Wow - seems like I just finished my 2nd chapter a couple of days ago - but that must not be true because I haven't posted in FOREVER. Guess I should catch the world up on my life.
THE BOOK: Haven't made a lick of progress since chapter 2. Class ended and life got busy. I'm planning to take a "plot blueprinting" class in the Spring semester and that should get me motivated again. I swear it'll be more than just 2 chapters since a few of you got interested in it.
THE WORK: It's time to start the whole annual review process and I have several employees. That'll keep me busy. Add the fact that I am personally leading 2 projects that are about to deploy and I have several other projects that my team is working on that are having some hiccups. Work's definitely keeping me busy. Still working on boundaries though - so I manage to have a life(ish).
THE FAMILY:
Mom's recovering well from her hip surgery. I swear that woman is invincible. I really enjoyed getting to spend time with her while she recovered. I find it somewhat pathetic that I still can't beat in her in Scrabble when she's on morphine -either she's awesome or I suck.
Just bought tickets today to go see my sister, niece, and boyfriend in Steamboat Springs, CO in January. You HAVE to love airline miles - the ticket is going to cost me $5 - freaking awesome. I'm super looking forward to that.
THE FUN:
Went to see Regina Spektor last Thursday with Amanda. She was fantastic - seriously. I'm officially a fan now. If you haven't heard much of her - check her out. She was on SNL about a month ago and she honestly sings like a seal on one of her songs - totally odd - but in a good way.
Steve and I have a date to go see Guy Clark at The Granada on Greenville tomorrow night. He always puts on a great show and we're half convinced he'll die at any given moment and we'll have missed his last show - so we're sort of obsessive about going to see him.
Steve's folks are coming in this weekend and we're having a 'non-family' reunion with some friends/family (I know - that's cheating). Potluck dinner and beers - that's a good time. If you didn't get an invite but you're interested - just shoot me a note or show up at the house with a covered dish Saturday at 2pm :)
Mom and Pop are coming in town next week so that we can go see Lyle Lovett at Bass on Tuesday. It's Lyle and his large band. If you EVER have the opportunity to go see that - you owe it to yourself. You might not even think you're a Lyle fan - but try it out and you'll be converted.
Then - Thanksgiving! Get to see my family and my Denise all in the same week. Good times!
Wow - when you write it all out - I know why I feel so dang busy! I found a blog the other day that's all about a chick and her Modge Podge projects. I almost fell out of my car thinking about how crazy it would be to have that kind energy! What a concept!?!
I'll try to keep up better; my friend Denise makes me feel super guilty.
Have a great Thanksgiving!!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Another Chapter
So - have another one due this week. This is the chapter that would immediately follow my last post.
I'm working under the assumption that eventually I'll quit posting chapters here or I'll be in that "milk for free" situation if I ever try to publish it. Of course - that implies finishing it at some point and I'm still challenged on the overall plot.. but maybe I'll get there.
Shout out to Ben Folds for inspiring Eff U and to Stephenie Meyer for writing a kick ass Twilight Saga that will still be relevant long enough for me to maybe sell a book that references it (and hopefully not get sued).
Here ya go:
The Stevers clan was big on maintaining family traditions. Actually, to be perfectly accurate – mom and dad were big on honoring traditions. Krista and Claire fought them progressively more each year as they realized that, in their family, a “tradition” was typically mom and dad’s way of throwing a grand & alliteration-filled label on something that was usually pretty lame. For example, their “Stevers’ Semi-Annual Sunshine Sensation” was really just dad’s way of getting the shrubs trimmed and flowers planted for free twice a year. In a similar disappointing vein, their “Stevers’ Saturday Swallow Soirée” was really just the ‘rents way of milking Krista and Claire for information on school and their social lives under the guise of an elaborately home-cooked breakfast. If you want to get real particular about it, the breakfasts weren’t even all that elaborate anymore. Claire rarely ate and mom and dad were always watching something; right now it was their cholesterol. Since this was the Saturday morning after the homecoming game, the topics were sure to be particularly mind-numbing to Claire.
“Honey, I’m so glad you’re awake and can join us!” beamed mom as Krista walked downstairs and headed towards the kitchen. This was the first time that either mom or dad had looked up from their egg white and spinach omelet since they sat down.
Claire didn’t mind that she’d been sitting at the table in silence with them for a good 15 minutes. They were just now on their second round of mimosas and were finally starting to get some momentum. Claire had her head buried in Twilight again and was determined to finish it this weekend. Edward was SO much hotter than any of the boys at school, especially the EMO kids she hung out with – even the ones that thought they might actually BE vampires. Mystic, her best friend at school whose real name was Violet, had finished it a week ago and was having trouble keeping her mouth shut about how it ended. Not cool.
“Hi, mom. Hi, dad. Do we have any grapefruit?” asked Krista. She was on her latest cheerleader-approved weight loss plan that involved consuming a freighting number of citrus and little else. A great side-effect was she had terrific breath but that was offset by a new-found gaseousness – very lady like.
“Sure thing, kitten. The grapefruit’s in the refrigerator like it’s been all week. How did you like the game last night? You and Chas do anything fun afterwards?” asked dad. He was at the game but it was obvious to everyone at the table that he was really fishing for details as to why his daughter wasn’t home by the previously promised one o’clock curfew.
In true Krista fashion, she avoided that question completely. “The game was great. Don’t you think I looked stunning riding around the field in that sweet new Plexus convertible? I thought I was going to have to smack Kelli because she was suppose to ride in the Plexus but it totally matched my dress way better and everyone knows that silver brings out my eyes. I finally just reminded her that I was the captain of the cheerleading squad and SHE was ONLY a lieutenant and EVERYBODY knows that a captain outranks a lieutenant. I mean, like really. What the F.., I mean, hell, was she thinking? On top of that, her shoes were from last year’s collection. I mean, someone could’ve totally looked down from the stands and saw them. You just can’t DO that in a Plexus. Tragedy avoided and I looked hot… so very hot. Some people… ugh.” After that short speech, dad’s eyes had glazed over, mom sucking down her 3rd mimosa, and Claire was almost envious of her sister’s ability to bore people to death in order to avoid answering a direct question. That was almost a trait worth learning.
“So dad, how’re things at Eff U?”
Those words, like always, caused dad to listen up and put on his ‘now kids’ face. Dad was a professor at Effingham College which was named Effingham University back before the world become crass. The president of the school eventually changed the official title, but the nickname stuck. It was known colloquially as ‘Eff U’ across all the neighboring states. With a moniker like that, it was doomed as only people with a tweaked sense of humor wanted it to be their alma mater. Dad taught entry-level literature classes so he was always busy as many locals started out at Eff U for financial reasons.
“Classes are going great, Krista. We’re studying 18th century English literature at the moment. Friday I had the class reading Pope and debating whether they thought he was being ironic or if truly he meant for the English to eat Irish babies. I was somewhat delighted by the unanimous result of the dialog. We’ve never landed on ‘Eat the Irish’ before.” At this point, you could almost hear crickets chirruping in the background as once again, the Soirée conversation had ground to a halt by one of dad’s completely creep-tastic comments. When it came to being a dad, the man was half Ward Cleaver and half Peter Griffin. Mom, on the other hand was sort of a chemically enhanced Carol Brady – more on her another time.
“Yeah…dad…okay… Hey Goth-girl, what are your plans for the day? Are you going to sit in your room and be sad, read about dead people, or write pathetic poetry? Just wondering how you’re spending the afternoon so I know how best to annoy you. I figure I need to put the final touches on my homecoming queen acceptance speech and then head over to Nicole’s so that we can do each other’s makeup and get ready for the dance. With that kind of busy schedule, I need to optimize my harassment so that you’ll cave in the least amount of time and loan me the damn necklace I asked for last night. I can’t believe you’re being so bitchy.”
“Language, young lady,” sighed dad.
“First - I’m EMO, not Goth. Second - dead people,” replied Claire. “God, I’m so glad that you are not my real family. You guys are a freak show.” And with that, she picked up her book and headed to her room.
“What’d she mean by that comment?” asked dad.
“What was that about Eff U and the Pope?” redirected Krista with a mischievous grin.
I'm working under the assumption that eventually I'll quit posting chapters here or I'll be in that "milk for free" situation if I ever try to publish it. Of course - that implies finishing it at some point and I'm still challenged on the overall plot.. but maybe I'll get there.
Shout out to Ben Folds for inspiring Eff U and to Stephenie Meyer for writing a kick ass Twilight Saga that will still be relevant long enough for me to maybe sell a book that references it (and hopefully not get sued).
