11 mimosas
10 people eating
9 pots a boiling
8 cups of eggnog
7 ducks a swimming
6 sticks of butter
5 golden hours of sleep
4 smiling faces
3 tired cooks
2 much food
And presents for the Christmas Tree
Dec 31, 2006
Our 12 Days of Christmas
12 gold placesettings
11 mimosas
10 people eating
9 pots a boiling
8 cups of eggnog
7 ducks a swimming
6 sticks of butter
5 golden hours of sleep
4 smiling faces
3 tired cooks
2 much food
And presents for the Christmas Tree
11 mimosas
10 people eating
9 pots a boiling
8 cups of eggnog
7 ducks a swimming
6 sticks of butter
5 golden hours of sleep
4 smiling faces
3 tired cooks
2 much food
And presents for the Christmas Tree
Dec 21, 2006
O'Donnell VS The Donald
I think everyone is missing the point about this war of the words between Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump.
Last week as owner of the Miss USA pageant, Trump gave Miss USA a second chance after she was caught drinking under age. For those of you who missed it, the controversy went something like this...
Rosie on The View: Trump "left his first wife -- had an affair. Left the second wife -- had an affair. But he's the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America? Donald, sit and spin, my friend."
Then she flipped her hair over to mock his famous comb-over hairstyle.
Donald retorted during several interviews with: "Rosie's a loser. A real loser. I look forward to taking lots of money from my nice fat little Rosie. What moral compass does she have? I mean just take a look at her, take a look at that face. I mean, can you imagine her poor girlfriend having to kiss that every night? You can have her. You'd better be careful or I'll send one of my friends to take your girlfriend! I imagine it would be pretty easy to take her girlfriend away, considering how Rosie looks."
He also called her a "fat slob" and "despicable."
Okay, now it's my turn.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Rose O'Donnell a comediene and a talk show host? Like...um...Jay Leno, David Letterman and Conan O'Brien? They've certainly made disparaging remarks about EVERYONE including The President and Donald Trump in the name of comedy. But Trump didn't start discussing THEIR appearance.
I mean, come on! Jay Leno has a chin like The Man in the Moon and Letterman is an Alfred J. Newman look alike. O'Brien's Night of the Living Giant Red-Head appearance is downright spooky. But did Trump talk about how ugly they are and threaten to sleep with their wives when they made jokes about him?
No he didn't.
So why is it okay to talk about Rosie's appearance? Because she's a woman? Because she's a lesbian? Because she's not Miss USA?
A couple of weeks ago Rosie was accused of perpetuating racism and descimination when she told a joke using a Chinese accent...even though she was talking about people in China. Outrage in the Asian-American community against O'Donnell has been growing, and a New York city councilman explained that it is not a trivial matter.
Give me a break, Mr. councilman. What about the people like Donald Trump who are perpetuating the last acceptable descrimination against obesity.
Why isn't anyone (besides me) outraged about that?
Last week as owner of the Miss USA pageant, Trump gave Miss USA a second chance after she was caught drinking under age. For those of you who missed it, the controversy went something like this...
Rosie on The View: Trump "left his first wife -- had an affair. Left the second wife -- had an affair. But he's the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America? Donald, sit and spin, my friend."
Then she flipped her hair over to mock his famous comb-over hairstyle.
Donald retorted during several interviews with: "Rosie's a loser. A real loser. I look forward to taking lots of money from my nice fat little Rosie. What moral compass does she have? I mean just take a look at her, take a look at that face. I mean, can you imagine her poor girlfriend having to kiss that every night? You can have her. You'd better be careful or I'll send one of my friends to take your girlfriend! I imagine it would be pretty easy to take her girlfriend away, considering how Rosie looks."
He also called her a "fat slob" and "despicable."
Okay, now it's my turn.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Rose O'Donnell a comediene and a talk show host? Like...um...Jay Leno, David Letterman and Conan O'Brien? They've certainly made disparaging remarks about EVERYONE including The President and Donald Trump in the name of comedy. But Trump didn't start discussing THEIR appearance.
I mean, come on! Jay Leno has a chin like The Man in the Moon and Letterman is an Alfred J. Newman look alike. O'Brien's Night of the Living Giant Red-Head appearance is downright spooky. But did Trump talk about how ugly they are and threaten to sleep with their wives when they made jokes about him?
No he didn't.
So why is it okay to talk about Rosie's appearance? Because she's a woman? Because she's a lesbian? Because she's not Miss USA?
A couple of weeks ago Rosie was accused of perpetuating racism and descimination when she told a joke using a Chinese accent...even though she was talking about people in China. Outrage in the Asian-American community against O'Donnell has been growing, and a New York city councilman explained that it is not a trivial matter.
Give me a break, Mr. councilman. What about the people like Donald Trump who are perpetuating the last acceptable descrimination against obesity.
Why isn't anyone (besides me) outraged about that?
Dec 13, 2006
The Difference Between Men & Women
First of all, I want to thank my husband for being so wonderful. He truly "completes" me...is the yin to my yang...the tomato to my tomahto. What brings on this gush of admiration? He can hang drapes, Christmas lights and other ladder climbing and tool toting activities that I can't do.
And this time (probably for the first time) we hung the drapes without any conflict. He just did it, to my specifications and left me feeling oh-so-appreciative.
I know he doesn't really like doing these things, especially when he doesn't understand why. Men tend to be a little more utilitarian than women. "Because it will look good" doesn't rate as a good enough reason to climb the ladder.
