I suppose it's that time of the year when cold weather sets in, but I still don't like it! Fortunately, we just barely missed the ice, just cold dreary rain. It's days like this I would love to have a laptop and just camp out in the bed, of course, nothing gets accomplished this way but, then again, it never does anyway! My husband and I visited our doctor for our yearly exam, no fun, but necessary. We both have cholesterol issues and so now we are on diets. I wasn't surprised, I do not eat the way I should. It's far easier to grab a sandwich or a frozen TV dinner for work than to eat something nutritious such as a salad and soup. It's kind of hard to even eat what I do, since there isn't a table to actually sit at. Sandwiches and TV dinners are easier to handle standing up or using my lap as a table. I must be doing something right though because I am not starving!
Christmas is just days away. It seems each year it becomes more difficult to buy things, to make things which I have also done in the past, this year, will be an impossibility, time and changes once again at work are going to prevent me from spreading waist lines. Our finances are squeaky tight, and with doctor visits, prescripts to fill, buying presents are becoming a faint possibility as well. Why is it that commercials portray happy families buying thousands of dollars worth of electronics and high dollar clothing, when in reality, those credit card bills that roll in in January won't get paid off for the next twenty years? I know these businesses need to make their money too, but they seem to make it look so wonderful and easy to purchase these items. I can almost guarantee folks who have had to foreclose on those fancy, expensive homes will be just like me, on the verge of scroogeville.
I have always thought Christmas should be about hoping for peace and goodwill, not just on a holiday, but throughout the whole year. Of course, Christmas isn't just about buying presents, I love to give out gifts, I am the most happiest when I do. What has happened to the original reason for the season? Commercialism. Stores are putting out the trees and ornaments in August, and it disgusts me. Families used to be happy if they were able to have food for a Christmas dinner and popcorn to decorate the tree they went out themselves and got, putting it up only days before Christmas. Some of my favorite Christmases were spent barely having presents. My folks had five kids to buy for, and some how they managed to get us all nice things. I know they had credit cards and I am sure they, just like anyone else who uses those things pay out the nose on interest rates for years. These days, it seems kids are not happy with pen and paper, a record, or coloring books and clothes to cover their butts. Is it just me or am I getting old? Is it because of high interest rates and gas prices? Shouldn't Christmas be about being with one's family and treasuring what they have instead of what they don't have? I don't know maybe I am just being a little grouchy, no money, and menopause definitely do not go hand in hand. Maybe I'll just out and by a bag of charcoal and put several lumps in sandwich bags and slap a bow on them! Am I funny or what?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
A night at Blue Moon/Alternative Body Creations
December 1st found us running behind for a scheduled sound check. We were supposed to be there at 4:00pm, four hours before my husband and his band "HaZarDuSt" are to go on stage. With me driving, we made it 30 minutes late, which is pretty good, considering I like to drive the speed limit.
The gig was at a place called the Blue Moon, located in Harrison, Arkansas. The guy, Bob ( don't know his last name) who runs the place also has a tattoo parlor/body piercing business next door. I'm not sure how long this place has been in business, but it appears he is doing fairly well in a town full of conservative stuffed shirts and skirts.
The first thing, Alan gets his finger pinched in his bass drum peddle, taking a chunk of meat out of his index finger and proceeds to bleed like a stuck pig. Ouch! It bled right through the two band aids, (but all is well now). It didn't seem to affect his playing capabilities, but I'm sure it throbbed.
The band room is pretty cool, clean and roomy stage. The walls are painted an electric blue with stars which I believe glow in the dark, (didn't notice because there were swirling lights everywhere) and posters of great rock icons such as Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin, complete with a couple of pool tables.
There was much speculation during the day as to whether the bass player, Jed would show up, it seems musicians have a tendency to show up late sort of thing. What do you know? He showed up, as a matter of fact, he was there before we were. Hazardust is the opening band of the three to play that night, and only for 45 minutes. This is a new band, and they have only been together for about a month. The guitar player, Jasun, has a cousin who is a drummer for the second band "Delta 9" was able to get them the 45 minute slot.
Harrison, is considered to be the "Hub of the Ozarks", where one can continue north to Branson or south to Little Rock, west to Fayettville or east to Yellville. It is also located in a dry county and as mentioned before in a very conservative town. If one wants to indulge in drink, they have to drive to the next county or to the state line. If they want, a person can pay a membership fee and hang out at one of the two or three private clubs. I think it won't be too long however before the voters will allow liquor into the county. I'm actually surprised by the tattoo parlor being in Harrison. I did learn that the police are just looking for a reason to shut the place down because of the fact that it is a family oriented place, I know! A tattoo parlor which is kid friendly. There were kids all over the place, doing what kids do, run, yell, and act goofy. Some of the older ones where just trying to act cool, boy, I sure do not miss those days! (Okay I do!)
I do think that it's great there is a place for kids to go and hang out and watch bands play. The owner is very conscious of the younger ones. He and one of his "chaperons" as a matter of fact were tracking some kids that were suspiciously hanging around in the back, doing who knew what, but it could and can get him shut down and unfortunately, some folks don't care or are not aware it could mean that another place for them could be snatched out from underneath them.
