I wrote a letter to the editor of the Las Cruces Sun News (the daily paper) and they printed it this past Sunday. Just go here http://www.lcsun-news.com/opinion/ci_10279142
and you can see my letter.
You may have to copy and paste but check it out!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
WTF?!
Seriously?! Another 90210?! Do we really need another TV show that shows us the trials and tribulations of rich white kids? I think we've covered that with the original 90210, oh wait and Melrose Place, oh and The O.C. and the newly developed Gossip Girl? I didn't like those shows then and I don't like them now.
I hope this new 90210 bombs, or at least they make the chubby girl or the one with the pimples or the class outcast the prom queen. I had hoped we had gotten past the skinny, pretty people TV shows but maybe we're not as evolved in entertainment as I thought.
Sigh...
OK, I just re-read the statement "evolved in entertainment" and that is ridiculous. HA!
I hope this new 90210 bombs, or at least they make the chubby girl or the one with the pimples or the class outcast the prom queen. I had hoped we had gotten past the skinny, pretty people TV shows but maybe we're not as evolved in entertainment as I thought.
Sigh...
OK, I just re-read the statement "evolved in entertainment" and that is ridiculous. HA!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Recent events...
I went on a mini vacation this past weekend to Phoenix and it was so great. Jake and I were supposed to have friends come into town and sadly they had to cancel, but I already had the weekend off, so we took the opportunity to go somewhere. We saw a couple of baseball games and had delicious baseball hot dogs. (There is nothing like a hot dog at a baseball game, it tastes so good! And no I don't want to know what is in them.)
The Diamondbacks lost the first game but one the second, and it was a fun palce to people watch as most sporting events are. We screamed and hoot and hollered for the home team. And had a grand time.
We stayed in this amazing hotel with a king-sized bed, a gorgeous pool, a yummy continental breakfast, and refrigerated air conditioning. It was so relaxing and refreshing and at the end neither Jake nor I wanted to leave. It was just so nice. So nice
I'll post some pictures later.
I have a writing assignment due in a little less than two weeks and I think I have my topic and a really good rough draft done. I find it hard to get going on topics, but once I do it just rolls. Patience is a big thing in writing for me. But even more is persistence.
I'm reading the new David Sedaris book called When You Are Engulfed In Flames. I realize that I never read the book that I say I'm going to. But I'll get to them all eventually. Seriously, reading for a living...perfect.
But this book, I love David Sedaris, he's so witty and honest and funny. He just writes essays about his life I love to read it. Jake and I listened to one of his first books on tape on the way to Phoenix. That was fun. Sometimes it's hard for us to find a book on tape/disc that we both want to listen to. But we both loved David Sedaris (I'd call him by just his first name but then I feel it's like I know him like my next door neighbor.)
Today I got another phone call from the manager at the downtown B&N in Minneapolis today and he's offered me another interview for the cafe manager position. I'm up for both positions which is great and I'd be happy with either. It's awesome to hear that other people think that I am qualified and want me to be a part of their team. I'm excited to stay with the company and I'm even more excited to be a part of a team that wants me.
Life is good, things are good, I am good. :-)
The Diamondbacks lost the first game but one the second, and it was a fun palce to people watch as most sporting events are. We screamed and hoot and hollered for the home team. And had a grand time.
We stayed in this amazing hotel with a king-sized bed, a gorgeous pool, a yummy continental breakfast, and refrigerated air conditioning. It was so relaxing and refreshing and at the end neither Jake nor I wanted to leave. It was just so nice. So nice
I'll post some pictures later.
I have a writing assignment due in a little less than two weeks and I think I have my topic and a really good rough draft done. I find it hard to get going on topics, but once I do it just rolls. Patience is a big thing in writing for me. But even more is persistence.
I'm reading the new David Sedaris book called When You Are Engulfed In Flames. I realize that I never read the book that I say I'm going to. But I'll get to them all eventually. Seriously, reading for a living...perfect.
But this book, I love David Sedaris, he's so witty and honest and funny. He just writes essays about his life I love to read it. Jake and I listened to one of his first books on tape on the way to Phoenix. That was fun. Sometimes it's hard for us to find a book on tape/disc that we both want to listen to. But we both loved David Sedaris (I'd call him by just his first name but then I feel it's like I know him like my next door neighbor.)