Here ya go:
The Stevers clan was big on maintaining family traditions. Actually, to be perfectly accurate – mom and dad were big on honoring traditions. Krista and Claire fought them progressively more each year as they realized that, in their family, a “tradition” was typically mom and dad’s way of throwing a grand & alliteration-filled label on something that was usually pretty lame. For example, their “Stevers’ Semi-Annual Sunshine Sensation” was really just dad’s way of getting the shrubs trimmed and flowers planted for free twice a year. In a similar disappointing vein, their “Stevers’ Saturday Swallow Soirée” was really just the ‘rents way of milking Krista and Claire for information on school and their social lives under the guise of an elaborately home-cooked breakfast. If you want to get real particular about it, the breakfasts weren’t even all that elaborate anymore. Claire rarely ate and mom and dad were always watching something; right now it was their cholesterol. Since this was the Saturday morning after the homecoming game, the topics were sure to be particularly mind-numbing to Claire.
“Honey, I’m so glad you’re awake and can join us!” beamed mom as Krista walked downstairs and headed towards the kitchen. This was the first time that either mom or dad had looked up from their egg white and spinach omelet since they sat down.
Claire didn’t mind that she’d been sitting at the table in silence with them for a good 15 minutes. They were just now on their second round of mimosas and were finally starting to get some momentum. Claire had her head buried in Twilight again and was determined to finish it this weekend. Edward was SO much hotter than any of the boys at school, especially the EMO kids she hung out with – even the ones that thought they might actually BE vampires. Mystic, her best friend at school whose real name was Violet, had finished it a week ago and was having trouble keeping her mouth shut about how it ended. Not cool.
“Hi, mom. Hi, dad. Do we have any grapefruit?” asked Krista. She was on her latest cheerleader-approved weight loss plan that involved consuming a freighting number of citrus and little else. A great side-effect was she had terrific breath but that was offset by a new-found gaseousness – very lady like.
“Sure thing, kitten. The grapefruit’s in the refrigerator like it’s been all week. How did you like the game last night? You and Chas do anything fun afterwards?” asked dad. He was at the game but it was obvious to everyone at the table that he was really fishing for details as to why his daughter wasn’t home by the previously promised one o’clock curfew.
In true Krista fashion, she avoided that question completely. “The game was great. Don’t you think I looked stunning riding around the field in that sweet new Plexus convertible? I thought I was going to have to smack Kelli because she was suppose to ride in the Plexus but it totally matched my dress way better and everyone knows that silver brings out my eyes. I finally just reminded her that I was the captain of the cheerleading squad and SHE was ONLY a lieutenant and EVERYBODY knows that a captain outranks a lieutenant. I mean, like really. What the F.., I mean, hell, was she thinking? On top of that, her shoes were from last year’s collection. I mean, someone could’ve totally looked down from the stands and saw them. You just can’t DO that in a Plexus. Tragedy avoided and I looked hot… so very hot. Some people… ugh.” After that short speech, dad’s eyes had glazed over, mom sucking down her 3rd mimosa, and Claire was almost envious of her sister’s ability to bore people to death in order to avoid answering a direct question. That was almost a trait worth learning.
“So dad, how’re things at Eff U?”
Those words, like always, caused dad to listen up and put on his ‘now kids’ face. Dad was a professor at Effingham College which was named Effingham University back before the world become crass. The president of the school eventually changed the official title, but the nickname stuck. It was known colloquially as ‘Eff U’ across all the neighboring states. With a moniker like that, it was doomed as only people with a tweaked sense of humor wanted it to be their alma mater. Dad taught entry-level literature classes so he was always busy as many locals started out at Eff U for financial reasons.
“Classes are going great, Krista. We’re studying 18th century English literature at the moment. Friday I had the class reading Pope and debating whether they thought he was being ironic or if truly he meant for the English to eat Irish babies. I was somewhat delighted by the unanimous result of the dialog. We’ve never landed on ‘Eat the Irish’ before.” At this point, you could almost hear crickets chirruping in the background as once again, the Soirée conversation had ground to a halt by one of dad’s completely creep-tastic comments. When it came to being a dad, the man was half Ward Cleaver and half Peter Griffin. Mom, on the other hand was sort of a chemically enhanced Carol Brady – more on her another time.
“Yeah…dad…okay… Hey Goth-girl, what are your plans for the day? Are you going to sit in your room and be sad, read about dead people, or write pathetic poetry? Just wondering how you’re spending the afternoon so I know how best to annoy you. I figure I need to put the final touches on my homecoming queen acceptance speech and then head over to Nicole’s so that we can do each other’s makeup and get ready for the dance. With that kind of busy schedule, I need to optimize my harassment so that you’ll cave in the least amount of time and loan me the damn necklace I asked for last night. I can’t believe you’re being so bitchy.”
“Language, young lady,” sighed dad.
“First - I’m EMO, not Goth. Second - dead people,” replied Claire. “God, I’m so glad that you are not my real family. You guys are a freak show.” And with that, she picked up her book and headed to her room.
“What’d she mean by that comment?” asked dad.
“What was that about Eff U and the Pope?” redirected Krista with a mischievous grin.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Chapter - Be Gentle
OK - This is totally me going out on a limb here and being all "vulnerable" and "exposed" and those of you who know me well enough to be reading this blog know that I'm not good at that...
We had to write a chapter for class tomorrow. Didn't have to be the first chapter (which is great news) but it had to be a chapter. I'm at a loss because I know lots of stuff about my characters - but not a lot about my plot. Well - I'm sharing it here - and I need you to be gentle to me. I get feedback in class tomorrow, so I might make my updates here OR I might just pull it off my blog and cry (she says only half-jokingly).
So - here goes...
To Claire, it was a typical Friday night in September, translation, “Ugh, football season”. That meant a lot of things. First – Krista was going to be extra perky because she’d be in the spotlight at “the game”. Rumor was that she’d made it to the top of the pyramid, god help her. Second – the diner would be particularly crowded by about 10pm with people high on hot chocolate and football fever. Claire and her friends would have to listen to everyone talk about “the game” while they discussed politics and poetry and drank coffee. Third – and worst of all – she knew she’d dream about Charlie again tonight. Totally unfortunate since he was both her sister’s boyfriend and captain of the football team and those things should make him completely repulsive to her. What Claire had somehow forgotten was that tonight was doomed to be even worse than most as it wasn’t just any old football game, it was homecoming. And even more monumentally awful, Krista was favored to be the homecoming queen.
Claire was in her room, steadfastly ignoring the fact football season. She was lying on the feinting couch she’d inherited (a.k.a. begged mercilessly for) from her grandmother. Whenever she sat there reading books, she felt it gave her a vaguely romantic and despondent appearance that almost made up for the fact that she was cursed with rosy cheeks, sun-kissed blonde hair, and an affinity for a certain jock. Currently she was re-reading Twilight but she had her copy of Catcher in the Rye close by in case someone important happened by.
Without so much as a warning shot, in barged Krista barking, “I don’t know why grandma felt compelled to give you beautiful things. They’re totally lost on you and your sad self. It would’ve been more fitting for her to leave you that shrunken head she got in Borneo.” Krista headed straight towards Claire’s dresser and started rifling through the drawer where she kept all her most cherished possessions. As she tossed aside a silk Asian scarf, a worry stone, and Claire’s cherry condition copy of The Beatles, she triumphed, “I found it!” and turned to leave.
“Why in god’s name do you look like something a Barbie threw up? And where in the hell do you think you’re going with my stuff?!” bellowed Claire. “The typical cheerleader skirts are bad enough, but what’s up with all that hot pink crap you’re wearing? Did you lose a bet? You must’ve because your shoes are even dyed to match.”
“You know that I’m up for homecoming queen tonight,” responded Krista, “and it’s not my fault you don’t know a beautiful outfit when you see it. God, you can be such a troll. For your information, a dress just like this was in People just last week on Katie Holmes and you know people are always saying I look just like her.”
“Just like her ass…,” replied Claire. Krista was always claiming that people said she looked ‘just like’ someone famous. Interestingly enough, it was usually just another one of her shallow friends saying it in order to get a compliment in return. The only person that Krista even marginally resembled was that brainy girl from the original 90210 and she wasn’t even all that pretty.
“Whatever!” was the only reply that Krista could manage through her irritation. “I’m borrowing your beaded necklace. It’s the perfect finishing touch to my look, and it’s not like you need something this pretty to go with your green Doc Martens. So - just chill and go back to reading that vampire book that you like to pretend you’re too cool to actually own.” Claire was totally busted.
“You’re not talking about the necklace grandma gave me?” asked Claire. “She gave that to me. Not you. She knew that you would sully it by wearing it with Barbie puke dresses. She was smart not to trust you with it. She’d roll over in her grave if she knew what you have planned for it. Hand it here. Now! Don’t make me thump the crap out of you because a big purple knot would NOT go well with your heels.” Claire stood up, ready to attack, and noticed that she wasn’t even wearing her Doc Martens at the moment. Not that she didn’t wear them a lot – but Krista needed to get her facts straight if she was going to pick a fight. “And for your information – these are flats, not Doc Martens. Want to see how one feels when it’s kicking your ass? I asked you to give me back my necklace. At this point, I’m telling you.”
“You’re impossible,” answered Krista as she flung the object of the quarrel at Claire’s feet. “Here’s your precious damn necklace. Never mind that you never wear it. Never mind how great it will go with my tiara once I win. Never mind that she wasn’t even your freaking grandma anyway.” With that, Krista turned to leave.