Anyway, I think there should be more places for kids to hang out, whether it is a music studio, gym or arcade. In what I'm referring to is the music, in schools it's one of the first programs to get axed and with the lack of funding for some parents who have to furnish the instruments, it's good to have someone who would rather see kids hanging out and watching musicians and perhaps learn something, than have them up to no good and end up in a bad situation. Besides, who knows, there could be the next Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton could show up there one of these days.
A little after five, the guys have their equipment set up and do the sound check. So far it sounds pretty good, the mix is fairly even, but I think Alan's drums need to be miked. He decides he will have to hit them harder when I tell him about my observation. The drummer for delta 9 has a bass drum mike and that helps. One thing for sure it's good and loud! From what I have heard on recordings their live sound is much better. With the sound check over, it's all about the waiting and waiting, then we wait some more.
It's a quarter to eight and there are a few people beginning to filter in, most of them with kids. They are waiting just like us. Again, music, no matter what genre, are allowed. I think if the arts are not encouraged and carried on by the children of today our world will be a bleak place. The lead singer for the next group, delta 9, had his three year old daughter, smart as a whip that one is, and she loves to hear her daddy sing. I talked with him and he said she follows him around acting like she's singing which think was pretty cool.
This is the first time I have heard "Hazardust" play. Their first gig was played at a small beer bar down the street from us which floored me. I honestly did not think the owner would like their type of music, which they call experimental, phsycadellic, metal, blues, but, they were received pretty good and did well from tips. I am either at work or involved in my writing and I have to admit I wasn't sure how I would take their style. I, like most, want to hear singing and not a lot of instrumental stuff, but it was actually pretty good. Jaysun, kind of reminds me of Bob Dylan when he does sing.....
The 45 minute set is over and now comes the chaotic jumbling of removing drums, amps, etc., so the next band can set up, very confusing! Just watching this and how they keep track of each other's stuff reminds me of the pea under the walnut shell trick-
I forgot to mention that most of the bands who do play here are metal bands, of course, Hazardust had to be different and throw out a country tune for the last number, but it wasn't country by the time they were done with it. Johnny Cash probably rolled over in his grave when they played their version of "Folsom Prison" People liked it!
We stayed a while longer and listened to Delta 9, they rocked! I liked their material, of course they had a following already so more people cheered for them, more people were there for their show.
I think Hazardust will have a following if they are able to stay together. With the guitar player and bass player still in their twenties and Alan nearing 50, I can only hope he will want to stick it out. It's different from anything he's ever done, it's very unusual the sounds they create. As with anyone else, the gas situation sucks, pouring out money and getting less than a half tank of gas. He's already gone through the phase of wanting to make it big. I don't care if he doe's, I think he needs to have an outlet and music is his first love. I hate it when he wants to throw in the towel, so to speak, I know it gets frustrating, but I think if he stops, he'll dry up and become an old man.
The gig was at a place called the Blue Moon, located in Harrison, Arkansas. The guy, Bob ( don't know his last name) who runs the place also has a tattoo parlor/body piercing business next door. I'm not sure how long this place has been in business, but it appears he is doing fairly well in a town full of conservative stuffed shirts and skirts.
The first thing, Alan gets his finger pinched in his bass drum peddle, taking a chunk of meat out of his index finger and proceeds to bleed like a stuck pig. Ouch! It bled right through the two band aids, (but all is well now). It didn't seem to affect his playing capabilities, but I'm sure it throbbed.
The band room is pretty cool, clean and roomy stage. The walls are painted an electric blue with stars which I believe glow in the dark, (didn't notice because there were swirling lights everywhere) and posters of great rock icons such as Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin, complete with a couple of pool tables.
There was much speculation during the day as to whether the bass player, Jed would show up, it seems musicians have a tendency to show up late sort of thing. What do you know? He showed up, as a matter of fact, he was there before we were. Hazardust is the opening band of the three to play that night, and only for 45 minutes. This is a new band, and they have only been together for about a month. The guitar player, Jasun, has a cousin who is a drummer for the second band "Delta 9" was able to get them the 45 minute slot.
Harrison, is considered to be the "Hub of the Ozarks", where one can continue north to Branson or south to Little Rock, west to Fayettville or east to Yellville. It is also located in a dry county and as mentioned before in a very conservative town. If one wants to indulge in drink, they have to drive to the next county or to the state line. If they want, a person can pay a membership fee and hang out at one of the two or three private clubs. I think it won't be too long however before the voters will allow liquor into the county. I'm actually surprised by the tattoo parlor being in Harrison. I did learn that the police are just looking for a reason to shut the place down because of the fact that it is a family oriented place, I know! A tattoo parlor which is kid friendly. There were kids all over the place, doing what kids do, run, yell, and act goofy. Some of the older ones where just trying to act cool, boy, I sure do not miss those days! (Okay I do!)
I do think that it's great there is a place for kids to go and hang out and watch bands play. The owner is very conscious of the younger ones. He and one of his "chaperons" as a matter of fact were tracking some kids that were suspiciously hanging around in the back, doing who knew what, but it could and can get him shut down and unfortunately, some folks don't care or are not aware it could mean that another place for them could be snatched out from underneath them.
