. I want to go see movies, I want to leave the house, but I have this invisible word counter in my head (and two on line) telling me that I need to write to get this novel out of me, to finish the 50k and see where it takes me from there. So I stay home, or I go to writing groups and write.
I was told today that the design of NaNoWriMo was forcing me to sacrifice content for word count, that essentially what I was writing wouldn't be any good because it was rushed. I tried to explain that the point of NaNoWriMo was to give a deadline and a goal to get the novel written. Because I'm one of the people who's plotted a book in my head and in notebooks and on paper and talking to friends about it for years and years and never sat down to write it down, to get it OUT. NaNo is getting me to write, character, plot, setting, getting everyone together and setting out on the greatest adventure ever told. {Ok, now I'm just swinging from the rafters.} Nonetheless, I've been writing, instead of detailing down to the eyelash my characters and the setting and how magic works and outlining decades and centuries of history before the moment I want to start. These things are vitally important to my writing, but I've already done all this, I've got a basic skeleton of my novel in my head, getting the flesh of my story is what November and NaNo is all about to me.
Ok, so I'm a wee bit crazy, and being a recluse and a bit of a crappy friend this month. I have to do this for me. And of all the things in the last year I've done for selfish reasons, this one is probably the least damaging.
Please understand. I'm not apologizing, this is who I've wanted to be since I was a tiny little girl. So I'm doing it.
For those who've supported me and written with me, and encouraged me, and shared their pudding with me, thank you from the bottom of my little novelist heart.
Joy
‘I write for the same reason I breathe - because if I didn’t, I would die.’ - Isaac Asimov
Some people don't get it, ok most of my friends are writers, or are supportive of the writing endeavor that I've undertaken, which is making me a bit crazy (no, really?) and extremely protective of my time. I want to go see movies, I want to leave the house, but I have this invisible word counter in my head (and two on line) telling me that I need to write to get this novel out of me, to finish the 50k and see where it takes me from there. So I stay home, or I go to writing groups and write.
I was told today that the design of NaNoWriMo was forcing me to sacrifice content for word count, that essentially what I was writing wouldn't be any good because it was rushed. I tried to explain that the point of NaNoWriMo was to give a deadline and a goal to get the novel written. Because I'm one of the people who's plotted a book in my head and in notebooks and on paper and talking to friends about it for years and years and never sat down to write it down, to get it OUT. NaNo is getting me to write, character, plot, setting, getting everyone together and setting out on the greatest adventure ever told. {Ok, now I'm just swinging from the rafters.} Nonetheless, I've been writing, instead of detailing down to the eyelash my characters and the setting and how magic works and outlining decades and centuries of history before the moment I want to start. These things are vitally important to my writing, but I've already done all this, I've got a basic skeleton of my novel in my head, getting the flesh of my story is what November and NaNo is all about to me.
Ok, so I'm a wee bit crazy, and being a recluse and a bit of a crappy friend this month. I have to do this for me. And of all the things in the last year I've done for selfish reasons, this one is probably the least damaging.
Please understand. I'm not apologizing, this is who I've wanted to be since I was a tiny little girl. So I'm doing it.
For those who've supported me and written with me, and encouraged me, and shared their pudding with me, thank you from the bottom of my little novelist heart.
Joy
‘I write for the same reason I breathe - because if I didn’t, I would die.’ - Isaac Asimov
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Surfing for names...
Ok, I've got a bunch of people my characters are coming into contact with and I'm sick of naming them Bob or Joe (last post about writing to the contrary) So I decided to look up some name generators and came across this one. So now I now have a new title:
Princess of Quantum Mechanics
(You're probably one of those fucking people who pluralize everything with apostrophes.)
I'm a bit loopy from (not) writing all day and right now this is the most hilarious thing ever. Mostly because the apostrophe is my friend...and I've always wanted to be a princess...
And my secondary title is: Princess Junior Grade of Procrastination for not writing on my book. I really want to go and see Bridget Jones tonight but if I don't get some hefty word count out, I'm staying in with a wet noodle to beat myself with.
Had to share...
Must...go...WRITE!!!
Princess of Quantum Mechanics
(You're probably one of those fucking people who pluralize everything with apostrophes.)