“Wait! What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Claire. “She’s my grandma just as much as she was yours!”
“True,” smirked Krista, “but only if you ignore the fact that you’re adopted.” With that – she slammed the door and walked away.
Claire was shocked; she collapsed down on the couch in disbelief. A smile crept across her face. This might be the best news she’d heard in years. What if Krista was right? How awesome would that be? She was so busy contemplating the implications of the news; she failed to hear the horn honk when Chas showed up to pick up her sister for the big game. She didn’t even remember to roll her eyes at the cliché of the cheerleader going to homecoming with the captain of the football team. All she could think was, “maybe there is a god."
We had to write a chapter for class tomorrow. Didn't have to be the first chapter (which is great news) but it had to be a chapter. I'm at a loss because I know lots of stuff about my characters - but not a lot about my plot. Well - I'm sharing it here - and I need you to be gentle to me. I get feedback in class tomorrow, so I might make my updates here OR I might just pull it off my blog and cry (she says only half-jokingly).
So - here goes...
To Claire, it was a typical Friday night in September, translation, “Ugh, football season”. That meant a lot of things. First – Krista was going to be extra perky because she’d be in the spotlight at “the game”. Rumor was that she’d made it to the top of the pyramid, god help her. Second – the diner would be particularly crowded by about 10pm with people high on hot chocolate and football fever. Claire and her friends would have to listen to everyone talk about “the game” while they discussed politics and poetry and drank coffee. Third – and worst of all – she knew she’d dream about Charlie again tonight. Totally unfortunate since he was both her sister’s boyfriend and captain of the football team and those things should make him completely repulsive to her. What Claire had somehow forgotten was that tonight was doomed to be even worse than most as it wasn’t just any old football game, it was homecoming. And even more monumentally awful, Krista was favored to be the homecoming queen.
Claire was in her room, steadfastly ignoring the fact football season. She was lying on the feinting couch she’d inherited (a.k.a. begged mercilessly for) from her grandmother. Whenever she sat there reading books, she felt it gave her a vaguely romantic and despondent appearance that almost made up for the fact that she was cursed with rosy cheeks, sun-kissed blonde hair, and an affinity for a certain jock. Currently she was re-reading Twilight but she had her copy of Catcher in the Rye close by in case someone important happened by.
Without so much as a warning shot, in barged Krista barking, “I don’t know why grandma felt compelled to give you beautiful things. They’re totally lost on you and your sad self. It would’ve been more fitting for her to leave you that shrunken head she got in Borneo.” Krista headed straight towards Claire’s dresser and started rifling through the drawer where she kept all her most cherished possessions. As she tossed aside a silk Asian scarf, a worry stone, and Claire’s cherry condition copy of The Beatles, she triumphed, “I found it!” and turned to leave.
“Why in god’s name do you look like something a Barbie threw up? And where in the hell do you think you’re going with my stuff?!” bellowed Claire. “The typical cheerleader skirts are bad enough, but what’s up with all that hot pink crap you’re wearing? Did you lose a bet? You must’ve because your shoes are even dyed to match.”
“You know that I’m up for homecoming queen tonight,” responded Krista, “and it’s not my fault you don’t know a beautiful outfit when you see it. God, you can be such a troll. For your information, a dress just like this was in People just last week on Katie Holmes and you know people are always saying I look just like her.”
“Just like her ass…,” replied Claire. Krista was always claiming that people said she looked ‘just like’ someone famous. Interestingly enough, it was usually just another one of her shallow friends saying it in order to get a compliment in return. The only person that Krista even marginally resembled was that brainy girl from the original 90210 and she wasn’t even all that pretty.
“Whatever!” was the only reply that Krista could manage through her irritation. “I’m borrowing your beaded necklace. It’s the perfect finishing touch to my look, and it’s not like you need something this pretty to go with your green Doc Martens. So - just chill and go back to reading that vampire book that you like to pretend you’re too cool to actually own.” Claire was totally busted.
“You’re not talking about the necklace grandma gave me?” asked Claire. “She gave that to me. Not you. She knew that you would sully it by wearing it with Barbie puke dresses. She was smart not to trust you with it. She’d roll over in her grave if she knew what you have planned for it. Hand it here. Now! Don’t make me thump the crap out of you because a big purple knot would NOT go well with your heels.” Claire stood up, ready to attack, and noticed that she wasn’t even wearing her Doc Martens at the moment. Not that she didn’t wear them a lot – but Krista needed to get her facts straight if she was going to pick a fight. “And for your information – these are flats, not Doc Martens. Want to see how one feels when it’s kicking your ass? I asked you to give me back my necklace. At this point, I’m telling you.”
“You’re impossible,” answered Krista as she flung the object of the quarrel at Claire’s feet. “Here’s your precious damn necklace. Never mind that you never wear it. Never mind how great it will go with my tiara once I win. Never mind that she wasn’t even your freaking grandma anyway.” With that, Krista turned to leave.
“Wait! What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Claire. “She’s my grandma just as much as she was yours!”
“True,” smirked Krista, “but only if you ignore the fact that you’re adopted.” With that – she slammed the door and walked away.
Claire was shocked; she collapsed down on the couch in disbelief. A smile crept across her face. This might be the best news she’d heard in years. What if Krista was right? How awesome would that be? She was so busy contemplating the implications of the news; she failed to hear the horn honk when Chas showed up to pick up her sister for the big game. She didn’t even remember to roll her eyes at the cliché of the cheerleader going to homecoming with the captain of the football team. All she could think was, “maybe there is a god."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Micellaneous Catching Up
Wow - I've been neglect again and haven't posted in a while. Lots to catch up on.. so here we go!
I've been to two "Basics of Writing a Novel" classes at the community college. I gotta say - the instructor may have the worst case of adult ADD of anyone I've every met (and that includes my brother-in-law, Kelly, who gets so sucked into the TV that he doesn't complete a sentence. Her website: http://patriciaburroughs.com/bio_1.htm
We spent the first class getting to know each other and what kind of authors we want to be. I can tell you that Harry Potter and Twilight have spawned a flood of aspiring "young adult" fiction writers. Half the class wants to write for that audience - don't know what - just that audience. The other half of the class are into sci-fi/fantasy and are all "Engineer by day/Writer by night" types. I think I'm the only one in there who's all "I dunno - I want to write stuff that doesn't suck". It's a little more specific than that - but not much. Ha! Hard to sell that to a publisher someday as that category/genre doesn't exist - much as I think it should.
We got a few cool assignments that first week:
1 - Write 3 pages (front and back) a day. Doesn't have to be towards you book or anything. Just gets things out of your head to clear your thoughts. They actually suggest all artsy-types do that, not just writers. So far, I'm about 25% successful.. but I'm working it.
2 - Every week, schedule time for an "Artist's Date". That means you need to set aside 2-3 hours every week to allow yourself time for something creative. Could be going to a museum or library. Could be coloring. Could be going to some sub-titled movie by yourself because no one else is brave enough to go with. Week 1 - I busted out some markers and made myself a super pretty file folder. This week - it's live music (Bowling for Soup tonight, 1100 Springs tomorrow, and Miyagi Saturday).
2nd class was about about the 3 Act concept in writing. Every story needs a beginning, middle, and end - which sounds obvious but I've read some that don't. Then we spent a lot of time talking about the movie Witness (1980's Harrison Ford) and how it did/didn't follow that structure. Not as interesting of a class - but probably more practical.
Next week - characterization. Think that one will be fun.
Last Sunday, I co-hosted my adorable friend Monica's baby shower. I need to post a pic or two (so maybe over the weekend) to demonstrate the cute-ness. It was a success (at least in my eyes). Stephanie came up with really fun shower games. Sperm = Swedish Fish in her world, so I'll never be able to eat that candy. I almost said "again" but I don't think I ever have to start with. Long fun story - for another time. We also had Monica read us The Ugly Duckling and were reminded how violent and "just not right" fairy tales are. The moral of that story "People will like you more (and you'll have self confidence) if you're hot. Otherwise, you're screwed." Nice - huh? I'm sure it's a little deeper than that - but that's the gist. Anyways - good food, great friends, and an overall pleasant time. Again.. promise to post pics at some point.
Hmm.. what else... We went to a Rangers game in the rain with the in-laws (more fun than it sounds). I finally got to see the new Cowboys (only from the outside) and it's gorgeous. Whoever thought all that glass would be good in a state that is big for strong wind and hail is beyond me, but they'll learn. I survived Annual Operating Planning (budget) cycles at work another year - just barely but that works. Steve went and saw a rapper (totally odd). Hmm.. that might be it...yet I felt so busy.
Anyways.. that's life. Weekend with the 'rents coming up. Going to see my brother's band play (in case you were wondering who Miyagi was) at Falls Fest. Apparently they are opening for 38 Special which would be really cool if I could tell you a song they played - but I can't. I'll take pics and let you know if they rock out or not.
Til later...