Anyway, I think there should be more places for kids to hang out, whether it is a music studio, gym or arcade. In what I'm referring to is the music, in schools it's one of the first programs to get axed and with the lack of funding for some parents who have to furnish the instruments, it's good to have someone who would rather see kids hanging out and watching musicians and perhaps learn something, than have them up to no good and end up in a bad situation. Besides, who knows, there could be the next Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton could show up there one of these days.
A little after five, the guys have their equipment set up and do the sound check. So far it sounds pretty good, the mix is fairly even, but I think Alan's drums need to be miked. He decides he will have to hit them harder when I tell him about my observation. The drummer for delta 9 has a bass drum mike and that helps. One thing for sure it's good and loud! From what I have heard on recordings their live sound is much better. With the sound check over, it's all about the waiting and waiting, then we wait some more.
It's a quarter to eight and there are a few people beginning to filter in, most of them with kids. They are waiting just like us. Again, music, no matter what genre, are allowed. I think if the arts are not encouraged and carried on by the children of today our world will be a bleak place. The lead singer for the next group, delta 9, had his three year old daughter, smart as a whip that one is, and she loves to hear her daddy sing. I talked with him and he said she follows him around acting like she's singing which think was pretty cool.
This is the first time I have heard "Hazardust" play. Their first gig was played at a small beer bar down the street from us which floored me. I honestly did not think the owner would like their type of music, which they call experimental, phsycadellic, metal, blues, but, they were received pretty good and did well from tips. I am either at work or involved in my writing and I have to admit I wasn't sure how I would take their style. I, like most, want to hear singing and not a lot of instrumental stuff, but it was actually pretty good. Jaysun, kind of reminds me of Bob Dylan when he does sing.....
The 45 minute set is over and now comes the chaotic jumbling of removing drums, amps, etc., so the next band can set up, very confusing! Just watching this and how they keep track of each other's stuff reminds me of the pea under the walnut shell trick-
I forgot to mention that most of the bands who do play here are metal bands, of course, Hazardust had to be different and throw out a country tune for the last number, but it wasn't country by the time they were done with it. Johnny Cash probably rolled over in his grave when they played their version of "Folsom Prison" People liked it!
We stayed a while longer and listened to Delta 9, they rocked! I liked their material, of course they had a following already so more people cheered for them, more people were there for their show.
I think Hazardust will have a following if they are able to stay together. With the guitar player and bass player still in their twenties and Alan nearing 50, I can only hope he will want to stick it out. It's different from anything he's ever done, it's very unusual the sounds they create. As with anyone else, the gas situation sucks, pouring out money and getting less than a half tank of gas. He's already gone through the phase of wanting to make it big. I don't care if he doe's, I think he needs to have an outlet and music is his first love. I hate it when he wants to throw in the towel, so to speak, I know it gets frustrating, but I think if he stops, he'll dry up and become an old man.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A day of celebration
Good morning to all!
I am very proud to announce I reached the 50 thousand word goal for the contest I entered called the National Novel Writer's Month or "NaNoWriMo". For me, this is a wonderful, glorious uplifting of my spirits. In 1995, I decided I would put my writing career on hold. Somebody should have slapped me upside the head and told me to get back to work and quit crying over the failures! Had I stuck to it, chances are I would have become published and perhaps doing well as an author.
They say hindsight is 20/20 and if I knew back then what I know now, I would never have stopped trying.
Thanks to the Internet, I have found new friends who are writers who share the same dejected feelings and woes as I do. Whose lives are constantly interrupted but they keep their focus on what they love to do, and that is write. Everyday there are instances and situations that pop up a person can benefit from, each day is a learning experience, whether it is bad or good. You should gain strength from these ordeals and just try to stay in the boundaries which keep a person sane.
I have involved myself in writer's groups which I would have otherwise not been able to do because of my crazy work schedule and life's generalities. I have created blogs (such as this one) in which I can talk about things I cannot talk about if I were to carry on a verbal conversation simply because I don't think I can sometimes get the point across. There are online magazines and writer's schools and contests to enter as well as those done on paper. I have the support from all of these wonderful people with a special thanks to Mary Rosenblum, my instructor from Long Ridge Writer's Group. She picked my story apart but also praised me and gave me encouragement with her kind words and stern editing.
I still have a long way to go, still got to publish that first novel, short story or poem. By the way I have found that I do like to write poetry, huh whoda thunk? This contest has shown me that I do have what it takes as well and even though the novel has some major editing to go through on all levels it will get finished and I will get it published. But after December 1 it will be all about working on "Savant". I even set the finish date for the end of May, instead of August, because I want to start setting up for the next novel in next year's 2008 NaNo as the sequel to "Savant". I already have the title; "Indigo Child" and a rough idea what the story will be about.
Well, I have other places to go and continue on with the contest, it will not be finfished until 11:59:59 on November 30. The more I get wrote down the better it will be!
I am very proud to announce I reached the 50 thousand word goal for the contest I entered called the National Novel Writer's Month or "NaNoWriMo". For me, this is a wonderful, glorious uplifting of my spirits. In 1995, I decided I would put my writing career on hold. Somebody should have slapped me upside the head and told me to get back to work and quit crying over the failures! Had I stuck to it, chances are I would have become published and perhaps doing well as an author.
They say hindsight is 20/20 and if I knew back then what I know now, I would never have stopped trying.