The house we live in now has plantation shutters in almost every room so all of the windows light-adjusting, energy efficiency and privacy issues have already been solved. But there's nothing like a dash of color, a swath of texture and some elaborate embellishment to enrich the look of a window, and ultimately the entire room.
But (as he pointed out) drapes tend to interfere with the movement of the plantation shutters, which are basically hinged doors over the windows. So I was happy to find a new trend in window coverings which allows me to add the color and texture to my windows without getting in the way of the shutters. Unfortunately this particular style renders the drapes completely useless (except for the uses I already mentioned.)
I tried to explain the whole concept of the dining room drapes before I bought them but it was no use. I finally convinced him to just trust me. Here's what happened.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
He agreed with me that the window looks better. Now that I think about it...he's the plantation shutter and I'm decorative drapes. We make a great pair!
And this time (probably for the first time) we hung the drapes without any conflict. He just did it, to my specifications and left me feeling oh-so-appreciative.
I know he doesn't really like doing these things, especially when he doesn't understand why. Men tend to be a little more utilitarian than women. "Because it will look good" doesn't rate as a good enough reason to climb the ladder.
The house we live in now has plantation shutters in almost every room so all of the windows light-adjusting, energy efficiency and privacy issues have already been solved. But there's nothing like a dash of color, a swath of texture and some elaborate embellishment to enrich the look of a window, and ultimately the entire room.
But (as he pointed out) drapes tend to interfere with the movement of the plantation shutters, which are basically hinged doors over the windows. So I was happy to find a new trend in window coverings which allows me to add the color and texture to my windows without getting in the way of the shutters. Unfortunately this particular style renders the drapes completely useless (except for the uses I already mentioned.)
I tried to explain the whole concept of the dining room drapes before I bought them but it was no use. I finally convinced him to just trust me. Here's what happened.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
He agreed with me that the window looks better. Now that I think about it...he's the plantation shutter and I'm decorative drapes. We make a great pair!
Dec 10, 2006
Nov 30, 2006
Snow and Other Weird Things
Right now I'm looking out my home office window at snow. To some of you this may seem uneventful, but for someone who lives in North Texas, this is pretty freakin' eventful! They let us go home early from work as any kind of frozen precipitation brings this little ol' metropolitain area to a complete and utter standstill. So I thought it would be a good time for me and my can of cheddar Pringles to answer John's meme: 6 things that make you weird.
1. I don't think this is really werid but it is my biggest flaw. I can't make it anywhere on time no matter how hard I try. Some people think this is due to laziness, a disrespect for other people or lack of organization. I don't see it that way. I just think I'm afflicted with a case of O.A.O. (overly active optimism.)
2. I love to eat but I hate to cook. Part of this is because I don't like to participate in an activity that takes longer to prepare for than to enjoy. Do you think golfers would enjoy playing a round if it took 4 hours to put your clubs in the car and drive to the course and you only got to play for an hour? I think not. The other part is that I'm surrounded by picky eaters who took the joy and creativity out of cooking a long time ago.
3. I'm a writer. I think that makes me inherently weird. You would understand this if you've ever seen the people who attend a writing conference (especially romance, sci-fi and horror). I like to think that I don't really fit in with those groups of unattractive recluses, but I know it's probably true.
4. (This is harder that I thought. Maybe I'm not that weird after all.) I'm one of those people who drive in the left lane on the highway and force everyone who insists on driving faster than 10 miles over the speed limit to pass me on the right . Some might say this is a flagrant disrespect for tailgaters and speed demons. I say it's simple geometry. The closest distance between two points is a straight line.
5. I'm happy to be an only child. No one has ever told me a sibling story that moved me enough to wish I had one. Most of their tales make me THANK GOD I don't.
6. This New Year's Eve I will have been married for 30...count them THIRTY years. In this day and age that's pretty darn weird. There are several tips I would like to give all the newlyweds. Even if you don't go to bed at the same time, always tuck the other one in with a glass of ice water and some kisses and hugs. If you have separate TV rooms, visit each other during the commercials. And finally, never make enough of a combined income to support two households. Lack of funds is the tie that binds.
1. I don't think this is really werid but it is my biggest flaw. I can't make it anywhere on time no matter how hard I try. Some people think this is due to laziness, a disrespect for other people or lack of organization. I don't see it that way. I just think I'm afflicted with a case of O.A.O. (overly active optimism.)
2. I love to eat but I hate to cook. Part of this is because I don't like to participate in an activity that takes longer to prepare for than to enjoy. Do you think golfers would enjoy playing a round if it took 4 hours to put your clubs in the car and drive to the course and you only got to play for an hour? I think not. The other part is that I'm surrounded by picky eaters who took the joy and creativity out of cooking a long time ago.
3. I'm a writer. I think that makes me inherently weird. You would understand this if you've ever seen the people who attend a writing conference (especially romance, sci-fi and horror). I like to think that I don't really fit in with those groups of unattractive recluses, but I know it's probably true.
4. (This is harder that I thought. Maybe I'm not that weird after all.) I'm one of those people who drive in the left lane on the highway and force everyone who insists on driving faster than 10 miles over the speed limit to pass me on the right . Some might say this is a flagrant disrespect for tailgaters and speed demons. I say it's simple geometry. The closest distance between two points is a straight line.
5. I'm happy to be an only child. No one has ever told me a sibling story that moved me enough to wish I had one. Most of their tales make me THANK GOD I don't.
