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Today is election day in the United States. I believe this election will draw more voters to the polls than perhaps the last five or six Presidential elections. Maybe since Reagan. Why? Well, either way it swings, history will be made. We will either have our first female Vice President, or our first Arab/Afraican-American president. If nothing else, this campaign has interested a larger segment of the population. Who knows? It might have inspired the next generation of men and women to consider political office.
I'm waiting to vote until after work. My bonus son (age 8) wants to come with me and see how it all works. So I'll probably leave a little early and it will be an educational experience. He's been asking a lot of questions about politics, and his teacher is doing an excellent job explaining the process. It's interesting how he's made up his own mind about who he would vote for if he could, and why.
I won't explain who I'm voting for and why today, but encourage you all to get out of your seat and find your polling place! It's not too late to make a decision, and you can only complain about the President and other elected officials if you cast a vote. Complacency gets us nowhere!
I don't like to debate, and I feel like my political positions are really noneyabizness, kind of like religion, it's a personal decision that I've cultivated over years, studied, and come to decisions on. I don't like a candidate because he's got personality or is attractive or is a female, pro-this or anti-that. I make decisions at the ballot box because I believe certain things politically, economically, and socially.
For those of you who don't know, my husband is Army National Guard, and as of today is on active duty. I helped him pack his bags last night, and this morning I managed to kiss him goodbye without crying (mostly because I was still half asleep and will see him around noon). Getting to this point has been a process, a wandering through anxiety and a wasteland of my own fears, wondering how I'll get through the next year, and asking for the support of family and friends.
When we're out and about, sometimes it comes up that he's leaving, and people always thank him for his service. It can be awkward. Yes, he signed up for it, and yes, he's getting paid for it. And by marrying him, I signed up for it, too. Whether I believe we should be in Iraq is a long, involved historical question, but the bottom line is that we ARE there. The US committed many decades ago to export democracy and capitalism (which are NOT the same thing)--Democrats and Republicans have both done so. The place of our country in the world is at issue, and we could go on and on about being the only superpower and the balance of power and where that's going...
But in the end, none of this is free. We are one of the few developed western countries in which military service is not mandatory for young men. Lots of Americans never consider "joining up" or did so because of the benefits (which I'm finding are complex and loaded with yummy bureaucracy just like everything else). When I go to vote, I always think of the sacrifices people have made for me to be there, from the Founding Fathers all the way down to men like my husband, who defend my choice (our choice?) and work for the people we elect as Commander in Chief whether they voted for them or not. People don't understand the difference between rights and privilege, but that's another rant--I may get to that one later.
Freedom is not free. Ask me on Friday morning, when all I have to look at are his civilian clothes in the closet, the cost of your right to vote for whoever you want. I won't judge you by the party you endorse--do what you want to do, what you feel is right, and I hope you carefully consider the options. That, my friends, is what we've paid for, and continue to pay for.
Stewie is on Dogster (he has a better social life than me) and was named this week's "Mad Hatter" for the Dog Park group. I'm not sure what that means except he gets to wear this particular ridiculous hat and say things like, "My name is Stew...Beef Stew."
That's Stew on the right...the other Scottie is the moderator of the group. It's all very organized. I'm afraid they could be mobilized to vote for Obama if they are not scattered soon.
I think I've got it! All the necessary paperwork to change my name with the Social Security Administraton. Which is like changing it with God or something. After that, I can do my driver's license, my job, my checking account, etc. There's a whole ream of paperwork I can't yet do because I'd have to RE-do it after the name change goes through.
My husband has a few day off this week. It's good to have him home, even if it does disrupt the routine Little M and I have established. The Big Job to be done is the fence. Please be aware that this is not for any two-legged member of our family. It's for Stewie. So he can go outside at all hours of the day and night and "do buisiness". I can work a full day and accept lunch invitations rather than coming home to let him out. We can sleep until the alarm because what? Stewie can let himself in and out :)
I have started another vintage story, and I'm working on it as I find time. I have no word target for this one, just going to write it until it's finished. I will need to market it to Wild Rose Press since it is part of the world I've created with The Knot, Bootlegger's Bride, and All in Good Time. In other news, I will also be teaching again, starting in January: Modern History. Very excited!
Only it's not so funny. Looks like my first year + of marriage will be spent as an Army wife, single mom, and all around anxious gal. D is for DEPLOYMENT girls and boys. Wow, did we register for that gift? I mean, it came a little late, if you know what I mean, and I keep trying to find the receipt so I can return it.
Side one: I am proud of my husband and truly respect anyone who serves their country in this capacity. It's not an easy life in many respects, whether one is FT or a reservist, like my guy. There's a line of rhetoric that comes out of the armed services about sacrifice and support. I get it, I really do.
