Donkey Riding

“My guitar is not a thing. It is an extension of myself. It is who i am.” - Joan Jett

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:35:51 GMT

So, it was guitar lesson night and it was...well, I think bad would be an understatement. I still can't play along with Richie Sambora. That in and of itself is frustrating. But, on top of that, I struggled through the easy note exercises. Where I basically play thee notes in this book for beginners. Which, granted, I am a beginner...but this is like...first grade stuff.

So, we're not talking rocket science here. And I'd have the fingering right...but I'd hit the wrong string. And even Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was a mess. Yes...we're talking that basic. GRR!

I was disappoitned with myself. My instructor was disappointed. I really need to practice...even when I'm not at home. Just take 30 minutes of my time and sit down and do what needs to be done. Because another lesson like that...and yeah...

In other news...the two large trees that lined the walkway of our apartment building were both hit by lightning. There was even some burning and charring going on. Pretty wild. Thankfully my car was sitting at the university because ladystarblade came out trying to beat the storm. Had a tree landed on my car, I would not have been happy. But check out her LJ entry on it and see the pictures. Insane. It sure made getting inside a lot of fun. And I have to wonder how long those will sit there. Trees are down all over the complex. It's a mess. But OY!!

I'm pretty much picturing ladystarblade calling me to tell me a tree fell on my car. That would not have been a fun phone call either way!

And that, my friends...is life as of tonight.

Friends...

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:01:04 GMT

Just when I feel friends have let me down...

...one of my best makes me laugh...

...a lot!

♥

Worn out

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:48:05 GMT

I'm tired.

And I have a lot on my mind.

I just don't quite know how to type it all out and vocalize it.

*shrug*

Home again

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:24:32 GMT

InCon is over for another year. And I'm back.

And even with a mild allergic reaction on Saturday night, the con was, for the most part, a great time! :)

More later...hopefully.

Of to con...

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:32:48 GMT

Alright, my friends. This is it. I'm heading out for the weekend with ladystarblade for some good times at InCon up in Indianapolis. Even have plans for dinner with a friend on Saturday night. I'm excited.

Enjoy the 4th of July everyone. Light some fireworks for me!

See you Sunday night.

Rockin' it Richie Sambora style...and more...

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:13:29 GMT

The guitar lesson was last night. And while I'm still a bit slow on playing the beginning of "Wanted Dead or Alive," my teacher was quite impressed that I could do it, since it's such an advanced song. The speed will come the more I do it. And I even purchased the book he wanted me to that teaches me the different notes on the strings...which will come in handy. I know how to read music...just not exactly where to play such things on the guitar. So, I'll work on that in addition to the song.

Whew. Lots of homework on guitar this week. Still loving it though!

Had one of the funniest and wildest conversations on the phone last night with marcgunn. But we got a some stuff worked out before that regarding the Celtic Music Magazine. Now we're just working on implementing it. :) I need to work up a few things for him and will try to do that tonight. But...thank you, marcgunn for all the laughs last night. You rock!

Didn't get my evening walk or my yoga in last night. Mostly because lessons keep us out until about 9:00 p.m. And then showers had to be taken. So...it was a moot point then. But we'll work it in tonight.

InCon is this weekend. It should be a lot of fun. Looking forward to seeing people again! And, ladystarblade and I are going to be working on a project while there. I'm pretty excited about it. She came up with a kick ass idea!

Alright...apparently there is an Alumni Board meeting tomorrow and my boss needs reminders sent out and phone calls made immediately following to find out if we'll have a quarum...otherwise...no meeting. It's iffy with the holiday. So we'll see!

I leave you with this...

Swiped from ladystarblade:

You Are Ballroom Dancing

You are sophisticated and classy. Definitely not the type to be seen dancing on a bar.

You are a bit old fashioned. You prefer dance to be subtly sexy, not in your face sexy.

You are sentimental and nostalgic. You appreciate the beauty of old things.

