Archive for December, 2008
{ December 10, 2008 @ 8:20 pm }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: blogging, books, career, contests, culture, education, inspiration, life, love, people, personal, publishing, random, random thoughts, thoughts, women, work, writers, writing }
·
{ }
I just got word that my essay didn’t place in a writing contest. Since I work at the college’s Writing Center, I get a glimpse at the material most of the student body is producing. My question is, “Where are these good writers that placed above me?”
Because I am true to my art, I love to encourage and support budding writers like myself. Even though I don’t LOVE to be a loser, I’ll take my lumps, as I should. I really felt my essay had a chance, but maybe I’m too emotionally involved with my creation.
Oh well, I’ve already moved on and am in the throes of a new manuscript, so the contest judges can bite me! The beauty of losing is that now I can submit my essay to the publication of my choice. There is always a silver lining to everything! 
{ December 10, 2008 @ 12:43 am }
·
{ 1, Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: culture, Facebook, friends, friendship, funny, high school, humor, inspiration, life, love, men, personal, pop culture, random, random thoughts, relationships, sex, thoughts, women, writers, writing }
·
{ }
Have you ever been so bored you typed in the names of former classmates, childhood friends, and arch enemies into social network search boxes? Guilty!! I’ve caught myself doing this on occasion and never seem to find the people I’m looking for.
Recently, I re-connected with a former high school classmate on Facebook. Tam and I weren’t in the same cliques, as she was a smart girl and drama kid. I, on the other hand, was involved in as many organizations as possible: Student Council, Leadership, Varsity Cheer, Newspaper Editor, Prom Committee, etc. Really, our paths barely crossed. My most vivid memory of “high school Tam,” is her rather whiny performance in Rebel Without a Cause.
Thanks to the medium of Facebook, Tam and I became grown-up friends and are making plans to visit over the holiday. Since I haven’t kept in touch with any of my former classmates and neglected to attend any of my reunions, I decided to give this Facebook friendship thing a try.
Thirteen friends later, I can’t figure out why I waited so long to re-connect. I didn’t have a horrible school experience or anything, so what kept me away? Afterall, didn’t these long-lost friends help shape who I am today? Isn’t it these people who taught me about friendship, love, trust, honesty, loyalty, and sex (yes, I said it!)?
My recent connections have opened up doors that have been sealed shut for far too long. I’m transported back in time and exploring memories I haven’t had anyone to share with. I’m enjoying the posting of ancient photos containing enormous spiral perms, feathered hair, and the famous mullet. We’ve been revisiting old crushes and who’s married who.
Oops, gotta go! Adrienne is meeting me on Facebook at 8 o’clock sharp!!
{ December 8, 2008 @ 12:23 am }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: blogging, blogs, charity, children, culture, family, fashion, funny, humor, inspiration, kids, life, love, mothers, parents, people, personal, relationships, television, Toys for Tots, women, writers, writing }
·
{ }
OK, lets see how many topics I can cover in one blog entry. It may get intense, but stay with me, I promise it will be worth it!!
First, I was very excited to finish a warm cup of my morning delight. Yay!! It has been a while since I’ve had a moment to indulge without rushing the kids to school or rush to school myself. So, I’m going to consider this the beginning of a beautiful day.
Next, I experienced another lost indulgence- an un-rushed, warm shower! All the mommies know what I’m talking about, I’m sure. As I stood under the soothing stream of hot water, it dawned on me what a luxury a peaceful shower has become. Today, there were no children running in and out, tattling on a sibling, nobody had to use the toilet, and nobody’s belly hurt!! Can I get an AMEN!!
Victory came again as I slipped on my ‘good butt jeans,’ and had the BEST hairday ever (yes, I am that vain!!). My only complaint was that my right eye watered continuously, washing away my expert eyeliner application. Bummer. My watering eye also prompted Mary to ask repeatedly, “Mommy, are you crying?” I wanted to reply, “Have you seen my ass? Have you noticed my awesome hair?” I refrained and gave a simple, “No sweetie.”
Mary and I headed off to a Toys for Tots charity event to watch local competitive cheer, gymnastics, and dance performances. This is Mary’s first season not participating in competitive cheer and gymnastics. I knew she would miss it and sure enough, is begging me to put her back in for this season. That’s a lot of money Batman!!