6. This New Year's Eve I will have been married for 30...count them THIRTY years. In this day and age that's pretty darn weird. There are several tips I would like to give all the newlyweds. Even if you don't go to bed at the same time, always tuck the other one in with a glass of ice water and some kisses and hugs. If you have separate TV rooms, visit each other during the commercials. And finally, never make enough of a combined income to support two households. Lack of funds is the tie that binds.
Nov 28, 2006
I Went For The Gold
I know everyone's been anxiously waiting for the big napkin and napkin ring reveal...
I decided with all the burgundy, the napkin needed to be gold...and not just mustard gold like a Century 21 Realtor jacket. I mean METALLIC gold, which it turns out is pretty easy to find. I decided to save a few dollars and make the napkin rings out of some burgundy and metallic gold ribbon I used on the centerpiece. Besides, I figure a napkin ring is kinda like expensive lingerie...it's only on for a second.
Just FYI, Linens and Things was more expensive than Pier 1...who woulda thought?
Stay tuned for what I like to call "The ultimate test of a marriage": hanging drapes.
I decided with all the burgundy, the napkin needed to be gold...and not just mustard gold like a Century 21 Realtor jacket. I mean METALLIC gold, which it turns out is pretty easy to find. I decided to save a few dollars and make the napkin rings out of some burgundy and metallic gold ribbon I used on the centerpiece. Besides, I figure a napkin ring is kinda like expensive lingerie...it's only on for a second.
Just FYI, Linens and Things was more expensive than Pier 1...who woulda thought?
Stay tuned for what I like to call "The ultimate test of a marriage": hanging drapes.
Nov 22, 2006
To Brunch or Not To Brunch...
Normally on Christmas Day we (the four of us and my parents) make reservations at a nice restaurant. But it can be quite expensive. So this year, since we moved into the new house, I decided to re-create the holiday brunch at home. And with the money we saved I figured I could get new china, and flatware and table linens.
And a centerpiece.
And new drapes.
Okay, it would probably have been cheaper to go out.
Dining room looking like a home magazine centerfold? Priceless.
This weekend I'll be searching for just the right napkins and holiday motif napkin rings.
More as the story develops...
And a centerpiece.
And new drapes.
Okay, it would probably have been cheaper to go out.
Dining room looking like a home magazine centerfold? Priceless.
This weekend I'll be searching for just the right napkins and holiday motif napkin rings.
More as the story develops...
Nov 18, 2006
Up, Up and Away...
You gotta love Texas when it's in the mid seventies in the middle of November. What a gorgeous day...full of SHOPPING! When we got home from the mall some hot air balloons were traveling right over the house...
Nov 10, 2006
1 state, 2 state, red state, blue state
I don't study politics at all, so therefore I don't vote. I figure I'll let the people who are educated on the subjects decide. And as a fair trade, I don't complain about the decisions our government makes. But I do have to say I like the color coordinated thing going on these days. I'd much rather see my candidates name in red rather than have an elephant beside him...or much worse...a donkey! So, good job whoever came up with that.
On another random note, I got to take one of my flexible Fridays today. That's where my company lets me leave work at 1 on Friday providing I've put in the extra hours the rest of the week. It was a beautiful day today, but as I drove home I was feeling a bit of guilt. My "plan" for my precious 4 hours of free time was to watch Ellen and take a nap. Couldn't I possibly come up with something more constructive with my time? The answer is...no. Ellen makes me laugh and the sound of water splashing from the fountain outside my windows makes me sleepy. In case you're new...here's a pic of the view.
And finally, today I spent some time looking for a new agent. There's some scuttlebutt on one of my writer's e-mail loops about how having a bad agent can actually be worse for your career than being put in the bottom of the slushpile. A really bad agent can land you in the trash. The politics involved in getting published wears me down sometimes. But then I write a new scene I'm really proud of and I feel better. It amazes me the amount of agents who don't accept e-mail queries. Do I really want someone representing me who still does business through snail mail? I don't know the answer to that question yet.
On another random note, I got to take one of my flexible Fridays today. That's where my company lets me leave work at 1 on Friday providing I've put in the extra hours the rest of the week. It was a beautiful day today, but as I drove home I was feeling a bit of guilt. My "plan" for my precious 4 hours of free time was to watch Ellen and take a nap. Couldn't I possibly come up with something more constructive with my time? The answer is...no. Ellen makes me laugh and the sound of water splashing from the fountain outside my windows makes me sleepy. In case you're new...here's a pic of the view.
And finally, today I spent some time looking for a new agent. There's some scuttlebutt on one of my writer's e-mail loops about how having a bad agent can actually be worse for your career than being put in the bottom of the slushpile. A really bad agent can land you in the trash. The politics involved in getting published wears me down sometimes. But then I write a new scene I'm really proud of and I feel better. It amazes me the amount of agents who don't accept e-mail queries. Do I really want someone representing me who still does business through snail mail? I don't know the answer to that question yet.
Nov 6, 2006
Thanksgiving in June
Jeez, am I glad October's over. What with both of my kids' birthdays, PACE, Halloween and that stupid time change, I'm exhausted. And where does that leave me? Staring straight down the barrel of the holidays. I hate that as I've grown older all the special occasions have turned into things to "get through" as painlessly as possible. But that's the way I feel about it...and my family isn't even all that dysfunctional.
