Almost there

Well, I'm having a hard time with the realization that just a few weeks ago I was dealing with writer's block and now I am almost finished with Ally's Story. All that is left to write is the climax, which I have no idea how to write lol. I may have to get some advice on this one, it's not my usual territory. This book has been so fun to write because it's not like anything I've written before. I feel like I've stepped into a whole new world.

Once I finish Ally's Story, it's back to book 3. I know that some people *cough cough, Angie, cough cough* have been eagerly awaiting the ending of Robert and Jennifer's story. I think I put it off so long because I just don't want to finish telling their story, but all good things must come to an end. *sigh* I hope to have Ally's Story finished by the end of August, and if I am lucky, Jennifer and Robert's story finished by then end of September or so.

What will I come up with once these are finished? *blank stare* Right now, I got nothing. I'm working on something though, in connection with Robert and Jennifer's story, so if it works out, I'll definitely post the details here.

A slow comeback

Well, after a week of headaches, I am finally feeling like me again. Saturday the dreaded headaches has morphed into a migraine, but thankfully the rain storm we had all day Saturday was enough to break the pressure and return me to my normal, pain free self. I really didn't feel up to doing much over the weekend, so I curled up with my buddy Fox Mulder and kicked some X-Files.

I did in fact feel so horrible, that I couldn't even be too upset at the fact that it was once again ComiCon weekend and I was missing out. One day, I will get myself to the SDCC and I will geek out to my hearts content. I can't imagine a more amazing way to spend a weekend, hence the reason I included ComiCon in my book. *sigh* A dream yet to be fulfilled.

I was going to try to get some writing done tonight, but I am just not feeling the drive. My mind is still moving at a slow pace following the jackhammer's exit. I really am not that far off schedule with where I wanted Ally's Story to be at this point, so another day of rest won't hurt to much. Back to the grind tomorrow with a fresh mind, I hope.

One more day to go...

So I have almost come to the end of my crazy week of overworking. I worked both Bon Jovi/Kid Rock concerts, and tomorrow I work an Argos game.  I must admit that I am exhausted. Between the work and the heat, things are making me very tired. I feel like...well, like I need the vacation I am working to pay for.

The second Bon Jovi/Kid Rock concert was great. They improved the sound and lighting, but at the expense of shutting down 6 sections in the 500 level, which is coincidentally where I was working customer service last night *sigh*.  I ended up running back and forth between the two booths on opposite sides of the 500 level helping to distribute new tickets. By the end of my shift, my foot was very swollen, and I was exhausted. To be honest, all I wanted to do was go home to bed, but I had a ticket to see the show so I watched Bon Jovi's set, which was really great. I'm glad I went, even though I paid the price today.

One more shift, and I will be able to go on FT9 without leaving myself in debt when I return, which was the goal of this gruelling week. Just one more shift....

A long day...with another one tomorrow

Wow, I realized today that I may not be getting old, but I am getting older. It's a fact. I used to be able to work 2 jobs, one from 9 to 5 then the second from 7 to 10, then go out to the bar and not get home until 1am and go to work the next day for 9am. Now I realize that I just don't have that same stamina I had in my younger days.

I've been picking up extra shifts, at a TicketMaster box office, to supplement the money I spent on FT9 and the other things that go along with it. Today I worked my normal job, from 9:15 till 4:15 (I have enough overtime to cover the short hour) then started working the Bon Jovi concert from 4 till 9:30. Now that I am home from work, I am just exhausted.

I wonder, is it the excitement of being younger that gets us through the crazy things we put our bodies through? With the prospect of working the same shifts and staying for the concert tomorrow, I'm hoping to find a little of that young excitement inside me tomorrow.

How much we rely on technology

Today, around dinner time, I realized that my Blackberry Twitter hadn't notified me of updates in a while. I opened up the application, only to find that it hadn't updated in 4 hours. I cleared the cache, and updated the program, and discovered that there was a problem on the Twitter servers and not a problem with my phone. After doing the update, I am unable to log on at all. *sigh*

I found myself checking it every half hour or so trying to log back in with no success and my frustration was growing, until I sat back and thought about it. It amazes me just how reliant I have become on the technology that is at my fingertips. If my Twitter goes down, my email won't receive or, goodness help us all, my internets completely goes down, it feels almost like I am fully disconnected from the world. I love my tech, really I do, but how did this happen to us? How did we become so reliant on technology that going without it for short periods of time is akin to losing power or water?