Side two: Really? The cosmic timing sucks, and I'm mad! What, I wait this long to find the right man and you said what? If that's a tad selfish, you might have to give me a few to get over it. I don't really know how many readers I have (not many) but what I didn't want to do was give you some kind of BS song and dance about what was really happening in my life. I have worries about the family, about my dh, about our relationship, and on and on and on. I can't turn off my mind. I'm not eating well or sleeping well, and I can't concentrate on anything. So if y'all don't mind, since I feel kind of marooned out here away from my friends and family, I'm going to talk about it.
And maybe, once this is over, I can write a book about how effing romantic it is NOT.
The past month has been a blur! After a few hours of homelessness (inspection on a contracted house came back NASTY!) we found the place we call home. Closed on the place last week and still have a few things to unpack before we talk about the color of the walls! I love to paint...it helps me think. The new j-o-b is still a bit slow, but I won't compain because I know what's coming!
And married life? It's odd...I can't remember not being married. I mean, I can, but it seems like we've always been together. In the deal, I received a Bonus Son and Bonus Daughter (which saves me the cruelty of childbirth). They are both awesome. I feel very blessed.
Of course, I did get lost trying to find Walmart yesterday, went the wrong way to the movie theatre, and dumped a TON of dogfood on the floor this morning. But I digress. The office is almost set up--and I am totally feeling urge-y about writing. I want to finish up this ancient romance and revamp the three paranormals. I've even started! RWA is in Nashville the year after next...not that I'm waiting for that to pitch something, but it's at least a target. If I get moving sooner, even better!
For all you fans still in mourning over the loss of Buffy, Angel, and Serenity (now--ha ha, something for you Seinfeld fans too), Joss's new project is on the web and available for your viewing pleasure:
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Many thanks to my brother for pointing me at it. I haven't had time to digest every second, so if it sucks...blame him! Otherwise, enjoy :)
Wedding Location - check
Invitations - check
Officiant - check
Catering - check
Setup - check
DJ - check
Photographer - check
Cake - half a check
Dress - check
Bridemaid's Gifts - check
Guestbook & Pen - check
Thank You cards - check
Registry - check
Program - half a check
Flowers - half a check
Favors - half a check
Get a new job - check
Put house up for sale - half a check
Pack all my worldly belongings after several trips to Goodwill - half a check
Move me and Stewie to Nashville - TBD
Yes, that's right my bloggy friends. I'm moving to Nashville! I will be transferring to AiTN and continuing the same position I currently hold, which, quite honestly, is an act of providence. But it has not escaped my attention that RWA National will be at the Opryland Hotel (yum) in the near future. So who needs a place to stay?
So yesterday I was home from work with the tail end of a sinus infection (no, wait, today is the tail end...or maybe tomorrow...) and I was napping with Stewie curled up beside me when I wake to this horrible noise.
A helicopter. Flying extremely low. Right overtop of the complex where I live. Over and over again. I open the curtains. Police man in full garb. With a LARGE dog. Going up to everyone's door. Fuzz are all over the place, but mostly in the back of the complex.
Since I look like hell, I don't stick my head out to see what up, but I get the lowdown from the neighborhood ladies later, on my morning walk with Stewie. Seems the renters down in "600" have been arrested for stealing things off the patio of another townhouse owner. I'm glad I have a fence, and yes, I use my security system. Because Stewie? Not so much a scary dog. He's more likely to attack with his long drooly tongue. Death by licking.
It's kinda nice to know all the attention for a couple of patio chairs, though. Wonder how much that cost?
For those who read and care...life continues to change! I'm engaged to a wonderful man and we're planning an August wedding :) I'm in the middle of planning what we want to be a fun event at a really cool venue with our friends and family. There will be a move in the mix for one of us, but we're not sure who needs to pack their belongings just yet. Please send prayers and good thoughts our way as we try to make these kinds of decisions.
Stay tuned!
Or Why I'm Not Blogging Much. I love a subtitle. First and foremost, this is a site to promote my writing. And since I have nothing in the pipeline to promote, there's nothing to post. I am still (randomly) working on the story set in ancient Rome, and hope to work on that this weekend. I'm not going away, I haven't stopped writing and don't plan to.
Aside from that, what can I say except life is changing? Y'all know about the pup. I love me some Stewie! I took him to the groomer's yesterday, and he was there for a while, so I came home to clean. I know, I know, but he's always there, right beside me, and loves both the broom and a towel, so...but I really missed him being right there. They don't tell you that puppies are A LOT of hard work, and they are, but it was nice to have that moment where I realized how much fun and love he'd brought into my life.