I would like to start a campaign right here and now to offically move Thanksgiving to...uh...how about June. I only see my relatives at Thanksgiving and Christmas so I'd like to spread it out a little bit more. After we visit at Thanksgiving that doesn't give us much to talk about at Christmas. Moving it would also give a much needed summertime boost to the cranberry and turkey farmers. The retailers certainly don't give Thanksgiving any attention where it is...and the weather in June would be much better for the Macy's parade.
Anyway, here are some pics from my daughter and her boyfriend's Halloween party.
My daughter and her boyfriend as Mario and Princess Peach from the Mario Bros. videogame
My son, the grim reaper, and his father, Frank
I would like to start a campaign right here and now to offically move Thanksgiving to...uh...how about June. I only see my relatives at Thanksgiving and Christmas so I'd like to spread it out a little bit more. After we visit at Thanksgiving that doesn't give us much to talk about at Christmas. Moving it would also give a much needed summertime boost to the cranberry and turkey farmers. The retailers certainly don't give Thanksgiving any attention where it is...and the weather in June would be much better for the Macy's parade.
Anyway, here are some pics from my daughter and her boyfriend's Halloween party.
My daughter and her boyfriend as Mario and Princess Peach from the Mario Bros. videogame
My son, the grim reaper, and his father, Frank
Oct 27, 2006
There's No Business Like it
The reviews are in and Scary PACE was "the best one yet" and the "funniest one ever." For some reason this year there was an excitement in the air all over our building...an anticipation I've never seen before. I had people calling from other departments asking if they could "crash" the show.
It was a coincident that Scary PACE was actually our thirteenth year. This is the first time we've held the annual awards show in October. Each year it's a little later in the year so eventually I suppose we'll skip a year kind of like a leap year skips a day to keep up.
Anyway, it was a lot of work but worth every minute. The set was creepy and cool with a miniature graveyard including fencing and a huge flourescent moon hanging above it. There were gothic chairs for the presenters (who were in full costume) to sit in (PVC pipe and black satin over regular chairs). And the EMCEES Vampire and Vampira had a deliciously gruesome script full of puns guaranteed to make you groan about drinking bloody marys and longnecks and thinking outside the box.
The fog machine added to the "graveyard" feel of the stage, unfortunately, it also made taking pictures almost impossible (unless you like pictures of smoke).
We had an opening number to Thriller with faceless zombie dancers. After it was over and to everyone's surprise, one of the dancers went to the podium and took off his mask revealing the president of our division. (Insert hysterical laughter here)
The rest of the show included the awards and various and sundry videos which depicted in GREAT detail things such as unfortunate associates being killed by copy machines and shark-like mail carts.
Here's a list of the movies and TV shows we lampooned (taking a deep breath): Jaws, Shining, Twilight Zone, Friday the 13th, Exorcist, Hellraiser, Phantom of the Opera, Halloween, Alfred Hitchcock, The Ring, Addams Family, Psycho, Motel Hell, Nightmare on Elm Street, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, Young Frankenstein, Frankestein, The Mummy, The Hunchback, Scary Movie I and II.
One of my favorite parts of the show was how we handed out the awards. We had a (petite) woman lying in a cardboard coffin in front of the podium. You couldn't tell she was real until the first award recipient was handed the trophy she held like a lily on her chest. After each award she would descretely replace it with another one that was tucked beside her in the casket. Every time her pale, thin hand reached out of the coffin with another trophy...we got another huge laugh. Our brave committee member who volunteered for coffin duty spent the entire hour and a half flat on her back with her eyes closed. (She'll have to watch the show when it comes out on video.)
Another "new wrinkle" this year was that the invitations were attached to plastic see-through masks that you were instructed to decorate and wear as your key to enter the show. Earlier in the day everyone brought their masks to a designated room for judging. Then they took digital pictures of the top three scariest, funniest and most original masks. Before the audience entered the ballroom they voted on their favorite in each category. Then at the end of the show we gave $25 gift cards to the winners.
And speaking of winners...my mask with hot-glued candy corn, a baby bottle in it's mouth and a tag that said
"Children of the Candy Corn"
took first place in the funniest category. For some reason this award far outshined the $100 gift card and trophy I received for Best Editorial Copy.
Anyway, a good time was had by all, but I'm glad it's over for another year...and that it's Friday.
It was a coincident that Scary PACE was actually our thirteenth year. This is the first time we've held the annual awards show in October. Each year it's a little later in the year so eventually I suppose we'll skip a year kind of like a leap year skips a day to keep up.
Anyway, it was a lot of work but worth every minute. The set was creepy and cool with a miniature graveyard including fencing and a huge flourescent moon hanging above it. There were gothic chairs for the presenters (who were in full costume) to sit in (PVC pipe and black satin over regular chairs). And the EMCEES Vampire and Vampira had a deliciously gruesome script full of puns guaranteed to make you groan about drinking bloody marys and longnecks and thinking outside the box.
The fog machine added to the "graveyard" feel of the stage, unfortunately, it also made taking pictures almost impossible (unless you like pictures of smoke).
We had an opening number to Thriller with faceless zombie dancers. After it was over and to everyone's surprise, one of the dancers went to the podium and took off his mask revealing the president of our division. (Insert hysterical laughter here)
The rest of the show included the awards and various and sundry videos which depicted in GREAT detail things such as unfortunate associates being killed by copy machines and shark-like mail carts.