You are even tempered and cooperative. You work well with a partner.

What Dance Are You?

Some help from the f-list...please?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:48:07 GMT

Hey everyone!

ladystarblade and I are working on a project and we were hoping to enlist your help! What we are searching for are quotes.

Motivational quotes.

Inspirational quotes.

Quotes or sayings about success, luck, dreams...

Quotes or sayings about Las Vegas or dealing with vegas...or going places...

Give me some of your favorites!! It's for a good cause, I promise!

Nothing too long though!

Birthday wishes

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:36:54 GMT

A big Happy Birthday going out to pejo today!!

I hope it's full of many wonderful memories...and lots of Kodak moments!

A healthier life...

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:32:36 GMT

We all do it. The fad diets. The exercise for about a week. And we all have the best intentions of following through in the end. Yet...something always deters us. Whether it's a vacation or a weekend away or just not having the time allocated, living a healthier life isn't always easy.

In fact, I'm here to tell you that it's a lot of work. But I think it's beneficial in the end.

Starting last week, I began looking up healthier alternatives to some of my favorite meals. And in the process I stumbled across a few other recipes that caught my attention.

By far, the best has been the homemade peanut butter cups. Let me tell you...Cool Whip Free and peanut butter is a delicious combination. Top it off with a dollup of chocolate syrup and...heaven. And if anyone wants that recipe I'll be more than happy to share it. But it has 56 calories as opposed to the 230 in a regular Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. And ladystarblade, the peanut butter cup connoisseur, loved them.

Tonight's experiment was not as tasty. It was a pasta that included spinach, cheese and sausage, but we substituted the sausage for mushrooms. This left the spinach very overpowering. It was...meh. We added 3 tbsp of spaghetti sauce to each bowl to give it a bit of flavor and moisture. It probably would have been better with the sausage to counter-act the spinach. We learn. And that was thumbs down...but we ate it. It was...tolerable. But the recipe went into the garbage can never to be tried again.

But I expect that. We're at least trying new things.

In addition, ladystarblade and I have added an extra regiment of yoga to our daily routines. Once in the morning. And once at night. Two different instructors. Similar moves, but not done the same. And it's nice to add that to the evening walk.

Sure, it means we're down a bit of time...and we still have to practice our guitars...which burns calories as well. In fact, 15 minutes of sitting down and playing guitar burns 27 calories. Our 20 minutes of yoga burns between 46 - 130 calories depending on what we choose to do. And our evening walks, if done at a leisurely pace, burns about 54 calories in 20 minutes. If we walk faster, we burn off more calories.

We've started only getting one entree at restaurants...and splitting it. I never can finish mine and this prevents either of us from thinking that we have to finish it so it's not a waste of money. Found out on Friday...that one entree definitely fills us up when split between us. And it saves money when we go out.

We make better choices. We pay attention to calories, but we don't let it govern our choices. If I want a brownie...by god, I'm going to eat a brownie. I won't deny myself food...nor starve myself. I'm all about getting in shape, but I'm going to do it the healthy way. The right way.

And thankfully, I have a good workout partner in ladystarblade. We bitch and complain at times about the food and about the working out...but we do it. And we've definitely made some progress.

Happiness gone...

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:31:32 GMT

...craptastic day returns.

Dolenz at Dragon*Con???!!!

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:40:37 GMT

HAHAHA!! ladystarblade has just informed me that Mickey Dolenz, of The Monkees fame, will be attending D*Con this year. Hellz yeah, I'm going to go over and talk to him!! *jumps up and down*

For having been a pretty crappy morning...this news makes me more happy than it has a right to!

For only_playing: Life in NY

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:25:28 GMT

only_playing asked me: Tell us about your family in New York.

I lived fifteen years of my life in Upstate New York. Fifteen wonderful years. I grew up there. I fell into lust and love there. And I left there. Things weren't always easy for me or my family in New York...but we got by. And that's what was important.

