The Art of Procrastination

Why does it take me more than six weeks, numerous extensions, and promises to have it done "by next week", to finally get around to writing an article that took all of three hours?

My procrastination skills continue to amaze me!

I'm a little...

...burned out.
...giddy.
...spent.
...amused.
...over it.
...ecstatic.
...tired.
...inebriated.
...annoyed.
...in love.
...frustrated.
...hungry.
...pissed.
...happy.
...bored.

I'm Feeling Old...

So, apparently there is a generation of kids out there today that don't know that Will Smith was a rapper before he did TV or movies, and that the moniker "Fresh Prince" didn't originate with the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Here's a classic:

Can You Valet A House?

When I lived in DC a few years back (in my past life), some friends bought a one bedroom condo for over $300K. And for another $15K they got ONE parking place in the garage. Parking in DC is horrid, but I always found it ridiculous that they had to pay extra for parking. So, I was a little amused when I saw this:


This house has been parked in a public parking lot in Pasadena (Union & El Molino, if you want to check it out yourself) for a few weeks now. I finally got a picture of it today.

I just wonder, how expensive is it to park a house? And is it cheaper to do it yourself than to valet?

Day 30: I Won, Now For the Real Work

With a half hour to spare, I came in at 50,268.

So, another win for NaNo--3 for 3.

Even if I had stuck with the original problem premise, I'd still be nowhere near done story-wise. I'm somewhere in the muddly middle.

Not too sure what will become of all those words I wrote before I had my run in with the wall. Some may be salvageable; possibly even whole scenes with a little tweaking. But for the most part, I'm just accepting that I'm starting from scratch. Already have the first couple scenes sketched out for draft #2. For now going to take take a day off and recover. Will get back to the beast on Sunday at the last write-out.

And before I say goodnight, I'd just like to congratulate myself on actually sticking with blogging this little adventure all month. God, I can't believe it's been a month. Even if I didn't keep up with my daily word count as promised, I at least kept this up. Definitely a sign of screwed up priorities, but whatever, I'm done and it's over.

I promise to check back in occasionally and with hopefully more entertaining ramblings.

Night.

Day 29: 25-Hours To Go

Still have 6,912 words to go. And just under 25-hours to do them in.

Should be fine. I've had 7,000+ word days this month. I'm surprisingly calm...probably not a good sign...probably just a sign of denial.

Luckily, I have most of tomorrow free. So, the plan is to hole up in a coffee shop somewhere till I finish. Not staying home to write. I know I'll get nothing done here!

On a (professionally) productive note: went to a panel discussion on freelancing. I know I need to get going on freelancing. Definitely was a good kick in the butt. I have an idea for a piece that I want to try and submit before Christmas. Will start working on it after this weekend. Will definitely need to relax after tomorrow.

And on a happy note: rumors of a Radiohead tour next year. Really want to see them live.

Off to write...or probably bed so I can get up early to write tomorrow.

Day 28

I think I've got it. I think I've got the opening I've been trying to write. It just feels right. It feels different than all the others I've struggled with. I think I know where I'm going and how I need to structure this. Fingers crossed.

11:49 PM: 1,361 for the day. Only 6,912 to go by Friday.

Day 27

It's just been a long day. I've played therapist to a few too many people today. Ended up needing to take an hour drive just to clear my head and get away from everyone. Could have gone longer, but had to come home sometime.

One positive, I think the drive helped me get some clarity on how I need to restart with Chapter 1. I have some new opening lines and I think I like the direction they would take me. I think I've made it all more complicated than it needs to be. I need to go back to the original story I had before I started taking other people's opinions and ideas into consideration. Some suggestions were helpful; but I think the ones that got into the core of the plot and who the characters are got me into trouble.

I'm just emotionally drained. Add to it that I got up earlier that usual to deal with the smog check and car registration, and I'm kind of sort of dead.

So, alas, no words today. So, I have three days to hit 50K. Have a little more than 8,000 to go. I know I can do it, and I will. Just haven't been into it since the write-in.

Not stressing; just trying to let everything go today.

Day 26

Nothing today. Have to take my car in for a smog check tomorrow, so figure while I'm waiting, I can take my laptop with me and get some writing in. At least that's the plan.

Day 25

3048 words today. Went to another write-in this morning. Productive again. Am slightly ahead for the day.

Decided to just pick up where I left off while incorporating the changes. Not sure if anything that comes between now and the end of NaNo will be of any use; but I don't want to lose. Once I hit 50K I'll go back and start rewriting what I got out of NaNo and move forward again from there. Probably going to have to push back my end of year deadline for my first draft; but at least I have some momentum now and a better idea of where I want this to go.

Didn't hit 45K as planned today. Could still get there tonight if I focused, but really not feeling it right this minute. Maybe later. But thinking of reading instead.

Day 24

Still pondering and wandering.

Some ideas. Some notes. No words. Not worrying.

Finished reading "Among Other Things, I've Taken Up Smoking." Not bad, but serious holes.

Dinner at The Palm and Clippers game. They lost. I think they also lost the last time I went. Oh well. Good distraction.

Day 23: Splat!

Crap! Crap! Crap!

Just hit a wall. Okay, not so much a wall as a giant fork in the road and I just realized I took the wrong fork. Fuck!

I've been working from the assumption that my main character's boyfriend for lack of a better word....Okay, wait, for the sake of explaining this, these people need names.

So, I've been working from the assumption that Lisa (my main character) is involved in an affair with Bart. Lisa knows Bart is married. Now, Lisa has had a strained relationship with her father, Homer, since her mother committed suicide several years earlier--strained to the extent that she knows very little about his life since her mother's death. Lisa doesn't know why her mother, Marge, committed suicide--she had a hard enough time dealing with her mother's death that knowing why wasn't something she wanted to know. But her father does know why--Marge found out about Homer's affair with Selma, and Marge did leave a note. One reason Homer put distance between himself and Lisa was because he kept his relationship with Selma going after Marge died. He's trying to "protect" Lisa from the truth.

Now this gets complicated (not that it isn't already) when Homer dies unexpectedly and Lisa is confronted with what she didn't know about her father and what she doesn't know about Bart. See, Bart is Selma's son, and neither Bart nor Lisa have made the connection until Homer dies. (No, they are in NO WAY related, so get your head out of the gutter!)

I'd been working from the assumption that Bart had never met Homer, but now I've realized it might be better if he had. I was also working from the assumption that Lisa's mother hadn't left a note explaining exactly why she killed herself, but now I think Lisa finding that note after her father dies opens up so many more doors.

Some of this goes back to the original ideas/premises I had been working with before I started this draft with NaNo. And I think what works best is to bring them back in, which essentially means that the last 38,000 words I've done need to be heavily tweaked/rewritten if I continue from this point on to the end with these changes to the story.

Seriously, didn't see this coming. I thought I'd coast into 50K and finish out December writing the rest. But now, I think I'm just going to have to move forward with the changes to win NaNo and then December 1 go back and start tweaking the beginning chapters so I can then move forward to finish the novel.

I'm still not entirely sure if these changes are right. I still need to think them through: what exactly will change in the beginning and where does this take me? What I really want is to put Lisa in a position where she has to rely on Bart and Selma to get answers about her father; and at the same time, I need Bart and Lisa to work through what is really going on with their relationship because before Lisa finds out that her mother killed herself because her father was cheating on her, Lisa had never had a problem being the other woman. Now, she feels guilty knowing what it did to her mother, but at the same time she has to deal with her feelings for Bart.

Like my homage to The Simpsons? I'm not giving up all the details in this blog. Feels wrong to reveal their real identities yet.

Okay, off to ponder. Got to figure this out before I get behind. So far have done 668 words for the day. Want to hit 2,000 by midnight. We'll see.

****

UPDATE (5:45 PM): I'm FUCKED!!!! Spent the last hour trying to figure this out and I'm stuck in a corner that I can't figure a way out of. Taking the rest of the night off to think this through. I'm still ahead for the day, but that's little consolation at this point. THIS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fucky, fucky, fucky!!!!