I'm a bit loopy from (not) writing all day and right now this is the most hilarious thing ever. Mostly because the apostrophe is my friend...and I've always wanted to be a princess...
And my secondary title is: Princess Junior Grade of Procrastination for not writing on my book. I really want to go and see Bridget Jones tonight but if I don't get some hefty word count out, I'm staying in with a wet noodle to beat myself with.
Had to share...
Must...go...WRITE!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Evening out
Last night I took my mother to Barry Manilow's 2004 One More Night Tour. He was fabulous. He made us laugh, he made me cry, it was truly a night to remember.
I intend to put a bit more up about this, but right now I'm pretty tired and needing to write and sleep. Mostly sleep. Ah, but Barry puts on such a good show...
I intend to put a bit more up about this, but right now I'm pretty tired and needing to write and sleep. Mostly sleep. Ah, but Barry puts on such a good show...
Monday, November 08, 2004
I broke 10K *whew*
Ok, that feels really really good. Week two of NaNoWriMo is wicked hard, but I've reached a point where I'm happy with the work and I've broken the 10k mark...barely, but now I can sleep the sleep of the righteous and just... or somethign like that.
*happytiredwordcountdance*
*happytiredwordcountdance*
Sunday, November 07, 2004
The month of November
I'm terrifically guilty of looking back on a week, a month, a season, or a year and saying "where did the time go? why just yesterday it was (Summer / June / the beginning of school /my birthday)!" I suppose that makes it seem like I go thru my life in some sort of daze.
Well, however much this might be true, I know for a fact that I will know where each precious hour and every ticking minute went toward for every bloody day of November 2004. I am both enjoying and dreading the passing of days this month. Being part of NaNoWriMo has completely changed the way I view my time. During most months, I try to make time to pick up the house, to run my errands, to spend time with friends, but this month, my overwhelming goal is to complete the 50,000 word requirement of my novel. And every moment, even this one, when I'm not writing or sleeping, or actually making a living, I seem to begrudge to every living thing and even some inanimate ones (like laundry, which I have to take out now).
But also bred in my bones is the magical happy fun gene of procrastination as well as the huge, bulbous black gene of guilt. I sit at my computer and post to my blog, or read someone else's novel in progress, or search for that perfect character name, when Bob or Joe would do just as well. Or that I have tickets to something with someone for a holiday gift, or a friend who I am obligated to for various reasons wanting to do lunch and a movie in the middle of my only day to write in solid blocks all week...*sigh* But I LIKE talking to my friends, I ENJOY surfing the net for no particular reason.
Ok, no more bitching, I'm going to do this because I WANT to do this, I have a deep desire, one that is stronger than guilt and louder than procrastination. I want to be a novelist, I am a writer, now I want to prove it to the world!!!!
Tired and hungry and going crosseyed looking at the computer. Must finish laundry and order pizza, perhaps come back in an hour...yes, that is good...
Must fly!!
Joy
Well, however much this might be true, I know for a fact that I will know where each precious hour and every ticking minute went toward for every bloody day of November 2004. I am both enjoying and dreading the passing of days this month. Being part of NaNoWriMo has completely changed the way I view my time. During most months, I try to make time to pick up the house, to run my errands, to spend time with friends, but this month, my overwhelming goal is to complete the 50,000 word requirement of my novel. And every moment, even this one, when I'm not writing or sleeping, or actually making a living, I seem to begrudge to every living thing and even some inanimate ones (like laundry, which I have to take out now).
But also bred in my bones is the magical happy fun gene of procrastination as well as the huge, bulbous black gene of guilt. I sit at my computer and post to my blog, or read someone else's novel in progress, or search for that perfect character name, when Bob or Joe would do just as well. Or that I have tickets to something with someone for a holiday gift, or a friend who I am obligated to for various reasons wanting to do lunch and a movie in the middle of my only day to write in solid blocks all week...*sigh* But I LIKE talking to my friends, I ENJOY surfing the net for no particular reason.
Ok, no more bitching, I'm going to do this because I WANT to do this, I have a deep desire, one that is stronger than guilt and louder than procrastination. I want to be a novelist, I am a writer, now I want to prove it to the world!!!!
Tired and hungry and going crosseyed looking at the computer. Must finish laundry and order pizza, perhaps come back in an hour...yes, that is good...
