Hey! Back again, another week- come and gone, quickly- as it should. Last week was just a fluke, I think.
Before I begin the Friday Five, a quick story from this morning. I opened at Starbucks...a nice, early 4:30am work day. I am getting the pastry case ready, go to take the garbage to the back room, trip over a box of mocha sitting on the ground (that I put there, mind you)...as I am trying to catch by balance, I am thinking about the pain in my shin that is sure to turn into a lovely bruise, when I realize I am still falling- face first- toward the big metal sanitation machine (think dishwasher). Thanks to my recent pilates work, I can feel my core muscles tighten up (yeah, right) and slow my fall, preventing complete face distruction. Instead, I ended up on my chin...a nice little cut and, at the time, a huge bump that was beginning to turn purple. Really attractive. It was one of those moments where I couldn't decide if I should laugh or cry...it hurt like hell, but picturing what the fall must have looked like was pretty funny...it could have been worse.
Here is your Five for the week...
1. I had the fantastic opportunity to visit the Mountain Music Lounge on Monday to watch the interview and music from Andrew Bird...who is amazing. The music lounge has changed quite a bit since I left (well, the whole station has really), so now the music lounge is just out in the open, middle of the room, where all the sales cubicles used to be. So Andrew Bird is pretty incredible. Listening to his albums are great on their own...but seeing the guy live- a must-do!! He does the looping thing, and he plays several different instruments...it's a whole big process that just comes out both beautiful, and really interesting (in a good way, totally!) After the lounge he signed some posters for the people watching, and then, suddenly...the chairs are being moved aside and there is a giant ping pong table in the middle of the music lounge. John Fisher and Andrew Bird are playing ping pong...and I have been given the task of videotaping for the website. Andrew is quite the ping pong player...apparently he used to have one in his Chicago apartment. He claimed that apartments in Chicago are pretty big (sooo not true) but then later confessed that it may have taken the place of a couch or table...priorities.
2. I have moved away from the Young Adult genre of book reading for a bit. I have started reading 'Water For Elephants'...it has been out for a little while but is kind of the new craze for book clubs. It's about life on the road with a circus (at least so far that is what it is about)...I'm enjoying it. Pretty easy read and the chapters are short enough to be able to read for a little while and put it down...very important.
3. For 'out of the comfort zone' point...I spent the last two days in court. Yeah, that's never fun. I got a ticket in December for expired tabs...I didn't even think about checking them when I got home from Europe. And I didn't have my new insurance card on me...so I got a ticket for that too. Then, the very next day that I was driving, pulled over for the same thing...two tickets for over $600 each. So yesterday I drove ALL the way down to Tacoma. The judge dismissed both charges...but I still had to pay $125 in random fines and fees and such. Ugh. Then today I had to go back down to Federal Way and appear again...this time the judge threw out the insurance part (since I did have it), but only reduced the fine on the tabs...so I had to pay $225 to Fed Way. Ugh...there goes all my fun plans for my tax return. Boo.
4. I have a gym membership at LA Fitness, and have been going to a very lame-o one (they bought my old gym and were just running it temporarily until their new Seattle location was finished)...they finally finished the new gym. And it is great! I went three different days this week...I did a yoga class, swam, pilates and ran. I love being able to swim...I am terrible at it, but I am so worried that running is going to ruin me in my old age. The gym is all new and nice and they provide towels and the lockers lock on their own (no more leaving my stuff in a locker hoping no one would take it)...and apparently in my three days at the new gym, I have become a gym snob. On my Thursday court day, I didn't want to drive back up to Seattle in traffic, so I figured I would visit the Fed Way LA Fitness and work out while I killed time. Yeah...no automatic lockers (and I worried much more about my stuff getting stolen there!) and no towels...so I had to use my gross, sweaty t-shirt to sort of dry off...because I did an intense run. Yeah, gym snob.
5. I bought a plane ticket to New York this week. Well, actually, it is to Philadelphia. I am going to visit my pal J-Mac in Princeton, and am going to hang out in NYC, and visit the family I lived with in Europe, and see some pals in Philly. I am really, really excited. It isn't until May...which is actually even better...because anticipation is half the fun. I purposefully bought the ticket BEFORE going to court because I knew I would have a hard time justifying it when I have a big ol fine to pay. This is probably why I am always broke. Any extra money= plane ticket. Oh well, there are worse things, I suppose.