Here's a list of the movies and TV shows we lampooned (taking a deep breath): Jaws, Shining, Twilight Zone, Friday the 13th, Exorcist, Hellraiser, Phantom of the Opera, Halloween, Alfred Hitchcock, The Ring, Addams Family, Psycho, Motel Hell, Nightmare on Elm Street, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, Young Frankenstein, Frankestein, The Mummy, The Hunchback, Scary Movie I and II.
One of my favorite parts of the show was how we handed out the awards. We had a (petite) woman lying in a cardboard coffin in front of the podium. You couldn't tell she was real until the first award recipient was handed the trophy she held like a lily on her chest. After each award she would descretely replace it with another one that was tucked beside her in the casket. Every time her pale, thin hand reached out of the coffin with another trophy...we got another huge laugh. Our brave committee member who volunteered for coffin duty spent the entire hour and a half flat on her back with her eyes closed. (She'll have to watch the show when it comes out on video.)
Another "new wrinkle" this year was that the invitations were attached to plastic see-through masks that you were instructed to decorate and wear as your key to enter the show. Earlier in the day everyone brought their masks to a designated room for judging. Then they took digital pictures of the top three scariest, funniest and most original masks. Before the audience entered the ballroom they voted on their favorite in each category. Then at the end of the show we gave $25 gift cards to the winners.
And speaking of winners...my mask with hot-glued candy corn, a baby bottle in it's mouth and a tag that said
"Children of the Candy Corn"
took first place in the funniest category. For some reason this award far outshined the $100 gift card and trophy I received for Best Editorial Copy.
Anyway, a good time was had by all, but I'm glad it's over for another year...and that it's Friday.
Oct 17, 2006
Don't Bother Me While I'm WORKING!
PACE PACE PACE
Busy, busy, busy,
Scary PACE (aptly named)
Problems. Losing sleep.
The home stretch.
Is it over yet?
Can't wait.
5-6-7-8
And the winner is...
BTW, I started a new manuscript. It's a lot easier to start one than to finish it.
: )
Oct 1, 2006
Instant Transportation
I think music more than anything else has the power to transport me to another place and time, whether I want to go there or not.
A few bars of Sinatra's Strangers in the Night and I'm suddenly six years old watching my parents slow dance. Santana's Black Magic Woman takes me to about 12 years old sitting outside at night with the neighborhood kids. Chicago's Color My World puts me right in the arms of my first serious boyfriend at the Jr. High Band Dance. Anything from K.C. and the Sunshine band and I'm doing the bump on the lighted disco dance floor with my fiance (we'll be married 30 years this New Year's Eve).
Michael Jackson's I'm Bad conjures up images of my daughter's 5th birthday when we had an MJ look-a-like perform. Walk Like An Egyptian actually brings tears to my eyes as I remember my 3-year-old-son doing the Egyptian dance to get his mother's attention. Any techno music takes me to the little league football field, the parade down Beltline, or the middle of the UNT Coliseum where my competitive drill team performed. Go Charger Powerline!
The soundtrack from Amageddon reminds me of when my daughter taught me how to do this new thing on AOL called "chatting."
I guess someday the music I'm listening to now (Rascal Flatt's Bless The Broken Road) will take me back to blogging this post for you.
What are you listening to right now?
A few bars of Sinatra's Strangers in the Night and I'm suddenly six years old watching my parents slow dance. Santana's Black Magic Woman takes me to about 12 years old sitting outside at night with the neighborhood kids. Chicago's Color My World puts me right in the arms of my first serious boyfriend at the Jr. High Band Dance. Anything from K.C. and the Sunshine band and I'm doing the bump on the lighted disco dance floor with my fiance (we'll be married 30 years this New Year's Eve).
Michael Jackson's I'm Bad conjures up images of my daughter's 5th birthday when we had an MJ look-a-like perform. Walk Like An Egyptian actually brings tears to my eyes as I remember my 3-year-old-son doing the Egyptian dance to get his mother's attention. Any techno music takes me to the little league football field, the parade down Beltline, or the middle of the UNT Coliseum where my competitive drill team performed. Go Charger Powerline!
The soundtrack from Amageddon reminds me of when my daughter taught me how to do this new thing on AOL called "chatting."
I guess someday the music I'm listening to now (Rascal Flatt's Bless The Broken Road) will take me back to blogging this post for you.
What are you listening to right now?
Sep 25, 2006
Scary PACE
PACE stands for Publishing and Advertising Creative Excellence. It's an awards show (a mix of Saturday Night Live-esque skits and videos and Oscar-style awards) I've been involved with at work for the past 13 years and this year I'm the chairman. Since the show is Oct. 26 the committee thought it would be fitting to have a "scary" theme.
This week we're shooting video which is very time consuming and not nearly as fun as it sounds, but I'm always amazed at the "talent" that surfaces when someone yells "action." I'm also in charge of choreographing the opening number which includes dressing up like zombies and dancing to
It's gonna be fun but there's a lot of work to be done between now and then. I'll keep you posted.
This week we're shooting video which is very time consuming and not nearly as fun as it sounds, but I'm always amazed at the "talent" that surfaces when someone yells "action." I'm also in charge of choreographing the opening number which includes dressing up like zombies and dancing to
It's gonna be fun but there's a lot of work to be done between now and then. I'll keep you posted.
Sep 17, 2006
Happy 80th, Dad
Friends and family got together last week at our favorite (centrally located) restaurant to celebrate my Dad's birthday. It turned out to be a lot of fun even though it was on a school night.