Day 22: Freefall

Plunging into the unknown.

647 words in. Currently at 38,011. Still ahead for the day.

Thanksgiving was...well, thankfully, is over. Seriously, I'm getting out of town next year.

Day 21: A Day Ahead

Yep, that's right. I'm actually (technically over) a day ahead. Should be at 36,674, but am currently at 37,364. Got 5,213 words today. It helped to have the day off.

Story wise, feeling a little muddled. The last couple scenes need a lot of work. There are a lot of holes. On rewrite, I'm going to have to backtrack and fix some things. But not doing it now. Just going forward. Not looking back till I get this draft done.

One big issue, and again, this is one that I've been dealing with for months now, is whether or not my main character's "boyfriend" is married or not. In other words, is my main character his mistress. While working on some scenes during a writing class this summer, the character I had developed wasn't married. But then towards the end of the class, and after work-shopping a couple different stories based on the same premise, I was asked whether or not he was married. There was some confusion with another, totally unrelated, story that I had written earlier in the class in which that male main character was married. So, it was suggested that it might be more interesting if this character was married. For the last couple months while I was planning for NaNo, I played around with the idea and charted out the possibilities and complications that him being married brought to the story, and I liked the idea. So, when it came time to start NaNo and to start from scratch and finally bring all these bits and pieces of the story together, and to put these characters in action, I opted to have him married.

But now I'm wondering if it really works. I don't know. Is there enough to the story without my main character also being involved in an affair with a married man? The answer is yes. The bigger question is whether or not it adds to it in a good way or distracts. That's what I haven't figured out. The last couple of scenes would work better if he wasn't married; but at the same time, I think I could still go back during the rewrite and fill in the holes and tie up some loose ends in the earlier chapters that could still make these middle chapters work with him being married.

I don't know. I think the other problem is that I'm getting a little nervous. The scene I just finished for today is essentially as far as I ever got in planning this story out. From this point forward, it's a freefall. I have a vague idea of what needs to happen in the next chapter, but then after that, not so sure.

So, I'm probably just over thinking this because I'm getting nervous about where to go from here. I know I just need to ignore myself and get on with it. So, note to self: Shut the fuck up and just write the damn thing!

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. Luckily, the family has opted to go out for dinner. Makes things so much better--less mess and I can get out of there sooner. Love the family, but just prefer not to have to spend too much time with certain people. It's days like tomorrow that make me miss living on the East Coast and having an excuse for why I couldn't make it to dinner with my family. Thanksgiving with friends is just so much more fun--even if it does involved Chinese take out.

The goal for NaNo is to be at 45K by Sunday. Totally doable. Thinking that I could actually hit 50K by Sunday. If so, it would be the first time ever that I haven't been scrambling to hit 50K on the last day. So, we'll see. I guess I also need to stop thinking in terms of hitting 50K and more in terms of hitting the end of the story, which is still a long way off.

Oh well. Going to bed in my warm, comfy new pajamas. Want to try and get some writing in tomorrow morning before I have to be anywhere. Night.

Day 20

Headache.

Day 19: Caught Up

I am not only caught up, I am 478 words ahead. Managed 3,908 words today. Part of me feels like I should stay up a few more minutes and get those last 92 words in to have an even 4,000 for the day. But then again, sleep sounds nice.

Got a pretty good writing session in at the Coffee Table in Eagle Rock. I love their chicken salad sandwich. Only complaint about the location: it was freezing. It's time to turn off the AC. It's two days till Thanksgiving. I know this is southern California and everything, but let's at least pretend it's winter. Gotta say, around this time of year, I actually do miss East Coast winters. Then when I remember slipping on ice and freezing my ass off, I get over it and remember why I love being back in LA. Still, there is no such thing as winter here. It's just a cold version of summer. Now, if it would rain occasionally, I might believe fall is an actual season again.

As for my novel, things are plugging along. Might have a small problem. I'm having some point of view issues. The original plan had been to have it 3rd person from the perspective of my female main character. Then along the way, a second character emerged as a point of view character. And now to make it more complicated, a third character has decided to have a point of view in all this as well. I'm having trouble writing this without dipping into all their heads to round it out. But at the same time, I'm not delving into each of their heads equally so it's not balanced enough to justify all three. I can see splitting the different POVs with chapter breaks. I don't think there would be a problem there. I'm more worried about balance.

I know it's a little early to be worried about this. This is only a draft. But this is a problem I kind of envisioned before I started, and now I find myself wading knee deep in it. I'm not going to do anything about it at this point. I'm just going to let whatever POV that wants to come out come out. I'll deal with it in the rewrite. There is also the lingering issue of whether or not I actually should be writing this in 1st person POV instead. I've opted for 3rd because I see its merits and the shortcomings of 1st. But still I'm wondering. I'm considering doing a complete rewrite, or at least the first half, in the 1st person POV just to make sure that it isn't right for this story. We'll see.

For now, the virtue of being in too many characters' heads is that it gives me more story. At 30,000+ words, I feel like I'm only about a third of the way into this story; if that. I know I'm looking at at least 100K for a first draft. Yes, there will be lots of crap that will have to go; but I still need that crap so I can find the good crap.

Okay, getting ahead of myself. I'm thinking I need the new Great Northern album. I've been listening to clips and have one of their songs; all of which I've liked so far. Last year, every day that I stayed on track with NaNo I rewarded myself with an iTunes download. Haven't had a similar reward system this year. But maybe buying the album will be justified as my little reward for finally catching up.

Day 18: 28K

8,141 words today. Currently at 28,243. Only 1,763 away from catching up. So close. Crap! Do I stay up and hit 30K tonight as planned, or do I call it a night? Pressure pressure. What to do? I'm right in the middle of a scene. My main character is standing at the back of the Griffith Park Observatory looking down on LA. No, she's not about to jump. She's just having a moment in her favorite (okay, my favorite--had to work it in somewhere) place in LA. Could probably knock out those words keeping me from being caught up in this scene, but seriously, I'm tired. And actually injured. Yep, I have my first NaNo injury--a sore wrist. I can't really lift anything heavy with it. Not good. Had to wrap it to get through the last 3,000 words. Probably a result of my poor posture while typing. What can I say, this chair is comfy and I can curl up in it with the laptop. I'll tough it out for the next 12 days. I'm not changing my routine now.

Got a good 2500+ words at this morning's write-out at Vroman's. Those are proving rather productive. Wish they happened more often. Might look into other write-outs during the week this week. Haven't really seen any on the forums. Everything seems to be for the weekends. Oh well. Guess I'm left to my own devices. (Never a good thing!)

Did take a much needed break this evening and watched the American Music Awards. Seriously, it was painful. I'm sorry, I just don't get the appeal of Fergie, Beyonce, Avril Levigne, and most of the other performers. I will fess up to owning Avril's first album and liking it at the time; and I'll concede that Beyonce has a decent voice when she's not singing drivel. But Fergie!?!?! You've got to be kidding me. As much as I HATE singers who don't/can't sing live, she should have lip-synced. Maybe smoother vocals would have distracted me from the actual lyrics of her songs (Did I seriously hear her sing "Fergilicous"?). I know I'm out of touch with most "popular" music these days. I don't really listen to radio or watch MTV, or even VH1. When I do, it's the same song over and over; it gets a little repetitive after a while. (I swear one morning last week I flipped from VH1 to MTV and they were both playing Daughtry's new video. Aren't these channels owned by the same company? You'd think they could better coordinate their playlists.) Besides, none of the artists I like are ever played. So, why bother. I guess this begs the question of how I ever find out about new music. Not really sure now that I think about it. Might need to start paying attention to that. But anyways, I had a point...actually, I guess I didn't. I just wanted to rant about how horrid the show was. And I'm sorry, but do we really need to leave it up to the public to vote on the winners. Isn't that what the People's Choice Awards are for? I'm all for the elitist, snobbery of a select few professionals deciding which artist gets recognition. At least then there's a (small) chance of someone other than High School Musical or Justin Timberlake winning an award.