That's it for this week...oh wait, one more thing.
6. I spent last Saturday down at the Tacoma Dome watching the high school state wrestling tournament...because my cutie little cousin, Tanner made it to state as a freshman. I have never been a big fan of wrestling...I remember watching them running around in plastic bags and not being able to eat and it seemed really unhealthy. BUT, it was cool being at the tournament. Seeing all the emotions on those kids' faces. Hugging their coaches. It was pretty cool...and definitely brought back my desire to coach.
Okay...that's all, really. Have a fab weekend.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Five on Friday 2/20
Ahhh, another week has come and gone. Since the new year, I have felt like the weeks fly by...I blink and suddenly it is time to write up another Friday Five...but not this week, my friends, not this week. This has been the longest flippin week (I would finish the cliche and say 'of my life', but that just isn't true...dramatic, but false). I am tired. And I feel unmotivated. And have been so easily annoyed this week- nearly to the point of tears (don't worry, I didn't cry...I just talked myself out of it like a crazy person). So, I am ecstatic that it is Friday and I can sleep in as long as I want tomorrow (maybe 9am?! Maybe!) Alright folks, here is my Friday Five:
1. Well, I made an effort to go to a show this week...my friend Amy and I were going to go see a local show on Thursday night...but then my Starbucks store meeting was changed from Wednesday to Thursday, and that meant I couldn't go to the show. Boo. Hiss. You know what I have been really into lately though? Pandora.com. Have you used it before? You type in an artist that you like and then it creates a radio station for you, with music that fits with that artist. I have created stations with Ryan Adams, David Gray, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, etc. I like to pick an artist according to my writing mood, and then just let it go while I write. I have yet to do any upbeat music..lol, maybe that would help with my lame-o attitude this week. Maybe I'll try that this afternoon.
2. A positive aspect to being unmotivated is that I have gotten some good reading in. I have read three full books this week. I know, that is ridiculous. Nothing overly fantastic...although I do recommend the "Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. I finished that, and I really, really liked it. It was sad, definitely...and I cried (that isn't saying a whole lot lately, though...hehe)...but really good. Another character that I like. I have discovered what makes a character a good one for me...I really appreciate a character that keeps a positive attitude and keeps trying through the obstacles they face. The characters that have a rough life (and they all do, since it is a book, and there has to be some problem for the characters to overcome) and get all depressed and stop talking to people and blame themselves for things out of their control, etc. kind of drive me crazy. It's too easy. Too easy to let yourself get that way and too cliche to write about. I appreciate reading about characters that fight through that...of course they still have their down moments...but they don't last long and they don't let it affect them for more than a little while.
3. I have figured out a third regular topic for the Friday Five...although I think it might be hard to do every week. I want to do something that scares me or is uncomfortable...gets me out of my comfort zone each week. So this week, I went to a writing group. I was scared. We met at Louisa's (love that...that may have been the thing that actually got me to go!) and for the first 30 minutes, we just wrote. In a notebook, nonstop...you weren't supposed to stop writing or cross anything out. Then at the end of the 30 minutes, we read- out loud- to the group- what we wrote. Yeah, scary. And while I turned that ridiculous shade of bright red that I tend to turn, it was good. I was proud of myself when it was over. I didn't write anything for my current book...but I did start my outline for the children's series I have been thinking about. I am going to make an effort to go back..even though the thought is still scary.
4. A few big changes a-coming at Starbucks...we had a meeting about it last night...and I can't write about it...but you will see soon enough...and then I will blog about it. Oh, yes I will.
5. I have been really out of it with my book this last week. I think I wrote one sentence, the whole week...and that was after a lot of staring at the screen. I'm not sure how to get past it. I think I need to just write, knowing I can edit anything later...it doesn't have to be good...I just have to get past this place. I watched a youtube video last night with Stephenie Meyer (the twilight author) and Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson (Bella and Edward)...because I felt like I needed to watch something with an attractive boy. I know, I know...don't judge. The POINT I am making is...Stephenie said something interesting that I am hoping to take to my book. Someone asked how she related to Bella, her main character, and she said that she didn't really at all...her and Bella are completely different. Why would she want to write about a life she already knows...what is the fun of that? And I have been struggling with my main character, because I just keep basing her on me...and it is boring me...so I am going to change her a bit. Give her a different non-Eryn dimension. That will be good.