My mom was a stay-at-home mom. She raised me, my older brother, and my younger sister the best she could. It wasn't always easy for her as by the age of 30 she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. She'd have to wear braces on her hands and arms, so it limited her some...but not much. My mom is a determined person and won't let anything slow her down. A few years later, after numerous visits to the hospital for other problems, she was diagnosed with lupus...the internal kind that attacks the organs. This led to a few hospital stays when the flare-ups got bad. Other health issues followed: osteoperosis by the age of 42 (the doctor said she had the bone density of a 90-year-old woman), fibromyalsia, etc. It's never slowed her down. She started working retail jobs at night to pull in some extra money for the family. Then her health would get bad again and she'd have to stop. She broke her ankle pretty bad in 1997, having to have it fused so she can't bend the ankle at all. None of this slows her down. In 1998, it was off to Birmingham, AL when my dad got a new job.

My dad worked hard to pull in money for our family. He worked for a place called RKB Enterprises in Elmira, NY. He also fough the little town we lived in on taxes, starting the Big Flats Tax Payers Association...and also being the president of it. He did his best to kep up the maintanance on the house. He'd make us help when possible, pulling out bushes that were dead, weeding, lining the flowerbeds with rocks, raking, mowing...clearing leaves out of the gutters and off the roof. In 1997, his company was bought out in a merger. Everyone as promised that they'd keep their jobs. Two weeks later, everyone got pink slips. The company kept my dad on, having him commute up to Portland, Maine to work. He'd return home on the weekends. Then...they decided that was it for dad. And he had to find a new job. He had two options: Shreveport, Louisiana or Birmingham, Alabama. Shreveport ended up hiring his boss from RKB. My dad moved to Birmingham early in 1998. Just in time for the abortion clinic bombing and the big F5 tornado to go through. He worked hard for all of us. We were poor, but he didn't let us know that.

My brother...is complicated. He and I have never gotten along. He was picked on in school from day one. And I was only a year behind him...so I immediately got attached with the nickname: "Kevin Brady's sister." I hated that. I wanted my own identity. I wanted people to like me for who I was...not who my brother was. But, you know kids. And I admit...I joined in on teasing him. In 1996, he left New York and went to Arkansas. He was a bit troubled...and it was a good move for him. But we didn't hear from him again for three years and by then he had graduated from a high school in Arkansas and was in Texas in college...about to go to college in Ohio. When Clinton pulled the grants on him because he "made too much money" he came back to Birmingham...ended up getting married and starting a family. He now lives in Tennessee near Gatlinburg.

My sister was only 1 when we moved to New York. She learned how to talk there. She learned how to do everything there. We would amuse ourselves in the summer by dancing in the basement and acting out or favorite television shows. We'd play outside with friends. She'd normally impede on my time with my friends. We'd try to lose her, she'd be two steps behind us. And she finished up her sophomore year in Birmingham, AL.

New York, specifically Big Flats, NY will always hold a special place in my heart. It was really where I grew with my family. And now that we've moved on...I hope to get back sometime soon just to see what's the same...and what's changed.

For claena1: Writing!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:59:59 GMT

claena1 asked me: You talk about writing a lot... so tell me what you write and, more importantly, where I can read it.

My love for writing started in elementary school. Fifth grade was when I seriously got into writing. A few of my compositions were printed in the school publication for students. In sixth grade, I expanded on it. My teacher had to put me in the back corner of the room so she could read my papers last. I couldn't get enough of trying to bring something to life on paper. All hand-written, of course.

In seventh grade, I wrote my first book. I don't even remember much about that one. But I do remember drawing the cover art for it. It was a murder mystery...lots of twists and turns. Then, in eight grade I wrote another book. It was a science-fiction story called "The Mad Scientist." I wrote it and got credit for doing it and even had an art student draw up the cover. An English teacher there helped me put the finishing touches on it.