Today I got another phone call from the manager at the downtown B&N in Minneapolis today and he's offered me another interview for the cafe manager position. I'm up for both positions which is great and I'd be happy with either. It's awesome to hear that other people think that I am qualified and want me to be a part of their team. I'm excited to stay with the company and I'm even more excited to be a part of a team that wants me.
Life is good, things are good, I am good. :-)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Breaking through my block
They say that practice makes perfect. It's true. Ive had writer's block and I hate that term, it seems like a cop out to just doing it. But it really is a block, a thick cloud that just hovers in front of that spot where inspiration gets into you. Everything I've read says that if you want to write, just write. Quit thinking about it a just write.
So tonight after writing about how frustrating this cloudy block is I made a breakthrough and finally was able to get something worthwhile down on paper. It's messy and choppy right now but I know it has focus. I feel like I've had a successful night after starting off with a bad headache.
I've got a deadline on this one and it's creeping up quickly. I don't want to J-I-N-X myself here, but I think I work well on deadlines. Now that I have a rough layout of this piece I really feel like I can push head-on and make this a good one.
So tonight after writing about how frustrating this cloudy block is I made a breakthrough and finally was able to get something worthwhile down on paper. It's messy and choppy right now but I know it has focus. I feel like I've had a successful night after starting off with a bad headache.
I've got a deadline on this one and it's creeping up quickly. I don't want to J-I-N-X myself here, but I think I work well on deadlines. Now that I have a rough layout of this piece I really feel like I can push head-on and make this a good one.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Immediate thoughts on Whats Eating Gilbert Grape
I just finished reading What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and spoiler alert! - if you haven't read the book or seen the movie you may want to stop reading.
I don't remember the mom dying in the movie, but she does in the book which came to a surprise to me. It was just so quick. But I guess that is the way death is, it's not trumpets and big balloons, it's just a moment. A moment of change. But it seemed to be a much more meaningful step forward in the life of the Grape children. The whole story felt like they were all waiting for the inevitable, but unsure of what that was. And when that inevitable happened, it was like an unknown weight was lifted, not only from each characters shoulders but also from the actual house itself. And to top it off, all the children collectively burn down the house. They take out what was important and what was needed and then set the house on fire. With their momma still inside. It was like their own farewell ceremony. The whole family operated in a way that worked for them, never doing what they felt others thought they should do.
I'm usually very sad when a character dies, but this seemed like a breath of fresh air for the family. This may have been the only ending of a book where a character dies and I can see the other characters moving on, rather than wallowing in the loss. How oddly satisfying.
I tend to like my books to go somewhere, to have a climax and a resolve. This book went somewhere but it's not until the last two pages that you realize the journey these characters have been on. The whole time Gilbert moves through his daily life in a dazed routine. He doesn't do anything because he wants to but simply because he has to. He has an obligation to his family that is slowly killing him but seems to be his life support too.
This story is wonderfully told through the mundane view of Gilbert Grape. Yet you want to keep reading, he gets under your skin and you care about him. You understand his unending need to please his family and his overwhelming urge to escape it all. It's a great character study into the whys of human nature and connection with others.
I don't remember the mom dying in the movie, but she does in the book which came to a surprise to me. It was just so quick. But I guess that is the way death is, it's not trumpets and big balloons, it's just a moment. A moment of change. But it seemed to be a much more meaningful step forward in the life of the Grape children. The whole story felt like they were all waiting for the inevitable, but unsure of what that was. And when that inevitable happened, it was like an unknown weight was lifted, not only from each characters shoulders but also from the actual house itself. And to top it off, all the children collectively burn down the house. They take out what was important and what was needed and then set the house on fire. With their momma still inside. It was like their own farewell ceremony. The whole family operated in a way that worked for them, never doing what they felt others thought they should do.
I'm usually very sad when a character dies, but this seemed like a breath of fresh air for the family. This may have been the only ending of a book where a character dies and I can see the other characters moving on, rather than wallowing in the loss. How oddly satisfying.
I tend to like my books to go somewhere, to have a climax and a resolve. This book went somewhere but it's not until the last two pages that you realize the journey these characters have been on. The whole time Gilbert moves through his daily life in a dazed routine. He doesn't do anything because he wants to but simply because he has to. He has an obligation to his family that is slowly killing him but seems to be his life support too.