This weekend I had houseguests from Waco, my best friend and her daughter and friend. It was a wonderful weekend of shopping, cooking out and hot-tubbing (too cool for the pool). We also finally tried out the fire pit which is probably the closest I'll be getting to camping out. We roasted marshmallows around our terracotta and wrought iron pit and sang one line of Kumbaya for effect.
There's just nothing better than charred marshmallows on a wire hanger, especially from the comfort of your own back yard. (Sorry, no pics. I'll do better next time.)
This weekend I had houseguests from Waco, my best friend and her daughter and friend. It was a wonderful weekend of shopping, cooking out and hot-tubbing (too cool for the pool). We also finally tried out the fire pit which is probably the closest I'll be getting to camping out. We roasted marshmallows around our terracotta and wrought iron pit and sang one line of Kumbaya for effect.
There's just nothing better than charred marshmallows on a wire hanger, especially from the comfort of your own back yard. (Sorry, no pics. I'll do better next time.)
Sep 4, 2006
Krikey!
Steve Irwin, the Discovery Channel's crocodile hunter died today. No, not by a gator, but by a stingray off the coast of Australia.
For some reason it gives me comfort that he wasn't bitten by the toothy fellows who made him famous. And they say he died doing what he loved...wrangling deadly animals.
We will all miss you, Steve.
Sep 3, 2006
Oh! What a feeling...
...to not have a WIP. (For you non-writers that stands for work in progress.)
On one hand it feels wonderful to be completely free of obligations to it. For the first time in a long time I don't feel guilty writing a blog post.
On the other, these ideas keep calling to me. "Write me! No, write me!"
It's a big decision what the next subject matter should be--a committment to spend the next year or so pouring your soul into something that may or may not see the light of day (except for your critique group, your Mom and close friends.)
Too bad there's not an online service to hook you up with your next perfect WIP. Let's see. They could call it E-Genre.com. or Love at first Write.
On another note I just finished hosting the final pool party of the season. It was my mother-in-law's birthday. As luck would have it, the wind was so blustery and cool no one got in the pool. Oh well, I've discovered old people really don't like to put on their suits anyway. Here are some pics:
On one hand it feels wonderful to be completely free of obligations to it. For the first time in a long time I don't feel guilty writing a blog post.
On the other, these ideas keep calling to me. "Write me! No, write me!"
It's a big decision what the next subject matter should be--a committment to spend the next year or so pouring your soul into something that may or may not see the light of day (except for your critique group, your Mom and close friends.)
Too bad there's not an online service to hook you up with your next perfect WIP. Let's see. They could call it E-Genre.com. or Love at first Write.
On another note I just finished hosting the final pool party of the season. It was my mother-in-law's birthday. As luck would have it, the wind was so blustery and cool no one got in the pool. Oh well, I've discovered old people really don't like to put on their suits anyway. Here are some pics:
Aug 27, 2006
Spoiled Rotten
This is the first weekend in a very LONG time I haven't had to write and/or host a party. It was soooooooooo nice. I forgot what it was like to actually have a weekend.
One book-related thing. Because friends and family have been bugging me, I took a clean manuscript along with a temporary cover I designed to Kinko's and had some copies bound into books to pass around. While I was at the Kinko's counter a guy standing next to me (early 30's with his girlfriend) asked if I'd written it and said that judging by the cover he'd like to read it. I didn't bother to tell him he wasn't exactly my target market, but I thanked him anyway. I wasn't sure if it was the title or the picture of the Porsche that piqued his interest...probably the Porsche.
Anyway, it was exciting picking up copies of my book, even if I commissioned the printing myself. Now I'll be waiting for the first reviews, even though a critique from your Mom doesn't really count.
One book-related thing. Because friends and family have been bugging me, I took a clean manuscript along with a temporary cover I designed to Kinko's and had some copies bound into books to pass around. While I was at the Kinko's counter a guy standing next to me (early 30's with his girlfriend) asked if I'd written it and said that judging by the cover he'd like to read it. I didn't bother to tell him he wasn't exactly my target market, but I thanked him anyway. I wasn't sure if it was the title or the picture of the Porsche that piqued his interest...probably the Porsche.
Anyway, it was exciting picking up copies of my book, even if I commissioned the printing myself. Now I'll be waiting for the first reviews, even though a critique from your Mom doesn't really count.
Aug 21, 2006
Party Pic!
It was a success. We had almost 30 people I work with and their spouses, kids or significant others. My daughter acted as caterer so we had lots of good food. And I couldn't have asked for better weather (well, okay, it was in the hundreds. but that's good for a swim party.) The fountain was splashing, the lions were spitting and the waterfalls were falling. With all that water it really is hard to believe there's a drought going on.
P.S. You'll note my mom wearing her trademark shower hat (a swim cap would smush her up-do.) She's one of those throwbacks who gets her hair done at the beauty parlor once a week.
Aug 18, 2006
Is No News Really Good News...
Evidently, typing "The End" does not a novel make. I forgot about the little details like a final draft, which, if you've ever written a novel, is never REALLY final.
BUT, after several weeks of editing, she's as done as she'll ever be...and I mean done as in forwarded to the editor by way of my agent.
I forgot how much FUN this part is. Nothing like your heart needing a jump start with the paddles every time the phone rings or the e-mail dings.
But wait...everyone in New York is in the Hamptons this time of year, right?