Thanks to the Internet, I have found new friends who are writers who share the same dejected feelings and woes as I do. Whose lives are constantly interrupted but they keep their focus on what they love to do, and that is write. Everyday there are instances and situations that pop up a person can benefit from, each day is a learning experience, whether it is bad or good. You should gain strength from these ordeals and just try to stay in the boundaries which keep a person sane.
I have involved myself in writer's groups which I would have otherwise not been able to do because of my crazy work schedule and life's generalities. I have created blogs (such as this one) in which I can talk about things I cannot talk about if I were to carry on a verbal conversation simply because I don't think I can sometimes get the point across. There are online magazines and writer's schools and contests to enter as well as those done on paper. I have the support from all of these wonderful people with a special thanks to Mary Rosenblum, my instructor from Long Ridge Writer's Group. She picked my story apart but also praised me and gave me encouragement with her kind words and stern editing.
I still have a long way to go, still got to publish that first novel, short story or poem. By the way I have found that I do like to write poetry, huh whoda thunk? This contest has shown me that I do have what it takes as well and even though the novel has some major editing to go through on all levels it will get finished and I will get it published. But after December 1 it will be all about working on "Savant". I even set the finish date for the end of May, instead of August, because I want to start setting up for the next novel in next year's 2008 NaNo as the sequel to "Savant". I already have the title; "Indigo Child" and a rough idea what the story will be about.
Well, I have other places to go and continue on with the contest, it will not be finfished until 11:59:59 on November 30. The more I get wrote down the better it will be!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
A nice visit
We don't get many visits from relatives, simply they are too far away, and getting on in years. However, every year just before Thanksgiving, my uncles from my mom's side of the family come up for a short stay. Uncle David, is the next to the oldest and will be 83 at the end of the month. He can't hear so you have to talk to him pretty loud, but he's great. He is very artistic too, as a matter of fact he sells his paintings and is going to draw a sketch of my dad, so I'm curious to see how it turns out. My mom is a very artistic woman, she has surprised us all numerous times, once, she took a drawing of a locomotive engine that was extensively detailed and copied it line for line, I remember she would sit at the kitchen table with a magnifying glass studying that picture. I still have it somewhere. I think she missed her calling. My uncle Billy works for the State of Arkansas, as the head of health and sanitation (not sure if it's for the county-Poinsett, but I think so). He's a quiet, reserved sort of guy, but he and I can get into some great conversations about different events each time he comes. I keep telling mom we need to get down to where they live,(uncle David lives in West Memphis and uncle Billy lives in Cherry Valley, Ar.). We used to go visit them when we lived in Memphis, it was really cool, because my grandparents lived on a working farm, chickens, cows, pigs, all that good stuff. They did not have a lot of material things, I loved going to Cherry Valley. They had a huge screened in front porch where the deep freezer was kept at, always had ice cream in there for us kids, and cases of Dr.Pepper.
My brother, Mike showed up after they left, but it was all right. I hadn't seen him in awhile and we try not to talk about his marriage, which is a story in itself!
I would like to take mom back "home" before she gets to where it will be an impossibility. She has to use oxygen 24/7 and traveling a great distance tires her out. Maybe some day soon I'll be able to figure out how to get her down there without it being a burden on her.
My brother, Mike showed up after they left, but it was all right. I hadn't seen him in awhile and we try not to talk about his marriage, which is a story in itself!
I would like to take mom back "home" before she gets to where it will be an impossibility. She has to use oxygen 24/7 and traveling a great distance tires her out. Maybe some day soon I'll be able to figure out how to get her down there without it being a burden on her.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Nine sheets to the wind
Hello to you all.
Guess what? Yes, that's right, I am nine sheets to the wind. In other words, I'm feelin' mighty fine right now. Had a pretty good time with some friends of mine and saw people I hadn't seen in awhile, so that was cool.
I had a hundred things to say, but when you sit down to write something in this state, nothing comes to mind. If you knew how many times I've hit the backspace key, you would wonder how am I going to make it up the stairs.
Work kinda sucked today, it hurts the soul when you have just cleaned up something like, oh, I don't know a floor, it's pretty big too. Then you spend another two hours cleaning because a drainage line was plugged up from both ends. It sucked. Yet, just like the boss said, when the sun go down, what was it he said? Can't remember, cause I'm nine sheets to the wind.
I'm going to bed, my eyes are getting a bit droopy and they feel really dry. Still around and crossed the 25k mark on the NaNo contest! Yeah for me! (throwing hands into the air with glee).
Guess what? Yes, that's right, I am nine sheets to the wind. In other words, I'm feelin' mighty fine right now. Had a pretty good time with some friends of mine and saw people I hadn't seen in awhile, so that was cool.
I had a hundred things to say, but when you sit down to write something in this state, nothing comes to mind. If you knew how many times I've hit the backspace key, you would wonder how am I going to make it up the stairs.
Work kinda sucked today, it hurts the soul when you have just cleaned up something like, oh, I don't know a floor, it's pretty big too. Then you spend another two hours cleaning because a drainage line was plugged up from both ends. It sucked. Yet, just like the boss said, when the sun go down, what was it he said? Can't remember, cause I'm nine sheets to the wind.