And he's not the only one. Real life romance is more exhilarating than any story. And more complicated than a spy novel. And more rewarding than reading your favorite straight through no matter how long it takes. And a bigger challenge than writing through block. I've got some other, wonderful things going on right now.
After all, if I didn't believe in love, I wouldn't be much of a romance writer, now would I?
I joined Dogster. I will not defend myself. I'm at the mercy of Stewie.
I did manage to finish chapter 12 of my WIP--a little more than halfway through. So it's still there, I just have to get motivated :)
Ever have one of those days? No, not those days...did you ever get up one morning being one thing, and come home at the end of the day to find yourself in the middle of a different life? No? Well...although certain parts of that life left after a few days, one part stayed put. Meet Stewart Little, Scottie extrordiannaire.
I took Stewie to the vet this morning, and he was a Rock Star. He made the rounds from the receptionist to each of the four vets at the practice. How cute he is, how happy...which made me happy, too. He was a VERY good boy. Stewie has been keeping me busy, and on my toes. I've lived a certain, solitary life for many years. My last big change was buying my home, and before that, changing jobs seven years before.
But after a glimpse of something different, suddenly the status quo isn't enough. There are things I want that require change and growth. Things that I've been waiting, oh, eighteen years or so to find. I don't usually get so personal on my blog, so...ISN'T STEWIE CUTE???!!!
As the music at the banquet
As the wine before the meal
As the firelight in the night
So are you to me
As the ruby in the setting
As the fruit upon the tree
As the wind blows over the plains
So are you to me
As the wind blows over the plains
So are you to me
So are you to me
~Eastmountain South
This folk duo has disbanded, but you can catch a listen here. I've been listening to them pretty much all day. My brother introduced them to me a couple of Christmases ago, and they've stayed in my top rotation ever since.
Yes, I am keeping track of this one...and you can too at:
http://www.nuernberg.de/internet/polarbear/
DOES THIS BEAR SUIT MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG???
Be very careful how you answer...
Let the games begin. Saturday was orientation at the college where I work, the not-so-subtle signal that classes will begin the following Monday (a.k.a. "tomorrow"). Tomorrow, the new advising and registration center (ARC) will be open, and my hours will change. I'm typically an early morning gal, but over the next week I'll be transformed into a late night gal. Going from 7-4 to 10-7.
This should be fun. But seriously, shaking things up is good. And I'll get used to it, right?
Oh yeah...and GO BUCKS!!! Here's hoping I'm not as embarrassed as I was last year! And yes, I'll be wearing a jersey.
I'm not a fan of New Year's. Not the eve, the day, the food, or the resolutions. Of all the holidays, real or Hallmark, New Year's is by far the one I dread the most. I'm not sure there's any one thing that makes this day particularly difficult. It's not like the same thing keeps happening year after year--after all, that's the very definition of insanity. No matter my intention, circumstances conspire and the eve/day ends up, well...sucking for one reason or another.
Even if you don't make resolutions--which I avoid--it's difficult to escape assessing the past year and looking down the road into the next year. I've done a good job of making myself over into a "glass half full" kind of gal, so why is it that on this holiday, I can only see disappointments and failures? The list of all the things to fix or make over or throw in the trash is longer than the requests made to Santa.
Maybe this is why people drink so much on New Year's Eve. So I'm giving the proverbial finger to New Year's once again. If not for all the hype, it'd just be a day with a lot of football. I'm keeping my head above water today, and definitely getting some writing done. Tomorrow is another day that is NOT New Year's.
My brother's going kill me for posting this...I'm on hiatus until 2008. Everyone have a safe and happy holiday season! See you next year!
It wouldn't be Christmas without one of my cutest polar bear decorations:
The cards have been signed, sealed, and will soon be delivered. The presents sought, bought and wrapped. The cookies baked and the candy cooling in the fridge. Things always move so fast around the holidays that I wanted to make sure I paused to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Thanks to those who have been an encouragement to me this year. Be safe, be good to one another, and enjoy every moment with friends and family.
In my mind, I'm already gone...
Thursday night, Columbia, Maroon 5. I'm so there!
Friday morning, miles of open highway, my car, destination: BEACH. I'm so there!
And I have NOT thrown Sven over for some cabana boy and a frosty drink. Completely. I'll be home Monday. I'm sure he'll still be here. He never goes out. He'll be happy that I got in 6 new pages last night and I edited the first three chapters to adjust and align the motivation of my characters. He's probably the only man on the planet who would be excited about that...
Are you ready for some football? Not only does September mean the start of the college and professional football seasons, it (hopefully) signals cooler temperatures and a fun, downhill slide into the "holidays"--Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (or some variation thereof).
So while I cat-sit for Her Majesty, Sable, I have one eye on the hurricane making landfall on the Outer Banks and the other eye on the Panther's game with St. Louis. Yesterday, Ohio State beat Akron, and Michigan lost to Oregon...so we're off to a great start!