And do I really want to get the phone call that will crush my hopes? At least while I was writing the thing, hope was my constant companion. Now I'm stuck with the twins, dread and self-doubt.
I miss hope.
The only way to get my best friend back is to start another book. Fortunately I have three good ideas. I'll just take the weekend off to host another pool party or two and then get started...
BUT, after several weeks of editing, she's as done as she'll ever be...and I mean done as in forwarded to the editor by way of my agent.
I forgot how much FUN this part is. Nothing like your heart needing a jump start with the paddles every time the phone rings or the e-mail dings.
But wait...everyone in New York is in the Hamptons this time of year, right?
And do I really want to get the phone call that will crush my hopes? At least while I was writing the thing, hope was my constant companion. Now I'm stuck with the twins, dread and self-doubt.
I miss hope.
The only way to get my best friend back is to start another book. Fortunately I have three good ideas. I'll just take the weekend off to host another pool party or two and then get started...
Aug 1, 2006
THE END!!!!!
That's right. At 12:09 Monday morning I typed the words every writer yearns for. This is my 4th completed manuscript but I think the thrill is still the same.
Spoiled Rotten is 90,000 plus words of chicklit-arama. (Is that a category?) I guess if I had to narrow it down it's a Chick Lit Mystery. You could also categorize it as a romance that breaks ALL the rules.
AND...the best part is I have an editor from a big-time New York publisher who wants it e-mailed to her ASAP.
The bad news? It still needs some polishing.
That's why I've got to run!
Jul 23, 2006
No Joke About Spewing Lions...
Here they are...finally!
Still busy trying to finish the book. I thought I might finish this weekend...but I had to have another pool party. More pics to come. Going to write another scene now! Later...
Still busy trying to finish the book. I thought I might finish this weekend...but I had to have another pool party. More pics to come. Going to write another scene now! Later...
Jul 1, 2006
At Last!
We've been swimming since Thursday and it's WONDERFUL! We're still missing a few minor details (like the spewing lions heads) but now that there's water in it I can't complain.
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend and stay cool!
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend and stay cool!
Jun 26, 2006
Houston, We Have Water!
After a flury of activity last week including equipment installation, deck preparation and inspection, today they plastered the pool. It's bright white until they put the water in which they do right away. The water helps cure the plaster and keep it smooth.
When they put the water in it looks blue...an aqua blue while there's marble dust in the water.
I guess that's what plaster is made out of. It's supposed to take 24 hours to fill the pool. While the plaster is curing we have to be very careful with it. But by Friday we can swim!!! Now that it's finally here I can't believe it.
When they put the water in it looks blue...an aqua blue while there's marble dust in the water.
I guess that's what plaster is made out of. It's supposed to take 24 hours to fill the pool. While the plaster is curing we have to be very careful with it. But by Friday we can swim!!! Now that it's finally here I can't believe it.
Jun 14, 2006
A Short Post To Say Hey!
I know it's been a while, but I feel I should spend every ounce of my creative energy on my manuscript since I have an agent and an editor waiting on me to finish it. And I'm soooooo close...
The only action we've had on the pool is clean up and irrigation repair--two of the steps to building the pool that don't really show up well in a picture. There's been NO rain. We're still in stage 3 so we're hoping they put the plaster in soon (ie: before stage 4). We have had some nice evenings sitting out on our lovely deck and gazing into the empty hole, but it sure would be nice to actually get in it before summer's over.
I'm taking a flexible Friday this week so that should give me some bonus writing time. Last weekend I celebrated a milestone birthday. (I'm not going to say which one, but when I tell people they can't believe it because I look so young--they wouldn't lie about a thing like that, would they?) And of course this weekend is Father's Day.
But like I always say, It's always somethin'
The only action we've had on the pool is clean up and irrigation repair--two of the steps to building the pool that don't really show up well in a picture. There's been NO rain. We're still in stage 3 so we're hoping they put the plaster in soon (ie: before stage 4). We have had some nice evenings sitting out on our lovely deck and gazing into the empty hole, but it sure would be nice to actually get in it before summer's over.
I'm taking a flexible Friday this week so that should give me some bonus writing time. Last weekend I celebrated a milestone birthday. (I'm not going to say which one, but when I tell people they can't believe it because I look so young--they wouldn't lie about a thing like that, would they?) And of course this weekend is Father's Day.
But like I always say, It's always somethin'
Jun 5, 2006
POOL: Day Thirty-Five
Nothing new to report. We're still waiting for the clean-up crew. We're meeting with the landscaper tomorrow to see what plans he's drawn up for us. I'm really looking forward to it--I feel like I'm on one of those landscaping shows on HGTV! One of the things we wanted him to price for us was a putting green. While I was researching artificial turf online I found this picture and thought it was too cute. (I know I have some golfers who read this so this one's for you.)
In case you can't tell that's about 3 feet of snow they had to shovel off of their artificial turf putting green. Now that's what I call golf nuts.
In case you can't tell that's about 3 feet of snow they had to shovel off of their artificial turf putting green. Now that's what I call golf nuts.
May 31, 2006
POOL: Day Thirty-One
The stone people were back today building the deck steps...
The clean-up crew will be out next...not sure when.
Still no rain.
The clean-up crew will be out next...not sure when.
Still no rain.
May 27, 2006
POOL: Day Twenty-Six
They didn't end up pouring the deck until Friday, something about confusion in scheduling. Anyway, it was just in time for Memorial Day Weekend so we can entertain outside again. We can't believe how huge the deck is. We'll have to buy more patio furniture to fill it up!