I feel like this was a boring Friday Five. I'm sorry. Like I said, it has been a lame-o week for me. Hope yours was terrificly better.
-E
1. Well, I made an effort to go to a show this week...my friend Amy and I were going to go see a local show on Thursday night...but then my Starbucks store meeting was changed from Wednesday to Thursday, and that meant I couldn't go to the show. Boo. Hiss. You know what I have been really into lately though? Pandora.com. Have you used it before? You type in an artist that you like and then it creates a radio station for you, with music that fits with that artist. I have created stations with Ryan Adams, David Gray, Van Morrison, Damien Rice, etc. I like to pick an artist according to my writing mood, and then just let it go while I write. I have yet to do any upbeat music..lol, maybe that would help with my lame-o attitude this week. Maybe I'll try that this afternoon.
2. A positive aspect to being unmotivated is that I have gotten some good reading in. I have read three full books this week. I know, that is ridiculous. Nothing overly fantastic...although I do recommend the "Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie. I finished that, and I really, really liked it. It was sad, definitely...and I cried (that isn't saying a whole lot lately, though...hehe)...but really good. Another character that I like. I have discovered what makes a character a good one for me...I really appreciate a character that keeps a positive attitude and keeps trying through the obstacles they face. The characters that have a rough life (and they all do, since it is a book, and there has to be some problem for the characters to overcome) and get all depressed and stop talking to people and blame themselves for things out of their control, etc. kind of drive me crazy. It's too easy. Too easy to let yourself get that way and too cliche to write about. I appreciate reading about characters that fight through that...of course they still have their down moments...but they don't last long and they don't let it affect them for more than a little while.
3. I have figured out a third regular topic for the Friday Five...although I think it might be hard to do every week. I want to do something that scares me or is uncomfortable...gets me out of my comfort zone each week. So this week, I went to a writing group. I was scared. We met at Louisa's (love that...that may have been the thing that actually got me to go!) and for the first 30 minutes, we just wrote. In a notebook, nonstop...you weren't supposed to stop writing or cross anything out. Then at the end of the 30 minutes, we read- out loud- to the group- what we wrote. Yeah, scary. And while I turned that ridiculous shade of bright red that I tend to turn, it was good. I was proud of myself when it was over. I didn't write anything for my current book...but I did start my outline for the children's series I have been thinking about. I am going to make an effort to go back..even though the thought is still scary.
4. A few big changes a-coming at Starbucks...we had a meeting about it last night...and I can't write about it...but you will see soon enough...and then I will blog about it. Oh, yes I will.
5. I have been really out of it with my book this last week. I think I wrote one sentence, the whole week...and that was after a lot of staring at the screen. I'm not sure how to get past it. I think I need to just write, knowing I can edit anything later...it doesn't have to be good...I just have to get past this place. I watched a youtube video last night with Stephenie Meyer (the twilight author) and Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson (Bella and Edward)...because I felt like I needed to watch something with an attractive boy. I know, I know...don't judge. The POINT I am making is...Stephenie said something interesting that I am hoping to take to my book. Someone asked how she related to Bella, her main character, and she said that she didn't really at all...her and Bella are completely different. Why would she want to write about a life she already knows...what is the fun of that? And I have been struggling with my main character, because I just keep basing her on me...and it is boring me...so I am going to change her a bit. Give her a different non-Eryn dimension. That will be good.
I feel like this was a boring Friday Five. I'm sorry. Like I said, it has been a lame-o week for me. Hope yours was terrificly better.
-E
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday Five 2/13
Happy Friday, the 13th! Anyone have any fun stories? We had a few crazies come in to the store this morning...but that is fairly normal...prob not due to the date. But speaking of dates...