I'm going to bed, my eyes are getting a bit droopy and they feel really dry. Still around and crossed the 25k mark on the NaNo contest! Yeah for me! (throwing hands into the air with glee).
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Just Stuff
Hello to all!
I know you're out there! Come out from behind that bush you freaks!
Yeah whatever. I think I might actually have my day shift back for awhile! Thank God! Cause it sure sucks switching back and forth, my poor ol' bones can't decide if they need to sleep at 7:00am or 7:00pm! I stay tired for several days until my body catches up with what hours I am working. Too old to be doing that crap on a regular basis, I know that.
I am proud to say that I have reached the 15,000 word mark on the novel writing contest. It would be ideal to put out 2,000 per day but in reality, I write when I can. At work, it's hard to do. I may jot down bits and pieces if something comes to mind, and when it does I have a piece of paper and pen in my pocket. There are just too many things that can happen in a matter of seconds and it's hard to concentrate. I like peace and semi-quiet, but I have been known to write some pretty good stuff listening to Ozzy Osbourne (I know!), Metallica, Tesla, hard hitting, fast paced tempos. As crazy as that sounds to some of you, I type better, make less mistakes and get a rythym going.
Ihad a friend of mine send me an e-mail not too long ago with "JC Penny and surviving the 70's" or something like that. Anyway, (I sent some of you guys this so you know what I'm talking about) There were clippings of clothing that was the hottest fashion sometime in the 70's, I'm guessing form 1976-1979 era. I laughed my ass off because they looked soooo gay, the colors were horrible and the hair styles, well, they weren't too bad. I actually liked the feathered look, my hair does not allow anything but curly, long or short. I made the remark that I don't remember wearing any thing like the stuff this e-mail showed. I suppose I was proved wrong. Okay, so I had a pair of lime-green polyester slacks, hey, THEY FIT! And yes, I liked the wrap around skirts and loved platform shoes (still do but I'd break my neck for sure now). And at the time, the bigger the bell of my jeans the better, I would even slit the sides and add material just to make them bigger! But I can honestly say that I do not think I would have worn the stuff this email had, I hate western shirts, don not believe in wearing his and hers outfits, mucho-lameo! I was a cool kid. Jeans and tee shirts were what I remember wearing most of the time. Uh-oh I'm sure I'll be brought up to date on that! Now days, if I can wear it and it doesn't look too funny, I'll probably wear it!
I know you're out there! Come out from behind that bush you freaks!
Yeah whatever. I think I might actually have my day shift back for awhile! Thank God! Cause it sure sucks switching back and forth, my poor ol' bones can't decide if they need to sleep at 7:00am or 7:00pm! I stay tired for several days until my body catches up with what hours I am working. Too old to be doing that crap on a regular basis, I know that.
I am proud to say that I have reached the 15,000 word mark on the novel writing contest. It would be ideal to put out 2,000 per day but in reality, I write when I can. At work, it's hard to do. I may jot down bits and pieces if something comes to mind, and when it does I have a piece of paper and pen in my pocket. There are just too many things that can happen in a matter of seconds and it's hard to concentrate. I like peace and semi-quiet, but I have been known to write some pretty good stuff listening to Ozzy Osbourne (I know!), Metallica, Tesla, hard hitting, fast paced tempos. As crazy as that sounds to some of you, I type better, make less mistakes and get a rythym going.
Ihad a friend of mine send me an e-mail not too long ago with "JC Penny and surviving the 70's" or something like that. Anyway, (I sent some of you guys this so you know what I'm talking about) There were clippings of clothing that was the hottest fashion sometime in the 70's, I'm guessing form 1976-1979 era. I laughed my ass off because they looked soooo gay, the colors were horrible and the hair styles, well, they weren't too bad. I actually liked the feathered look, my hair does not allow anything but curly, long or short. I made the remark that I don't remember wearing any thing like the stuff this e-mail showed. I suppose I was proved wrong. Okay, so I had a pair of lime-green polyester slacks, hey, THEY FIT! And yes, I liked the wrap around skirts and loved platform shoes (still do but I'd break my neck for sure now). And at the time, the bigger the bell of my jeans the better, I would even slit the sides and add material just to make them bigger! But I can honestly say that I do not think I would have worn the stuff this email had, I hate western shirts, don not believe in wearing his and hers outfits, mucho-lameo! I was a cool kid. Jeans and tee shirts were what I remember wearing most of the time. Uh-oh I'm sure I'll be brought up to date on that! Now days, if I can wear it and it doesn't look too funny, I'll probably wear it!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Greetings
Hello to all!
Well, this past week has just gone zipppity -do- daing along. Jeez, this 50k novel contest isn't going as well as I wanted it to. I should have already been up to at least 10k, but I keep getting interrupted, changing work schedules and doctors appointments, you name it, (well don't do that!) kinda funny how all of a sudden I get tremendously busy when I decide to pursue something. I sat around this house for years, had nothing in particular happening except for a job change and studying to get licences and extra courses. That has all been accomplished so far. I decide to start writing again, my,my,my! Busy, busy, busy. Yeah I know, I'm bitching' and some may think I'm being selfish. No, that's not how I've seen it. I realize I have obligations and that it never goes the way I think it should, don't know why I thought it would. Honestly though, I guess I thought I probably would not reach that goal, in a way it would mean a great deal, but I don't expect it. I probably should be working on the novel instead of sitting here whaa-whaaing, oh woe is me! But sometimes a person needs to do a little venting, and now that I have ,I feel better. I don't care if you post a comment, but stop and think before you do. How many times have you started on a project and suddenly the whole friggin' world begs for attention? Okay, so the whole world isn't beckoning (an exaggeration at best), perhaps it just seems that way. Well, that's all for now. But just so you all know I have reached 5,000 on the novel contest and besides, there is always next year!