We are finally home and settling in. It was a long but good day. I still think about my transition to university, and I can’t help but worry for my brother’s safety, but for today, I let it all go. I was engrossed with the music and artistry of each performance, and also with spending time with my sweet daughter. Days like these often develop spontaneously and are cherished when they do. I go with the flow.
Mary just walked up to me and said, “I’m missing all of my favorite t.v. shows. When are you going to pay the bill so we’ll get our channels back?” I suppose I’m done flowing. Such is life.
{ December 7, 2008 @ 3:38 am }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: blogging, books, career, culture, family, inspiration, life, love, people, personal, random, random thoughts, thougths, women, work, writers, writing }
·
{ }
Sometimes it’s like I’m channeling or tapping into someone else’s mind. Words seem to come at me in blinding speed. It usually happens as I lie awake in bed, but yesterday, it happened while I was blow drying my hair. Huh.
I have the whole introduction and even a title for my next manuscript. I suppose the truth is that I have a working outline for the whole piece. This happens a lot, which I am thankful for. How many times do writers sit down with the intention of creating a masterpiece, only to be left with a blank page?
My best work comes to me in word bursts or explosions. I don’t really know where they come from inside my head, but they are obviously waiting to make their way into my conscious thoughts. All I know is that I’m thankful for the gift. It keeps me inspired, never knowing when the next story is going to appear.
I’m so thankful for this diversion from recent events and worries. While shoppers are out searching for that last minute gift, as college students study for their final exams, I’ll be writing Sam’s story. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
Life is beautiful in very quirky ways
{ December 6, 2008 @ 12:16 am }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: afghanistan, Army, culture, death, family, inspiration, life, love, military, people, personal, random, relationships, siblings, thoughts, writing }
·
{ }
The fated call came today. I knew it was going to happen soon, but even knowing, it hit me like bricks. My baby brother is off to Afghanistan in March. We’re a military family, so I know the drill. His company wasn’t scheduled to go until the end of 2009. Another company needed his expertise so he volunteered to go early. I feel bad that I cried when he called to tell me. “I worry about you,” I said in a wobbly voice, “I love you so much and I don’t want anything to ever happen to you.” A tear slid down my cheek, then another, and another. I haven’t stopped.
Why am I crying? Not because I think he’ll die in Afghanistan, but because I’m so beyond proud of my brother and what he has done with his life. Like most young men, he had a difficult time finding his path, his niche. Finally tired of a nomadic life, he looked to college and the military. For the first time in Corey’s life, I saw him weigh decisions in a very grown-up manner. After visiting a recruiter from every branch of the military, he decided on the Army.
My parents were hesitantly supportive of Corey’s decision, as they are completely against the current Administration and the War itself. I, however, observed the positive changes happening within my baby brother and found it absolutely impossible NOT to support HIM. Maybe I don’t agree with every decision made by our government, but I love my brother.
Now, after serving for a while, Corey is like a new man. He calls me and texts me often and constantly tells me not to worry. “Don’t worry Big Sis, I’m indestructible.” Of course, I wish this were true. How many times can we look death in the face before our time is up?
I don’t know what the future holds, but I am filled with pride and sadness. I want him to serve with pride, but I want him to come home alive and completely in tact, emotionally and physically. I hope this is the one time I get what I want.
{ December 4, 2008 @ 4:13 am }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: blogging, classroom, college, culture, depression, education, funny, humor, inspiration, life, people, personal, Poetru, random, random thoughts, teachers, thoughts, women, writing }
·
{ }
The botttom line: I need to quit acting like a girl and face my future with strength, grace, and determination. I can’t believe I cried twice today about leaving Delta behind! I suppose some (especially Delta’s PR person) would say that my feelings are a testament of what Delta College is all about: Making the Delta difference in students lives. They wouldn’t be wrong, but I don’t want to be a crybaby in the process.
I want to be able to take what I’ve been blessed with and knock some socks off at university. Is this even possible? I’ve played the “big bad university” scenario in my head a thousand times in the past week. Is it really as impersonal and isolating as I think?
Maybe what I’m really afraid of is that I will be required to step up my intellectual game. I have a lot of new concepts in my arsenal, but will they be enough? I love a good challenge, but what if I’m no competition to the other students in my classes? Seriously, I didn’t even know Shakespeare had about 36 works until yesterday! I hope I’m not going to be way over my head-that would be one expensive drowning!