Who's your team, and how did they start the season?
I've been somewhat remiss in blogging...except there isn't really any news. It's a lot of sitting around and waiting for something to happen. Let's see...a laptop is winging its way to me from the West Coast (thanks Jerry). I shall be wireless! If I can manage to plug everything in correctly, which is ironic considering, well, wireless, right?
I also interviewed for a new position with my current employer. I'm excited about the opportunity, but a little blue because it will take me out of the classroom for at least a short period of time. However, a freelance opportunity has also come my way that might help fill that void.
On the writing front, I'm taking some advice and reading craft books. This was also a tough decision for me, not that I'm adverse to learning or honing. I'm a honer, believe me. A recent review of a WIP brough 'round the fact (again) that I don't write "romance" per se. So, the decision seems to be to either keep my current style and stay with smaller presses. Or, if I want to try the Big Houses, I'll have to...hone. I'll never know if I don't hone. A-honing I will go.
Now, that makes it sound like I've been superbusy, lol. One other interesting thing has happened--I've gotten reconnected with several people I'd lost track of over the years. So, Maria, I've tried to e-mail you, but they keep bouncing back as undeliverable. Leave me a comment here with some contact info because I'd love to talk. Hi to Holly and Johnny, too. Thanks for looking me up!
Pardon my short absence while I lazed on the beach, becoming a golden-skinned sun goddess surrounded by cabana boys and fruity drinks. Every Diva needs a few days, and mine were in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.
Remember when I was looking for things to watch on TV? Well, here you go:
Mad Men (AMC Thursdays @ 10 p.m. EST)
Set on Madison Avenue in 1960, this tale showcases the employees of Sterling Cooper, a top-flight ad agency. It takes not-so-subtle jabs at the 'advances' we've made since then in the areas of women and minorities in the workplace. Great lines like, "What, do you think there's a magic machine that makes copies?" and "If my dry cleaning ends up on the floor, you're in a lot of trouble, young lady!"--when a child comes into view with a plastic dry-cleaning bag over her head. It's tongue-in-cheek gone wild, and makes you wonder...how much has really changed?
The Company (TNT - in 3 parts starting Sunday, August 5 @ 8 p.m. EST)
Starring Chris O'Donnell (with really bad hair), Michael Keaton, and Alfred Molina as Cold War spies serving in the new CIA. Covers events like the Bay of Pigs, and Gorbachav's initiatives to end the war. Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Littell.
And in the theatre...there are polar bears!
Golden Compass (release December 7, 2007)
Arctic Tale (now showing in limited release, full release August 17, 2007)
Wow, I feel like I got hit by a Mac truck these last couple weeks! We'd been understaffed at work and started the quarter with few hands on deck, which meant more work for all of us. We pulled together and pulled it out, but I don't ever want to to do it again!
I have totally gotten out of my writing rhythm, sidetracked with the interview, movies, road trips, and, of course, the new Harry Potter (I'm on chapter 19 and enjoying every twist and turn). Next week, I head for a few days in sunny Ft. Lauderdale. Work related, but some much needed down-time, too.
All in all, no news is good news! I've been surfing Shelfari, like many other writers, so feel free to add me. My user name is mkindall.
Now why can't I find anyone to cart me about like that? I'm just as cute...
How to quit the gym in 13 easy steps:
1. Call the gym and try to cancel your account.
2. Go into the gym because they tell you to and try to cancel your account.
3. Have muscle-bound salesman try to talk you out of canceling your account.
4. Explain to muscle-bound salesman that even though there’s a new location of their gym opening “soon” close to you, you don’t care because you're a writer, and know that the word “soon” does NOT mean seven freaking months.
5. Have muscle-bound salesman throw a post-it note across the desk, lean back in chair, and snort, “You didn’t have to come in--all you have to do is call this number.”
6. Have front desk gal agree that muscle-bound salesman is an ass as she gives you your 9-digit account number and other pertinent details you will need to cancel your account (she wants to go to a new location, too).
7. Call handy-toll free number from gym parking lot--after all, you may have to go back inside.
8. Have gruff phone-boy tell you that you have to give written notification of your desire to cancel your account, and after sixty days, viola!
9. Ask gruff phone-boy if doing this will truly cancel your account. After all, you didn’t need to go to the gym, or make a phone call to actually accomplish the closing of your account. Tread carefully. This could be yet another ruse. Protect your firstborn.
10. Call back the next day and have a nice phone-gal give you their address and inform you that your account will be cancelled after thirty days.