I've been to two "Basics of Writing a Novel" classes at the community college. I gotta say - the instructor may have the worst case of adult ADD of anyone I've every met (and that includes my brother-in-law, Kelly, who gets so sucked into the TV that he doesn't complete a sentence. Her website: http://patriciaburroughs.com/bio_1.htm
We spent the first class getting to know each other and what kind of authors we want to be. I can tell you that Harry Potter and Twilight have spawned a flood of aspiring "young adult" fiction writers. Half the class wants to write for that audience - don't know what - just that audience. The other half of the class are into sci-fi/fantasy and are all "Engineer by day/Writer by night" types. I think I'm the only one in there who's all "I dunno - I want to write stuff that doesn't suck". It's a little more specific than that - but not much. Ha! Hard to sell that to a publisher someday as that category/genre doesn't exist - much as I think it should.
We got a few cool assignments that first week:
1 - Write 3 pages (front and back) a day. Doesn't have to be towards you book or anything. Just gets things out of your head to clear your thoughts. They actually suggest all artsy-types do that, not just writers. So far, I'm about 25% successful.. but I'm working it.
2 - Every week, schedule time for an "Artist's Date". That means you need to set aside 2-3 hours every week to allow yourself time for something creative. Could be going to a museum or library. Could be coloring. Could be going to some sub-titled movie by yourself because no one else is brave enough to go with. Week 1 - I busted out some markers and made myself a super pretty file folder. This week - it's live music (Bowling for Soup tonight, 1100 Springs tomorrow, and Miyagi Saturday).
2nd class was about about the 3 Act concept in writing. Every story needs a beginning, middle, and end - which sounds obvious but I've read some that don't. Then we spent a lot of time talking about the movie Witness (1980's Harrison Ford) and how it did/didn't follow that structure. Not as interesting of a class - but probably more practical.
Next week - characterization. Think that one will be fun.
Last Sunday, I co-hosted my adorable friend Monica's baby shower. I need to post a pic or two (so maybe over the weekend) to demonstrate the cute-ness. It was a success (at least in my eyes). Stephanie came up with really fun shower games. Sperm = Swedish Fish in her world, so I'll never be able to eat that candy. I almost said "again" but I don't think I ever have to start with. Long fun story - for another time. We also had Monica read us The Ugly Duckling and were reminded how violent and "just not right" fairy tales are. The moral of that story "People will like you more (and you'll have self confidence) if you're hot. Otherwise, you're screwed." Nice - huh? I'm sure it's a little deeper than that - but that's the gist. Anyways - good food, great friends, and an overall pleasant time. Again.. promise to post pics at some point.
Hmm.. what else... We went to a Rangers game in the rain with the in-laws (more fun than it sounds). I finally got to see the new Cowboys (only from the outside) and it's gorgeous. Whoever thought all that glass would be good in a state that is big for strong wind and hail is beyond me, but they'll learn. I survived Annual Operating Planning (budget) cycles at work another year - just barely but that works. Steve went and saw a rapper (totally odd). Hmm.. that might be it...yet I felt so busy.
Anyways.. that's life. Weekend with the 'rents coming up. Going to see my brother's band play (in case you were wondering who Miyagi was) at Falls Fest. Apparently they are opening for 38 Special which would be really cool if I could tell you a song they played - but I can't. I'll take pics and let you know if they rock out or not.
Til later...
Monday, September 7, 2009
And then there was iPhone
I was doing such a sane job staying away from email after hours and not becoming one of those people who sit across from the table from someone and text them... and then there was iPhone.
A little over a week ago, I made a comment to my sweet husband about the fact that I wasn't going to be able to avoid 24x7 email access that much longer because my work life was getting more complicated/demanding. Then I mentioned that we're starting to create iPhone apps at work (not me personally) - so it would make sense for me to get an iPhone when I finally caved in. Not sure what it was about those brief statements - but they caused my existing crappy "chocolate" phone to completely become possessed. It started doing stuff like calling Steve when I was trying to call my mother. Or (even better) randomly calling people from my purse - nice feature when you have a social life that you try to keep separate from your work life. Meanwhile - Steve bought himself an iPhone and became even more convinced that I needed one. When I let it slip that my phone was now a "piece" - next thing you know I had an iPhone.
I have to admit that now that I have one - I sort of get what all the fuss is about. Do I dig being able to check email 24x7? Not really. Do I dig being able to make pretend toast and top it with peanut butter & bacon and make yummy noises when I "eat it" (see More Toast! in the iPhone apps store)? Hells yeah! Not sure why - but that fascinates me. Combine that with the insane accessibility of my Facebook account (I don't post things like "I'm sitting in traffic" - not that pathetic yet) - and I get it. I totally get it.
I sort of hate that I've become that person that texts her husband when he's sitting in the same room.. but I'm thinking that will pass in time. Hopefully.
Anyways.. This was me trying to get back to the basics and back in touch with my friends and the tangible world.. and then there was iPhone. Ha!
A little over a week ago, I made a comment to my sweet husband about the fact that I wasn't going to be able to avoid 24x7 email access that much longer because my work life was getting more complicated/demanding. Then I mentioned that we're starting to create iPhone apps at work (not me personally) - so it would make sense for me to get an iPhone when I finally caved in. Not sure what it was about those brief statements - but they caused my existing crappy "chocolate" phone to completely become possessed. It started doing stuff like calling Steve when I was trying to call my mother. Or (even better) randomly calling people from my purse - nice feature when you have a social life that you try to keep separate from your work life. Meanwhile - Steve bought himself an iPhone and became even more convinced that I needed one. When I let it slip that my phone was now a "piece" - next thing you know I had an iPhone.
I have to admit that now that I have one - I sort of get what all the fuss is about. Do I dig being able to check email 24x7? Not really. Do I dig being able to make pretend toast and top it with peanut butter & bacon and make yummy noises when I "eat it" (see More Toast! in the iPhone apps store)? Hells yeah! Not sure why - but that fascinates me. Combine that with the insane accessibility of my Facebook account (I don't post things like "I'm sitting in traffic" - not that pathetic yet) - and I get it. I totally get it.
I sort of hate that I've become that person that texts her husband when he's sitting in the same room.. but I'm thinking that will pass in time. Hopefully.
Anyways.. This was me trying to get back to the basics and back in touch with my friends and the tangible world.. and then there was iPhone. Ha!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
One Sure Sign.. and Life After Work (?)
One sure sign that you're a workaholic is that it's 8:50 and you just finished your work day and you decide to go ahead and blog from work because you know if you shut down your computer... not happening. Another sign.. it's been WEEKS since your last blog. What's with that?! Apparently - I suck (not a big surprise to many of you.. and that makes you mean... and honest... and...).
The good news (maybe) is that I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. I just enrolled in a continuing education class called "Basics of Writing a Novel" on Monday nights 9/14 - 11/2. Now - I admit that my lack of "stick-to-it-tive-ness" with regularly blogging doesn't bode well for a future novel. However - I'm going with the assumption that I won't be on some big publisher-enforced timeline if I ever do get around to writing a book. (Just like I keep trying to get around to starting yoga.. it's been like 18 months of me saying that.. I disgust myself). So - theory is - learn something about novels, get all motivated with a fantastic plot line, and WHAM!! there's my reason for leaving work at a reasonable hour to work on my passion. The planets have to sort of align for all that to become a reality.. and when that happens in 2012, the Mayans swear we'll die... but it COULD happen and we COULD actually survive it. Seriously.. maybe..
One of the things to light of fire under me is the fact that I'm all into reading books by Chuck Palahnuik these days and he's a fascinating writer. (I fess up - I had to look up his name.. how the heck do you even pronounce that???) He wrote Fight Club and I read an interview with him in Playboy a few months ago and thought, "this dude's just jacked up enough to be interesting." So I started the reading process. I think this is sort of odd of me (it's taxicab true confessions time here) but I haven't yet read Fight Club. It's his most famous novel, but I kind of feel like I'm being a "follower" or something if I read that before I plow through the rest of his work. Sometimes.. I try too hard to be independent and over think things. This is one of those times. Anyways - recommend his stuff and warn you that it's odd. Just NEAT writing style that makes me want to write even more.. not that I'll be even 10% as good.. but that's okay too. You guys will still love me anyways.. right?
Another thing.. I think I have a pesky habit of only following through on work commitments and not personal ones. Back to the "trying to start yoga for 18 months" thing. That's not that hard. You find a class, you put on activity-specific pants, you show up and sweat. I've gone as far as registering on-line at Sun Stone Yoga.. not showing up.. just registering in case I ever do. I've made plans with Molly (and canceled them) on numerous occasions. My butt is not getting any smaller... Another example - it took me almost 9 months to finally go out and test drive an Infiniti. It's not like I have a lot going on over the weekends. What's with that?! So - this is me, trying to follow through on a commitment I made to myself. If you've ever read The Speed of Trust, you'd know that's a big step in building trusting relationships. Go me.
And finally... we lost a good friend this week and it reminds me that sometimes, you have to stop putting off things you really want to do, because damn it - there might not be a tomorrow.