I suppose all the words spent on this little rant/digression would have been more productive had they been applied to my novel, but I think I've earned a little reprieve. I'll catch up tomorrow. Looking forward to a relatively light week work wise given the upcoming holiday. Should be able to stay caught up, if not get ahead, this week. Off to bed.

Oh, one more rant. Got suckered into going to a Celine Dion concert. Let me say up front, while I like Josh Groban, it does not mean I'm a fan of the whole easy listening milieu. I can't stand Barry Manilow, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, or any other artist who Josh Groban gets lumped in with. I'm a former choir kid--all the way through college. Seriously, I lettered in choir in high school--geeky, I know. So I guess his voice and songs appeal to that part of me. Anyways, back to the Celine concert. There's a back story here. So, last fall when I wanted to get tickets to see Josh at Staples this past March, I asked my friend Christina to go with me. She's a Celine fan, and was familiar with and liked Josh's music. Actually, she's the easy listening fan. If you based our friendship on music taste, there is no reason we should be hanging out. But we seem to share similar guilty pleasures (She came with me to my first New Kids on the Block concert back in 1989--God, I suddenly feel old!). So, anyways, fast forward to this summer. Our families were going to Vegas together and she got us tickets to see Celine. I was all set to go, until my mother who was coming on the trip expressed an interest in seeing Celine. I happily handed my ticket over to her and skipped out on the concert to gamble. Christina was less than happy with me. So, my penance was dealt out to me this morning with an early wake up call (7:45 AM on a Sunday) informing me that she was buying tickets for Celine's show at Staples for next December. Yep, that's right, NEXT December; as in 2008--more than a year away! Who the hell sells tickets that far in advance?!?! God, I don't even know what I'm doing this Friday, but I now know what I'm doing on December 2, 2008 at 8PM. And if I'm NOT there, I fear I may be disowned.

I'm thinking of buying a ticket to see Tori Amos at the Nokia in a few weeks just to console myself. Might need to get on that before her show totally sells out.

Day 17: Another 50 Questions (Part 2)

I swear, I'll redeem myself tomorrow at the write-out. But for now, I'm in a meme-mood.

1. The phone rings, who do you want it to be? a publisher

2. When shopping at the grocery store, do you return your cart? sometimes

3. If you had to kiss the last person you kissed, would you? yes, but I really shouldn't.

4. Do you take compliments well? not really

5. Do you play Sudoku? done it a few times. Don't get the appeal.

6. If abandoned alone in the wilderness would you survive? hmmm...probably, because I'm resourceful; but then again maybe not, I really hate camping and appreciate proper bathrooms.

7. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing you would save? people, dogs, then family pictures and my teddy bear that I've had since I was one.

8. Who was the last person you slept in the bed with? we're so not going there. See #3.

9. Who do you text the most? my friend Christina, all my other friends think they're too old to text.

10. Favorite children's book? I loved the Little House on the Prairie series.

11. Eye color? brown

12. How tall are you? 5'7"

13. If you could do it over again, start from scratch, would you? How about just a few do-overs instead?

14. Any secret admirers? If so, they're not telling me.

15. When was the last time you were at Olive Garden? I'm not even going to dignify that with a response.

16. Favorite ex..? Favorite for what reason? In general, Jon because I can honestly say that was a healthy relationship, even if there were issues.

17. Where was the furthest place you traveled? Turkey

18. Do you like mustard? yes

19. Do you prefer to sleep or eat? sleep

21. Can you do splits? not since I was ten.

22. What movie do you want to see right now? August Rush

23. What did you do for New Year's Eve? stayed home. I hate New Years parties.

24. Do you think The Grudge was crappy? never saw it.

25. Do you own a camera phone? yes

26. Was your mom a stripper? uh, no.

27. What is the last letter of your middle name? H

28. Are you hispanic? a quarter

29. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? usually, 7-8; 10 if I'm lucky.

30. Do you like care bears? never really got into Care Bears. Was more a Cabbage Patch Kid kid.

31. What do you buy at the movies? nothing usually, and I really wish others wouldn't as well. They make too much noise.

32. Do you know how to play DDR? Huh?

33. Do you wear your seatbelt? yes

34. What do you wear to sleep? a t-shirt

35. Is your hair straight or curly? straight

36. Is your tongue pierced? no

37. Do you like Liver and Onions? I think I just threw up a little. Does that answer the question?

38. Do you like funny or serious people better? funny

39. Ever been to L.A.? a few times

40. Who is on your mind right now? unfortunately, the answer to #'s 3 and 8. Damn you!

41. Any plans for tonight? It's 11:15. Sleep.

42. Whats your fav. song at the moment? "Pace is the Trick" by Interpol

43. Do you like chocolate? silly question.

44. What do you and your parents fight about the most? my career choices

45. Are you a gullible person? no

46. Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? no

47. If you could have any job what would it be? successful novelist or tour manager.

48. Are you easy to get along with? yes, as long as you don't annoy me or piss me off.

49. What is your favorite time of day? first light

50. Are you generally a happy person? I try to be.

Day 17: 50 Questions (Part 1)

So, instead of writing today, THIS is what I have been doing...

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:15--horribly early for a Saturday.

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds--prefer small and tasteful.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Dan in Real Life (yes, I should have been writing instead!)

4. What is your favorite TV show? House

5. What did you have for breakfast? Pancakes at IHOP

6. What is your middle name? Elizabeth for my great-grandmother

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Greek and French

8. What foods do you dislike? olives, pickles, most nuts, tomatoes (on sandwiches or in salads, but I will eat them in pasta), ham

9. What is your favorite chip flavor? plain, preferably baked

10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Blonde Redhead "23"

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Volvo

12. Favorite sandwich? tuna

13. What characteristics do you despise? arrogance, rudeness, self-entitlement, dependence

14. Favorite item of clothing? pajamas

15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Tahiti or Morocco

16. What color is your bathroom? blue & white

17. What color pants are you wearing? navy and white stripped pajama bottoms

18. Where would you retire to? Ask me in another 30 years. I haven't quite figured out where I want to be living in the next five.

19. Favorite time of the day? first light

20. What was your most memorable birthday? 12th

21. Where were you born? Los Angeles

22. What’s the last thing you ate? chocolate cake--so bad, but so good

23. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? blue

24. Favorite flower? white roses and lavender tulips

25. What fabric detergent do you use? Tide liquid

26. Coke or Pepsi? Coke

27. Do you wish on stars? occasionally

28. What is your shoe size? 9.5

29. Do you have any pets? 2 dogs

30. Last person you talked to on the phone? my brother

31. What did you want to be when you were little? According to my autobiography from 5th grade, a professional swimmer. I also dabbled with a singing career.

32. What are you meant to be doing now? writing

33. What do you first notice about someone? eyes, hands, hair

34. Siblings? brother

35. What was your favorite toy as a child? Sadly, probably Barbie. I had the house, the car, and the pool. Sad, I know.

36. Summer or winter? summer

37. Hugs or Kisses? I can't choose.

38. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate! I've never understood the appeal of vanilla.

39. Who is most likely to respond? To this...my followers.

40. Who is least likely to respond? Those who don't hang on my every blogging word.

41. Living arrangements? House

42. When was the last time you cried? Got a little teary eyed last night.

43. What is under your bed? that scary clown from "Poltergeist", a fan, my CDs, some shoes, and definitely some rapidly reproducing dust bunnies.

44. How many countries have you visited? 18

45. In how many cities have you lived? Six, if we only count the ones I've spent more than a year in--Los Angeles, Tucson, Albuquerque, Boston, DC, Bologna (Italy)

46. Favorite movie of all time? Of all time? No idea.

47. Mountains or beach? Beach

48. The current friend you have known the longest? Christina (since we were 6)

49. Full names of your potential kids? Kids? Umm, I find my dogs too much of a commitment.

50. Usual bedtime? midnight, thus why I'm always falling asleep when I should be writing.

Day 16: 20,000 Finally!