It frightens me a little that this is where we have evolved to. I mean, if it is this hard for the people of our generation to survive these little blips in the tech world, how will our children eventually survive the same thing in 10 years time? I think we should all take a step back, from time to time, turn off the tech (trust me, it hurts a tech nerd like me to say this) and get back to a time before iPhones *shudders* and Blackberry's were our lifelines. Maybe doing this once in a while, will give us a new appreciation for the tech we rely on as well as the world that surrounds us.

"The video arcade is down the street. Here we just sell small rectangular objects. They're called books. They require a little effort on your part, and make no bee-bee-bee-bee-beeps. On your way please." -Mr. Koreander from The NeverEnding Story.

A relaxing day

So today was the first really relaxing day I've had in weeks, even though the washer acted up and the tub was leaking. I just hammered the tub board back in place, and shifted the washer basket around until they were fixed. I spent the rest of the day watching X-Files on DVD and working on a "secret" birthday surprise for a friend.

Speaking of which...must get back to it. Hoefully the next few days will bring more interesting posts.

Preparations begin

So we have finally decided to just go ahead and book our hotel for FT9. We waited for the "official" hotel announcement, but since it hasn't come, and we virgo's tend to get a little stabby if we don't plan ahead, we booked a room Friday night at the Days Inn.

I am excited about this hotel, to be honest. I love that there is air conditioning, showers (really, you don't miss it until you don't have one), a Olympic size pool, and the Internets!!!!! I don't think I could survive another 3 days without the Internets. I really can't wait to get there, and hop in the pool. Pool Party!

In all honesty, I just can't wait for this trip. I've been so busy working, hence no blog posts, that I just really need a break. Hurry up August 7th.

Just another day...

Well, today turned out to be just another day filled with work and other things. I almost didn't write a post, but DJTunes treated me to Kid Rock and I realized that I had to.

Today I got an interesting offer of discounted (very discounted) tickets for the Kid Rock/Bon Jovi concert next week. I've seen Kid Rock many times, and am more interested in seeing him than Bon Jovi, but I think it could be fun. Even though I have to work some of it, I can't wait.

Man, more Kid Rock, a good day all around.

Breaking the block

I've been battling writer's block for a little over a week now. I can't really think of very many things that are worse for a creative person, whether a writer or an artist, than being blocked. This really has been a horrible week, writing wise. I've stared at blank screens seeing nothing but the blinking cursor, cursing and pleading with my mind to just let me make a little hole and get something through.

I tried little exercises, the fruits of those labours are detailed here in my blog, and with the help of photos supplied by my friends, I felt a little creative. Suddenly, a little hole appeared in the wall. It took some chiseling away at it, but each little story made the hole a little bigger. Not all of them are my best work, or something I will keep, but they were the stepping stone I needed.

Tonight I opened Chapter 20 of Ally's Story, with the intent to break through the wall and accomplish something. After almost an hour and only producing 3 paragraphs, I was starting to doubt that I would do what I had aimed for. I was beginning to get really frustrated, and suddenly one of the words I had forced onto the page broke through the wall and it just flowed out of me. I've missed that feeling, the way the story feels when it flows through you as if you have no say in what happens, it just happens.

I'm sure I will sleep much better tonight, and tomorrow I hope to re-enter Ally's mind with ease, the way it's always been.

Thanks to all who supplied me with pictures to jump start my mind. I appreciated the help and support. You guys rock.

Pic supplied by HeatherMax

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the hole,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mole.
The stockings were hung by the tree root with care,
In hopes that Sint-Niklaas soon would be there.

The kindles were nestled all snug in their nests,
While visions of carrots danced in their heads.
And mamma in her blanket, and I in my Santa cap,
Had just settled our noses for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the yard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the hole to see what was the matter.
Away from the nest I flew like a flash,
Tore out of the hole and ran up the branch.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my big black eyes should appear,
But a big huge bunny, and eight tinny kindles, quaking with fear.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Sint-Nik.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he twitched, and hopped, and pointed to each!