This is Janell - signing off and hoping to be able to report out in two weeks how my first class went...
The good news (maybe) is that I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. I just enrolled in a continuing education class called "Basics of Writing a Novel" on Monday nights 9/14 - 11/2. Now - I admit that my lack of "stick-to-it-tive-ness" with regularly blogging doesn't bode well for a future novel. However - I'm going with the assumption that I won't be on some big publisher-enforced timeline if I ever do get around to writing a book. (Just like I keep trying to get around to starting yoga.. it's been like 18 months of me saying that.. I disgust myself). So - theory is - learn something about novels, get all motivated with a fantastic plot line, and WHAM!! there's my reason for leaving work at a reasonable hour to work on my passion. The planets have to sort of align for all that to become a reality.. and when that happens in 2012, the Mayans swear we'll die... but it COULD happen and we COULD actually survive it. Seriously.. maybe..
One of the things to light of fire under me is the fact that I'm all into reading books by Chuck Palahnuik these days and he's a fascinating writer. (I fess up - I had to look up his name.. how the heck do you even pronounce that???) He wrote Fight Club and I read an interview with him in Playboy a few months ago and thought, "this dude's just jacked up enough to be interesting." So I started the reading process. I think this is sort of odd of me (it's taxicab true confessions time here) but I haven't yet read Fight Club. It's his most famous novel, but I kind of feel like I'm being a "follower" or something if I read that before I plow through the rest of his work. Sometimes.. I try too hard to be independent and over think things. This is one of those times. Anyways - recommend his stuff and warn you that it's odd. Just NEAT writing style that makes me want to write even more.. not that I'll be even 10% as good.. but that's okay too. You guys will still love me anyways.. right?
Another thing.. I think I have a pesky habit of only following through on work commitments and not personal ones. Back to the "trying to start yoga for 18 months" thing. That's not that hard. You find a class, you put on activity-specific pants, you show up and sweat. I've gone as far as registering on-line at Sun Stone Yoga.. not showing up.. just registering in case I ever do. I've made plans with Molly (and canceled them) on numerous occasions. My butt is not getting any smaller... Another example - it took me almost 9 months to finally go out and test drive an Infiniti. It's not like I have a lot going on over the weekends. What's with that?! So - this is me, trying to follow through on a commitment I made to myself. If you've ever read The Speed of Trust, you'd know that's a big step in building trusting relationships. Go me.
And finally... we lost a good friend this week and it reminds me that sometimes, you have to stop putting off things you really want to do, because damn it - there might not be a tomorrow.
This is Janell - signing off and hoping to be able to report out in two weeks how my first class went...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Colorado Summer Vacation
I got back this Friday (at like midnight) from spending the week in South Fork, CO with my mom's family. By "mom's family" I mean her brother and sisters and all their kids and grandkids. There were just a few folks unable to attend (Nolan & Tonya had to work; Bobbie & Greg are insanely pregnant) so it was a great turn out. I took around 400 pictures - because apparently when I actually remember to carry a camera, I go insane!! I promise they won't all be posted here. It was one of those gigs where I'm in almost none of them because I took them all - WTH..
If it tells you anything, it was a bar/liquor store combination and it closed at 9pm. It also had a sign posted above the bar that said "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, regardless of who you are, who you think you are, who your father is, or how much money you have." Nice :)
Day two of vacation:
Day five of vacation:
Day one of vacation:
We left DFW about 8:30AM on Sunday. For those of you who know Steve and I well, you know that's just plain "off". I drove the morning and he slept. The goal was to make it to Raton, NM. We were meeting my folks there, it broke the 13+ hour trip up, and it got us close to where we wanted to start day 2. Some things that we learned that day that you should know:
People like to shoot the "Welcome to New Mexico" sign. We don't know if it's because people are pissed to be leaving Texas or if it's that they are just needing to shoot something after being in the car for a long time... there's no reason to be that close to the NM border as the towns around it are tiny.. so you must've come from a long way off if you see the sign.
There's nothing to do in Raton. So time your trip so that you get to Raton just in time to go to bed. We hit up K-Bobs for dinner as it was the "super nice" place in town that was open on a Sunday night. My nephews loved it. Tanner said "These are the best dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets I've ever had." That's high praise if I've ever heard it. Ha! Steve and I ended up at this joint:
If it tells you anything, it was a bar/liquor store combination and it closed at 9pm. It also had a sign posted above the bar that said "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, regardless of who you are, who you think you are, who your father is, or how much money you have." Nice :)Day two of vacation:
We woke up, had Continental breakfast (what's with that) at the Comfort Inn, and headed out to The Great Sand Dunes National Park. In case you've never been there.. it's pretty dang cool. You're in a valley, looking up at monster sand dunes, that stand in front of mountains that still are showing a little bit of snow. It's really neat.. and the closer you get, the more you realize those "ants" crawling across the top of the dunes are actually people. They are so huge - I can't imagine how long it takes to climb them. My sweet nephew (Tanner) actually was thinking he would climb to the top until we started walking towards them and he realized how far away (and big) they were. At that point - he decided it was just more fun to create sand angels :)
Day three of vacation:
We drove into Creede, Co and did some hot dog eating and sight seeing. The scenery was beautiful but it started pouring down raining in the afternoon - so we didn't stay long. Spent the remainder of the afternoon napping/playing with my niece and nephews/being mellow.
Day four of vacation:
This was the official horseback riding day. It was a great time and a neat way to see more of the mountain behind our cabin. The youngest rider was 5 and the older was 60+. It was quite the ensemble. I had a great time, but I have to admit that my knee was killing me that day from the
trip back down the mountain. My butt was sore from the saddle the next day! My horse's name was Mary Lou and all she wanted to do was eat grass and crowd my sister's horse in front of me. She was feisty and I enjoyed her thoroughly.
Later that afternoon, Steve and Pop took a shot at fly fishing. I'll let you ask Steve about his experience as I'm not sure what the "official" story is. Ha!
Day five of vacation:This was magical river rafting day. If it tells you anything about the water level, it took a little over 3 hours to travel 8 miles of river. I don't have soft copies of my pictures just yet.. will post them when I get them. Steve and I were in a raft with Tanner, Judy (my aunt), and my cousin Paul and his wife. At first - the rowing was comical.. but eventually we got our acts together and made good progress down the river (Rio Grande). We got stuck our fair share of times and someone would have to get out and push us off.. but mostly we looked like we new what we were doing. It was totally fun and I'd do it again tomorrow (especially if it got me out of work).
As another random thing - most nights, Steve (and sometimes me) would end up at this place for beers and good company. It was amazing how many people from Texas were at this place - sometimes working, sometimes visiting, and sometimes as part of a large group of geologists traveling from a TX university in search of a particularly unique rock that you could only find in this part of Colorado. Never did figure out what was so special about that rock.. but apparently it takes about 15 geologists to find it.
Day six of vacation:
We bit the bullet and drove the whole way home in one long-ass day. It was totally worth it to get to sleep in our own bed with our sweet (sorely missed) pups.
Great vacation overall. Glad we went because it was a good combination of family fun, being mellow, and being outdoorsy.
Seeing the Springs
Consider this a "catch up" post since it's from an event that happened on July 10th. I have GOT to keep up with this whole blog thing...
Thanks to our friend Dina, we got a small group together Friday the 10th and went and saw Eleven Hundred Springs at the Granada (in case the picture isn't ridiculously self-explanatory - ha!).Great show and good friends. You can't go wrong with that. It had been ages since we last saw the guys and I have to admit two things.
1) They get better each time. Not sure how they manage to do that, but it's still true. I think the song list is way more crowd friendly in format and they just looked snazzy (suits and hats and all that jazz).
2) Either I'm getting older or their crowd is getting younger. Not sure if it was because it was a Friday night - and that makes it harder for working stiffs to still have energy - or what. I do know that although we weren't the oldest folks there (thankfully), there was a higher % of the college-age crowd than I'm used to. I suppose that's a good thing because those are also the folks more likely to buy merchandise. Eventually you look goofy with a raise hell/drink beer t-shirt. They just don't work for casual Friday at the office :)
Anyways.. it was a great show and a good time. Wish more of you could have been there. Kept thinking it would've been cool to have had my chickies to dance with. Next time - I'll spread the word and spread the love!
Monday, June 29, 2009
And then she was older.. damn
So I had a birthday this weekend. It was a great weekend but it was kind of funny because the greatness was only incidentally related to the birthday-ness.
Friday night - worked late and then had drinks with a friend. Got to chat about books, True Blood, and other random girl stuff. It was nice and relaxing. Ended up home watching Zach and Mira Make a Porno... that movie is kind of terrible, so consider yourself warned.
Saturday - my mom and dad came to visit us. We had lunch at Babe's Chicken Dinner House (SUPER yummy), played Wii and then went to a Rough Riders baseball game. RRs won and everything! Yippee! Watched Gran Turino with the 'rents when we got home - good flick.
Sunday (birthday) - brunch at Mattidos (even better than Babe's), a 3 hour nap, and then read most of a great book. My sweetie got me a super pretty bracelet and mom and dad got me a care package of stuff like booze/jammies/chocolate.