Finally broke 20K! Yeah. A little jumping up and down with excitement. So far, 2,524 words today, and it's only 4:30. There's still hope for a little more this evening. Thirty thousand by Sunday night is conceivable. I have to hit 30,006 by Sunday night to be caught up, and I desperately want to be caught up. At least for a little while.

Day 15

Holding steady at 17,578. Will catch up this weekend as planned.

Saw "Dan in Real Life" this evening (instead of writing). I know I mentioned I was seeing it weeks ago; got sidetracked that night. I often get sidetracked. Lack of focus. Anyways, back to what I was talking about. The movie was pretty good. Cute story. Light. Wanted light. Needed light.

Now I need sleep. A constant theme. Till tomorrow.

Day 14

2,526 words today. Currently at 17,578. 5,760 words behind. Plan is to finally catch up, and maybe, get ahead this weekend.

I like where I am story wise. I like how this is unfolding. There were so many holes before I started--point B between points A & C. Now they're starting to fill in. Scenes, moments, I hadn't planned out, or thought about before I started to write this draft, are popping up, coming alive. And I think I'm getting a better handle on some of the idiosyncrasies of my characters. Things are starting to make more sense. I'm getting out of the way as much as the possible. When I do, it just flows. This is the way it should go.

So, the character whose death sets the next three-fourths of the story in motion has died; and the main character and the 2nd female main character (for lack of a better term) have now met. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to be offering many specific details. I need to work this out in my draft for now. I don't really want to discuss the story idea until I know what I have; and I'll know what I have much further down the road.

So, be patient with me. Maybe one day you'll get to read it!

Off to bed. Night.

Day 13

2,513 words today. Passed 15K finally. Excellent. Pat self on the back!

Have come to the conclusion that I am only productive when I'm not writing at home.

Story is progressing quite well. Scenes are coming to me that I hadn't planned for. They totally help fill in the story/holes and are definitely rounding out the story which is nice. I really think I will have some good "first draft" stuff out of NaNo. The reality though is that there is no way I will be close to finished at 50,000. At the very least I'm looking at 100K. Goal is still to have a completed first draft by December 31. Then the next goal is to take that draft and start reworking it. Am definitely taking a writing class again in January where I should be able to workshop this draft. Thus, the importance of getting the first draft done by the end of the year.

Ok, off to bed.

Day 12

Zero. Oh well.

At least I'm keeping up my daily blogging!?!?!?! Yeah, I know, not good!

Day 11

12,539. 5,798 down.

The write-out at Vroman's was helpful. Got a little over 2,500 in two and a half hours. Thank God, the room didn't have wifi. I desperately need an internet free environment to be truly productive; cause let's face it, I have no self-control when it comes to wasting time online.

Didn't do much else today. Rather cold today. Ideal for curling up in bed and reading; which I did. Currently reading "Among Other Things, I've Taken Up Smoking." Jury's still out. I'm only a third of the way through. My next book will be "Hunting and Gathering" by Anna Gavalda who is one of my favorite authors. Totally stumbled upon the book. Didn't know she had anything new out. So, looking forward to that.

I took a little nap this afternoon, so might stay up and try and get in another 2,500 words and get up to 15K by the end of the day. At the very least, might try for the 1,667 that I should be doing daily.

We'll see.

--------------------------

Ok, getting a little sleepy. Will be good tomorrow and try for 5K. Painters are finally gone, and tomorrow's a holiday more or less as far as work, so should be able to get a little done. Off to bed. Night.

Day 10: 10,000 Words Finally!

Made it to 10,000 words today. Actually, at 11:49PM. Managed 7,268 words today. Definitely feeling encouraged and accomplished. Couldn't have done it without Word Wars. They appeal to my competitive nature. More or less averaged about 700-800 words per 30-minute word war. Will definitely continue with those throughout NaNo. Will try and make them a daily ritual.

Tomorrow should be good. Going to a write-out at 10AM. So, hopefully, can come out of that with a couple thousand. Would be thrilled if I can hit 15K by the end of tomorrow. Then I'd only be down 3,337. A much more manageable deficit to overcome.

Am finally at the most pivotal scene. This scene sets everything else in motion. Have already had my story take a few unexpected twists and turns. I think I already mentioned the previously unplanned lunch date my main character had. Well, another key character made an appearance at the lunch uninvited by both me and the main character. But, I think it definitely adds to the story and provides me with firmer ground to stand on as the rest of the story unfolds. I think these are examples of letting the characters tell the story while the writer just comes along for the ride. It feels really good, because as much as I've thought about this story, and supposedly planned it out in my head, it's nice to know that there are still surprises in-store for me and my characters.

Also, I think I've discovered my go-to music for this round of NaNo. Sigur Ros and Peter Gabriel's Passion soundtrack are really working for me.

Okay, nothing else to report. It's past midnight. I think I'll watch a little TV before going to bed. Need to unwind and do something mindless for awhile.

Day 9

Admittedly, it's a little early to admit defeat for the day, but not too sure when I'm going to get around to writing. Having dinner at a friend's house tonight and know I'll end up there late talking. And the painters are still here at the house, so not exactly the best environment to write. I'll be so glad when they're gone. Next week should be so much better.

As of today: 12,271 words down. Every intention of catching up. This weekend will be good, or rather, I'll be good.

Day 8

It's cold.

Day 7

I'm not even going to bother mentioning my non-existent word count for today or how I intend to do better tomorrow.

Tomorrow is going to be crappy--inconvenient meetings all over the place and at all hours, and a letter to finish writing by early AM--so not much hope of getting any words in then either. Hopefully I'll get a little good news--fingers crossed that the mechanic will tell me tomorrow that the "Check Engine" light that came on today is really nothing and I won't have to shell out money I don't have! I hate, yet love my car. There is a part of me that really misses public transportation & the metro. I never missed having a car all those years I was living on the East Coast & Europe. But now that I'm back in LA, I can't imagine life without. Public transportation here SUCKS (to put it lightly)! I WISH the metro was convenient and worthwhile, but it's neither. And ever since they raised the price of a day pass, I find it harder to make the effort to take it if I know that I can get free (or at least somewhat cheap) parking. Before they raised the price of the metro they really should have invested in turnstiles that actually ensure that you've paid. This honor system is crap. I should know, I completely abused it when I was an underpaid intern in Brussels years ago where they had the same system. Make sure everyone else is paying before you expect me to fork over $5 for a day pass.

Okay, I digress. Painters were back again today and the dogs were pissed again. A little hard to get work done when you've got electric sanders outside your window and two dogs barking themselves horse. After three days, you'd think they would be, but their barks are as strong as ever. Thus, I know I need to stay up later tonight than I have been to finish some actual work in peace and quiet, because the daytime is proving less than productive. Sleepy though.

Okay, here's the plan. It's 10 o'clock. I'm going to watch the rerun of General Hospital now (was on the phone this afternoon when it was on), and at 11 turn off the TV and finish the letter I need to get done by morning. At least that will make the morning easier.

My other grand plan: Friday through Sunday I will work on catching up on my word count. I'm kind of missing my story, so do want to get back to it. Fingers crossed.

Day 6

There's about 3 hours left in the day, and I don't really have much faith in myself to get any words down today. I'm tired and I have a headache. It's been a long day. The sad thing is I've been getting up uncharacteristically early the last two days, which, in theory, would seem to up my odds of becoming a morning writer. But, in fact, the mornings have just been chaos and headache-inducing noise with the painters still here sanding away. Even my old late night habits have suffered. I'm too exhausted to stay up. Urgh!!!