Must fly!!
Joy
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
NaNoWriMo day three
Ooh boy, I'm tired and it's not even past my bedtime...Too much excitement this week, and as usual, nothing's slowing down. I've got a full weekend, not exactly planned that way, but *shrug* all things I want to do.
I've been writing every day, and thinking about writing when I'm not actually doing it. If I started writing at work, I'd never get anything done there, and we're gearing up for fiscal year end (I AM in accounting, after all).
But I'm glad I'm not putting it off, I'm determined to get this novel written. Editing can start in December, but I'm getting down the spine and the muscles and ligiments together and worry about the flesh later. It'll be a creepy looking thing, now that I imagine my analogy, but I'll get over it *grin*
I'm currently having a lovely conversation with my mother regarding the recent election. Money for schools, who was elected, who's a bigot and why (ok that was mostly me), why some things got passed and shouldn't have...Ah well, at least I can talk to her about it (sometimes a bit loudly on both our parts).
Ok, time for that time honoured, best beloved, and most needed time of the day, the time where I put my head on a pile of fabric and buckwheat hulls and drift off into the land of dreams.
Sweet dreams.
I've been writing every day, and thinking about writing when I'm not actually doing it. If I started writing at work, I'd never get anything done there, and we're gearing up for fiscal year end (I AM in accounting, after all).
But I'm glad I'm not putting it off, I'm determined to get this novel written. Editing can start in December, but I'm getting down the spine and the muscles and ligiments together and worry about the flesh later. It'll be a creepy looking thing, now that I imagine my analogy, but I'll get over it *grin*
I'm currently having a lovely conversation with my mother regarding the recent election. Money for schools, who was elected, who's a bigot and why (ok that was mostly me), why some things got passed and shouldn't have...Ah well, at least I can talk to her about it (sometimes a bit loudly on both our parts).
Ok, time for that time honoured, best beloved, and most needed time of the day, the time where I put my head on a pile of fabric and buckwheat hulls and drift off into the land of dreams.
Sweet dreams.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Political musings
Ok, so I got out of bed early and went and voted in this my fourth national election. On the big one, I'm two for three and hoping not to make it a tie.
We've got some pretty hot amendments here in Colorado, including the one to change how we allow the Electoral College to vote. Personally, I am not one to change the Constitution lightly, either for the U.S. or for the state I reside in. And from my understanding, it doesn't take an amendment to change the College, just a state law, which is what we elect state legislators for, right?
Besides my headstrong balking at changing the fabric of our state and national government, the “retroactivity” of the amendment sets my teeth on edge. The last thing I want is to have the election delayed or dragged to a screeching halt because of something that my state did. My fondest wish for this election is not to get my guy in the White House, but to get a president-elect in place before Thanksgiving. Now, I admit I do dearly want my candidate to win, and to have all the elected officials be the ones I voted for, but for peace of mind and family harmony, I passionately desire a quick and honest finish for the election.
And maybe this year, I won’t have to leave Thanksgiving dinner because of a political misunderstanding blown way out of proportion. Maybe I can eat my mashed potatoes in harmony with the rest of the family.
Peace.
We've got some pretty hot amendments here in Colorado, including the one to change how we allow the Electoral College to vote. Personally, I am not one to change the Constitution lightly, either for the U.S. or for the state I reside in. And from my understanding, it doesn't take an amendment to change the College, just a state law, which is what we elect state legislators for, right?
Besides my headstrong balking at changing the fabric of our state and national government, the “retroactivity” of the amendment sets my teeth on edge. The last thing I want is to have the election delayed or dragged to a screeching halt because of something that my state did. My fondest wish for this election is not to get my guy in the White House, but to get a president-elect in place before Thanksgiving. Now, I admit I do dearly want my candidate to win, and to have all the elected officials be the ones I voted for, but for peace of mind and family harmony, I passionately desire a quick and honest finish for the election.
And maybe this year, I won’t have to leave Thanksgiving dinner because of a political misunderstanding blown way out of proportion. Maybe I can eat my mashed potatoes in harmony with the rest of the family.
Peace.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Don't forget to VOTE
Now I know that many people, at least in Colorado, have taken advantage of the absentee ballot, or the early voting option this year. For those who have voted, I salute you.