That led into high school. No time to seriously work on anything like a book there as I loaded myself up with classes...no study halls. The other half of my lunch period was spent in a gym class as opposed to sitting at a desk. I preferred it that way. My art took off then, drawing, painting...I couldn't get enough of it. Even got into computer graphics to persue my dream then of becoming a Disney animator. That class taught me I didn't actually want to do that for a living. LOL!

What I did end up getting into was fanfic. I began writing mostly for the Highlander fandom. Then moved on to La Femme Nikita and then into other genres like Space: Above & Beyond, and some rock fic with bands I listen to. That was a lot of fun. Then I picked up Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books and got hooked. The Outlander fanfic followed.

And then I started my latest novel. This was back in 2001. It's not even close to being done. It started as a joint venture, writing it with a friend of mine. I did a majority of the writing...and then she ran off with it, changed the names and claims to have gotten it e-published. I found the book online...but never read it.

So, starting from scratch...I decided to write something on my own. I could do that. A historical fiction based on the Battle of Hastings back in 1066. I did a TON of research on it. I even went over to the battlefield in England and ran across it. It was amazing. And the ideas poured in. I wrote a few pieces here and there. Patchwork writing, as I call it. Just the thoughts as I get them. The novel will be called Tapestry. And it's now seven years after I started it...and I've been delayed by school and this drive to get a degree. But I have the ideas. I have it mapped out. I just need to write.

I can send you some of it...should you ever want to glance at it.

Guitar lessons...and other sundry things...

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:14:11 GMT

And the weekly update on how I'm fairing on the guitar...

The lesson last night was a bit disjointed. My instructor tried to get me to play the opening part of "Wanted Dead or Alive" with the CD and Richie Sambora kicked my ass. I got the first chord and the last chord. The rest got lost in translation! *sigh* So...I've set a lofty goal for myself this week. And that is to be able to play the part along with Richie Sambora by next week. This is no easy task as those opening notes come fast.

I also need to purchase a book at some point that my teacher recommends because it will let me sight read and he really wants to get me started on that. Of course...that means $$$ that I currently don't have. My $1.79 in my checking account won't cover any of that.

Got a doctors appointment this morning. I'll be leaving in about 10 minutes to go to that. Gotta update the insurance and fill out a form. The appointment never takes long though. Then it's back to the grind for the rest of the day.

ladystarblade is setting up a schedule for how we can work everything we need to into the day. I'm going to be changing that around for me come August as I'll be back in class (*insert sigh here*), but this will be good to at least get going on. Once you do it and keep doing it...it becomes habit. Sort of like our yoga in the morning.

Aside from that...I'm just trying to make it through these days without going headfirst into the desk. I don't know why I've been so tired, but geeze!! I have been.

Crafting

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:23:32 GMT

Well...after work today, I headed out to Hobby Lobby where I bought quite a few different charms for the different custom-made hemp jewelry I hope to make. Some of them are just AWESOME!!

I also picked up a bunch of very pretty beads.

Got through sorting most of my beads by size and color. Hope to finish it tomorrow.

Also learned this evening that I totally can't play the guitar as fast as Richie Sambora. And here I thought I was at least close. Not at all. Ah well!!

Lesson moved to tomorrow night. We'll see how it goes.

Might as well...

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:42:36 GMT

Since everyone else on my f-list has done this already:

Everyone has things they blog about. Everyone has things they don't blog about.

Challenge me out of my comfort zone by telling me something I don't blog about, but you'd like to hear about, and I'll write a post about it.

Ask for anything: latest movie watched, last book read, political leanings, favorite type of underwear, graphic techniques, etc.

Repost in your own journal so that we can all learn more about each other.

Being creative...

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:46:21 GMT

Getting back to being creative...I'm going shopping for beads tonight so I can make some hemp jewelry. We'll see if anything really catches my eye.

Birthday wishes

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:23:53 GMT

A big Happy Birthday going out to junebugged

Hope you have a great one!

Yay...productivity...

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:35:26 GMT

This was a good weekend. I was so productive.