11. Get her name, and include it in your letter.
12. Mail your letter at the actual post office. Twice. With extra postage.
13. Join new gym at less than 1/3 the total cost of your previous gym membership!
By following these easy steps, you, too, can be on your way to both fiscal and physical fitness! Good luck!
What a week! I've been to TEXAS and back, met a fabulous HQ Intrigue author, and came home to writing news! First, my friend BJ married a wonderful man in Houston over the weekend, please join me in wishing them the very best. At their reception, I met Joanna Wayne, who was lovely and fun, and scouting the out-of-towners for story ideas. I read two of her books on the flights to and fro--Maverick Christmas and Cape Diablo. Two thumbs up!
In writing news, I have covers! Below, the cover for my upcoming novella, Bootlegger's Bride, and the cover for my next vintage novel, All in Good Time. I still believe that TWRP put out the best cover art around.
WOW! Forest Whitaker is spot on as Idi Amin. If he doesn't win an Oscar, there's something wrong. Oddly enough, though, The Last King of Scotland is only *kinda* about him. The story is told from the POV of his personal doctor, who originally went to Uganda out of medical school to work in a mission. He encountered Amin by chance and the rest, well, you know.
Dr. Garrigan is portrayed in this movie as young, naive and impulsive. He makes several innane, cringeworthy misteps, yet he can't seem to calculate the outcome of his actions before he takes them, even after realizing he's in over his head. Several other important threads appear in the movie as well, including Orientalism, European paternalism, and the infiltration of another nation (the British in this case) into African politics. That's all a history teacher's dream, and it is historically accurate in the details. The film's website has some great stuff, including a timeline of Amin's reign, and Whitaker did a fantastic interview on Inside the Actor's Studio.
Alternate titles for this movie include:
-The stupidest white man ever in Africa and
-Keep it in your pants upon penalty of death
And, in WTF news: Does anyone but me think it's strange to see "Final Fantasy VII"? Did Webster change the meaning of FINAL and forget to tell me?
Olga tagged me, so as I wish you all your favorite things in 2007, here's a few of my "oldies but goodies."
1. Favorite book(s): It's unfortunate how little I've read this year. Also a bit embarrassing, since I used to read at least a book a week. Right now, I'm into The Rising Tide, by Jeff Shaara, and as usual, I love his work. But I also read The Secrets of Jin Shei, by Alma Alexander, who does an amazing job weaving history and fantasy into a whole new world.
2. Favorite movie - love story: The Holiday - See my review!
Favorite movie-action: Apocalypto - See my review!
Favorite movie-sci-fi: X-men III. Hugh Jackman in tight leather pants.
Movie I want to see: The Good Shepherd - seeing it tonight!
3. Favorite news: I loved the news that I was going to be able to teach this year. What a learning experience for me, and I hope for them as well. Any publishing news involving my friends was also great--and I love being a part of a new house, The Wild Rose Press.
4. Favorite show: Prison Break - for the character of Michael Scofield. Lost - for the overall storyline. Nip/Tuck because I can't look away.
5. Favorite song: "Candyman" by Christina Aguilera. It's so catchy. I can't help it.
Who to tag...who visits my blog? Um, Bailey, Jerri, and Melissa Marsh. If you want. NO pressure!
Introducing the All-Polar-Bear Christmas tree:
I took several shots, and this was the clearest. It also makes my living room look like a jar of mustard exploded, but I digress. I have bears on the tree, under the tree, and on the mantle:
Any cards I send will invariably have a polar bear on them somewhere. I don't get to indulge my sickness often, and I'm certain that it will terrify the Morris-Jenkins guy coming tomorrow for the routine furnace maintenance. In my defense, it did take me several years to reach this stage, and I do own other ornaments, mostly from my childhood. It's just so...CUTE! I beg the indulgence of the court for the duration of the holiday season :)
The minty boldess
That wakens my mouth
The stretchy sweet confection
That lets me have fun
How many miles have we run
How long the years together
How many dollars spent
On our one-sided friendship
Farewell, my old friend
The caring, sharing sliver
Of polar ice or bubble yum
The freshener of long days
My dentist tells me, "no more gum." It's a sad, sad day. I didn't realize how close we'd become over the years, and now (sniffle)...it seems so sudden.
As I mentioned to Olga on her blog, I don't make resolutions on New Year's Day. Tossing tradition aside, I make my resolutions on my birthday. I don't tell anyone about them until the year's over (unless someone else plays an integral part in making them come true, and it's hardly fair to include another's good will in your dream), and it's usually one big thing that I can work on for most of the year. It might be financial, or career related, or it might be to go back to school for something. It might be personal--or personal-ish--something outside my mainstream career.
It's worked out pretty well, and with my birthday coming right up, I've been contemplating my navel. Which is pretty cute. And my future as well. What do I want to accomplish in the next year? In the past, my goals have included finishing my history credential so I could teach, buying and house, and publishing.
