Halloween 2009
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Conflicted
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Adam, our friend Jessica, and I tried a new place for breakfast on Sunday. Food was good. Price was reasonable. But I do have one concern.
The name of the place includes the words “Two Hippies”. They have several restaurants in the area. And when I think hippie, I also think of earth-conscious. So when all of our meals for dine-in were served in styrofoam or closeable plastic containers. Our table was near a trash can which quickly filled up on everyone disposing of the containers.
Sigh.
No Big Deal, Right?
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It’s just walls. It’s just red paint. Beautiful cherry cobbler red paint. No big deal, right?
I mean, they were even a little bit dusty after five years because I chose flat paint and it’s had to clean flat paint. Probably could use a makeover, right?
Still, it was hard the other day to start the process of painting over the red walls I loved so much. I am not living in my townhouse anymore. Most likely I will be renting the place out. And a red bedroom is not everyone’s favorite.
So Adam found me sitting on the floor staring at a partially painted over wall with a roller of white paint in my hand. He wanted to make sure everything was okay.
“It just makes me sad.”
Why the big deal? You don’t live there!
Let’s rewind a few years. Back to my teacher days. Made considerably less money then with about ten times more responsibility. I had hit a rough patch where I was sinking in debt with no hopes of getting out. My parents bailed me out (clearly, I was too big to fail).
I set out to rebuild my life. I worked overtime. I worked second jobs. I had roommates. I sold plasma (yes). I switched teaching jobs for more pay. And to symbolize the recovery, I decided to decorate my room. My entire house was white walls and beige carpet. It was a little much. I like a little color.
Red walls. Black, white, tan, and silver accents. I loved it. Even if the edges were a little messy. Even if there are drops of paint on the carpet. I loved it.
And it was sad to see it go.
Stop Mumbling
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Back when I was teaching, I used to attempt at British accent in front of my students. I would say, “Stop Mumbling.”
It sounded more like, “Stop mummmmmbliiiiiiing.”
Twice this past week, I unfortunately referred to my own bad habit of mumbling. On Tuesday I was talking to a friend at work about last week’s events. I told him that I went to both days of Rainbow’s Festival and Aids Walk. He asked, “Did you say ‘Bull Dyke’?”
The next day I was talked to by cubemate. She was talking about back when she was in sales. I said, ” You had a rolodex.” She asked, “‘Did you say ‘Bull Dyke’?”.
I kid you not.
Enjoy:
Bull—
Dyke—
Nanowrimo 2009 Assistance Needed
Posted by jaywalkinaz | Filed under Uncategorized
In just under a month, I will begin working on my next Nanowrimo novel.
And most of you think I’m imaginative and creative–which I am–but I always seem to get stuck on little things.
So I need your help.
I need suggestions for:
1) character names–both male and female, first and last names.
2) names of restaurants, stores, and companies
3) anything else you think is worthy to be put into one of my novels.
I’m kind of thinking my novel will be about a guy who has lost everything–relationship, job, friends, self-esteem, matching socks–and then finds himself through a series of adventures that will make all of us laugh, cry, and cheer.
Thank you in advance.
Halloween Inspiration ‘09
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Long time readers to the blog will remember in recent years I have gotten more in to Halloween than I ever have in my life.
I guess growing up, it seem like a lot of people didn’t really put a lot of effort into their costume. A football jersey and some black marks under your eyes does not make you a football player. That, severe cold in Wyoming, and some people’s over emphasis on the ghoulish never really inspired me to do much.
Then I met some friends who really get into having a theme, and better yet, having fun!
Last year, I was Lucille Ball out partying with other deceased yet glamorous icons. The year before, we were all Dorothy’s.
This year’s has been planned for quite some time. Inspired by a Gloria Estefan music video. My friend Martin snagged some pictures. Currently, the seamstress is busy working to outfit our group of seven to become the Red Hots. More pictures to come.
Tags: Red Hots
Nanowrimo 2009 and Misc.
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It seems like every other day at work my cubemate turns to me and says, “I can’t believe it’s almost (insert new month).” Where has 2009 GONE?
It’s been a busy year for me. Helped Adam remodel his new house. Moved. Made minimal effort to remodel my own townhouse. Worked a second job. Was part of a special project at work. A few trips to Kobalt.
And now I’m facing in just over a month, the prospect that my cubemate will say, “I can’t believe it’s almost November.” Which means Nanowrimo.
Last year was my best year ever (of two) in attempting to write a novel in one month. I was about 20,000 words in when my computer crashed. I recovered most of the work, and now stand at 25, 000ish words. I like what I have written, but I’m stuck and don’t spend too much time writing because of other things in life.
So do I focus on completing other novel–or distract myself with a challenge of creating something new?
This time last year, I had compiled a list of witty and sarcastic lines that I wanted to include in a story about someone who was really bitter. I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to do–and I think that helped for Day 1 for my fingers to fly over the keyboard.
This year, I don’t have that same inspiration. But I’m actually leaning towards starting something new just to prove to myself that lightning does strike twice. That I’m as amazing as some people tell me I am.
And maybe, just maybe, I will have two manuscripts that I can be proud of and maybe market. Oh, the possibilites.
AIDS Walk 2009 Phoenix
Posted by jaywalkinaz | Filed under Uncategorized
I’ll be walking in this years AIDS Walk in downtown Phoenix.
I am helping Barbara Seville raise money by being one of her Wonderful 100. Help me raise $100 (or more) by oging to www.AidsWalk2009.org/W54343 and donating.
Thanks!
60 Days
Posted by jaywalkinaz | Filed under Uncategorized
So today there was a major presentation at work for a project I’ve been working on. I am part of the team as a whole, but since I sit by one of the manager’s, I got to be in charge of the presentation as well.
1) My powerpoint skills are limited.
2) My video conference technology skills are non-existent.
Nervous.
And the past week has been stressful getting everything together.
When we met early on today to go over the presentation, I got the added joy of getting to volunteer to cover a slide that my manager decided he wasn’t going to cover. Twenty minute prep time before going to the actual presentation.
Went well.
I need a martini.
Posted by jaywalkinaz | Filed under Uncategorized
Hmmm. Good question.
Last November, I started writing a novel as part of Nanowrimo’s annual competition.
I did pretty good. Nowhere near the goal, but better than I had ever done before.
I was sidetracked at the end when my computer crashed, but I was able to piece things together from a file I sent someone and what I had printed out.
Since then my focus as been more on boyfriend, work, house, tax season, second job, etc. But every now and then I get a few minutes to think about it. Sometimes I scratch down a few words.
I have been stuck with what is the middle of the story. I think I’ve figured it out though.
Another problem? I’m not really as bitter as I was last year about this time of year when I started preparing for Nanowrimo. I need to channel some of those emotions because that is central to the plot and the sarcastic things some of the characters say.
So as life starts to settle down a bit, and I as continue to ignore things like dirty dishes and laundry, I hope to sit down and finish the darn thing.
Tags: nanowrimo
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