And since everyone else is doing it...a list of my adventures:

1. Finished up music video. I was the director. I haven't directed anything since I left the independent film company back in...2003. Wow. I forgot how much I loved it.

2. I want a digital camcorder. Unfortunately...they are very expensive. So...something to save up for. I filmed this music video using a regular digital camera...which is very hard to keep steady. And I edited it with Windows Movie Maker...which I'd never used before, but it was one of the most amazing and simple programs ever. Sure beat the $70 - $125 programs I had been looking at.

3. I'm thinking about selling some custom hemp jewelry. I'm looking into setting up a Web site to sell it at a good price. Everything is so overpriced on the Internet.

4. I want to sell photography. I just need to get lost somewhere and really just snap away at something so different from what's out there.

5. Got a lot of concerts and events coming up. It's all very exciting! :)

6. My legs and arms hurt like hell. But we got lost_judi's furniture moved for now. And it went faster than we thought it would. Always a good thing.

...and I'm sure there are other things...I'm just drawing a blank.

GOOD WEEKEND!

Love is...hurting for your art...

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:26:16 GMT

Late Friday/Early Saturday, I was working on a music video. Finishing it up today. But...man, no Ibuprofin in the world can make my ankles and arms stop hurting. I think it will pay off in the end though.

Watched about 9 episodes of West Wing last night. It was nice to just sit and relax and enjoy the show. I forgot how much I loved that show until I was able to get back into watching it.

And now...I'm off to take more Ibuprofin and help move furniture.

Everyone else is doing it...

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:40:25 GMT

I might as well join in...

Lyrics from "Birds of Paradise" by Your Vegas

Lyrics from "It's A Lie" by Fiction Plane

Lyrics from "Fragile" by Sting

Lyrics from "Too Kool to Kalypso" by Klark Kent (Stewart Copeland)

I may do more later. That's kinda fun!

Hard work paying off...

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:24:04 GMT

I got my A in my H-425 (History of Motion Pictures) class today. My independent study in the Fall will be my last upper-level history class I need to take. No chance for an Associates Degree :( Bummer. But I guess I'll work toward an official minor in History. I suppose I could get a double Bachelors Degree...one in Journalism and one in History...but I'm just tired and I don't think I want to do that.

So...looking at a Bachelors in Journalism with a Minor in History.

I tried.

Yay for good friends...

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:38:37 GMT

Last night was so wonderful. renquestor and only_playing came over for dinner. I love an evening with good friends, good food, good drinks, and good conversation. And this was a night that had all of those!

Being that I was dealing with the Migraine From Hell™ all day yesterday, it was very relaxing and a very good time.

It always is! :)

Just have to get through today...then it's the weekend!!!

A quiz...yes...another one...

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:57:56 GMT

I swiped this one from sireesanwar:


road trips are love
brought to you by the isLove Generator

You know...it's right. Road trips are love!

I shouldn't be surprised...

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:51:57 GMT

A quiz...swiped from fashionista_35

Your result for The Fashion Style Test...

Fashion Artist

[Flamboyant Original Deliberate Prissy]

To you fashion is not what they think up in Paris or New York. You follow only your instincts and taste and, admit it, they are far from conventional. Clothes are one of the methods of expressing your personality and being interesting is even more important than being attractive. You pay attention to compose such outfits that would express you best. You tend to shock and though many appreciate your style and originality not many follow in your footsteps. Perhaps your flamboyant outfits are partly meant to hide some of your insecurity but be that as it may, few pass you on the street without looking back. Good job.

The opposite style from yours is Sporty Hottie [Tasteful Conventional Random Sexy].

All the categories: Librarian Sporty Hottie Office Master Uptown Girl/ Boy Brainy Student Movie Star Fashionista Glamorous Soul Fashion Enemy Bar Cruiser Kid Next Door Sex Bomb Hippie Kid Fashion Rebel Fashion Artist Catwalk God(ess)

Take The Fashion Style Test at HelloQuizzy