Now, for the rest of you registered voters, (me included) go out and VOTE! I don't really care who you vote for, just go and have your voice heard. Because no matter what anyone tells you, your vote does count! For a lot!
Besides, you get a nifty sticker. I'll show you mine tomorrow :)
Peace.
Now, for the rest of you registered voters, (me included) go out and VOTE! I don't really care who you vote for, just go and have your voice heard. Because no matter what anyone tells you, your vote does count! For a lot!
Besides, you get a nifty sticker. I'll show you mine tomorrow :)
Peace.
If you'd like to take a look at the work I'm doing, please go to www.tempest-heirs.blogspot.com or see my profile :)
Sunday, October 31, 2004
In Limbo
Sometimes it's ok to let go. This is not an easy lesson to learn for me, as I tend to hold on to things much past their usefulness or their ability to bring me happiness. However, it's something that we all have to learn and I'm in the midst of letting go of something that has meant a great deal to me. It hurts too much to hold on but I don't know what will happen when I do finally let it go. I'm scared that I'll want it back, even to my detriment simply because it was mine. Even now, it still makes me smile and takes my breath away.
And more than what I'm releasing, I am letting go a part of myself, part of the person I became when it was mine, when the future lay stretched out upon a road before me, lit by the light of a thousand possibilities. Now, looking back, the path was full of signs and missed opportunities, and unknown branches that I'll never get to tread now.
And I've thought about just shifting gears, letting go of the emotional baggage tied up in this whole situation. And at times, I think I can do just that, cut out the bad and leave the good. And yet, it seems I always fall into those habits that only bring new feelings of discomfort and doubt. So perhaps a clean break is in order. The bad moments, the hurt and confusion, I can keep as reminders, as a lesson learned and move forward, move on, away from the pain. I'll find a place to look back and from a distance of time and space, where the feelings won't be so strong, and the patina of age will beautify that which has left me wondering why I ever started down this road.
It is still hard, no matter what logic I apply, no matter which side I try to convince myself is best, I still find myself holding on, trying to let go, and not knowing which I want, and which is right. I sometimes wonder if I wouldn't be happier with a road map, knowing what turns would take me to what destination. A trip tick pen and a glossy page with times and destinations, avoiding the construction zones and cruising easily through life to where I wanted to be. I guess I'll just have to learn to enjoy the scenery on my little side trips, since no one has a map of my life laid out with all it's twists and turns and straight lines.
Even though it hurts now, I wouldn't give it up for the world.
And more than what I'm releasing, I am letting go a part of myself, part of the person I became when it was mine, when the future lay stretched out upon a road before me, lit by the light of a thousand possibilities. Now, looking back, the path was full of signs and missed opportunities, and unknown branches that I'll never get to tread now.
And I've thought about just shifting gears, letting go of the emotional baggage tied up in this whole situation. And at times, I think I can do just that, cut out the bad and leave the good. And yet, it seems I always fall into those habits that only bring new feelings of discomfort and doubt. So perhaps a clean break is in order. The bad moments, the hurt and confusion, I can keep as reminders, as a lesson learned and move forward, move on, away from the pain. I'll find a place to look back and from a distance of time and space, where the feelings won't be so strong, and the patina of age will beautify that which has left me wondering why I ever started down this road.
It is still hard, no matter what logic I apply, no matter which side I try to convince myself is best, I still find myself holding on, trying to let go, and not knowing which I want, and which is right. I sometimes wonder if I wouldn't be happier with a road map, knowing what turns would take me to what destination. A trip tick pen and a glossy page with times and destinations, avoiding the construction zones and cruising easily through life to where I wanted to be. I guess I'll just have to learn to enjoy the scenery on my little side trips, since no one has a map of my life laid out with all it's twists and turns and straight lines.
Even though it hurts now, I wouldn't give it up for the world.
Too many favorites?
Books are important to me, I love them, the smell of freshly opened pages, the heft of the book in my hand, the quick flick of the page, and the reluctance to put one down. I also love having their physical presence in my home, to look around at all the different places books have found to stay, different sizes of bookshelves, small piles on the dining room table, three or four on my nightstand, a row of cookbooks on my kitchen counter. So when I was filling out my profile, I wandered through my home and made a quick list of my very favorite books, the ones I return to, that I am drawn to, to re-read and find fresh new things as well as beloved characters and well known adventures. And to save space (I was thinking ahead here!) I wrote down some of my favorite authors, ones I have handfuls to rows of books on, ones I look for first when I enter the hallowed walls of the library or the bookstore.