I need a really long nap and a quiet hotel room on a beach somewhere. Actually, what I really need is a good, long yoga session and a long drive along the coast with some really mellow music on the iPod--a little Sigur Ros, Blonde Redhead, Portishead, Mazzy Star, and more than likely some Josh Groban. I snuck in a mini-drive late this afternoon around town, as the aforementioned headache started kicking in. The plan was to get some words in at the Coffee Table in Eagle Rock, but got over there and started looking for parking and my head/heart just wasn't in it. So, drove back towards home the long way. This is what I tend to do. I start out with the best of intentions to go to some cafe to write, but end up passing it up to just drive. Driving is my go to form of procrastination. Okay, that and the internet. Speaking of the internet, I guess I could have been writing for NaNo all this time.

Day 5

Nothing. Just exhausted. Totally spent. Had hoped to sneak in a couple hours this afternoon between meetings, but it didn't happen. And now, I'm about ready to crash. I know I'm getting really behind, but I swear I will catch up...eventually.

Day 4

Yeah, 1793 words today. Okay, still 3936 words behind, but at least I'm moving in the right direction. Gaining momentum.

Did have my main character schedule a lunch date I didn't see coming. But I think it will work well for the story as a whole. Let's me get some interaction and dialog out of a character who is supposed to be dead for the duration of the story. Should be interesting.

Trying to just let things play out while staying out of the way as much as possible.

Oh, did see "Michael Clayton" today. A bit of a reward I suppose. Very good. Also had lunch at a Brazilian BBQ place at the Century City Mall. So-so, but the chicken was really good. Kind of craving it now.

Well, maybe I'll sneak in a few more words before I go to bed, but plan to get to bed a little early tonight since people are coming to start painting the house in the morning. Need to make sure the dogs get some time outside before they get cooped up all morning. Hoping I can make some progress on my word count in the morning (still hoping in vain to become a morning person when it comes to writing!), but I have a feeling that with the painters here it's just going to be crazy. Fingers crossed.

Day 3

No other way to say it: nothing! Zero! Zilch! Nada! Niente! Rien! Okay, so there's more than one way to say it. Tomorrow's another day.

Day 2

Okay, so much for my plans to catch up. Only 939 words so far today, and no real plans to spend the rest of the night improving on that. Plan to go see "Dan in Real Life" later. Don't know how good tomorrow is going to be. Have to work some tomorrow afternoon and an going for drinks/dinner in the evening. Do plan on going to a write-out on Sunday morning, so I'll at least redeem myself/catch-up somewhat then. Oh well, it wouldn't be NaNo without being behind!!

Day 1

Okay, not a good start. Zero words on this, the first day of NaNoWriMo. This is the first time today that I've had time to actually sit and write, but it's almost midnight, and I really think sleep would be a good thing. Too much drama today, and not of the writing sort.

Alas, tomorrow I will redeem myself. Have the day off, so no excuses. Will hole up at a suitable coffee shop and hunker down till I make up for today and fulfill tomorrow's word count--all 3334!

Ah, The Irony...

So, as I was driving home tonight and trying to avoid all the trick-or-treaters, the irony of today's holiday struck me. This is the one holiday that gets people, especially kids, out and walking, actually doing exercise. And the irony: they're doing it for candy.

One Day to Go!

Well, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) starts in approximately 10 1/2 hours. This will be my third year, and hopefully another successful year. I've managed to reach the 50,000 word goal the last two years, and plan to do the same this year. I'm too competitive not to!

Have spent the last hour trying to work on some notes, flesh out some ideas, answer some questions. I do have a story in mind. It's one I've been playing with for months now, but haven't really managed to get any of it down on paper. So, am starting at page one and seeing where I end up.

On the plus side, I have the general framework, the main characters, and basic sequence of events. On the down side, my characters could still use some personality, and I still have a lot of questions as to why they have allowed themselves to get into certain situations. I just keep asking the question "Why?" and just end up with more questions "Why?" But, I'm not going to stress. I'm just going to let it play itself out.

Day 1 (tomorrow) should be ok. I have a good idea of what I need to accomplish with Chapter 1 and where I need it to lead. The plan is to get an early start. I'm going to try and write in the mornings this time around. I don't think I can sustain the 11pm-3am writing sessions that I've been prone to in the past. So, I'm hoping to become a morning person. Yeah, I'm just as curious to see how well that one is going to go over!

So, fingers crossed that I will come out of the next 30-days with 50,000, somewhat-usable, words!

Oh, other goals for this month: to blog my daily progress (yeah, I'm also curious to see how well that one goes!) and to cut back on the time I waste visiting various non-writing, non-productive internet sites/forums (okay, so that one is SOOO not going to happen!).

Interpol @ The Forum

Saw Interpol at the Forum last Tuesday. My second time seeing them live. Saw them at Coachella in April. They are a great live band. Their vocals and playing hold up well. I hate going to concerts and discovering that a(n) artist/band doesn't hold up live. I don't want to find out that I should really be crediting the studio engineers for my favorite artist's sound.

Anyways, Interpol was great. They did a good mix of older stuff and newer material. The only song I wished they'd done was "Take You on a Cruise." But they did everything else so I'm happy.

Can't say much for their opening act--The Liars. They weren't bad. Just couldn't get into them. A little distracted by the fact that the lead singer's facial structure very much resembles Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. Actually, his whole persona was very Steven Tyler.

This was my first time back in the Forum in probably 20 years (back when the Lakers & Kings still played there). Nice to see it's going for a nostalgic look--the bathrooms clearly haven't been touched since everyone moved over to Staples, and I see they've kept some of the purple & gold color scheme?!?! Had never been there for a concert before. Can't say I'd really want to go back. It wasn't bad, but the acoustics weren't great (not that any arena is ever really good), and it felt more like being in a high school gym. Also, parking is a rip off. Twenty-two dollars! Seriously!?!?! But they know you have no other option given that it's Inglewood and most people, like myself, value their personal safety and don't want to even attempt street parking in that area.

Obsessed...

Just discovered the song "Set the Fire to the Third Bar" on Snow Patrol's Eyes Open album. (Kind of amusing since I've had the album for almost a year.*) Was looking for some solo stuff by Lisa Hannigan who used to sing with Damien Rice and found a video on YouTube of her singing Martha Wainwright's part of this song on Snow Patrol's recent tour. And now I am obsessed. Love this song. I will concede it has one flaw. The ending feels abrupt. I see the beauty of such a compact song, but I'd love to hear it with a bridge and another run of the chorus before trailing off. Maybe I just really want it to keep going.

*I blame this on iTunes, and album downloads in general. I download a bunch of songs or albums at the same time and then a song or an album gets lost in the shuffle and just becomes background/white noise when I listen to it the first time along with all the others. Luckily, I have moments like this where all of a sudden I'll stumble, wander back to a song that's been hiding there all along.

Saw this on a t-shirt:

Let's talk about music. Can we do that? -- Maybe rock, maybe roll. Your music, my music + their music. Whatever you're hearing you have to admit it's in your ears always + sometimes it's in your soul, sometimes it's punching you in the back bone and makin' it hard for you to breath. Take a breath. A deep one. I want to talk about music.


--Love this

Impermanence

I never thought about it before, but there is an intrinsic impermanence to LA.

I like this word: impermanence. I don't know why.

LA's Detour Festival

Second (hopefully, annual) Detour Festival was Saturday in downtown LA. Went last year and had a great time, so decided to check it out again. Heard that 25,000 tickets were on sale; doubting that many people were there (which was nice).

Found some new acts to further investigate (Shout Out Louds, Noisettes). Finally got to check out Autolux and Teddybears live. Autolux probably would be better in a small theatre venue, but still liked. Had to see the Teddybears finally. Had a scheduling conflict at Coachella this year so missed their set (but did, literally, run into one of the Bears near the merchandise tent at Coachella). They were fun. Also saw Bloc Party for the second time. Saw them at Coachella in 2006 and was (unfortunately) underwhelmed. Love their albums, but wasn't impressed then. So, was a little wary this time around. But happy to say they were much better Saturday night.