Well, this past week has just gone zipppity -do- daing along. Jeez, this 50k novel contest isn't going as well as I wanted it to. I should have already been up to at least 10k, but I keep getting interrupted, changing work schedules and doctors appointments, you name it, (well don't do that!) kinda funny how all of a sudden I get tremendously busy when I decide to pursue something. I sat around this house for years, had nothing in particular happening except for a job change and studying to get licences and extra courses. That has all been accomplished so far. I decide to start writing again, my,my,my! Busy, busy, busy. Yeah I know, I'm bitching' and some may think I'm being selfish. No, that's not how I've seen it. I realize I have obligations and that it never goes the way I think it should, don't know why I thought it would. Honestly though, I guess I thought I probably would not reach that goal, in a way it would mean a great deal, but I don't expect it. I probably should be working on the novel instead of sitting here whaa-whaaing, oh woe is me! But sometimes a person needs to do a little venting, and now that I have ,I feel better. I don't care if you post a comment, but stop and think before you do. How many times have you started on a project and suddenly the whole friggin' world begs for attention? Okay, so the whole world isn't beckoning (an exaggeration at best), perhaps it just seems that way. Well, that's all for now. But just so you all know I have reached 5,000 on the novel contest and besides, there is always next year!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Doin' the NaNo & the boss is gone!
Greetings to All!
I know you were all so terribly worried and wondering when I would do another posting, just breaking down the door I tell ya!
Things have been busy and my work schedule has been turned upside down as I am filling in for a co-worker who is on vacation. Going from a day time schedule to the swing-graveyard shifts totally sucks the big one.
But, the boss is away on vacation (rubbing hands together) so what can I do? Hee-hee!
No, this poor guy needed one in a bad way, so I won't break anything intentionally. But two days after my employee evaluation, which was a good report, I manage to slam our city plant with some badwater, thank God they can clean it up! On Fridays, the production plant likes to send all the crap down the drain, and I, not being accustomed to the routine, did not see it coming. Just so you all know, I took immediate action to control this situation.
As for the mad race on the National Novel Writer's Month, three days into the competition, and have only logged in 1150 words, so far, but after I get through here, I'm on my way to put in more. On the days off I'll have to do mega make-up and get to word humpin' *grin* I just don't want to write a bunch of excessive wording I'll just have to go through and get rid of, but at the same time, I want to achieve the 50k mark. I'm in a taffy pulling contest!
Have a great day all you adoring fans!
I know you were all so terribly worried and wondering when I would do another posting, just breaking down the door I tell ya!
Things have been busy and my work schedule has been turned upside down as I am filling in for a co-worker who is on vacation. Going from a day time schedule to the swing-graveyard shifts totally sucks the big one.
But, the boss is away on vacation (rubbing hands together) so what can I do? Hee-hee!
No, this poor guy needed one in a bad way, so I won't break anything intentionally. But two days after my employee evaluation, which was a good report, I manage to slam our city plant with some badwater, thank God they can clean it up! On Fridays, the production plant likes to send all the crap down the drain, and I, not being accustomed to the routine, did not see it coming. Just so you all know, I took immediate action to control this situation.
As for the mad race on the National Novel Writer's Month, three days into the competition, and have only logged in 1150 words, so far, but after I get through here, I'm on my way to put in more. On the days off I'll have to do mega make-up and get to word humpin' *grin* I just don't want to write a bunch of excessive wording I'll just have to go through and get rid of, but at the same time, I want to achieve the 50k mark. I'm in a taffy pulling contest!
Have a great day all you adoring fans!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Not another day at the office
For those of you who do not know me, I work in what is called a pre-treatment facility. This is where the wastewater from the polutry processing plant (no not human waste!) is sent, the pre-treatment facility processes the water to compliance standards and, we send it to the city wastewater plant and they in turn, send it to a "dry creek".
Anyway, I work in this pre-treatment place, which is know simply as "wastewater". There are thousands of gallons of water coursing through 10-12" piping, there are machines whirring, air compressors chuging and sludge in the making. We use a polymere type of chemical to treat all those thousands of gallons of water. This polymere comes in a powder form and mixed with water becomes very slippery..........
Now you may have figured out by now, (if you have read it this far) what has happened. If you have or if you haven't it doesn't matter, I'm telling it anyway...............
There are many hazards in a watertreatment plant, and one has to be extremely careful. I go to great lenghts to be a safety-conscious person.
I do not like Pain, it hurts.
I roll up hoses, pick up crap a person can trip over, make sure my shoes do not have water on the bottom of them when I get around this dry polymer.
It can get slick.
Maintainence and major housekeeping projects abound on the weekends. This weekend I decided I would paint some walls. The bathroom, it also needed a makeover. So on I go, paintin' away, la-tee-da-la-tee-da. The day is going well, not a breakneck speed like during the week; the typical day at my office.