I put in my list (ok, it was kinda long - more than 15...ok more than 25) and I saved my profile. And they didn't all fit! I realize some of the names are long - All Quiet on the Western Front, that's a lot of characters...but but but, I didn't think I could have TOO many favorites. I suppose I could limit it to Genres, but that seems to take the meat out of my list. *sigh* Or I could limit it to my very very favorites, but the list really wouldn't drop down that much...
So I left in the books themselves, and cut out the authors and decided to put it here, for all to see. Because it's not like I'm liable to forget. I have the luxury of going to the shelf and pulling down any of my beloved books, or running my finger along their spines in search of the perfect book.
Of all the books I've read and all the authors I've followed, here is the ultimate list of favorites. For today.
Anthony, Asimov, Bradbury, Card, Eddings, Heinlein, Kurtz, Oates, Rowling, Weis & Hickman
See, that doesn't seem so long, does it?
I put in my list (ok, it was kinda long - more than 15...ok more than 25) and I saved my profile. And they didn't all fit! I realize some of the names are long - All Quiet on the Western Front, that's a lot of characters...but but but, I didn't think I could have TOO many favorites. I suppose I could limit it to Genres, but that seems to take the meat out of my list. *sigh* Or I could limit it to my very very favorites, but the list really wouldn't drop down that much...
So I left in the books themselves, and cut out the authors and decided to put it here, for all to see. Because it's not like I'm liable to forget. I have the luxury of going to the shelf and pulling down any of my beloved books, or running my finger along their spines in search of the perfect book.
Of all the books I've read and all the authors I've followed, here is the ultimate list of favorites. For today.
Anthony, Asimov, Bradbury, Card, Eddings, Heinlein, Kurtz, Oates, Rowling, Weis & Hickman
See, that doesn't seem so long, does it?
Rocky Mountain Horror Picture Show
Now that was a show!
Last night I went, as I have for the last few years, to the Cabaret Diosa Halloween Show at the Boulder Theater. As in years past, the show sold out nearly a week before, and there were tons of crazy people, from college kids to middle-aged adults, crowding into the beautiful, historic Boulder Theater. I would say that nearly everyone I saw was in costume, celebrating the night of the dead a bit early. Costumes of note: Dandelion in Seed, Spy vs Spy, Lego People, tons of Magenta's, not so many Riff's, Greek Gods incl. Pan (hottie!), The Bride (pretty good rendition, too), there was even a dangling Chad in honor of election day.
This year I found a seat in the balcony and planted myself there for the evening. This worked out as I got to watch the crowd and not so much participate in the drunken revelry (tho I did nurse a black russian thru the first set). I had a mostly unobstructed view of the entire stage the entire night, worth the price of admission.
Devotchka opened, in skull face-paint, and got the crowd dancing, moving. I really enjoyed their set, I need to go get their new CD, some of the new songs I heard were hauntingly, madly beautiful. Some of the guys from Cabaret joined in for a song, which included three trumpets and a mandolin *ahh*
After the Costume contest (A smashing version of Magenta - best Rocky Horror, Dandelion in Seed - best environmental, the 6 Madonna's - best thematic, & Spy vs Spy - best of show, ) and Mendel's really quite nice Australian accent (or was it British - ok whatever, it was nice) the big screen came down and the lights dimmed.
The opening bars to the 21st Century Faux theme came on, then the image, complete with a spotlight (visibly hand held) and then The Lips appeared. Everyone erupted with cheers. The tune was the same, but the words differed as The Lips sang about the past Cabaret halloween shows, including Alice in Wonderland, Circus Macabre, Circus Contraption & the Creep Show, Captain Cork and Dark Flavor. Then the steeple from the opening scene of Rocky Horror came up with Cabaret Diosa and friends remaking the chapel scene.
They did a wonderful job of adapting the show then the live action started taking place on stage. Throughout the night the movie kicked in with tidbits - memorably Pablo as the Criminologist doing the Time Warp. The songs from R.H. were wonderfully done, the costuming superb, and the set, while minimalist on stage with some statues, stained glass, and red walls, was amazing with the detail on the props (the resurrection tank - to die for). Many thanks to the brilliant and talented Ren and Mendel.