I think it's funny because 2 years ago I had an 80s themed roller skating party for my birthday. It was awesome and exciting and I figured I'd want all birthdays to be like that. This year - I am all about "mellow" for my bday instead of "awesome". I think I'll blame it on the fact that it was a Sunday instead of the fact that I'm older. Sunday's are supposed to be laid back - so that's probably it.. yeah... We'll go with that.
BTW - Denise, glad you made it to Canada!
Friday night - worked late and then had drinks with a friend. Got to chat about books, True Blood, and other random girl stuff. It was nice and relaxing. Ended up home watching Zach and Mira Make a Porno... that movie is kind of terrible, so consider yourself warned.
Saturday - my mom and dad came to visit us. We had lunch at Babe's Chicken Dinner House (SUPER yummy), played Wii and then went to a Rough Riders baseball game. RRs won and everything! Yippee! Watched Gran Turino with the 'rents when we got home - good flick.
Sunday (birthday) - brunch at Mattidos (even better than Babe's), a 3 hour nap, and then read most of a great book. My sweetie got me a super pretty bracelet and mom and dad got me a care package of stuff like booze/jammies/chocolate.
I think it's funny because 2 years ago I had an 80s themed roller skating party for my birthday. It was awesome and exciting and I figured I'd want all birthdays to be like that. This year - I am all about "mellow" for my bday instead of "awesome". I think I'll blame it on the fact that it was a Sunday instead of the fact that I'm older. Sunday's are supposed to be laid back - so that's probably it.. yeah... We'll go with that.
BTW - Denise, glad you made it to Canada!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
And We're Back! (from Lufkin)
So - if you didn't read the previous blog.. do that first. Otherwise - you're just going to get all confused and stuff and we don't what that to happen (ick!).
To start with the big news first - we didn't make it to the zoo.. no otter update. We ended up leaving early on Sunday (2ish) and that's typically "zoo day" if you will. Hence - no update. We did get home about 5pm, so that part was nice though. If you go to the Lukfin zoo page (click the blog title) - they claim they have a river otter, but they've claimed that a while now. So... who the heck knows for real.
We did manage to visit with Grannie. She's doing well and has a "gentleman caller" at the assisted living place that makes her feel special. She was yelled at playing her radio too loud (she was jamming to some Randy Travis). They don't currently have an "arts & crafts" lady so they do a lot of walking. Pretty sure there are other highlights that I'm forgetting - but her "man friend" Bob is the biggest of the news.
We hit Cafe Del Rio and had beverages and Nachos Del Rancho on Saturday. Picture a huge pile of tortilla chips with ranch dressing, grilled chicken, and monteray jack. Melt the hell out of that picture. The resulting super tasty outcome is the Nachos Del Rancho. Umm.. yummy. The concept of hot ranch dressing is disgusting (admittedly) but it's super tasty.
Hanging out at Cafe Del Rio
Late Saturday night was the cowboy bar (Electric Cowboy.. but really called Wild Horse Saloon techncially but not really). I was able to dance with Gary Don Wallace (concrete man extraordinairre) who is a super smooth dancer (I was either drunk or dancing better than average - didn't step on him that I remember). He's a character that would almost be worth devoting a whole book to in order to properly explain his complexity.. but basically imagine a small town man with a big ego and you get the picture. I also (yippee!) got to dance with my sweetie (Stevie). We aren't the best dancers together (or I was drunker) but we have a lot of fun and I like being held by him.. so that all counts. Oddly enough - we ran into our bartender from Friday night (Logan's very own Lydia) and got to hang out with her for a while. She's an exception to the Blondie v. Fattie rule and is kind of awesome.
Apparently - we might've imbibbed a little too much because I was the only one of the kids that got up for breakfast at 9am on Sunday AM. Had a pancake because my body wasn't too cool on the whole food concept. It was a good time hanging out with Steve, Betty, and their friends. We talked about who died recently (one works at a funeral home.. but it might be the age more than the occupation) and where all Jimmy went on his trip to New Mexico. Apparently - he went to Phoenix just because he thought it would be a neat drive... didn't have any plans once he actually made it there.. just a neat drive. I think I might've beat him within an inch of his life based on driving me > 1000 miles each way just to "get there". I think his wife might've agreed with me.. :)
Anyways.. it was a good trip. Would've been even better if our XM radio was working. Note to self: Gotta get that fixed before our 14 hour road trip to Colorado in July. Otherwise - ouch!
I'll post pics in the next day or so... Not that there were a lot.. but they didn't suck entirely.
To start with the big news first - we didn't make it to the zoo.. no otter update. We ended up leaving early on Sunday (2ish) and that's typically "zoo day" if you will. Hence - no update. We did get home about 5pm, so that part was nice though. If you go to the Lukfin zoo page (click the blog title) - they claim they have a river otter, but they've claimed that a while now. So... who the heck knows for real.
We did manage to visit with Grannie. She's doing well and has a "gentleman caller" at the assisted living place that makes her feel special. She was yelled at playing her radio too loud (she was jamming to some Randy Travis). They don't currently have an "arts & crafts" lady so they do a lot of walking. Pretty sure there are other highlights that I'm forgetting - but her "man friend" Bob is the biggest of the news.
We hit Cafe Del Rio and had beverages and Nachos Del Rancho on Saturday. Picture a huge pile of tortilla chips with ranch dressing, grilled chicken, and monteray jack. Melt the hell out of that picture. The resulting super tasty outcome is the Nachos Del Rancho. Umm.. yummy. The concept of hot ranch dressing is disgusting (admittedly) but it's super tasty.
Hanging out at Cafe Del RioLate Saturday night was the cowboy bar (Electric Cowboy.. but really called Wild Horse Saloon techncially but not really). I was able to dance with Gary Don Wallace (concrete man extraordinairre) who is a super smooth dancer (I was either drunk or dancing better than average - didn't step on him that I remember). He's a character that would almost be worth devoting a whole book to in order to properly explain his complexity.. but basically imagine a small town man with a big ego and you get the picture. I also (yippee!) got to dance with my sweetie (Stevie). We aren't the best dancers together (or I was drunker) but we have a lot of fun and I like being held by him.. so that all counts. Oddly enough - we ran into our bartender from Friday night (Logan's very own Lydia) and got to hang out with her for a while. She's an exception to the Blondie v. Fattie rule and is kind of awesome.
At Wild Horse Saloon
Apparently - we might've imbibbed a little too much because I was the only one of the kids that got up for breakfast at 9am on Sunday AM. Had a pancake because my body wasn't too cool on the whole food concept. It was a good time hanging out with Steve, Betty, and their friends. We talked about who died recently (one works at a funeral home.. but it might be the age more than the occupation) and where all Jimmy went on his trip to New Mexico. Apparently - he went to Phoenix just because he thought it would be a neat drive... didn't have any plans once he actually made it there.. just a neat drive. I think I might've beat him within an inch of his life based on driving me > 1000 miles each way just to "get there". I think his wife might've agreed with me.. :)
Anyways.. it was a good trip. Would've been even better if our XM radio was working. Note to self: Gotta get that fixed before our 14 hour road trip to Colorado in July. Otherwise - ouch!
I'll post pics in the next day or so... Not that there were a lot.. but they didn't suck entirely.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Heading to the Big L (as in Lufkin)
This weekend the family is heading to Lufkin. Pack up your pups, your shades, and your road trip tunes because AWAY WE GO.
I think it's almost been since Christmas since we went and saw Steve and Betty in Lufkin. I mean, we've seen them since then.. we aren't that crappy.. but it's always been in DFW. We can't help it - there's just too many cool things to do here :) All that being said - it's time for us to make a trip. We need to go to Logan's Roadhouse (or the bartenders would be upset for missing the boys), go see Grannie (or Betty will get a guilt trip later), and hopefully make it out to the zoo.
It's insane, but Lufkin, Texas has one of my all-time favorite zoos. Odd because it's a small town... They have all the animals you'd ever want to see and it's small enough that you an knock it out in about an hour and still have a ton of day left for good times elsewhere. So - my favorite animal at a typical zoo is the giraffe (or high-raffe if you prefer). Lufkin has some of those and they are super well taken care of and pretty. That being said... My favorite animal at the Lufkin zoo is the otter. The last few times we've been, there wasn't an otter on display because one of the hurricane's this year killed it. Hopefully - they've remedied that situation. I mean - it's an offer for goodness sake. How rare could they possibly be - so how hard could they be to get? Also thinking.. could probably buy one based on the spare change in the bottom of my purse (I exaggerate of course.. some). The reason the otter exhibit is so cool is that they are SOOOO monumentally lazy. They lay on their backs with their heads lolled to the side and their tongues hanging out (I swear - they aren't dead.. just lazy). The only time they ever move is when they are fed and then they are super graceful creatures chasing small fish in their little pond. I "heart" the otter. I suspect that my love of laziness and sleep-ocity is directly related to my attraction to Stevie - but that's another story.