I suppose if all else fails, I’ll go back to Delta for another associates degree! I wonder if 5 associates would be as valuable as 1 bachelors degree…hmmmm?! Oh jeeze, I need to quit being such a coward and just get on with it!
Why am I such a girl???
{ December 2, 2008 @ 3:52 am }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: career, college, culture, education, family, friends, friendship, funny, humor, inspiration, life, love, Parenting, people, personal, random, random thoughts, relationships, teaching, thoughts, women, work, writing }
·
{ }
I’m having one of those days where tears come easily, accomplishments are realized, and my future looks blinding. I’ve spent the past two years of my life trying like heck to build a reputation as a writer, student, and teacher. It hasn’t been easy, I’m far from done, but today was the day it hit me the hardest.
It is funny to think about who I was back then: A thirty-two year old married, mother of two, embarking on the college experience. At times I wanted to give up, but then I’d look at my children and remember why I’m pushing myself to fulfill my dreams. My dreams are calculated and thoughtful, not selfish and indulgent. I want to be the best role model I can, prove that it’s never too late, and give back to those who’ve inspired me along life’s journey.
December 17th will mark my first college degree. The first college degree in my family. This is HUGE! It will be bitter sweet, that’s for sure. I will be leaving behind many friends and mentors. I’m not looking forward to being a face in the crowd at a big university. It will tough leaving an environment where I had at least a dozen faculty members who really know me and my capabilities. I’ll have to start over, a daunting task.
I’ve turned in my last LAND entry, my last writing award submission. I don’t even care if I win (that’s how much I’ve grown!). I just want to be remembered. I’ve left my fingerprints all over Delta College: in the Writing Center, in the classroom.
I’m proud of what I’ve done and who I’ve become during these two years. Honestly, I’ve only just begun!
{ December 1, 2008 @ 3:03 am }
·
{ Random Ramblings }
{ Tags: bar bands, bars, blogging, culture, dancing, entertainment, family, fashion, friends, friendship, funny, groupies, humor, life, love, make-up, marriage, mothers, music, people, personal, relationships, Target, thoughts, women, writing }
·
{ }
This weekend I got to revisit my carefree, unstructured, and totally self-indulged youth. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure to participate in the “getting ready” phenomenon. I’m fascinated at the habits and rituals of my gender and found myself paying close attention to my behavior as I re-emerged into the bar scene.
First, I have to give accolades to R, who is my arch rival and almost-famous rock star friend. If it wasn’t for his weekend warrior performances with two local bands, I wouldn’t have had an escape clause. Thanks, R!
Friday night was my first night as a bar band groupie…ahem, wannabe bar band groupie. I spent the day painting my nails, showering (and shaving!), allowing my hair to dry naturally (gasp!), and planning my outfit. Of course, being a girl, I discovered nothing in my wardrobe would do. An hour before the band was to begin its first set, I headed to Target. Oh, how I simply LOVE Target!! It has the trendiest clothes, sparkly shoes, and sweetest accessories (handbags included!). I found a beautiful green sweater with a peek-a-boo cutout in the back and the perfect earrings and necklace. And the women of the world say, “Amen!”
I pulled out the old hair straightener, black eyeliner, and deep purple eyeshadow: my groupie best. I took my time and savored the experience, not knowing when, if ever, I would get the chance again. I found that I’ve missed “getting ready.” There was an anticipation and excitement that went along with it. I even got a little nervous on my way to the bar.
Once there, I met up with R’s wife and sister. We had the best time drinking and dancing and being “with the band.” I felt important, envied, and even a little a lot sassy (this isn’t a typo). I swung my hair, did some head-banging, and threw out a few catcalls to R.
I suppose I wasn’t a traditional bar band groupie since there was no one-night-stand or obnoxious drunkenness, but I felt free, revived, and kinda bad-ass. Best of all, I got to do it all over again on Saturday night!
Although I don’t plan on making these nights a lifestyle, it was nice to re-visit the old me with a grown-up perspective. Next time I’m asked, “Are you with the band?” I’ll put my chin up, smile my best smile, and say, “Oh yeah.”