"Now Thumper, now Dolly, now Prouncer and Brownie!
On, Hopper, on, Jack, on Peter and Blackie!
To the edge of the garden, and into the fields!
Now hop away, hop away, hop away all!"

As I twitched my nose, and was turning around,
Down the hole Sint-Niklaas hopped with a bound.

He was coved in fur, from his tail to his nose,
And his fur were all covered with soil and rose.
A bundle of treats he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled, his cheeks how merry!
His fur smelled like roses, his nose like a berry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the ends of his fur was as covered with snow.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twitch of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And with another simple twitch of his nose
A little hop and up the hole he rose!


*Not as good of an adaptation as I did a few years ago, but still fun*

The birthday cake to top all cakes

Pic supplied by Paraproff

"Happy  Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Jason, Happy Birthday to you." The group of voices sang in unison.

My brother Jason was celebrating his 25th birthday. Jason was born on Halloween, so from the age of 14 onwards he begged to have Halloween themed birthday cakes. Every year, my mother and I would get together and try to make him a more and more intricate cake to surprise Jason with. After last year's birthday, I decided to take a cake making class to make something fantastic for his 25th birthday.

I began making all the characters and trees, out of marshmallows while the actual cake baked away in the oven.  After adding the icing, I placed the marshmallow characters on top carefully. 4 hours after I began , the cake was finished. With the family gathered around, we serenaded Jason and presented him with this years creation.

"Thanks Janet," He began with a chuckle, "you have really outdone yourself this year." He said as plucked the skeleton from the tree and began to chew.

*Okay, not the best one I've come up with, but cut me a break guys, I'm blocked and this was a tough pic. Good job Paraproff, I had to think all day, and still had a hard time with this one.*

A holiday to remember (writing project)

Pic supplied by Borisimo_66

As I looked out the window at the dismal, dreary day and watched the raindrops pound the street with anger, I sighed with dismay. It had been raining non stop for two weeks. I walked over to the nearby bookcase and retieved the sunshine yellow photo album and moved to curl up on the window seat. I adjusted the pillow behind me and leaned back, resting my head against the wall.

I flipped open the cover and began to go through the photos one by one. The airport as we arrived, the rental car by sister had used to drive us around the city, the hotel as we arrived and the boardwalk. Next came the pictures of Cassie and I on the beach, playing in the surf, and visiting some of the sites. Finally I came to the block of photos I was looking for.

The photo I had taken as the sun was setting over the ocean from the patio of our cabanna. Everytime I looked at it, I couldn't help but be reminded of the warmth of the June evening, the sweet smell of the breeze and feeling of relaxation that eminated from all around us. This picture always seemed to be where my photo album should start, because moments after it was taken, my life changed for the better.

The next picture was of Thackary, smiling warmly at me through the camera lens. I had met Thackary after I took the beach photo. I walked along the poolside, with the beach as my final destination. Just as I stepped off the concrete and into the sand, I lost my footing and began to fall. As I braced myself for the connection with the sand, I felt a set of hands grasp my arms and steady me. When I turned back to see who it was, I was staring into blue eyes as clear as the ocean itself. His sandy blond hair was wavy and slightly shaggy, making me picture him as a surfer. His smile was mesmorizing.

The rest of the album with filled with pictures of Thackary and I at all sorts of tourist attractions, like DisneyWorld and Bush Gardens. We spent the remainder of my week long trip together, and when the time came to say goodbye, we exchanged our information and began an intense long distance relationship.

"Chris? What are you doing honey?" came a voice from the doorway.

I turned and my gaze fell upon my husband, leaning against the side of the door, his smile just as mesmorizing as always. I smiled back, rose from the seat and placed the album back on the shelf, next to our Wedding album. I crossed the room and wound my arms around his waist as I leaned up to kiss him lovingly.

"I was just remembering the day we met." I replied, seeing the beach front photo again in my mind as he chuckled.

"Ah yes, the day that you fell for me, literally."