The next most interesting place in Lufkin is the cowboy bar. It used to be called the Electric Cowboy - but it's something else now. Since it's really the only "club" in Lufkin, you'll see gangsters and cowboys hanging side-by-side. They are also typically lusting after the same chick. It's just odd - not bad - just odd. Lufkin has 2 broad categories of women (there are exceptions.. but this catches 80% of them): fatties and blondies. The blondies are the ex-cheer leader type (can be of any age) and all the men find them adorable, desirable, and downright yummy. Then there are the fatties (not - they aren't all actually large.. but they do trend that way). The ones of these at the cowboy bar tend towards the "I'm so hot that you should feel honored I'm speaking to you" and the "this outfit fits and doesn't make me look fat" side. It's some prime-time entertainment. I would have to recommend you go there at least once if you ever make it to Lufkin.
Well.. I better stop for now. I need to finish up on my packing so that we can beat Friday Dallas traffic (yikes). Looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I'll let you know if the zoo trip works happens and what the latest status is on the otters.
I think it's almost been since Christmas since we went and saw Steve and Betty in Lufkin. I mean, we've seen them since then.. we aren't that crappy.. but it's always been in DFW. We can't help it - there's just too many cool things to do here :) All that being said - it's time for us to make a trip. We need to go to Logan's Roadhouse (or the bartenders would be upset for missing the boys), go see Grannie (or Betty will get a guilt trip later), and hopefully make it out to the zoo.
It's insane, but Lufkin, Texas has one of my all-time favorite zoos. Odd because it's a small town... They have all the animals you'd ever want to see and it's small enough that you an knock it out in about an hour and still have a ton of day left for good times elsewhere. So - my favorite animal at a typical zoo is the giraffe (or high-raffe if you prefer). Lufkin has some of those and they are super well taken care of and pretty. That being said... My favorite animal at the Lufkin zoo is the otter. The last few times we've been, there wasn't an otter on display because one of the hurricane's this year killed it. Hopefully - they've remedied that situation. I mean - it's an offer for goodness sake. How rare could they possibly be - so how hard could they be to get? Also thinking.. could probably buy one based on the spare change in the bottom of my purse (I exaggerate of course.. some). The reason the otter exhibit is so cool is that they are SOOOO monumentally lazy. They lay on their backs with their heads lolled to the side and their tongues hanging out (I swear - they aren't dead.. just lazy). The only time they ever move is when they are fed and then they are super graceful creatures chasing small fish in their little pond. I "heart" the otter. I suspect that my love of laziness and sleep-ocity is directly related to my attraction to Stevie - but that's another story.
The next most interesting place in Lufkin is the cowboy bar. It used to be called the Electric Cowboy - but it's something else now. Since it's really the only "club" in Lufkin, you'll see gangsters and cowboys hanging side-by-side. They are also typically lusting after the same chick. It's just odd - not bad - just odd. Lufkin has 2 broad categories of women (there are exceptions.. but this catches 80% of them): fatties and blondies. The blondies are the ex-cheer leader type (can be of any age) and all the men find them adorable, desirable, and downright yummy. Then there are the fatties (not - they aren't all actually large.. but they do trend that way). The ones of these at the cowboy bar tend towards the "I'm so hot that you should feel honored I'm speaking to you" and the "this outfit fits and doesn't make me look fat" side. It's some prime-time entertainment. I would have to recommend you go there at least once if you ever make it to Lufkin.
Well.. I better stop for now. I need to finish up on my packing so that we can beat Friday Dallas traffic (yikes). Looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I'll let you know if the zoo trip works happens and what the latest status is on the otters.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
I'm obsessed...
When you barely leave the house for an entire weekend (and then do so reluctantly) in order to read 3 monster books about vampires... I think it's safe to say that you're obsessed. So - since admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery (so I'm told) - "My name is Janell and I'm obsessed with vampires." Let's be clear, I'm not going out in public dressed like a fang banger hoping to get bitten. That's mostly the case because I'm not truly dumb enough to believe in the un-dead. Bite me if I'm wrong...seriously...well, maybe..
There is, however, something super drool-worthy over a book about vamps. This is me showing my age, but I've dug them (no grave references intended) since The Lost Boys (yum - Jason Patric) was at the theaters. They'd just gotten sexier since then... sigh.
Recently it's been all about the Southern Vampire series (Charlaine Harris). The obsession started simply enough - a brief commercial for a new HBO series called True Blood (obviously, I highly recommend you check it out). Thought "hey that sounds neat, I'll Vivo it". Those were some famous last words that committed me to hours of reading/chatting/obsession... worth it, but a major commitment. There's 9 books in the series thus far and I've read them all twice. Hot sex, independent/trouble-magnet main character who happens to read minds, and just plain fascinating stories. It helps tremendously that the actors on the TV show are hot as hell... good images to start with in your head. Lots of lust and torn loyalties involved. If you've read them, I'm curious if you're a Bill or an Eric fan. Me - I'm all about Eric. Even though he's blond (yuck), he's got power, confidence, and a huge.... ego on his side. New season starts this Sunday on HBO.. worth the extra cable bill... trust me.
This weekend, I powered through the first 3 books from the Twilight saga (saga is their word, not mine). Some 1,500 pages later - I can say that their passion and danger are nice in a PG kind of way. If I had a teenage daughter, I'd let her read them.. and then borrow them. Not as steamy but contains some of that guilt ridden teen angst that I can relate to from my high school days. First movie was good and is what encouraged me to go ahead with the books... but as always, the books are better.
Anyways.. after all this vampire submersion..and the fact that I'm about to run out of books again... I need to find a new outlet for my obsessive nature. Maybe I can funnel it into something productive like housework or the gym. More likely... I'll just read the damn books over and over again until there's a new one. Man.. I need a hobby :)
There is, however, something super drool-worthy over a book about vamps. This is me showing my age, but I've dug them (no grave references intended) since The Lost Boys (yum - Jason Patric) was at the theaters. They'd just gotten sexier since then... sigh.
Recently it's been all about the Southern Vampire series (Charlaine Harris). The obsession started simply enough - a brief commercial for a new HBO series called True Blood (obviously, I highly recommend you check it out). Thought "hey that sounds neat, I'll Vivo it". Those were some famous last words that committed me to hours of reading/chatting/obsession... worth it, but a major commitment. There's 9 books in the series thus far and I've read them all twice. Hot sex, independent/trouble-magnet main character who happens to read minds, and just plain fascinating stories. It helps tremendously that the actors on the TV show are hot as hell... good images to start with in your head. Lots of lust and torn loyalties involved. If you've read them, I'm curious if you're a Bill or an Eric fan. Me - I'm all about Eric. Even though he's blond (yuck), he's got power, confidence, and a huge.... ego on his side. New season starts this Sunday on HBO.. worth the extra cable bill... trust me.
This weekend, I powered through the first 3 books from the Twilight saga (saga is their word, not mine). Some 1,500 pages later - I can say that their passion and danger are nice in a PG kind of way. If I had a teenage daughter, I'd let her read them.. and then borrow them. Not as steamy but contains some of that guilt ridden teen angst that I can relate to from my high school days. First movie was good and is what encouraged me to go ahead with the books... but as always, the books are better.
Anyways.. after all this vampire submersion..and the fact that I'm about to run out of books again... I need to find a new outlet for my obsessive nature. Maybe I can funnel it into something productive like housework or the gym. More likely... I'll just read the damn books over and over again until there's a new one. Man.. I need a hobby :)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Rocked out in Allen (that's right - I said Allen!)
Apparently - I work with rock stars.. or at least rock stars in the making. Went out with some good friends Saturday night to a place in Allen called Bubba Moose to see a band called Inside Anna. One of the best things was their banner that said "Don't you wish you were Anna?" Since I work with two of the band members, I'm going to have to say I don't wish I was Anna - that'd just be creepy.. ewww..
Learned a few things while I was out:
1) If you're going to be a part-time rock star, you should spend the rest of your time working at Frito-Lay. I say this because a huge portion of the audience were from Frito. They are an insanely supportive group.
2) Apparently if I'm going to have an affair at work, I'm allowed to have one with one of the band members. Steve (my hubby) said that since they were weekend rock stars, he'd have to approve of the affair. All that being said - I'm still happily married and no affairs planned or in process.
3) I work with some really fun people. Had a great time dancing, drinking, and just listening to music. Only akward a few times - and that's pretty impressive. Unlike the ex-co-workers of a certain friend of mine, we had a good time and didn't even have to grab each other's butts! What a concept.
Anyways. Fun weekend. Sorry it's over (of course, I'm always sorry the weekend is over - but this time more than usual).
Learned a few things while I was out:
1) If you're going to be a part-time rock star, you should spend the rest of your time working at Frito-Lay. I say this because a huge portion of the audience were from Frito. They are an insanely supportive group.
2) Apparently if I'm going to have an affair at work, I'm allowed to have one with one of the band members. Steve (my hubby) said that since they were weekend rock stars, he'd have to approve of the affair. All that being said - I'm still happily married and no affairs planned or in process.