If it were YOU, what would your Big Goal be?
First..the breaking news...The Knot is now available on Amazon! You can search for me along with my brother and that "other" famous Jerry Kindall who played baseball or something. We don't know him.
Second...my edits are complete for my holiday short story, coming soon to The Wild Rose Press! Nice to work with a new editor and get something tucked away.
Third...had my annual review at The Day Job today and got me a raise! Well, cost o' living, which means I can now buy gasoline without losing my shirt. I'm running out of shirts, you know?
Last...I just ordered a pizza for dinner. Papa John's is right around the corner, and yes. I gave in to temptation. I always get pep and mush. I *can* have other toppings, but this is the best combo. So tell me. What do you like on your pizza?
And considering I just filled up my car, I ought to put on a shirt before the delivery guy gets here...details, details!
I have the eye twitch. You know, that annoying spasm in your lower eyelid? Left eye. Which can only mean one thing. Stress. Yes, boys and girls, it's the wild week between quarters! Only one week before the biggest start of the year. Who's idea was it (corporately speaking) to have only one week at this point in the year? Don't answer that. I can't do anything about it anyway.
I did get before and after pics of my office posted, if anyone wants to see where I write (and do my notes for class). It's tough to get good light in the room, so I have to make the colors clear--red curtains and wall, khaki on the other walls, and black furniture. In one shot, the khaki looks yellow, kind of like McDonald's. Think "Target" instead. There you go...
I'll send an autographed copy of The Knot to the first person to correctly guess how many polar bears are visible in these shots :)
Does anoyone else use iTunes? I just uploaded the latest version, and I swear, it's more trouble than it's worth. It always effs things up. Stalls, doesn't play well with the other programs. Tips? I just wanna listen to some tunes while I write, but it frustrates the bejezus out of me. That's right. I said it. The bejezus. Take that, iTunes!
Yesterday, I spent a good chunk of the day watching Miami Ink on TLC. I also will stop and watch Inked on A&E if I stumble across it. More and more people are getting tattooed every year, and not just the 'kids'.
I got my tattoo when I was 24, after I got out of grad school. I set aside my spare change until I had enough to pay for it. Which is why it's really unfortunate that it looks a lot like prison art. It's a design I drew myself, which is part of the problem, of a Celtic knot from a tombstone. You can deduce that it's not very well done. The only good thing is that it's on my lower back, so I don't have to see it unless I want to.
I don't regret getting it--not at all. I regret not shopping around and getting a better artist, and I've been wanting to go to a good artist and see what can be done with it. I mean, I'll have it with me for the rest of my days, so it ought to be something that looks--at least--okay.
Who out there has some ink? Where and of what? Would you never do it? Am I crazy for wanting to get mine 'touched up'?
Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday weekend. By coincidence, the holiday coincides with my teaching this US History class...and I got a little too happy about ordering pocket Constitutions the other day. Now I have The History Channel on--they're profiling all the presidents and show these neat little Presidental trading cards. I wonder if they sell those...
It seems The Knot may be released as early at mid-July! My experience with The Wild Rose Press has been awsome and happily uncomplicated (you hear horror stories, you know). I've also met a great group of authors through their forum, which is open to the public, so stop by.
The front page shows me as "coming soon" and you can read my blurb HERE.
On top of that, I recently spent some time revamping myspace to match upcoming changes to my website. If you aren't my friend yet, don't hesitate to ask ;)
So who's doing what for the 4th?
Got a lot going on in the Real World today, so here's a funny a colleague (Steve) left on my desk...
It's so true--sometimes you don't realize what direction you're taking until it comes out of your mouth. I may be doing a lot of talking today. Productive, I hope, though perhaps not easy or (cringe) kind. When I grow up, I'll be a novelist and won't have to worry about this crap any more. So there!
(Please don't burst my bubble of hope, LOL!)
Hello, my name is Marty, and I'm an introvert. Unfortunately, most of my friends are not. One of them is having a big party this afternoon. I admit that I've considered ways to get out of going. But then I decided to put on my Big Girl panties and go. I didn't have to stay if I didn't want to, but he'd invited me, and he broke into my house when I locked myself out, so I owe him (big sigh).
Long story short, I got a phone call yesterday that *may* preclude me going to his party. The mother of one of my friends passed away. This was, of course, not the kind of excuse I was looking for. But don't you hate it when people know you sooooo well? I called Party Guy (because it wasn't fair for me to just not show up) and I say I might not be there. Before I can get it all out of my mouth, he's all, "I knew you were going to do this!" blah blah blah.