This story is wonderfully told through the mundane view of Gilbert Grape. Yet you want to keep reading, he gets under your skin and you care about him. You understand his unending need to please his family and his overwhelming urge to escape it all. It's a great character study into the whys of human nature and connection with others.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Olympics, my Babe, and books
I think Michael Phelps is super-human. The way he swims is ridiculous. And impressive. Plus he seems humble and like the boy-next-door. I love the Olympics.
Jake comes home tonight! I'm excited, and I think we're both excited to see each other again. It's been two weeks and I've missed him.
I finished reading a book called Candy Girl, by Diablo Cody, the writer of the movie Juno. Candy Girl is the story of her year spent as a stripper in Minneapolis. I was throughly entertained. it was well-written, witty, and gave an interesting insight into the foreign world of stripping. I'm back to reading Whats Eating Gilbert Grape? I've seen the movie but don't remember it very well so I don't know where the book is going. Honestly I hope it goes somewhere, but I think it's going to stay on the same mundane yet well-written path. That mundaneness is the essence of Gilbert, so it has to encompass the book.
I have another book in mind for when this one is done. And one after that. One on deck and one in the hole, as they say.
Seriously if I could read for a living, I would be so happy.
Jake comes home tonight! I'm excited, and I think we're both excited to see each other again. It's been two weeks and I've missed him.
I finished reading a book called Candy Girl, by Diablo Cody, the writer of the movie Juno. Candy Girl is the story of her year spent as a stripper in Minneapolis. I was throughly entertained. it was well-written, witty, and gave an interesting insight into the foreign world of stripping. I'm back to reading Whats Eating Gilbert Grape? I've seen the movie but don't remember it very well so I don't know where the book is going. Honestly I hope it goes somewhere, but I think it's going to stay on the same mundane yet well-written path. That mundaneness is the essence of Gilbert, so it has to encompass the book.
I have another book in mind for when this one is done. And one after that. One on deck and one in the hole, as they say.
Seriously if I could read for a living, I would be so happy.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday evening's good things
I'm watching the Olympics and the men just won gold in the 400 relay (at least thats what I think the race was). I don't know if I've ever seen such genuine good emotion from a group of people as I did just now. They were so excited and so proud, and just hoot and hollered and jumped around. You can't help but want to jump around with them and pump your fists in the air. Way to go, boys!
I love the Olympics, it's the one time where everyone can put aside differences and route for something good and honest.
Plus I talked to my boyfriend today after him camping the in the northern wilderness for a week. It was so nice to hear his voice and tell him about my new job opportunity.
I love the Olympics, it's the one time where everyone can put aside differences and route for something good and honest.
Plus I talked to my boyfriend today after him camping the in the northern wilderness for a week. It was so nice to hear his voice and tell him about my new job opportunity.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thee Best Day EVER!
I don't think anything could beat these 3 good things in one day!
1. I had a customer tell me a I had a very lovely smile today. And when someone does that you the receiver can't help but smile even bigger, like a goon. But I did, said thanks and continued on my morning.
2. I have a bunch of Special Ed. guys come in about once a week. One of them walks like he's the opposite of pigeon toed, with big long strides and always like he has a purpose. he has wide leg, flood water pants, and glasses. He's quiet the character, always smiling, always happy. He will come in, go to the same set of head phones, and find the song Karma Chamelion, and sing loudly with the headphones on, over and over. It's endearing. Today he came striding up to be and said with his little lisp, "I have an interview." (not really pronouncing the R, intiview) "At Cattle Baron, to be a dish washa." (remember he doesn't pronounce the R's. He was so proud and so excited that you couldn't help but be proud and excited for him. I shook his hand and wished him luck.
3. This last one is the best. At lunch I got a phone call, it was the store manager of the Barnes and Noble in downtown Minneapolis. They have an open position for me, I was highly recommended, for the music manager. He is willing to wait until I come home in October for the face to face interview. And the best part about this job, is the music manager goes out and talks to the jazz bars and the Minnesota Orchestra to have people come and play in the store! I was so surprised and excited that it showed on the phone. "That is awesome!" and "Oh my gosh, I love that!" and "I'm so excited!" were all that came out of my mouth. So I have to arrange an interview for after I arrive back home, and I was highly recommended. Yea me!
Like I said, Thee Best Day Ever!