3) I work with some really fun people. Had a great time dancing, drinking, and just listening to music. Only akward a few times - and that's pretty impressive. Unlike the ex-co-workers of a certain friend of mine, we had a good time and didn't even have to grab each other's butts! What a concept.
Anyways. Fun weekend. Sorry it's over (of course, I'm always sorry the weekend is over - but this time more than usual).
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Scout Turns Five
This Tuesday, my super sweet pup (Scout) turned 5 people years old. That's like way more in dog years, but let's not go there because I don't want him to feel like he can start bossing me around. That might make him slightly less sweet in the future.
Kelly, Kandice, and Gizmo came over to play/hang out and we had a nice time. The amount of mess that teal food coloring makes on a black dog is a little amazing. You'd also be surprised at the nooks and crannies a schnauzer has on their face. I was finding cupcake icing for about an hour. Yikes.. not good when you have light colored furniture. My mission for the evening is to upload a picture of his cute little messy face so you can get a fraction of what I'm talking about.
So you don't think she wasn't invited, his sister Chasey was there as well. Her face wasn't so messy but I did find orange icing on her ear last night about 10 pm. That's some good dog parenting.
That's it for now. Monster headache. Wanting Pei Wei, a glass of wine, jammies, and my pups. Like I said - mission for the evening is posting a pic.. we'll have to see if motivation fails between the office and the house. It already failed badly enough that I'm skipping out on wine night with the girls. BTW - that means I suck.
Kelly, Kandice, and Gizmo came over to play/hang out and we had a nice time. The amount of mess that teal food coloring makes on a black dog is a little amazing. You'd also be surprised at the nooks and crannies a schnauzer has on their face. I was finding cupcake icing for about an hour. Yikes.. not good when you have light colored furniture. My mission for the evening is to upload a picture of his cute little messy face so you can get a fraction of what I'm talking about.
So you don't think she wasn't invited, his sister Chasey was there as well. Her face wasn't so messy but I did find orange icing on her ear last night about 10 pm. That's some good dog parenting.
That's it for now. Monster headache. Wanting Pei Wei, a glass of wine, jammies, and my pups. Like I said - mission for the evening is posting a pic.. we'll have to see if motivation fails between the office and the house. It already failed badly enough that I'm skipping out on wine night with the girls. BTW - that means I suck.
Friday, May 22, 2009
A seal in the Chimney.. and other events of the day
It's been a strange 24 hours.
Last night the smoke detectors decided to start going off about every 15 minutes. No smoke, no carbon monoxide.. think someone (thing) has a cruel sense of humor. I say this because my Chasey (cutest pup in the history of ever) HATES (and I can't emphasize that enough) the smoke alarm chirpping noise. That's not to say that anyone actually likes that noise - but she pretty much spazzes. So imagine me toting around a heavy-ass ladder around the house about midnight yanking down smoke detectors and almost wishing the house really was burning down so it would explain the damn chirpping. Steve and I replaced all the batteries and plugged them back in this afternoon. Just don't understand why the things only decide to let you know they are dying in the middle of the dang night.
Apparently - some sort of seal lives in my chimney. I'm not sure when he moved in (assuming he's male) but he's been doing that funky seal barking thing all afternoon... OK, I'm not completely stupid and I really do know tht a marine animal isn't really living above my fireplace. The challenge is that about 1/hour all afternoon/evening there's a goofy ass noise that really does sound like a seal. Checked outside, all over the house, and every place I could think of in between. Since I'm not satisfied not knowing that the hell it is - I'm calling is a seal and his name is Larry. He fell out of an airplane as it passed over Frisco on the way to DFW for final delivery at the zoo. If you see a news report on this tomorrow - just let them know that Larry is fine, he loves his new mother, and he thinks the Rangers are going all the way this year.
Oddest thing of the day... when I get home from work, there's Steve standing in the backyard washing windows. For those of you that just fainted.. pick yourselves back up and shake the haze out of your head. You read that right... he was washing the windows. I was expecting something like "hanging on the couch and playing poker" or "taking a nap with his pups" or even "watching porn in the middle of the afternoon". Not that he's lazy (he isn't). Just we're the kind of couple that hires that crap done and only after getting fliers on the front door reminding us that people do that kind of thing. I mean really.. who washes their windows? Apparently - we do. So, three windows later...the energy and enthusiam sort of dried up. At a rate of 3 windows every 18 months, we'll be done with them in just over 7 years. Sweet! (It boiled down to the fact that I think he just got a hard pain to own a squeegie. Even though that's not a power tool.. there's apparently still an attraction.)
Anyways.. in the scheme of things.. it's been an eventful (if not overly interesting) last 24 hours. I may not have new interesting hobbies in my life yet - but I do have a new pet. (Hi Larry!)
Last night the smoke detectors decided to start going off about every 15 minutes. No smoke, no carbon monoxide.. think someone (thing) has a cruel sense of humor. I say this because my Chasey (cutest pup in the history of ever) HATES (and I can't emphasize that enough) the smoke alarm chirpping noise. That's not to say that anyone actually likes that noise - but she pretty much spazzes. So imagine me toting around a heavy-ass ladder around the house about midnight yanking down smoke detectors and almost wishing the house really was burning down so it would explain the damn chirpping. Steve and I replaced all the batteries and plugged them back in this afternoon. Just don't understand why the things only decide to let you know they are dying in the middle of the dang night.
Apparently - some sort of seal lives in my chimney. I'm not sure when he moved in (assuming he's male) but he's been doing that funky seal barking thing all afternoon... OK, I'm not completely stupid and I really do know tht a marine animal isn't really living above my fireplace. The challenge is that about 1/hour all afternoon/evening there's a goofy ass noise that really does sound like a seal. Checked outside, all over the house, and every place I could think of in between. Since I'm not satisfied not knowing that the hell it is - I'm calling is a seal and his name is Larry. He fell out of an airplane as it passed over Frisco on the way to DFW for final delivery at the zoo. If you see a news report on this tomorrow - just let them know that Larry is fine, he loves his new mother, and he thinks the Rangers are going all the way this year.
Oddest thing of the day... when I get home from work, there's Steve standing in the backyard washing windows. For those of you that just fainted.. pick yourselves back up and shake the haze out of your head. You read that right... he was washing the windows. I was expecting something like "hanging on the couch and playing poker" or "taking a nap with his pups" or even "watching porn in the middle of the afternoon". Not that he's lazy (he isn't). Just we're the kind of couple that hires that crap done and only after getting fliers on the front door reminding us that people do that kind of thing. I mean really.. who washes their windows? Apparently - we do. So, three windows later...the energy and enthusiam sort of dried up. At a rate of 3 windows every 18 months, we'll be done with them in just over 7 years. Sweet! (It boiled down to the fact that I think he just got a hard pain to own a squeegie. Even though that's not a power tool.. there's apparently still an attraction.)
Anyways.. in the scheme of things.. it's been an eventful (if not overly interesting) last 24 hours. I may not have new interesting hobbies in my life yet - but I do have a new pet. (Hi Larry!)
Thursday, May 21, 2009
My Over-achieving Friend
We all have a friend.. the over achiever. Hell, I AM that friend to some people.
Frankly - as much as we love that person, we feel the overwhelming pressure to try to live up to the freakishly high standard they set. (and maybe, just maybe, a small part of us wants to smother them in their sleep so that we can go back to being mediocre.. it's a teeny tiny small part.. seriously.. don't call the police.)
The friend I'm referring to (at least in this example) is Denise. She's super creative, extra good at keeping people in touch with each other, and has decided to create a blog. To truly understand the height of the bar that she's setting, you have to know the following:
Frankly - as much as we love that person, we feel the overwhelming pressure to try to live up to the freakishly high standard they set. (and maybe, just maybe, a small part of us wants to smother them in their sleep so that we can go back to being mediocre.. it's a teeny tiny small part.. seriously.. don't call the police.)
The friend I'm referring to (at least in this example) is Denise. She's super creative, extra good at keeping people in touch with each other, and has decided to create a blog. To truly understand the height of the bar that she's setting, you have to know the following:
- She's known for this amazing newsletter that she creates a few times a year complete with photos/cutesy drawings, actual newspaper layout, and other quirky/awesome content. People that don't even know her find it interesting.
- Her blog is done from the perspective of her pet turtle. Holy crap! Who can compete with that?! It's bloody genius!
- She actually has hobbies, gets out of the house, and has a life worth reading about. Granted - none of that seems to be completely mandatory when creating a blog - but it's bound to help increase the desire of others to read it. Ugh...
So - not only am I forcing myself to try to put together a not completely terrible blog - I'm forcing myself to attempt to have a life worth writing about. That is particularly challenging as a workaholic (a self-proclaimed, wear it like a badge of courage, freakishly proud of it workaholic).
The ultimate question - am I up for the task? Only time will tell.
PS - Monica, I refuse to spell check - so you'll have to read at your own peril. Please resist the urge to print, correct with a red pen, and return.
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