I thought I had forgot to turn off a pump, I'm in the bathroom painting away. La-tee-da, la-tee-da, off I go, paint roller in hand. The floors have two fresh coats of paint all nice and dry and shiny.
The shoes I have on are slip/skid resistant. No, they are not.
Between the water standing in the bathroom from a leaking pipe and what seems to have somehow magically adhered itself to the soles of my slip/skid resistant shoes is, you guessed it, dry powder polymer.
Up comes a smooth spot in the floor, down I go.
Here are somethings I get reminded of when this happens:
Fact #1 Large women do not do the splits.
Fact #2 Large women are not particulary attractive rolling around the floor.
Fact #3 Large women tend to grunt when they land
Fact #4 Large women have to use all available means in order to pick herself off the floor
The paint roller? It bounced away, leaving nice white splotches upon the newly painted floor.
Fact #5 Large women grunt when they have to bend over to wipe up the mess they made.
It could have been worse, but nobody sees me wallow around on the floor, priceless!
Anyway, I work in this pre-treatment place, which is know simply as "wastewater". There are thousands of gallons of water coursing through 10-12" piping, there are machines whirring, air compressors chuging and sludge in the making. We use a polymere type of chemical to treat all those thousands of gallons of water. This polymere comes in a powder form and mixed with water becomes very slippery..........
Now you may have figured out by now, (if you have read it this far) what has happened. If you have or if you haven't it doesn't matter, I'm telling it anyway...............
There are many hazards in a watertreatment plant, and one has to be extremely careful. I go to great lenghts to be a safety-conscious person.
I do not like Pain, it hurts.
I roll up hoses, pick up crap a person can trip over, make sure my shoes do not have water on the bottom of them when I get around this dry polymer.
It can get slick.
Maintainence and major housekeeping projects abound on the weekends. This weekend I decided I would paint some walls. The bathroom, it also needed a makeover. So on I go, paintin' away, la-tee-da-la-tee-da. The day is going well, not a breakneck speed like during the week; the typical day at my office.
I thought I had forgot to turn off a pump, I'm in the bathroom painting away. La-tee-da, la-tee-da, off I go, paint roller in hand. The floors have two fresh coats of paint all nice and dry and shiny.
The shoes I have on are slip/skid resistant. No, they are not.
Between the water standing in the bathroom from a leaking pipe and what seems to have somehow magically adhered itself to the soles of my slip/skid resistant shoes is, you guessed it, dry powder polymer.
Up comes a smooth spot in the floor, down I go.
Here are somethings I get reminded of when this happens:
Fact #1 Large women do not do the splits.
Fact #2 Large women are not particulary attractive rolling around the floor.
Fact #3 Large women tend to grunt when they land
Fact #4 Large women have to use all available means in order to pick herself off the floor
The paint roller? It bounced away, leaving nice white splotches upon the newly painted floor.
Fact #5 Large women grunt when they have to bend over to wipe up the mess they made.
It could have been worse, but nobody sees me wallow around on the floor, priceless!
Friday, October 26, 2007
A quick note to all of my fans!
I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, just a lot goin' on these days! I just love all the comments being made. Thank you my wonderful fans! LOL!!!! I will have more to share on my days off, I know everyone is simply dying to know what's going on in my world!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Thornbirds and a contest
My how time flies! Just when I get sick of mosquitos and sweat, I'm shivering and standing in front of the wall heater. Sigh, I need to live in Jamaica, (sigh again).
I have committed myself to a suicidal project involving another novel. The goal is to produce a finsihed novel, 50,000 word minimum, and 175 pages long. Whether I complete this remains to be seen, and it really does not matter if I do. That being said, let me explain....
I have had this story stuck away in a dark corner for nearly thirteen years, not sure if I wanted to touch it ever again. I started it in October of 1990, as a matter of fact, I think it was around this time seventeen years ago. I wrote and wrote, poured out my heart and soul. And nearly lost it all. If I have learned anything from writing, back your stuff up, a hundred times if that's what makes you feel secure. I think I must have tossed some of it out, whole chapters are missing, but after reading what I still have, probably no big loss anyway. Some of it was okay, surprised I wrote it, other stuff, good God, how could I have wrote that?
I decided that this project, sponsored by National Novel Writing Month, (aka, NaNoWriMo), is what I need to drag out that first novel and see if it will be salvageable.
I love to read. My motto is anything that holds my attention, gets read. If it's really good, it gets read fast.
I finished a novel called "The Thornbirds" by Colleen McCullough. It takes the reader through three generations of a family who moves from New Zealand to Austrailia. The main character, Meggie, is a small child, her family poor. Her story takes you through her pains and joys, the heart cries because she cannot have the man she loves. A priest.
All in all, I liked the book. The thing is with these types of novels, I like to drag them out, sort of put it into a time frame that makes the story a little closer to reality, regardless of the era. Historical fiction with a touch of romance thrown in I think are one of my favorite reads because the novels are huge, span years of history and gives the reader a chance to know the characters better.
What I didn't like about it was, and this could just be that the author's style is foriegn, I tended to get al little lost on POVs. The parts would be titled one thing and lead you down a differnt path with a little of what the titled part portrayed.
