reflection

Musings From Dane Cook

/ reflection

So, Dane Cook has a joke on one of his Retalion CDs about how in every group of friends, there is one NOBODY likes. (For simplicity’s sake, he uses the name KAREN). Karen is a “douchebag.” No one likes her. They just put up with her. They make fun of her when she’s not around, but they’re nice to her face.

Most people in the crowd agreed and laughed. But then he said the people who were disagreeing–THEY were the ones nobody liked!

I can’t think of anyone in my circle of friends who is the KAREN. So does that mean it’s me?

ETA: I’m not having a crisis or anything–I’m just curious!!!!

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MMC’s Got it Going On, FUNKY STYLE!

/ reflection

I haven’t done an MMC post in… forever. Here’s some history. I used to be a huge, huge, huge fan of the All-New Mickey Mouse Club. Yes, this is the show that spawned the likes of Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, and Keri Russell. Before there were those guys, there was a Mylin Brooks, a Terra McNair, a Rhona Bennett, a Tony Lucca. Definitely a Ricky Luna. Those kids made my life. I wrote fan fiction about them before it was cool. They got me out of bed when I felt like covering up and hiding from the world. They kept me in shape, for I learned every dance step to every cool song they performed. They helped me dress, speak, grow. Every single day at 5:30pm, I would sit in front of my TV, VCR remote in hand, ready to tape anything with Ricky in it, and all musical numbers.

The musical numbers were my favorite parts, and that’s why I was never surprised when these kids grew up into talented adults. Following their dreams. Entertaining.

Many of them have found each other on MySpace, and I’ve had a blast friending them and being able to talk with these people who touched my life so much back in the early ’90s. They’re all working so hard, still chasing dreams–even the ones who have found them–they’re still going. They’re pulling for each other, supporting each other. True friends ’til the end. They inspired me then, and they’re still inspiring me now.

Visit their MySpace sites and show some love:

Mylin · Tony · Rhona · Dale · Terra
Christina · T.J. · Tate · Ricky · Jennifer · Chase &middot J.C.

If I missed any, feel free to post the URLs in the comments.

ETA: Tasha’s MySpace

Lindsey’s Site

And the MMC MySpace page: click!!

One for The Party: click!!

Today, Mylin released her first American album, called American Girl. I listened to a few samples on her MySpace page and it’s GOOD. I’m headed to CD BABY to buy it now. ♥ Much love for the Mouseketeers!!!

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Saturday

/ aidan, friends, reflection, Uncategorized

This might be TMI for you. Heh.

So, yesterday, Aidan had been getting sick all day. Out of both ends. He fell asleep around 8:10pm, and I’d thought he was out for the night. Not so much. Holly and Robert were over and we’d decided to play this game of “so-&-so or so-&-so,” using the names of people from our past–people we’d hung out with or seen when we used to all live together at Harrison House.

ANYWAY, we all got loud and laughing, and that woke poor Aidan. He came downstairs, a little bit cranky, but mellowed out and got super hyper for some reason. He played and jumped and I was sure he was feeling better, even though his fever hadn’t gone completely down yet. Holly and Robert left, and Aidan decided he wanted to cuddle with me. I held him and did some stuff on my laptop, when Aidan coughed and PUKED all over my computer. I put him down and yelled “OH MY GOD AIDAN JUST PUKED ON MY LAPTOP!” I ran to get some paper towels, Aidan ran for the bathroom so he could finish throwing up in the toilet. I cleaned the best I could. Luckily, there was no damage. My function keys are a little bit sticky, and the screen could use a better cleaning, but the other “sticky” keys are fine. WHEW.

Um… just randomly–cute vintage clothing here: http://www.sassypantsvintage.com
I know one of the models on that site–the one with the long, luscious hair. Some of the sweaters are super cute, and I WANT THEM.

Anyway. I just read a book called Hard Cash by Kate Cann, and I’m reading the sequel now, called Shacked Up. They’re from the POV of a British guy. Very interesting. There is a third one too, called Speeding, which I already have in waiting. I love books. In case you didn’t know. 🙂 I was just thinking about how ridiculous my passion for books is. I have several bookshelves that are packed full. But there isn’t room for everything, and I have books all over the floor, stacks here and stacks there, some in the bathroom, some in the kitchen. All rooms need at least one book in them. It’s just how it has to be.

Reflecting on Stuff…

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Reflections and All That Stuff

/ reflection, writing

So…

I had a fun New Year’s Weekend. Lots of updates here, at my other journal: http://www.livejournal.com/users/lilrongal/294169.html

Looking Back at 2005:
– I met Lauren laurenbarnholdt and Mandy mandywriter and loads of other writing people.
– I joined SCBWI.
– I started sending query letters.
– I took an online writing course called YA Chicklit 101
– I got to talk to a really great agent.
– I got the chance to work hard on my writing and improve it.
– I read two amazing books: Dreamland by Sarah Dessen and Pop Princess by Rachel Cohn.
– I became a HUGE Sarah Dessen fan.

Looking Forward to in 2006:
– I want to finish writing at least one novel.
– I want to read and read.
– I want to write, and write.
– I want to do what I can to advance my writing career. Okay, okay… make one come into fruition. ;)

And my butt hurts. So ’til next time… :)

(Originally published at Anywhere Is…)

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2005!!

/ meme, reflection, survey, year-in-review

For the most part, 2005 kicked major ass for me. I pray that 2006 is equally and more amazing.