1. I had a customer tell me a I had a very lovely smile today. And when someone does that you the receiver can't help but smile even bigger, like a goon. But I did, said thanks and continued on my morning.
2. I have a bunch of Special Ed. guys come in about once a week. One of them walks like he's the opposite of pigeon toed, with big long strides and always like he has a purpose. he has wide leg, flood water pants, and glasses. He's quiet the character, always smiling, always happy. He will come in, go to the same set of head phones, and find the song Karma Chamelion, and sing loudly with the headphones on, over and over. It's endearing. Today he came striding up to be and said with his little lisp, "I have an interview." (not really pronouncing the R, intiview) "At Cattle Baron, to be a dish washa." (remember he doesn't pronounce the R's. He was so proud and so excited that you couldn't help but be proud and excited for him. I shook his hand and wished him luck.
3. This last one is the best. At lunch I got a phone call, it was the store manager of the Barnes and Noble in downtown Minneapolis. They have an open position for me, I was highly recommended, for the music manager. He is willing to wait until I come home in October for the face to face interview. And the best part about this job, is the music manager goes out and talks to the jazz bars and the Minnesota Orchestra to have people come and play in the store! I was so surprised and excited that it showed on the phone. "That is awesome!" and "Oh my gosh, I love that!" and "I'm so excited!" were all that came out of my mouth. So I have to arrange an interview for after I arrive back home, and I was highly recommended. Yea me!
Like I said, Thee Best Day Ever!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
:-)
At work today I was making the rounds among customers, cleaning up after them and making sure no one was stealing. I came around a corner and there was a kid, maybe 9 or 11, crouched a little lower than normal, and right as I walked by he totally farted! And then he realized that I had walked by at the same time and he ran the other direction. I played it off like an adult should and completely ignored it. Of course I had a big grin on my face and was muffling my laughter, and kept walking. Hilarious! Farts are always funny!
And I am making some mac and cheese. And yes I'm 29, and yes I can cook, and yes I should be eating better but that stuff will always be good!
And I am making some mac and cheese. And yes I'm 29, and yes I can cook, and yes I should be eating better but that stuff will always be good!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Wednesday
I'm alone, I'm bored and it's hot.
Several hours later, it has cooled off. I've watched a movie called the Machinist, that one threw me for a loop. Take Memento, Fight Club, and some of the psychological craziness of Stephen King and you get this movie. I recommend it if you want to be confused for 98 minutes and then shocked for the last 2.
Now I'm watching Back to the Future, might watch all three and crocheting.
Not a very exciting day in the life of me. And that is OK.
Several hours later, it has cooled off. I've watched a movie called the Machinist, that one threw me for a loop. Take Memento, Fight Club, and some of the psychological craziness of Stephen King and you get this movie. I recommend it if you want to be confused for 98 minutes and then shocked for the last 2.
Now I'm watching Back to the Future, might watch all three and crocheting.
Not a very exciting day in the life of me. And that is OK.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Tuesday in 8 steps or less
Today...
1. I woke up after a funny dream and had no problem getting out of bed. Usually I sit there for a minute or two.
2. I got ready and walked out of the house looking very cute with a flirty skirt and high heels (which I traded for flats a few hours in)
3. Get to work and am pleased to be there.
4. And I find 16 tags ripped of CD's sitting on the counter. Some lady that looks like a drug addict came in last night and ripped the tags off, bagged the CD's in a Dillards bag and left within a few minutes. (Don't get me started on who was working and what they were doing.)
5. And this ruins my fantastic mood until mid-day when a customer came in, asked what was wrong and then proceeded to make me laugh.
6. I got back my third assignment back in the mail and it got rave reviews. Yea me!
7. Now I'm watching Friends (on DVD, would you expect any less?) because the stuff on the actual TV sucks, yet I don't want to shut it off.
8. Tomorrow on my mid-week day off, I plan on laying out in the sun for a bit, reading and writing.
1. I woke up after a funny dream and had no problem getting out of bed. Usually I sit there for a minute or two.
2. I got ready and walked out of the house looking very cute with a flirty skirt and high heels (which I traded for flats a few hours in)
3. Get to work and am pleased to be there.
4. And I find 16 tags ripped of CD's sitting on the counter. Some lady that looks like a drug addict came in last night and ripped the tags off, bagged the CD's in a Dillards bag and left within a few minutes. (Don't get me started on who was working and what they were doing.)