A picture to make the words flow...

Pic supplied by Heather Max

I remember how they look so well at times, and at other times their faces are blurred, as if I’ve just woken from a long sleep and need to rub my eyes. I remember the sound of their voices, the ring of the Irish accent in Carrie’s, and the happy exuberance that comes with youth in Julie’s. I remember the smell of Carrie’s hair as I turn to cuddle behind her at night, and I remember the soft, powdery scent that accompanies every child in those early years.

I remember the day that it happened. We were driving along, singing happily with the radio, the picture of a happy family. The screech of the tires wasn’t enough warning before the SUV connected with our little Toyota neon. I could hear the metal, twisting and crunching, as it drove its way into the passenger’s side and the look of terror on Carrie’s face as she realized what was happening.

Everything happened in slow motion from there. The metal crushing inward, the sound of the screams emanating from Carrie and then from Julie in the back seat. The feeling of the car spinning around and around from the impact, and then the impact as we collided with another object. The searing pain appeared in my shoulder first, then a pressuring pain began in my head and I felt the snap in my leg. It seemed like forever before I began to hear the sirens in the distance, and then time caught up and everything seemed to happen on fast forward.

I was pulled from the car, secured to a gurney and loaded into an ambulance that raced off in the direction of a hospital before I could find out anything about Carrie and Julie. When I arrived at the hospital, they set my shoulder, which had dislocated, secured my broken leg, and deciphered that I had suffered a concussion from the impact of hitting my head off the window.

When I finally found someone to give me answers, I wished I hadn’t. The officer tried to be kind and heartfelt as he ripped my world apart when he informed me that both Carrie and Julie had died in the crash. Within a few moments, which had felt like forever, my entire world had been shattered.

Now, here I sit alone, by the tree in our favourite spot that overlooked the ocean. I come here, every year on the anniversary of the accident, and remember the family that I lost.

*Note: This is a trick supplied by a writing teacher I had. The idea is to choose a picture and write a page or less about it, in any form that you wish. It has helped in the past with kicking me out of writer's block. Thanks again for the pic HeatherMax!*

A day that brings a full day of paperwork and then some

Today was insanely busy at work. I have had to oversee construction in our offices, issue keys, verify a group of about 300 files and move them to the room for archiving. Somehow I also found time to get a sunburn, while on my 2 breaks, while wearing SPF 70! Did I mention I am sensitive to the sun? lol.

Even with all I did today, I still have so many more files to move in the next 2 days, more construction to arrange and watch over, and all the stuff that just pops up. Somewhere in the middle of this, I still have to finish the book for book club! Oh, did I mention the friends who are coming to visit on Friday and staying overnight?

Yes, not only is it raging hot here, but I have to be swamped too.

Another crazy day and the lack of juice

Wow, it seems like with the heat wave hitting the city it's hyped up my work load as well. I've been really busy the last little while, so much so that by the time I get home from work, I'm too tired to do much more than sit on the couch and watch TV. Sadly, I've tried to read when I get home, but I'm so tired that the words are forgotten almost as quickly as I read them, a great tragedy for me. I'm hoping this ends soon.

Due to the exhaustion I've been feeling, my creative juices are just not flowing as much as I like. I've been having a hard time with Ally's Story for the last week, which isn't helping the juices flow any better. If I don't get the rhythm back in the next day or two, I may try an exercise I learned in a writing class last year: select a picture (something without any ties to you) and write a one page story/description about it. It sounds odd, but the less evidently happening in the picture, the more you have to work to come up with something. I found it very beneficial in the past.

Maybe if I do this, I will post the results here for opinions and comments, and don't worry I'll include the photo. Hopefully it doesn't come to that though

A surprise and display of my growth

So, as a result of a pretty traumatic event I went through, I've had some issues dealing with high pressure situations in the last 5 years or so. Most often, when something happens (losing a job, debt news etc), the first thing I tend to is freak out for about 10 minutes (or more depending on the situation), then sit back and reasonably come up with a remedy. I accepted this, and figured that if this was the worst side effect of what I had endured, then I got off lucky. Today, I surprised myself.