OK, yes, I was thinking about it. But sometimes I can have a good reason. In parting, huge hugs to my friend at the loss of her mother. She's one in a million, and has already lost both her parents. Tough as nails and a straight-shooter, there's no one in life I more want on my side. Love you.
Yesterday was one of 'those' days. Up and down, jerked around, things going great and things heading south.
Up side: I finished writing The Knot!
Down side: I had to work late!
Up side: I won the prize for April @ Romance News!
Down side: I locked myself out of my house!
It's that last one that did me in, my Extreme Blonde Moment. Here's to the weekend!
On an earlier Oprah, Morgan Spurlock of FX's Thirty Days and his wife agreed to live on minimum wage for (yes) thirty days. It turned out to be an impossible task. Minimum wage has not been raised in the past ten years, although the cost of living continues to rise, and is one reason the rich get richer, as the poor get poorer. USA Today is also on the bandwagon. What can you do? Contact your national leglislators and pressure them to get raise the national minimum wage. If you want the American Dream to persist, we have to create a fair environment for competition.
In prepping my lesson for class today, I covered 'settler colonies' like The United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. One of the distinct differences when compared to the mother country? No social hierarchy--everyone was more or less on the same plane, with the advantage of immediately instituting democratic political systems. This is one reason why class hasn't been a big issue in America, and we don't like to think of ourselves in that way.
But has an 'aristocracy' developed in the US? What about the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Hiltons and Johnsons? What about Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, or celebrities? While you'll never hear me say that money makes a person 'classy'--it does give opportunities that not everyone can easily afford. In some historical cases, the class divide was great enough to provoke anger and social unrest. We aren't to that point here.
Bottom line: we still live in the greatest country in the world, where hard work and education can open doors and we can aim high to achieve. It's not magic--it doesn't just happen--it has to be maintained, like all good things.
Today, Oprah talked about class. As in socio-economic class. It was very interesting, and pointed out that the divide between the haves and have-nots is increasing. Something like 40% of the population controls the majority of the wealth, earning high six-figures, while the remainder toil for a median salary near 34k annually.
The econonmic advisor from the Clinton administration said that this widening gap does threaten the stability of the United States--that if people no longer believe they can achieve the "American Dream" they become frustrated, and in that frustration, become socially and politically dangerous.
He has a point. Last quarter, when discussing the fall of Rome with my students, one of them asked if I thought the United States was in decline. I answered yes, and we proceeded to make parallels from Rome to the United States, as well as other examples.
Like it or not, I think Keynes had it right. Economics (money) is the driving force behind history. When asked where the money was going next, my students had no problem identifiying countries like China and Korea. Oprah's site has a quiz to help you evaluate your socio-economic class. I'm not asking you to post results, but take a look and consider some of those questions. If you don't think you can live or achieve your dream or rise to another economic level...what does that mean to you?
As always, when focus and concentration is needed...lots of distractions come my way. Here are just a few:
The NCAA basketball tournament - I've been following college basketball since I drew breath, so it's not like I didn't know this was coming. But it is where I start to miss the laptop. Add to that the fact that I run our office pool (with decidedly low food stakes), and there's one more thing to keep track of.
EoQ - better known as end of quarter. Making sure I can shove all that information about the early modern era into my last two lectures. All while keeping my fly zipped. Nothing like discovering later what all the snickers were about. Add to that the fact that there's only one week between quarters, which mean I must get my next syllabus ready to go and start prepping for those lectures...and there's lots more things to keep track of.
Shopping! - While the downstairs of my happy home is happy, the upstairs needs work. And I'm on it! This week I found severely marked-down barstools for my kitchen AND a comforter set and rug for the bedroom. Next up: paint. I hope to use the long Easter weekend to paint the room.
All of those are things I love and need to do (and I get paid for one of them!). But I'm pooped and the headache monster struck last night. Drugs all around. Today I'm multi-tasking--going to my parent's to watch 'ball, be fed, and grade papers!
GO BUCKS!
Are you resistant to change? I can be...I like a good routine, but a rut? Not so much. There's a rut I need to get out of, and something's going on that I didn't anticipate--and I'm not sure how far out of my rut it's going to pull me.
For you hopeful types, I'm not talking about a man. In case you haven't noticed, I don't talk about that here, but thanks for your support :D
No, I'm talking about my exercise rut. I know I've blogged about it before, the move, new shoes, blah blah blah. This weekend it hit me. I'm turining into my mother. She has a progressive nerve disorder with some humorous name (I have it written down in case I need to ask my doctor), but it renders her unable to keep her blance, or to grip things well, etc. She's just become rather unsteady--more than typical for age. I don't want that to be me, so I need to keep in shape to help stave off the possibility. I went into my local Curves chain last week, and was promptly dismissed because, well, I don't look like I need to lose weight. I don't--I'm well within the boundaries for my height, and I know how to dress to hide those problem areas (thanks Alease). But that doesn't mean I should rest on my laurels. I decided not to go with Curves, because they can only take me so far, and have recommitted to the gym and Mr. Billy Blanks, the oddly hairless inventor of Tae-Bo.