There is one small problem. We're having a drought here and we're at stage 3 in our community, which means we can only water on trash day. I went online to the city website to see what stage 4 means...you guessed it...you can't fill your pool. Pray for rain!!!!
Writing News!
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. One more chapter to go. But tying up all those loose ends is hard work.
There is one small problem. We're having a drought here and we're at stage 3 in our community, which means we can only water on trash day. I went online to the city website to see what stage 4 means...you guessed it...you can't fill your pool. Pray for rain!!!!
Writing News!
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. One more chapter to go. But tying up all those loose ends is hard work.
May 22, 2006
POOL: Day Twenty-Two
Today was deck layout. Tomorrow the city inspects it and Wednesday they pour it.
May 20, 2006
Stop And Smell The Fireworks
On the way back from having mexican food with my parents tonight they were shooting fireworks for the minor league baseball game. The stadium is near our home. We pulled over in a deserted parking lot and watched as bombs burst in air directly over our heads. We could actually see where the rockets red glare originated. Pretty cool and as spectacular as any 4th of July show. Wish I'd had my camera. It looked something like this only closer and A LOT louder:
Our little private fireworks show was so unexpected and so spur of the moment I guess you could say it was spontaneous combustion.
: )
Our little private fireworks show was so unexpected and so spur of the moment I guess you could say it was spontaneous combustion.
: )
May 19, 2006
POOl: Day Nineteen
Yesterday they installed the long plumbing and today they did the electrical work. There's no pic to post because there's nothing new to see...except they tore up our yard even more. The next thing to look forward to is the layout and pouring of the deck, which is scheduled to begin Monday. I can't wait!
I've taken pictures along the way of my husband sitting in the bobcat, looking like he's doing stone-work, etc. I put together a slide show and it's hilarious because it looks like he built the pool single-handedly. I added music from Gloria Gaynor's "Do It Yourself" and dissolves between the slides are water droplets. If I can figure out how to put it out on the web I'll show it to you. In the meantime...here he is on day one digging the pool. As always, click on the picture for a larger view.
Novel News:
I'm writing ALL weekend. I'm gonna finish it if it's the last thing I do!
I've taken pictures along the way of my husband sitting in the bobcat, looking like he's doing stone-work, etc. I put together a slide show and it's hilarious because it looks like he built the pool single-handedly. I added music from Gloria Gaynor's "Do It Yourself" and dissolves between the slides are water droplets. If I can figure out how to put it out on the web I'll show it to you. In the meantime...here he is on day one digging the pool. As always, click on the picture for a larger view.
Novel News:
I'm writing ALL weekend. I'm gonna finish it if it's the last thing I do!
May 16, 2006
POOL: Day Sixteen
The tile guys finished up today. Wow, I have to say they are truly artists and I am humbled by their expertise. They actually formed the stones to fit in exact patterns with a sledge hammer. And they worked fast, too! Soooooo...here's a close-up of the spa with it's two stair-step spillways. I found this design on the website of a California pool company, showed the picture to the guys yesterday and voila! In the french vanilla I think it's even more impressive than the CA mansion's.
Here's a long shot taken into the sun. If you squint you can imagine water in the pool...
Here's a long shot taken into the sun. If you squint you can imagine water in the pool...
May 15, 2006
POOL: Day Fifteen
Remember my search for the perfect stone? Well today was French Vanilla coping day, along with China Blue tile and Castle Rock for the raised beam. And as luck would have it I took the day off because I'm on the last chapter of my book, so I was supposed to be writing it...but there was some MAJOR work going on in my backyard, which I found extremely interesting.
Around noon:
At the end of the day:
In case you're wondering, I did manage to edit about 4 chapters and write 7 more pages.
Around noon:
At the end of the day:
In case you're wondering, I did manage to edit about 4 chapters and write 7 more pages.
May 10, 2006
POOL: Day Ten
They poured the gunite today. Now the pool looks like a castle to me. I don't understand how they make the stuff stick to the sides. It seems like it would run down into the bottom.
May 6, 2006
POOL: Day Five
Here's a view from the upstairs gameroom. This is a good view of the "belly" wire. They installed what's called the "stub" plumbing on Friday...that's the white PVC pipe. It's been raining so you can see how the pool's beginning to fill up in the deep end. They're supposed to pour the gunite on Monday (Lord willin' and the lake doesn't rise.)
May 4, 2006
POOL: Day Three
We're moving right along here, despite the rainy weather. Living next to the lake there's lots of fauna who seem excited about the pool, too. Early birds (sorry, John, not sure what kind) were out in the mud this morning pulling up their breakfast. And ducks seemed to look longingly at the massive hole, waiting for the rain to fill it up.
Inspectors from the city came today but it was "red tagged" as not ready to inspect. I think they have to do the plumbing first but I won't know anything for sure until tomorow.
Inspectors from the city came today but it was "red tagged" as not ready to inspect. I think they have to do the plumbing first but I won't know anything for sure until tomorow.
May 3, 2006
POOL: Day One
They don't waste any time when bobcats are charging by the hour. You want a big hole in your backyard? You got it! It really is exciting. While the pool's being built I keep imagining how our project will change the appearance of the satellite map at our longitude and latitude. Okay...so it's not a pyramid...but probably the closest thing I'll come to building one.
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