1. So tomorrow is Valentine's Day. And while I think it is a super dumb holiday- expectations are always too high, and why do we need to have a day to tell someone we love them, etc...despite that- I love Valentine's Day. I don't like to admit it. I pretend that I won't have anything to do with it...but what was I doing last night? Writing Hannah Montana Valentine cards for the people I work with. And what was I doing at 4am this morning? Looking for something pink to wear in my hair at work (we aren't open tomorrow). And how did I just spend my afternoon? Baking heart shaped brownies and raspberry white chocolate bars...and cutting out construction paper hearts for my pals. What am I about to do? Go in my closet and find as much pink to wear tomorrow as possible. Yeah, I love Valentine's Day. Shhhh....
2. I went to The Round on Tuesday night...filled my music quota for the week. I always forget what a cool event it is. Once a month (second Tuesday of the month) a few local musicians, a couple poets and a painter or two get together on a stage, at the Fremont Abbey and put together an art extravaganza. The musicians sit and play songs- in a round- and once they get to know each other's music a bit, they start playing together and backing each other up...meanwhile an unbelievable painting is being created right in front of you...and then slam poets perform between rounds. It is totally volunteer driven, with the procedes benefiting different organizations each month. This week was the anti-Valentine's round...although Nathan (the curator) explained that they are certainly not against love, chocolate or even the color pink. The musicians were really entertaining...on top of the music...they were hilarious. As a group, we ended up creating the last song of the night...which was ridiculous. I really, really recommend going to one of these events. Second Tuesday of the month. http://www.theround.org/
3. I finally finished 'A Prayer For Owen Meany'. And after all this time, and all that reading...I STILL don't know how I feel about it. I actually think I need to read it again. So weird. There were parts that I really liked...and some parts that I just thought were unnecessary...but knowing how it all turns out, I feel like those parts that were, perhaps, unnecessary probably had some deep meaning that I just didn't get at the time...and I need to read it again. One thing that I really liked about the book- the themes made me think about stuff in my life...and life in general. I don't know. I really don't know what I think about it. I have now started 'the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie. So far I am enjoying it...it has great cartoon drawings throughout that add some humor...but I think it is going to be a sad book (both because I can see it coming...and because Jen told me "it's a really sad book".)
4. I gave in on my tv watching this week. Last weekend, while I was being very productive and cleaning my room, I watched a couple of the Private Practice episodes on my computer...and I think I MAAAY have gotten a little sucked in. I did wait all the way until today to watch the last two that I hadn't seen of this season...so almost a whole week...barely sucked in. But I do like the show...I like the characters. And this last episode, some of the doctors came back to Seattle Grey's...combining Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy...and if there is one thing I like, it is combining two good things...Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys super mysteries, hello?!
5. I'm editing this...if you have already read it. If not...then nevermind...you don't know any different. When i was writing yesterday, I knew there was something movie-related, but I couldn't think of what, so I threw in the Twilight plug. But then I remembered. I went and saw 'He's Just Not That Into You' last weekend with a couple of my gal pals. It was opening weekend, and the whole theater was full of groups of gal pals. Just a fun environment to watch that movie...the whole group reaction to particular scenes...the 'awwwww's and the groans, and the 'oh, I've done that' reactions...pretty funny. The movie was good...a bit over the top in parts, but not too bad. I mean, I can probably think of one of my friends (or me!) that has done every single thing in that movie. And it has a great cast. I recommend...funny movie...go see it.
Here is my previous #5 entry: Good news folks. The Twilight movie has made it's way to the Crest...you know, the $3 movie theater that plays the movies after they are out of the regular theaters. I may or may not be spending my Valentine's evening with Mr. Cullen...I mean, really, is there anyone more romantic than Edward? Don't think so. I have been enjoying creating the lead guy in my book though...hehe. It's okay, make fun of me...I def am.
And I suppose that is it for this week. Have a fab weekend...a completely loveable Valentine's Day...until next Friday...
Oh, I almost forgot to include...Ryan Adams and Mandy Moore...engaged? What in the world....
1. So tomorrow is Valentine's Day. And while I think it is a super dumb holiday- expectations are always too high, and why do we need to have a day to tell someone we love them, etc...despite that- I love Valentine's Day. I don't like to admit it. I pretend that I won't have anything to do with it...but what was I doing last night? Writing Hannah Montana Valentine cards for the people I work with. And what was I doing at 4am this morning? Looking for something pink to wear in my hair at work (we aren't open tomorrow). And how did I just spend my afternoon? Baking heart shaped brownies and raspberry white chocolate bars...and cutting out construction paper hearts for my pals. What am I about to do? Go in my closet and find as much pink to wear tomorrow as possible. Yeah, I love Valentine's Day. Shhhh....