The other shift is with my writing and the time and concentration I spend on it. With teaching, I find I get my work done for a week of class, then am free to go to the RWW forum, open a WIP, or whatever. My focus is more clear right now than ever before. It's a scary thing!
-current clothing: jeans, white tank/green sweater combo, cowboy boots
-current hair: mid-length, layered, clipped back
-current mood: still a little blah, but coming out of it
-current refreshment: Diet Dr. Pepper - cherry vanilla (dessert in a can)
-current annoyance: not having enough time in the day
-current avoidance: GMC charts
-current smell: Warm vanilla sugar
-current thing you ought to be doing: scouring the admissions files for missing transcripts
-current thing or things on your wall: I'm @ work, so in my office I have my diplomas, a bulletin board with the class schedules, a calendar, my Ohio State pennant, and various pics of cute animals (mostly polar bears). I have an Eliot Porter print behind me, and some pics of the kids in my life on another board.
-current IM/person you’re talking to: can't do that @ work
-current jewelry: set of silver w/green stones (necklace & earrings), my claddaugh ring, and a ring with a green stone my friend gave me for my last birthday
-current book: aside from the wips of my crit partners, I'm about to start The Alphabet versus the Goddess by Leonard Shlain. Recommened by a friend @ work.
-current worry: dying alone, lol
-current favorite celebrity: Scott Speedman
-current obsession: shopping
-current love: My family and friends
-current longing: too many and too personal to mention
-current disappointment: my $#%#%
-current lyric in your head: "Seven days all have special meaning, but you just call it a week."
-current music: The Corrs "Borrowed Heaven" CD
-current favorite book: Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice
-current favorite movie: Gladiator
-current wish: that I could teach full time and ditch the rest
-current happy thing: writing & good friends
-current undergarments: well, let's jus say it's all the same color - gray
-current desktop picture: Wentworth Miller
-current plans for tonight/weekend: Putting together new bedroom furniture
Ugh! Notice how many times I mentioned W-O-R-K?
Thanks for the tag, Tyler...here we go!
Seven things I want to do before I die:.
-learn to swim
-fix my tattoo, which I currently call 'prison art'
-travel out of the country (Canada does not count)
-sell my books
-fall in love again
-get my Ph.D.
-Shoot. Yes, a gun. Call it research if you must.
Seven things I cannot do well:
-bowl
-confront
-add
-subtract
-multiply
-divide
-say no
Seven things that attracted me to my spouse:
-ooh, so sorry, not so much married...
Seven things I say most often:
-Really?
-Yes, this is my serious face
-No problem
-What's your student ID number?
-I need some coffee
-It's in my faculty folder on the shared drive
-Living or dead?
Seven Books I love:
-Interview with the Vampire (Ann Rice)
-Sacred Hoops (Phil Jackson)
-Carrie (Stephen King)
-The North & South series (John Jakes)
-The Killer Angels (Michael Shaara)
-Gone for Soldiers (Jeff Shaara)
-Shogun (James Clavell)
Seven Movies I would watch over and over again:
-Glory
-Gettysburg
-Gladiator
-Cinderella Man
-Last of the Mohicans
-Hoosiers
-Serenity
Seven People I want to be tagged:
-Sorry, the madness ends here!
As you may have noticed, I have a new home! Yay! I'm grateful for this new home and technology that allows me to blog with ease. You may also have noticed that my blog is u-g-l-y. Maybe not ugly. Spartan? Isn't that what the Mayor said to Faith? Upon further investigation, you may also notice that I don't have any links up. When I figure out how, I will. Don't lose heart. My brother said to try Blogrolling, so I created an account and loaded my links...and have no further idea how to get it over here. Sigh. Bear with me. It's kinda like my house. It'll get there.
In reading news: I just finished Ann Rice's new book Christ the Lord. Not for everyone, but I liked it. I'm also 100 pages into The Introvert Advantage. 100 pages of telling me how physiologically I'm an introvert. Still waiting for the 'advantage' part. I also read Shelby Reed's latest from EC, Holiday Inn. Shelby is an on-call CP, and I'm sure one of the reasons my Jasmine scores were solid. If you haven't read her, don't pass go, don't collect $200. And finally, arriving yesterday, Are You Lonesome Tonight. Though I'm not a huge Elvis fan, a friend convinced me to give it a read and see what I thought. I'll let ya know!
What's in your wallet...er, your bookshelf? Or you can tell me what's in your wallet. Whatever.