I'm so glad that Detour returned for a second year. LA needs a high quality music festival, and this is definitely it. Also, it's great that it's downtown and not on the Westside or in Hollywood. Downtown needs some love.

Okay, now the negative (nothing major, but little nitpicks):
--First, way too many teens!!! I was seriously feeling old! And why did they all seem to have a fondness for 80s fashion? There is no need to bring that decade back!

--Second, would it kill the organizers to mark the stages in some way. A map that says "City Hall South/East/West" or "Stage 1/2/3" doesn't help if the stages aren't marked. Yes, I did eventually remember to think Disney Hall is east, mountains are north, so this must be "City Hall East" stage. But still, I had two different people come up and ask me which stage was which, so I wasn't alone.

--Third, a little disappointed that they moved the site a block north and blocked access to the CalTrans building. Losing the CalTrans building was unfortunate since last year it was a great place to sit and eat or hang out. Besides, it's a cool building that should be a centerpiece of the day.

--Fourth, the loss of St. Vibiana's. Admittedly, as a former Catholic school girl, I was a little weirded out to walk into St. Vibiana's last year to find a rave going on. Seemed a little sacrilegious. But still, once the Catholic guilt subsided, it was really kind of cool.

--Fifth, how many people really needed press passes? While I was waiting for the Autolux set I counted at least 15 people go to the front of the stage with a press pass and a camera. It seemed like EVERY other person had a press pass and a professional camera. Do we really need that much documentation?

Killing My Darlings

Realized I should probably explain this reference from my last post.

I was at the LA Times Book Fair in 2005 and went to a panel where Susan Fletcher, author of "Eve Green", spoke. She mentioned that when writing, especially when rewriting, sometimes you have to "kill your darlings"--those words, lines, phrases, paragraphs that you love, but that just don't add anything to the story anymore.

Definitely the best piece of advice I ever got and one that has just stuck with me through all this.

By the way, really liked her book and recommend it.

Oops!

I just realized that my main character's name is only one letter off from my Great Aunt's full name. Not that that's a bad thing. She is dead. But since this is fiction, I don't really think her name can stay as it is. Was intentionally using a variation on a family last name, but the first name--Great Aunt's name--was completely random. Just liked it. The fact that this has been my character's name for about three months now, and that I'm just realizing the similarity, proves how slow I can be. Duh! Not going to worry too much about it now. Will let it go till rewrite. Probably will keep the first name, but will change or play around more with the last name.

On a more positive note, I think I've figured out how to rewrite my chapter one. My writing instructor and my class had some really good comments on my draft last week, but there was some question as to whether I needed my prologue to be separate from Chapter 1. So, I think I've found a way to move some of the material from the prologue into the chapter. Did have to "kill my darlings," but I think I've been able to save some of the spirit(?) of what was there before. Also, I think I've figure out how to get some more of the details that set up the story up front with the new opening. Admittedly, I'm only three pages into this new draft of chapter 1, but these three pages have been somewhat brutal, so I'm happy to be where I am.

General Hospital: Night Shift...I Take It Back

This show sucks, but I'm still sucked in. It seriously is a train wreck. The script, acting, editing, filming are utterly horrid. But I can't stop watching. Maybe out of a pathetic hope that it will get better (at this point my standards are so low, it wouldn't take much for that to happen); or out of a pathetic inability to just let go and move on. Who knows. Thank God there are only 3 episodes left, because my brain can only rot for so much longer.

TV: "Gene Simmons: Family Values"

Okay, I'm procrastinating. I admit it!

So, I was just looking at the TV Guide website to see what's on tonight. There is a 4-hour marathon of "Gene Simmons: Family Vales" episodes starting in an hour. I'm so happy. I'm totally addicted to this show, even though I've never listened to a KISS song in my life. It's just amazing how "normal" they are compared to the Osbournes.

So, I guess if I'm good, I would spend the next hour working on my assignment, and then reward myself with some TV. But see, that would necessitate that I actually can exercise some self-control and concentrate. Yeah, that's not going to happen. I'll try, but I'm not promising much. Knowing me, and I do, I'll spend most of the next hour looking for music. But maybe, just maybe, I'll eek out another page.

Writing and Intimidation

Trying to write an assignment for a writing class. I'm struggling. I'm supposed to be writing from the antagonist's POV and I can't get in her head. I know my protagonist. I can get in her head. I can write her voice. But this antagonist...ugh! Now I know why this is supposedly the most difficult assignment of the semester. I'm also struggling with whether to write this piece in first or third person POV. When I write from the protagonist's POV, I work from first person. But with the antagonist I definitely don't feel comfortable in the first with her (I don't like her head), but the third feels a bit too distant. Still third POV is probably the best of the two. Maybe I should just take the middle ground and do second POV. Yeah, that would work!

And it doesn't help that I can't find the right mood music. Nothing is working. I've even wasted time looking on iTunes and Myspace for something new to buy; and NOTHING. Not feeling any of it.

On the upside, I might actually have this assignment done tonight. Yep, maybe I won't be freaking out tomorrow morning before class trying to get it all done. I'd love to be done tonight. Already a page in. I only need a minimum of 3, even though I'd like to do more. And I swear, I am not changing stories and characters again at 11PM like last week. That was just too stressful.

Although, I have to say, that piece turned out to be better than I thought it was. Just proves again that I do my best work when I procrastinate. Not that I should be reveling in that fact. But the piece did get me one of the best compliments I've ever received about my writing: my writing "intimidates" people. YEAH! You'd have to know me to know how perfect a compliment that is. I'm competitive as hell. Telling me I write well or I'm good, doesn't really get me. That kind of comment--my writing intimidates another writer (and she's someone who I think is one of the better writers in the class)--is perfect. So, I'm definitely riding that high.

Okay, with that praise in mind, I should get back to my assignment or at least to my music search.

New Addiction: General Hospital & Night Shift

Sad, sad, sad...but I'm now addicted to "General Hospital." I thought my days of being sucked into such melodrama ended with my naive youth...but apparently I'm still a sucker.

Used to watch "Days of Our Lives" back in the day. Have tried watching in recent years now and again, but can't make it through more than 5 minutes before the cringe urge kicks in.

So, have discovered "General Hospital." Actually, I think I used to watch it with my grandmother back in the early 80s. In all honesty, I've been sucked in by the characters of Patrick & Robin. Okay, mainly Patrick...he's hot! Which has lead to my second new addiction, the new GH spinoff "Night Shift" on cable. It centers around their characters. It's not exactly artistic genius, but with summer reruns, it's keeping me entertained...at least the first episode. We'll see how the rest of the run goes.

Really, I am highly educated & cultured...but I've succumb to such drivel.

Movie: "Broken English"

Saw "Broken English" this weekend. All I can say...simple and lovely. Avoids the American woman meets foreign (French) man, falls in love, and follows him abroad cliche. Parker Posey is gut-wrenchingly perfect; and Melvil Poupaud who plays Julien is lovely in the role (and to look at). If you like stripped-down, real films about human relationships then see this film.

What's Wrong With Society: My Super Sweet 16

So, just discovered MTV's "My Super Sweet 16." Yes, I realize I'm a little late to the party. I can't say I've been sucked in because I like it. Rather, I've been sucked in because it's like watching a car accident. It's so horrible that you just can't look away.

Who are these kids? And what makes them think that they deserve whatever they want? What has happened to society that these bratty, ungrateful, superficial, obnoxious, conceited teenagers are given airtime to revel in this absurdity?!?!? Oh, I forgot, this is the same society that gives Paris Hilton airtime.

And what about the parents...do they really take these kids seriously!?!? Do they know how to say "NO"? Do they know how to set limits?

If anything positive comes out of the airing of this show, I hope it's that the brats and their parents being featured watch it and, hopefully, realize how ridiculous they were. Maybe to redeem themselves they'll make a donation to a charity comparable to what they spent on their sweet 16!