2. I went to The Round on Tuesday night...filled my music quota for the week. I always forget what a cool event it is. Once a month (second Tuesday of the month) a few local musicians, a couple poets and a painter or two get together on a stage, at the Fremont Abbey and put together an art extravaganza. The musicians sit and play songs- in a round- and once they get to know each other's music a bit, they start playing together and backing each other up...meanwhile an unbelievable painting is being created right in front of you...and then slam poets perform between rounds. It is totally volunteer driven, with the procedes benefiting different organizations each month. This week was the anti-Valentine's round...although Nathan (the curator) explained that they are certainly not against love, chocolate or even the color pink. The musicians were really entertaining...on top of the music...they were hilarious. As a group, we ended up creating the last song of the night...which was ridiculous. I really, really recommend going to one of these events. Second Tuesday of the month. http://www.theround.org/
3. I finally finished 'A Prayer For Owen Meany'. And after all this time, and all that reading...I STILL don't know how I feel about it. I actually think I need to read it again. So weird. There were parts that I really liked...and some parts that I just thought were unnecessary...but knowing how it all turns out, I feel like those parts that were, perhaps, unnecessary probably had some deep meaning that I just didn't get at the time...and I need to read it again. One thing that I really liked about the book- the themes made me think about stuff in my life...and life in general. I don't know. I really don't know what I think about it. I have now started 'the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie. So far I am enjoying it...it has great cartoon drawings throughout that add some humor...but I think it is going to be a sad book (both because I can see it coming...and because Jen told me "it's a really sad book".)
4. I gave in on my tv watching this week. Last weekend, while I was being very productive and cleaning my room, I watched a couple of the Private Practice episodes on my computer...and I think I MAAAY have gotten a little sucked in. I did wait all the way until today to watch the last two that I hadn't seen of this season...so almost a whole week...barely sucked in. But I do like the show...I like the characters. And this last episode, some of the doctors came back to Seattle Grey's...combining Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy...and if there is one thing I like, it is combining two good things...Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys super mysteries, hello?!
5. I'm editing this...if you have already read it. If not...then nevermind...you don't know any different. When i was writing yesterday, I knew there was something movie-related, but I couldn't think of what, so I threw in the Twilight plug. But then I remembered. I went and saw 'He's Just Not That Into You' last weekend with a couple of my gal pals. It was opening weekend, and the whole theater was full of groups of gal pals. Just a fun environment to watch that movie...the whole group reaction to particular scenes...the 'awwwww's and the groans, and the 'oh, I've done that' reactions...pretty funny. The movie was good...a bit over the top in parts, but not too bad. I mean, I can probably think of one of my friends (or me!) that has done every single thing in that movie. And it has a great cast. I recommend...funny movie...go see it.
Here is my previous #5 entry: Good news folks. The Twilight movie has made it's way to the Crest...you know, the $3 movie theater that plays the movies after they are out of the regular theaters. I may or may not be spending my Valentine's evening with Mr. Cullen...I mean, really, is there anyone more romantic than Edward? Don't think so. I have been enjoying creating the lead guy in my book though...hehe. It's okay, make fun of me...I def am.
And I suppose that is it for this week. Have a fab weekend...a completely loveable Valentine's Day...until next Friday...
Oh, I almost forgot to include...Ryan Adams and Mandy Moore...engaged? What in the world....
Friday, February 6, 2009
Five on Friday 2/6
I'm a little late in getting my five points up...but I still have a couple hours until Friday is over...so it counts.
1. Well, I should be at a concert right now, so I would have something music to talk about...but I lame-o'd out. I just don't have the energy. BUT, I did get an email this week that Howie Day...my long-lost musician boyfriend has a new album coming out very soon- doesn't say when...but I'm guessing it is finished and they just need to get all their promo ducks in a row. AND, upon release of the new album- there is always a tour...he has a bunch of dates up right now- not coming to Seattle yet, but I'm sure more will be added. I was just telling a couple of my friends that I was in need of a Howie fix...it has been such a long time, and I would really love to see him solo. Looking forward to the new music.