5. And this ruins my fantastic mood until mid-day when a customer came in, asked what was wrong and then proceeded to make me laugh.
6. I got back my third assignment back in the mail and it got rave reviews. Yea me!
7. Now I'm watching Friends (on DVD, would you expect any less?) because the stuff on the actual TV sucks, yet I don't want to shut it off.
8. Tomorrow on my mid-week day off, I plan on laying out in the sun for a bit, reading and writing.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday = impromtu goodness
I had a lunch date with my friend Jamie today and that was lovely. She is fantastic and so much fun and has an infectious laugh! Love you, Jamie!
Afterward I didn't know what to do or where to go. I wanted to do anything but come home and sit ont he couch in front of the devil box (that is what my tv has become in the past few days). So I went to Target. Just about any girl I know can waste an hour in Target and rarely leave empty handed. This picture was what I came away with. Behold the find of the week Ladies and Gentlemen, I got these shoes for under $6.00!! That's right! I have been lusting after them all summer but refused to pay full price. Bargin shopper I am and in this case my patience was a virtue. Aren't they so freaking cute?!
Who knew?!
I never thought I'd like running, but it's getting addictive. I used to say "No one should run unless they are being chased with a knife."
Not anymore. It feels good, it gives me more energy, and makes me want to do it again the next day.
Wow. Sometimes I amaze myself.
Not anymore. It feels good, it gives me more energy, and makes me want to do it again the next day.
Wow. Sometimes I amaze myself.
A day in the life of moi
I worked at 3pm today and regret not doing a damn thing until I left for work. The couch was just calling my name and I didn't refuse. it made the first hour of work rough, just to get into the swing of things. But work went well. No one yelled, I answered most questions and was even told I was wonderful. That was nice.
I have some good things for today.
1. I'm back in touch (thanks to facebook) with a friend from college. She was one of the first people I became friends with freshman year, and we've lost touch since graduation. Getting back in touch with old friends always brings a smile.
2.I had to sell a favorite chair of mine and even cried when it left the house. But my mom found me a new one back in MN and she sent me a picture of it today. It puts my old red chair to shame and I love it! It's purple and over-stuffed and fantastic! I can't hardly wait to sit in it.
3. I talked to my aunt today. Having sat on the couch, I got a bit lonely and I dialed her up to say hello. It's always nice to talk to family.
What were you're three good things for today?
I have some good things for today.
1. I'm back in touch (thanks to facebook) with a friend from college. She was one of the first people I became friends with freshman year, and we've lost touch since graduation. Getting back in touch with old friends always brings a smile.
2.I had to sell a favorite chair of mine and even cried when it left the house. But my mom found me a new one back in MN and she sent me a picture of it today. It puts my old red chair to shame and I love it! It's purple and over-stuffed and fantastic! I can't hardly wait to sit in it.
3. I talked to my aunt today. Having sat on the couch, I got a bit lonely and I dialed her up to say hello. It's always nice to talk to family.
What were you're three good things for today?
Friday, August 1, 2008
Two funnies
I just saw Wall-E, and it's so darn-tooting cute! If you thought Short Circuit was cute, this ups the bar quite a bit. Who would have thought that animated robots who don't say many audible words could be so endearing? There is a love story more genuine than many human love stories. Plus it has a sweet message about saving the planet. I highly recommend it.
Then on the way home I saw some blinking lights up ahead on my right. I moved over to the left just in case whatever it was needed space. And it turns out it's a tow-truck waiting to turn onto the road I'm on. But the best part is that it's towing a cop car! Did the cop car double park and someone else had it towed? Did it break down? Who knows. I just tend to think that cop cars and cops don't need tow trucks. Almost like the cars are super power cars. I giggled to myself as I drove past.
It's Saturday tomorrow! Saturdays are always fun, work or no work.
Then on the way home I saw some blinking lights up ahead on my right. I moved over to the left just in case whatever it was needed space. And it turns out it's a tow-truck waiting to turn onto the road I'm on. But the best part is that it's towing a cop car! Did the cop car double park and someone else had it towed? Did it break down? Who knows. I just tend to think that cop cars and cops don't need tow trucks. Almost like the cars are super power cars. I giggled to myself as I drove past.
It's Saturday tomorrow! Saturdays are always fun, work or no work.
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