About 4:45 this afternoon, there was a huge power failure in Toronto, and my building was effected. Since it was so late in the day, my boss and the guy I work with, had both left for the day. In most jobs, this would mean workers get to go home and enjoy some extra time off, but because I work in a secured location, it meant that I had to check all the access doors to the office, arrange immediate security coverage, and hang around to reset our mag lock system when the power was resumed. Usually the prospect of doing all of this myself would unnerve me and cause me to look like a chicken with her head cut off for the first 20 minutes, but not today.

Today, for some reason, I had a confidence in my ability to handle the situation that I don't normally have. I have said that FT8 had some effects of how I perceive myself, and I think this was an example of that. I had no problems doing what needed to be done, no nerves and I knew I could handle it, even on only 3 and a half hours sleep. When I left the office, 10 hours after I arrived, I had a feeling of accomplishment in myself that I hadn't felt in a really long time.

Now, I am off to get some of the sleep I was lacking last night, and prepare myself for another day.

Let's get the hopes up, and then...yet another fail

So, Ryan tweeted that Field Trip 9 tickets were going on sale today. To say I was a little skeptical, would be an understatement. Sure enough, another fail. Will they ever go on sale?

I realize that my blog has gotten a little...stale recently, but to be honest, not much of interest has happened recently. I've been working my butt off, which is pretty normal, and my off hours have really just been spent relaxing. I did manage to squeeze a haircut in yesterday, when I finally caught my roomie at home. Yes, my hairdresser is my roommate. She does a much better job at the simple cut I like than a hairdresser does, and it's free so that is a huge score. It will be really nice to have a bit of a shorter do this week since it's going to be a scorcher.

Today, I spent the day on the couch, getting caught up on my Stargate Atlantis. I'm almost finished season 4 and all I can say is, why did I wait so long to watch this show???? The story lines are awesome, the characters are realistic, and it makes my mind wonder about the possibilities. Could we one day travel the universe using a similar method? Man, technology is cool.

Heather, a friend from the forums, PITV and Twitter brought up Hocus Pocus today, and reminded me of one of my favourite names, Thackary. I am hoping that somehow in my next book, whatever it may be, that I can use it. I do realize that I have 2 other books to complete first, so readers don't get all worked up. I know some of you are aching to get your hands on book 3 of Robert and Jen's tale and Ally's Story, so I promise I will finish them before I go anywhere with Thackary. Maybe I'll try something a little old fashioned...

Anyway, Happy 4th of July to all of my American friends (even thought it's a little late). May the fourth be with you! Enjoy!

A little break to catch up on much needed sleep

Well, sorry I missed posting yesterday, but I was very tired. I finally came to the end of the my double job week, and man was I beat. I tried to watch some TV, but by 10pm, I was falling asleep on the couch. I dragged my tired butt to bed and was out cold by 11. Wow, crazy life I lead. lol.

Today was a little bit chill for me. I talked with my uncle about an offer I receive on my house. I'm not sure what to do, it's a huge decision to make. One one hand, I would get the opportunity to separate myself and start my own life, but on the other, I lose my mother's family home. It's huge and I just don't know what to do. I wish she was here to ask about it.

Damn grown up decisions!

An evening out

Well, yesterday I skipped my usual late night blog post in favour of an evening out. I met up with a friend and my younger sister to see Eclipse on opening night. This has become a tradition. My friend and I go to dinner, catch up and then see the first screening. As excited as I am for the release of each movie, I love that we have that time by ourselves to catch up.

Over dinner, I told my friend about the Field Trip. She was curious about how exactly the experience changed me. I tried to explain it, but I still don't think I managed to put it into the right words. I think I'm going to send her the link, and let her see it for herself. All in all, she found the tale of my trip interesting and exciting. I think by the time we were finished, she may have seen a glimpse of the new found acceptance I've discovered within myself.

The movie was amazing. I don't want to say much, I really hate people who let spoilers slip, but I was very impressed with the vision that David Slade delivered. I was worried that his vision would be very much like 30 days of night, but he captured all the things that I wanted to see, with exactly the right tone. I definitely recommend it.

All in all, an enjoyable evening out.