2. I'm really plugging away at my book- I did have a goal to write for 2 hours every day...but I found myself getting distracted and looking things up on the internet if I hit a wall...so I have made a new goal- I have to write two pages each day (I have been pushing for three all this week). I really love sitting down and making up conversations...gosh knows I do enough of that in my head all day long. I keep having those moments of insecurities about my writing though...as much as I enjoy DOING it- who in the world is actually going to want to read it? Sigh. I think I have too much dialogue, not enough of the detail stuff...and definitely not enough of what the character is thinking...which is how people connect to a character. I just want to create a character that people can connect with. I so love reading about good characters- I love to feel sad when the story is over because I am no longer involved with that person. I want to be able to create that. I did spend some time making character profiles the other day...just writing down as much about the characters as possible- really making them real. What they look like, what they like to do, how they feel about things...so that as I am writing dialogue, I can figure out what that person would actually say, and how they would react in situations. Anyway...I don't know if anyone will ever read it, but I feel productive as I work on it.
3. I went to the Guiding Lights weekend last weekend, and it was great. First of all, it was awesome to spend the weekend with my mom and Jen...outside of the normal environment. A little out of the comfort zone, I guess. Guiding Lights is a conference about mentoring- "who influences you and how do you pass it on?" They bring some amazing people, from around the country, who do great things to help other people...they are all so inspiring. On a selfish level, I love going to this conference because these people all talk about the importance of stepping out of the box and finding your passion- finding work that is fulfilling, and not settling for just a job. It makes me feel better about the career choices I have made. That it is okay to not have a standard 9-5 (who even works a 9-5 job anymore?)job as long as you are working toward something fulfilling- which is definitely something I am constantly striving for. It is also inspiring to see these projects that ordinary people have created...they are absolutely extraordinary. Check out the site and all the luminaries (speakers) and their projects...it gives me faith in people, for sure. http://www.guidinglightsnetwork.com/
And, I was also thrilled because the Creative Director for Disney Imagineering was there...she creates that magic for all of us. Amazing...I was a little dorky in awe. :)
4. I had a Starbucks stalker yesterday at my store. Creepy. So I took my lunch break, and was sitting in the lobby, reading A Prayer For Owen Meany (which I am enjoying...but it is not a quick read!) and this guy in the lobby keeps coughing...like that really gross, hacking stuff up kind of coughing. Sooo gross...I kept trying not to look at him and be rude, but it was really awful. I finally couldn't handle it and looked over and he was spitting whatever he was coughing up into a napkin...SICK! So I moved to the back room. And then I got back to work and he was still there...for a few hours. And I noticed he kept moving seats all over the lobby, and I didn't really think anything of it, until I was working at the bar and he moved all the way across the lobby to sit in the seat facing me. And then was staring. Uncomfortable staring. So I switched places with someone and then he moved seats again. So I said something to the people I was working with and they kept looking and finally he got up and left...but they assured me he turned around and took a last look before leaving the store. Creepy McCreeperson. Ewww.
5. My adorable and hilarious little niece just found out she has diabetes. I was having dinner with my little sis when my dad called and said that my older sis was at the hospital with my niece. He didn't know anything else. So we called around and finally got a hold of someone. I guess she had been sick for a little while and so my sister took her to the doctor who did some blood work and discovered her blood sugar levels were waaay off what they were supposed to be. He sent them to the hospital where they did some more tests and then admitted her to ICU for a few days. She is doing much better now. But, she does have Type 1 diabetes, which is the juvenile diabetes. And the poor thing has to get 6 shots a day, plus finger pricks throughout the day. Danielle said she has already accepted that and is doing great. Would definitely appreciate some prayers going her way.
That is it for this week. I am going to finish writing up my to-do list for this weekend...I am hoping for a super productive one...lots to get done. Until next week...later skater.