IN 2005 HAVE I:

Hugged someone? Of course!!
Gotten into a fight? Over AIM and/or email, yes.
Cried? Yes, far too much.
Smoked? A few cloves.
Drank alcohol? Yes.
Kissed someone on the cheek? Yes.
Reunited with an old friend? Um…? Kind of.
Been suspended? No.
Let something go? YES!! 😀
Been whipped? No.
Learned any important lessons? Yes.
Got a kiss on the cheek? Yes.
Kissed someone on the lips? Yes.
Considered suicide? WTF?
Gone to a funeral? No.
Fallen in love? No.
Cut/dyed your hair drastically? Drastically? Nope.
Flirted? Sure.
Been backstabbed? Yes.
Missed someone? Yes.
Hit someone? Depends on what you mean. Hit someone as in punched? No. Hit a car? Yes. :
Broken something really important to you? I don’t think so.
Cuddled with someone? Yes.
Broken somebody’s heart? Doubt it.
Done something you really regretted? Don’t even get me started.
Laughed so hard that it hurt? YES!
Cried so hard that it hurt? Yes. Too often.
Got cheated on? I hope not.
Gone on a date? No.
Got dumped? No.
Dumped someone? I think I dumped a few “friends.”
Made a new screen name? Um, I think, maybe.
Lost a friend? Yes.
Gotten any tattoos/piercing? No.
Watched porn? Hell no.
Been in a love/hate relationship? Eh?
Loved someone so much that it hurt? Yes.
Been grounded? Nope, LOL.

FRIENDS:
Lost: I’m not going to list them because it doesn’t matter anymore.
Drifted: Can’t really say because friendships are so static.
Found: Theresa, Bizzy (again!), Rob.

SERIOUS BOYFRIENDS/GIRLFRIENDS:
Found: …
Lost: …

BODY:
Weight: Stayed about the same, hovered around the 105-110lb mark.
Piercing/tattoos: N/A
Height: 5’2″ ish.
Hair: Medium length.

WORK:
Careers: Nationwide (admin), left in August to be an editor at McGraw-Hill.

STUDIES:
Writing course – Chicklit 101.

BAD THINGS I HAVE DONE:
– As if I’m going to admit them here. >:)

GOOD THINGS I HAVE DONE:
– Queried agents.
– Disneyland.
– Disneyworld.
– Raised Aidan.
– Kept writing.
– Got a new job.
– Traveled a lot.
– Let go.

NEW EXPERIENCES:
– California.
– First solo flight.
– First speeding ticket.
– First “official” accident.

THINGS I HOPE TO DO IN 2006:
– Sell my novel.
– Finish a new novel.
– Officially sign with an agent.
– Go back to a Disney park.
– Pay off two credit cards.

———————————————

1. What did you do in 2005 that you’d never done before?
I queried agents. I traveled to LA by myself. I flew solo. I went to Disneyland. I partied in Chicago. I wore my hair straight. I wore skirts and they looked good! I got my first speeding ticket. I got in my first “official” accident. I became an aunt. I went to the Smoky Mountains. I met Aimzy verytruly, Star selfstyled, and Kelly hybridpeach. I met Vera littlepige.

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more this year?
I don’t remember if I made any last year, but I did do some amazing things. I did make some this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Jenny just gave birth to a little girl yesterday, and my sister-in-law gave birth in August. Both girls. 🙂

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you vist?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
In 2006, I’d like to officially sign with an agent.

7. What date(s) from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 13, 2005 – I was back at Disneyworld! HOME SWEET HOME! 🙂
September 9, 2005 – my first time at Disneyland!
August 12, 2005 – my last day at Nationwide.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I finally let go!
I queried agents!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Needing to let go in the first place.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Lots of upper respiratory infections.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new camera. 🙂

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Um… I have to say Chris’s. He’s really been trying on millions of levels and his loyalty has increased ten-fold. He’s been wonderful with Aidan and amazingly supportive as I try to make a career out of writing. He’s also been trying to keep on top of the dishes and making sure the finances are straight. 🙂

13. Whose behavior was bad?
Heh. I won’t mention names here.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, stuff for me, car stuff, stuff for Aidan.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
TRAVELING! Being with my friends. Meeting new friends. Writing. Becoming ultra serious about making writing my career. Aidan’s development.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I. happier or sadder? Happier
II. thinner or fatter? Exactly the same
III. richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Writing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Wasting my time on the wrong people.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with Chris and Aidan–Craig came over later.

22.Did you fall in love in 2005?
With photography and nature.

23.How many one-night stands?
None.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
I didin’t want much TV, but I enjoyed Unwrapped, and 30 Minute Meals.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Not hate, but there is a general negative feeling about the person(s) and situation(s).

26. What was the best book you read?
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen and Pop Star by Rachel Cohn.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
WICKED!

28. What did you want and get?
A sweet camera. Best Buy gift cards.

29. What did you want and not get?
More Best Buy gift cards LOL.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, followed by Hitch.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 31 this year, and kept my birthday pretty low key. I worked like crazy that day, and when I came home, I relaxed, chatted on the phone to a few people, and Chris gave me my presents. I liked it.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More writing, selling a book. Becoming an author.

33. How do you describe your personal fashion sense in 2005?
Trendy, bohemian, casual, comfortable.

34. What kept you sane?
Lexapro, my computer, books, and my friends.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Robert Pattison. HA.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Don’t get me started, please…

37. Who did you miss?
…

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Online, there is Rosa dwagonfry. She’s awesome!! Also, Mandy mandywriter, and Lauren laurenbarnholdt. They are such inspirations to me. :)Offline? Kristen, Nikki, Theresa. Good times.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005?
If it doesn’t feel natural or right, then it’s probably wrong. If you feel tension, or a bad feeling in your gut, move on, because it will hurt more in the end.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
“Working so hard every night and day and now we get the payback…” – Luxurious – Gwen Stefani
“Here comes a better version of me.” – Better Version of Me – Fiona Apple

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🙂 🙂 🙂

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