Obviously the book became a best seller, there was even a movie made about it, although I haven't seen it. I usually find the movie to be a disappointment after reading the book, largely in part because I can't see the characters thoughts.
That children, is all for today
I have committed myself to a suicidal project involving another novel. The goal is to produce a finsihed novel, 50,000 word minimum, and 175 pages long. Whether I complete this remains to be seen, and it really does not matter if I do. That being said, let me explain....
I have had this story stuck away in a dark corner for nearly thirteen years, not sure if I wanted to touch it ever again. I started it in October of 1990, as a matter of fact, I think it was around this time seventeen years ago. I wrote and wrote, poured out my heart and soul. And nearly lost it all. If I have learned anything from writing, back your stuff up, a hundred times if that's what makes you feel secure. I think I must have tossed some of it out, whole chapters are missing, but after reading what I still have, probably no big loss anyway. Some of it was okay, surprised I wrote it, other stuff, good God, how could I have wrote that?
I decided that this project, sponsored by National Novel Writing Month, (aka, NaNoWriMo), is what I need to drag out that first novel and see if it will be salvageable.
I love to read. My motto is anything that holds my attention, gets read. If it's really good, it gets read fast.
I finished a novel called "The Thornbirds" by Colleen McCullough. It takes the reader through three generations of a family who moves from New Zealand to Austrailia. The main character, Meggie, is a small child, her family poor. Her story takes you through her pains and joys, the heart cries because she cannot have the man she loves. A priest.
All in all, I liked the book. The thing is with these types of novels, I like to drag them out, sort of put it into a time frame that makes the story a little closer to reality, regardless of the era. Historical fiction with a touch of romance thrown in I think are one of my favorite reads because the novels are huge, span years of history and gives the reader a chance to know the characters better.
What I didn't like about it was, and this could just be that the author's style is foriegn, I tended to get al little lost on POVs. The parts would be titled one thing and lead you down a differnt path with a little of what the titled part portrayed.
Obviously the book became a best seller, there was even a movie made about it, although I haven't seen it. I usually find the movie to be a disappointment after reading the book, largely in part because I can't see the characters thoughts.
That children, is all for today
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Just wanted to let you know.....
Although no one has read this, I don't really care, this is my place to rattle on about things running through the brain. If you post a comment, great, I'll read it and pop off about it I'm sure. I know I have it labled as my daily log, chances are that's not going to happen, and I haven't decided whether to change the name of it or not. However, I do have another blog, In the next few days I will begin posting my novel in the works, "Savant". Again, I don't care if you comment on it or not. With that being said I have things to do and in November will be taking on a project that will let me see just exactly how well disciplined I can be. Some of you may have heard about National Novel Writing Month. A 50,00 word novel in thirty days, it's a challenge for sure, so come November, I'll be keeping weirder hours than I do now. I have no established sleep pattern so it will not matter if it's non-existent (I know too many negatives). So in leaving tonight I have one thing to say and it's
"I'm on a slick trip and I'm ready to kick ass" -Tesla
"I'm on a slick trip and I'm ready to kick ass" -Tesla
Friday, October 12, 2007
October 11, 2007
It's the end of another long day, but alas, I'll have to do it all again tomorrow. For the last two days, my co-workers and I have busted our asses painting, cleaning, washing, and scrubbing for the big audit. Our boss was told the auditos were looking in every nook and cranny, so that's what we cleaned, painted and scrubbed. We did all wo could do the waited. And waited, then cleaned some more. More cobwebs were found, a bucket of used oil found emitting an obnoxious odor (triggering the gag reflex). God knows how long it sat in wherever it was found. Then we waited again. Just when I thought the boss would have to be hog-tied and fed valium, the phone rang. The caller told me to tell the boss he could chill out, the auditors were heading to another plant. I said I would but that right now, he was yelling at some driver who just washed off a trailer of chicken parts onto the ground, but I would more than happy to relay the message.
In a way, I felt cheated out of that audit, glad we were passed over. I'd like to say that our little waste water treatment plant is not pristine, it looks better than it did. I give it a week before it's trashed again.
In a way, I felt cheated out of that audit, glad we were passed over. I'd like to say that our little waste water treatment plant is not pristine, it looks better than it did. I give it a week before it's trashed again.
More stuff
I'm new at this blogging stuff and still tyring to get it all figured out. I am writing stuff down long hand and when I get more than two minutes, I'll fill ya'll in on what's happenin' in my world. Right now I know this is some really, really boring stuff, but trust me, I have stories to tell and opinions to soapbox about. I think this is going to be a great tool for me tho. I can rattle on about nothing in particular and not worry if someone listened to me or not, and not be pissed off if they didn't!
I have been attending the Muse Online Writer's conference when I can. It's been a great expierence for me and have solid plans for attending next year! I have found some new friends and it boosted my morale, although it was hyped up anyway. I cringe when I have to do something else, fill in for somebody at work, anything that takes me away from what I love to do and that is write.
I have been attending the Muse Online Writer's conference when I can. It's been a great expierence for me and have solid plans for attending next year! I have found some new friends and it boosted my morale, although it was hyped up anyway. I cringe when I have to do something else, fill in for somebody at work, anything that takes me away from what I love to do and that is write.
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