1. Well, I should be at a concert right now, so I would have something music to talk about...but I lame-o'd out. I just don't have the energy. BUT, I did get an email this week that Howie Day...my long-lost musician boyfriend has a new album coming out very soon- doesn't say when...but I'm guessing it is finished and they just need to get all their promo ducks in a row. AND, upon release of the new album- there is always a tour...he has a bunch of dates up right now- not coming to Seattle yet, but I'm sure more will be added. I was just telling a couple of my friends that I was in need of a Howie fix...it has been such a long time, and I would really love to see him solo. Looking forward to the new music.
2. I'm really plugging away at my book- I did have a goal to write for 2 hours every day...but I found myself getting distracted and looking things up on the internet if I hit a wall...so I have made a new goal- I have to write two pages each day (I have been pushing for three all this week). I really love sitting down and making up conversations...gosh knows I do enough of that in my head all day long. I keep having those moments of insecurities about my writing though...as much as I enjoy DOING it- who in the world is actually going to want to read it? Sigh. I think I have too much dialogue, not enough of the detail stuff...and definitely not enough of what the character is thinking...which is how people connect to a character. I just want to create a character that people can connect with. I so love reading about good characters- I love to feel sad when the story is over because I am no longer involved with that person. I want to be able to create that. I did spend some time making character profiles the other day...just writing down as much about the characters as possible- really making them real. What they look like, what they like to do, how they feel about things...so that as I am writing dialogue, I can figure out what that person would actually say, and how they would react in situations. Anyway...I don't know if anyone will ever read it, but I feel productive as I work on it.
3. I went to the Guiding Lights weekend last weekend, and it was great. First of all, it was awesome to spend the weekend with my mom and Jen...outside of the normal environment. A little out of the comfort zone, I guess. Guiding Lights is a conference about mentoring- "who influences you and how do you pass it on?" They bring some amazing people, from around the country, who do great things to help other people...they are all so inspiring. On a selfish level, I love going to this conference because these people all talk about the importance of stepping out of the box and finding your passion- finding work that is fulfilling, and not settling for just a job. It makes me feel better about the career choices I have made. That it is okay to not have a standard 9-5 (who even works a 9-5 job anymore?)job as long as you are working toward something fulfilling- which is definitely something I am constantly striving for. It is also inspiring to see these projects that ordinary people have created...they are absolutely extraordinary. Check out the site and all the luminaries (speakers) and their projects...it gives me faith in people, for sure. http://www.guidinglightsnetwork.com/
And, I was also thrilled because the Creative Director for Disney Imagineering was there...she creates that magic for all of us. Amazing...I was a little dorky in awe. :)
4. I had a Starbucks stalker yesterday at my store. Creepy. So I took my lunch break, and was sitting in the lobby, reading A Prayer For Owen Meany (which I am enjoying...but it is not a quick read!) and this guy in the lobby keeps coughing...like that really gross, hacking stuff up kind of coughing. Sooo gross...I kept trying not to look at him and be rude, but it was really awful. I finally couldn't handle it and looked over and he was spitting whatever he was coughing up into a napkin...SICK! So I moved to the back room. And then I got back to work and he was still there...for a few hours. And I noticed he kept moving seats all over the lobby, and I didn't really think anything of it, until I was working at the bar and he moved all the way across the lobby to sit in the seat facing me. And then was staring. Uncomfortable staring. So I switched places with someone and then he moved seats again. So I said something to the people I was working with and they kept looking and finally he got up and left...but they assured me he turned around and took a last look before leaving the store. Creepy McCreeperson. Ewww.
5. My adorable and hilarious little niece just found out she has diabetes. I was having dinner with my little sis when my dad called and said that my older sis was at the hospital with my niece. He didn't know anything else. So we called around and finally got a hold of someone. I guess she had been sick for a little while and so my sister took her to the doctor who did some blood work and discovered her blood sugar levels were waaay off what they were supposed to be. He sent them to the hospital where they did some more tests and then admitted her to ICU for a few days. She is doing much better now. But, she does have Type 1 diabetes, which is the juvenile diabetes. And the poor thing has to get 6 shots a day, plus finger pricks throughout the day. Danielle said she has already accepted that and is doing great. Would definitely appreciate some prayers going her way.
That is it for this week. I am going to finish writing up my to-do list for this weekend...I am hoping for a super productive one...lots to get done. Until next week...later skater.
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