Movie: "Once"

This has to be one of the best movies I've seen. Had already seen Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova live as the opening act for Damien Rice last December at the Orpheum and went out and bought their album "The Swell Season" right after. The film is simple and beautiful and proves that it doesn't take a multi-million dollar budget to make a really good film and tell a lovely story. Definitely see this film and check out the soundtrack or "The Swell Season."

50 Questions

1. What are you listening to right now?
Joni Mitchell--"California"

2. What song makes you sad?
Dan Fogelberg--"Leader of the Band" & Don Henley--"End of the Innocence"

3. What is the most annoying song in the world?
"December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)"--hate that song. Totally associate it with Freshman year roommate in college. Didn't like her much either.

4. Your all time favorite band?
Depeche Mode

5. Your newly discovered band is?
Silversun Pickups...okay so maybe that was a while ago now. Bassboosa is another one, but again that's a few months back. Venus Hum and Sea Wolf are fairly recent discoveries.

6. Best female voice?
Amy Lee, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone

7. Best male voice?
Josh Groban

8. Music type you find yourself listening to most?
Electronica, alternative, folk

9. What do you listen to hype you up?
Imogen Heap, Bloc Party, Muse

10. What do you listen to when you want to calm down?
Mandalay, Trespasser's William, Lamb, Portishead

11. Last gig/concert you went to?
Coachella

12. Band you find yourself listening to the most right now?
Bands: Silversun Pickups, Placebo...Solo Artist: Feist


13. Most hated band?
Any boy band that was a rip off of New Kids on the Block (i.e., NSync, Back Street Boys, etc.).

14. Song that makes you think?
Peter Gabriel--"Mercy Street", Angelique Kidjo/Sade--"Pearls"

15. Band that you think the world should love as much as you do?
Band: Shearwater...Solo Artists: Josh Groban, Imogen Heap

16. Coolest music video?
Oddly, Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"--back when he was still "somewhat" normal.

17. What do you play/would you play in the bedroom to spice things up?
Mandalay, Portishead

18. What song makes you yearning/longing/something of that sort?
Hoover--"2 Wicky"...Mandalay--"It's Enough Now"...Portishead--"Sour Times"

19. Ever been in a mosh pit?
Nope

20. Are you in a band?
Nope. But was in choir up until college.

21. Ever dated a musician?
Unfortunately, no.

22. Do you wish yourself that you were a musician?
Yes.

23. Best chick band you know of?
Saw The Like perform at last year's Coachella. They were pretty good. Other than them, I can't think of a chick band.

24. Last song that you heard on the radio/cd...etc...?
On the radio...Linkin Park--"What I've Done"...on my iPod...Nina Simone--"I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl"

25. What do you think of classical music?
Every once in a while I get in a mood and I'll listen to classical. I favor piano pieces. I do love classical concerts thought. Classical music done live, in the right setting, can be amazing.

26. What do you think of country music?
God, worst car trip ever, involved a driver who loved country music, and nothing else. Can't say I like it.

27. What do you think of Death metal?
Yeah, wouldn't be caught dead listening to it.

28. Last BIG band that you saw live?
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bjork, and Rage Against the Machine. I guess those are pretty big.

29. Do you listen to music in foreign languages?
Yes. French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Russian.

30. What famous musician would you invite to dinner?
Imogen Heap...she's just so freakin' cool!

31. Worst concert moment?
When I was 15 I went with a friend to see New Kids on the Block (way back in the day). I think it was in Albuquerque. My friend twisted her ankle during the show...she was balancing on the chair to get a better view and fell. I had to go get security and first aid and missed the last four songs of the concert.

32. Funny concert moment?
Okay, same concert...as security was trying to get first aid they took me back stage. At one point they left me alone, totally unsupervised, right as the band was getting off stage. I totally could have gone towards the dressing rooms, but I was too chicken!

33. Sad concert moment?
None that I can think of.

34. Best local act you can think of?
Silversun Pickups

35. If you were a musical instrument what would you be?
Piano. My favorite instrument.

36. Do you listen to the radio?
Not that much anymore. Radio sucks for the most part and I supposedly live in a top 5 radio market (LA); hate to think what it would be like if I lived in the middle of nowhere. When I do, it's KROQ, Indie, or KCRW.

37. Do you watch music TV?
Is there really such a thing anymore?!?!?!

38. Do you follow the music charts, like the top 40?
Not anymore. Did when I was younger and when the artists I listened to were actually on them; but the stuff I listen to now isn't on them and the stuff that is doesn't interest me.

39. Have you met any famous musicians?
No.

40. Are any of your friends/family/etc. musicians?
My brother played in a band when he was younger. Still plays guitar.

41. Song that best describes your feelings right now?
Kate Bush--"Running Up That Hill"

42. Song that describes your life?
Sarah McLachlan--"Fumbling Towards Ecstasy"

43. Do you know the names of all the band members that you listen to?
Mmmm...nope.

44. Does a musician’s physical attractiveness play a role in the music?
No...but if they happen to be hot, it doesn't hurt.

45. What famous musician do you want to marry?
Okay, have a little crush on Josh Groban right now. But have to admit, Peter Gabriel has been a long time crush, even if he is a little old for me.

46. Favourite movie soundtrack?
"Stealing Beauty"

47. What do your parents listen to?
Mother raised me on America, Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Ambrosia, Dan Fogelberg, and the Carpenters. The Carpenters are the only one I'm truly bitter about! Father is musically clueless. Recently discovered he doesn't know who Keith Richards is...sad sad sad. I'm thinking of disowning him.

48. What are you listening to right NOW?
Arcade Fire--"Keep the Car Running"

49. Do you wear band etc T-shirts?
Only have a few. Tend to wear them to sleep in or workout in.

50. What do you think of people who do?
More power to them.

A Touch of Insomnia

1:10 AM and I'm awake...and it's not like I'm doing anything productive to justify it. Maybe it's thoughts of my impending root canal later this morning. I hate dentists! I should be unconscious given the amount of pain killers I'm on!!!! But alas, I'm WIDE awake. This sucks!

Third Row Center!!!

Following on from Coachella, and just to prove that my music taste is completely schizophrenic...I got a third row center ticket for the Josh Groban concert in August at the Pond (I will never call it the Honda Center; just like the Gibson Amphitheater will always be the Universal Amphitheater to me! I don't adjust well to change!). Total improvement on 20th row at Staples in March. Happy Happy!! Need something to look forward to now that Coachella is over.

Coachella: The Good, the Bad, and the Unpotty Trained

Ah, so sad that it's now over and I have to wait another year!

Anyways. All was quite excellent.

~Saw some really good bands: Arcade Fire (Highlight! Love, love, love them now!), Interpol (Excellent!), Bjork (Entertaining, pretty damn good show!), The Decemberists (Good, mellow set), Placebo (They played "Blind" and "Running Up That Hill"; that's all I needed to be happy!), Silversun Pickups (As always, great!), Tokyo Police Club (Not bad. Had never heard them before.), Regina Spektor (Good. Reminds me too much of Tori Amos.), Travis (Loved), Rufus Wainwright (Boring. Realized I'm really not into him.), Red Hot Chili Peppers (Even though it meant skipping Blonde Redhead, I'm glad I stayed so I can now say I've seen them--even if I hate their latest album!), Tiesto (I went to a Eurotrash college and have spent a lot of time in Europe--thus, a misguided love of techno/electronica), Lily Allen (Glad I skipped Air to see her), Air (Saw the last two songs of their abbreviated set; weren't as cool as I thought they would be under the desert night sky), Damien Rice (Oddly, rocking!), Willie Nelson (One song, just to say I've seen him), and capped off the weekend with a little Rage Against the Machine, the Lemonheads, and VNV Nation. I know the RATM reunion was the big draw, but I've never been a fan (and I value my physical safety), so I watched their first song from afar and then took advantage of the short lines at the restroom and merchandise tents. Followed that up with a brief listen to the Lemonheads (kind of boring) and VNV Nation (just randomly stummbled into on my way out of the bathroom; entertaining for a few songs). Then went back and stood (securely) by the police lines to watch the Rage encore.