Cast:
Montana del Fuego as Janet Weis
Nick Urata as Brad Majors
Juan del Queso as Dr Frankenfurter
Pablo de Gallo as the Criminologist / Minion
Don Grandissimo as Riff Raff
Miguel Ramos as Magenta
Manuel Rabinizimo as Rocky
Diego Rabinizimo as Photographer
Dinkis Con Crema as Eddie
Juan de la Selva as Ralph / Minion
Trish Land as Columbia
The Frequent Flyers - Chorus / Dancers
Oh so tempted to go back again tonight...if there's no snow and if I can get a nap in between now and then...and maybe call in sick...or at least in a coma...
Last night I went, as I have for the last few years, to the Cabaret Diosa Halloween Show at the Boulder Theater. As in years past, the show sold out nearly a week before, and there were tons of crazy people, from college kids to middle-aged adults, crowding into the beautiful, historic Boulder Theater. I would say that nearly everyone I saw was in costume, celebrating the night of the dead a bit early. Costumes of note: Dandelion in Seed, Spy vs Spy, Lego People, tons of Magenta's, not so many Riff's, Greek Gods incl. Pan (hottie!), The Bride (pretty good rendition, too), there was even a dangling Chad in honor of election day.
This year I found a seat in the balcony and planted myself there for the evening. This worked out as I got to watch the crowd and not so much participate in the drunken revelry (tho I did nurse a black russian thru the first set). I had a mostly unobstructed view of the entire stage the entire night, worth the price of admission.
Devotchka opened, in skull face-paint, and got the crowd dancing, moving. I really enjoyed their set, I need to go get their new CD, some of the new songs I heard were hauntingly, madly beautiful. Some of the guys from Cabaret joined in for a song, which included three trumpets and a mandolin *ahh*
After the Costume contest (A smashing version of Magenta - best Rocky Horror, Dandelion in Seed - best environmental, the 6 Madonna's - best thematic, & Spy vs Spy - best of show, ) and Mendel's really quite nice Australian accent (or was it British - ok whatever, it was nice) the big screen came down and the lights dimmed.
The opening bars to the 21st Century Faux theme came on, then the image, complete with a spotlight (visibly hand held) and then The Lips appeared. Everyone erupted with cheers. The tune was the same, but the words differed as The Lips sang about the past Cabaret halloween shows, including Alice in Wonderland, Circus Macabre, Circus Contraption & the Creep Show, Captain Cork and Dark Flavor. Then the steeple from the opening scene of Rocky Horror came up with Cabaret Diosa and friends remaking the chapel scene.
They did a wonderful job of adapting the show then the live action started taking place on stage. Throughout the night the movie kicked in with tidbits - memorably Pablo as the Criminologist doing the Time Warp. The songs from R.H. were wonderfully done, the costuming superb, and the set, while minimalist on stage with some statues, stained glass, and red walls, was amazing with the detail on the props (the resurrection tank - to die for). Many thanks to the brilliant and talented Ren and Mendel.
Cast:
Montana del Fuego as Janet Weis
Nick Urata as Brad Majors
Juan del Queso as Dr Frankenfurter
Pablo de Gallo as the Criminologist / Minion
Don Grandissimo as Riff Raff
Miguel Ramos as Magenta
Manuel Rabinizimo as Rocky
Diego Rabinizimo as Photographer
Dinkis Con Crema as Eddie
Juan de la Selva as Ralph / Minion
Trish Land as Columbia
The Frequent Flyers - Chorus / Dancers
Oh so tempted to go back again tonight...if there's no snow and if I can get a nap in between now and then...and maybe call in sick...or at least in a coma...
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Introduction of sorts
Everyone has chaos in their life. Everyone deals with the tumblings the universe hands out in different ways. And beauty can come from chaos, in fact, chaos itself can be beautiful.
One of the ways I deal with the chaos of my life is to write.
So here I am, writing to you, to help make sense and to help me birth that dancing star.
One of the ways I deal with the chaos of my life is to write.
So here I am, writing to you, to help make sense and to help me birth that dancing star.
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