~Had to make some sacrifices: Jose Gonzalez (figure he plays in LA every once in awhile, so will catch him then), Blonde Redhead (already saw them, hadn't seen Red Hot Chili Peppers), Sonic Youth (how old are they now?), Peter Bjorn & John (wanted to see which one sounds like the girl!), Crowded House (okay, really just wanted to hear the one song that everyone knows--"Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over."), Klaxons (had heard good things), and Teddybears (although, I did see one of the bears wandering around by the merchandise tent in the afternoon.).

~Managed a decent tan to get the summer started and to not die of heat stroke! You know once it hits 100 degrees in the desert, finding out it was really 105 doesn't really matter. Anything over 100 is just hellish!

~Found a shortcut into the parking lot (NO, I will never tell!!! Let's just say I figured out a way to bypass the mile of cars waiting to make a left onto the road that takes you to the parking lot. Ah, you fools baking in your cars!).

~Discovered that a significant portion of the Coachella population was never potty trained! Seriously people, how hard is it to aim!??!?

~(On a related note) Confirmed that port-a-potties suck & are truly disgusting. It is totally worth the time to stand in line for the trailer toilets. For those few forays into the port-a-potties, fully appreciated the travel toilet paper and seat covers!

~Couldn't decide if there was any actual alcohol in the margaritas.

~Got a second-hand high from all the pot. I'm convinced there were more flies the second and third days because all the Friday flies told their fly buddies to come on by Saturday and Sunday to get stoned.

~Amused by the guy who threw an empty, then a half-full water bottle at the girl in front of us that was sitting on her boyfriend's shoulders and blocking everyone's view during Red Hot Chili Peppers. Sadly, she was uninjured and undeterred. But bottle guy still gets kudos for trying.

Just some of the memories to hold me over till next year. I think for year three, it might be time to shell out the money for VIP tickets (better bear garden and possibly better bathroom facilities--it's all about the bathroom facilities!!).

631 words

I guess my last post finally guilted me into doing something productive. So, 631 words in the last hour. Not bad. Unfortunately, must stop now. Need to eat before I have to be at work.

Bad Bad Bad!!!

The last three posts are exactly why I have made so little progress on previously mentioned novel! I excel at procrastination in all its forms!

Something Else That Makes Me Laugh...

So apropos...

4 Days to Coachella!!

Happy Happy Joy Joy!!! Four days to Coachella. Although, must say that I'm not AS excited as last year about the bands playing. Sad, I know. Still holding out for another addition...come on, they need to add a band! Part of the fun of the lead up to Coachella is the anticipation of a suprise add. But alas, I know it will still be good. Even if it is going to be hot as hell!!

101 Ways to Waste Time

I should be writing. Okay, I am writing, but not THIS! I've been at my cafe du jour and have written 274 words. Actually, only 21 words if you want to get technical. The other 253 words came from my notebook which I just typed onto the computer. This is not good. I've been here over 3 hours and have accomplished NOTHING!!! Yeah, this is how a novel is written.

And you want to know what I've been doing with my time? Let's see...

1. Made an Excel spreadsheet of all the bands playing at Coachella so I could keep track of who I already know something about and who I need to check out before then. I am determined to be as informed as possible before I head off to Coachella this year!! As opposed to last year. Also checked out the Coachella message boards to see if there are any good rumors on if they are going to add another headliner. Seriously hope they do. Not that I don't like who they have (okay, could do without Red Hot Chili Pepers--like their late 80s/early 90s stuff. Can't stand their current stuff), but still want more!

2. Checked out iTunes to see what's new. Didn't find anything that I really want to buy this week. Do need to finally get the Portishead "Dummy" album--I owned it at one time years ago, just don't know what happened to it, and need it on my iPod. Currently only have "Sour Times" and "Glory Box." Also, still not sure if I want the new Kate Havnevik album. Have two tracks already that I like, but am apathetic about the rest of the album.

3. Visited the Josh Groban Fan Site to see if there were any details about ticket presales for the next US leg of his tour. Saw him a couple of weeks ago for the first time at the Staples Center. He's great live, so want to see him again when he is at the Pond in August. Rumor has it, the presale will be in another week.

4. Lurked around the last.fm site. Checked out who my "neighbors" are. Apparently I'm not the only one with screwy listening tastes. I must confess, I do occasionally leave my iTunes running when I'm not on my computer to get my numbers on certain artists up. But this week I've actually been really good and have listened to all the stuff it has listed. I'm so addicted to that site.

5. Read the news on cnn.com and the LA Times website. Same old. Checked movie listings for tonight. There is NOTHING playing. Still want to see "The Lives of Others," but not in the mood today. I need to be in the mood for a German film.

6. Checked email. Sadly, no one writes on weekends. That didn't kill much time.

7. Popped over to the nanowrimo.org site. Only check in occasionally these days since it's the off-season. Was hoping to find inspiration to get me writing today. Sadly, only found commiseration.

8. Caught up on Imogen Heap's iBlog. Love her.

9. Played around with this blog. Constantly tweaking.

10. Skipped about 3 dozen songs on iTunes. Am listening to a "Trip-Hop/Electronica" mix. Am in a mood today. Plus, it usually puts me in the mood to write. Not working today. I could blame the playlist for my dismal productivity today, but that might just be unfair.

11. Stare out the window at previously mentioned cafe du jour. Gray and overcast today. Colorado Boulevard seems oddly busy for a weekend.

12. Sipped my iced tea.

13. Typed this.

Okay, so maybe that's not a 101 ways to waste time...but close enough seeing as I haven't accomplished anything today!

I guess I should just surrender and go home and walk my dogs. At least they'll feel like they've accomplished something today!!

Josh Groban Doing His Part for Panda Sex!

This is just funny!

Things the make me feel old...

So according to some 15-year olds I know, U2 is classic rock!

Can't We All Just Do the Chicken Dance?

So, last Saturday I went to a LA Kings hockey game at the Staples Center. Only by sheer luck did they actually beat the Columbus Blue Jackets. It sure wasn't skill. I now understand why the Kings are one of the worst teams in the NHL. They can't control or pass the puck. It was pure chaos.

But I digress. (See, my mind wanders!)

Anyways, at some point they played the music for the "Chicken Dance" over the sound system in an attempt to entertain the crowd. Oh come on, if you've ever been to a wedding in the United States then you know what the Chicken Dance is and the dance moves that go along with it!! You've probably even done it. I'll fess up to doing it under the influence of plenty of alcohol. However, on this occasion I hadn't had enough alcohol to stand up and join in. Instead I watched the crowd around me. It was a pretty diverse group of people, and it was interesting to see who was standing up and dancing along. Let's just say, it wasn't the Spanish-speaking family behind me. But it made me really think about the whole phenomenon of the Chicken Dance. When do we learn it? I don't know when I first learned it. Every time I've heard the music at a wedding or another event where someone feels the need to hire a DJ, I've instinctively known how to do it. Maybe it's like knowing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." We all know it. It was taught to us as children. Maybe while our preschool teachers were indoctrinating us with the lyrics or "Twinkle Twinkle" and "Row Row Row Your Boat," they were teaching us the moves for the Chicken Dance.

Okay, so the real reason I'm rambling on about this...Knowing the Chicken Dance is one of those cultural things that anyone who grew up in the US just knows. So, I'm thinking, we put so much stress on new citizens knowing U.S. history and things like the Pledge of Allegiance, but what they should really be learning are things like the Chicken Dance and I'd even say "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Let's be honest, most American-born adults don't remember the Pledge of Allegiance. I can tell you the last time I said it--my last day of 8th grade (we said it every morning at assembly). And almost 20 years later, I can just barely remember the words. I'm just saying, if we want a more inclusive society, we really should be teaching & sharing the random silliness that dominates our culture.