Thursday, August 31, 2006

Another Assignment

I had to write as a color using the first person. Here is what I wrote:

I am neither colorless nor pallid. I am pure white. I am the color of the billows that stand out against the azure sky. I am the softness of an unpolluted snow. I am unmarked, unsullied, and unspoiled. My starkness is a contrast to warmness. I am free; the absence of any other hue. I represent the goodness in the world in the peace of a dove. I am a bride walking down the aisle to the man she loves and a new existence waiting to commence. I am a fresh leaf of paper or a blank screen where an author embarks on a new tale. I am the soft fleece of a lamb or a boll of cotton. I am the one who wraps the newborn babe in comfort. I am purity everlasting and the beginning of all things. I am white.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Here's a little story I wrote...

Writterific Lesson 2 Assignment – Use the highlighted phrase as the opening line of a story. Use dialogue and incorporate a twist in the ending.

August 21, 2006
12:11 pm

Pat knew for a long time that a clairvoyant gift was a blessing. She first found out about her abilities when she was 8 years old. Pat and her mother were walking in Manhattan when Pat saw a young man in a business suit striding quickly toward them. Pat looked at her mother and said, “Mommy, you had better give that man your handkerchief.”

Pat’s mother said,” Whatever for, Patricia, dear.”

“Because of his bloody nose, Mommy.” Pat responded.

Sure enough, the man tripped on the sidewalk and landed face first on the ground. Pat’s mother handed him the cloth to stem the flow of blood from his nose.

Ever since that day, Pat had the uncanny sense of knowing what would happen. She was not surprised to make the cheerleading squad in high school. She knew that she would attend Columbia University as soon as her application was in the mailbox. When she spotted David sitting on a bench in the park, she felt that he would be the man she married. Today, when she walked through the doors of Park & Hurst, she knew she would get the job. She smiled brightly at Mr. Greene through the hour long interview, answering one inane question after another. After all, Pat would have his job in a month after he was fired for embezzlement.

A New Class

So, I have started a new class called "Writterific - Creativity Training". In this class, I am supposed to write for 10 minutes a day. I have no idea what to write. I guess that is why I am taking this class!! I think it would be such a great job to be a writer. I would love to have the ability to write a novel. I think it would be a lifestyle that suits me. I do not need to be in an office full of folks. I think I would much rather be at home, working at my own pace. So, now I just need to find a plot, actually learn how to write a book, find someone to publish it...

Friday, August 18, 2006

I'm Up

I have to admit that I am up about 9 pounds over my goal weight. I really shouldn't be surprised at this development as I have not been following the Weight Watchers principles for about 10 months. I am back on track now. I have started counting points again as well as writing down what I eat. Let me tell you something - it is hard!! It is so much harder than I remember from the first time. How did I used to make 24 points stretch a whole day? I hope to find the flow again soon. I hope the exercise helps even the food out. Yep, I'll be running tomorrow morning.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Off to Cosmo

I am heading to my Cosmopolitan Book Club tonight. It is a club of women who love to read chick lit. It is run by Barnes & Noble and the wonderful Community Relations Manager, Debbie. I love to read, so it is a wonderful club for me. This month we read "Baby Proof" by Emily Giffin. The club started last year because Emily made a stop at the store to promote her novel "Something Blue", the sequel to her novel "Something Borrowed". Emily continues to be on a roll of great book writing. Her latest is a very thought provoking story about a married couple who are very much in love, but disagree on one key point in their lives. She handled the story beautifully and created amazing characters who are wise, loving, and loyal. I recommend it to everyone!!

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Thank God it's Wednesday?

Have you ever had one of those weeks were it seems like there were 2 Mondays in a row?? Well, that's what I had this week. I hate those days when I feel so out of control. I have a million little fires going at the same time and don't know which way to turn. I am just glad things are now calm. Hump Day seems to be passing nicely.

Friday, August 11, 2006

The Terrorism Plot Thickens...

Well, great news for the airline industry. Terrorists were going to blow up 10 planes yesterday, and now everyone is in a panic. Security has now banned shampoo, toothpaste, beverages, gels, etc. A friend from work was flying on business yesterday. She said the TSA took her Chapstick and lip gloss. Bill was telling me last night that they are thinking about doing away with carry-on luggage all together. He also said in the near future it could take up to 5 hours to get through security checkpoints.

We are going to Chicago soon. I don't even want to get on a plane. I am not afraid of terrorism, I am afraid of the TSA. Between my Chapstick and my nail file, I am a real threat to the flying public. Where is the train schedule?

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Went running...

So this morning was different for me. Bill and I got up at about 5 til 6:00 am this morning to go running. I can't run, but I went anyway. I ran about 1/4 mile, and had to stop. I ran/walked (mostly walked) about 2 miles all together. I got home just as my alarm clock would have gone off.
Overall, I think it was a good idea. My workout is out of the way. I had so much time this morning to eat breakfast, read the paper, and fix lunch. I was also pretty awake by the time I got to work (although that is not necessarily a good thing!). I don't know, I think I may have to keep up with the routine. It just might work out.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Tax Free Shopping

I love tax free shopping weekend!! I know it is such a scam. You only save $.07 for each dollar spent, but every year I go out and shop my little heart out. There was an article in the paper yesterday about the weekend. One woman said she would not spend so much money if it were not tax free. The reported asked permission to look at her receipts. She spent a few hundred dollars and saved $24.00. I did find some great things on sale, and I did have some coupons. At least I didn't buy anything for full price. Still, I had a great afternoon with my dear friend Lisa. I guess that's all that really counts.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Who are you?

I was on my way to the pharmacy this morning and had some interesting thoughts. I started thinking about my cousin, Robyn. I used to be close to Robyn and her sister when we were kids. Even though we only saw each other about once a year, I always felt like we were close. I have not spoken of heard from her in five years. I sent her a birthday card about a year ago, and it was returned to sender. I have no idea where she lives, what she does for a living, or if she is in a relationship. It is so sad. We move on, we get involved with our own lives, and relatives get left behind. It is possible that I could never see her again. If I did see her, what would I say? I don't even know her now.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

I Love Quotes

You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny. - The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

We are visitors on this planet. We are here for 90, 100 years at the very most. During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful with our lives. Try to be at peace with yourself, and help others share that peace. If you contribute to other people's happiness, you will find the goal, the true meaning of life. - The Dalai Lama

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Feng Shui

I am taking a very interesting course on-line through Barnes and Noble University. It is all about feng shui - the ancient practice of organizing your home to reflect the best energy flow. It has been fun. There are some things that I really believe (clutter brings your energy down) and other I do not (you can get energy from hugging a tree). I have done a little experiment, though. In the career area of our home, we hung a shelf that I stained. It is an inexpensive shelf I found at a craft store. I put a bamboo plant on top of it (living energy) and a picture next to/above it. The picture is a waterfall (flowing energy) with a red matt (strong feng shui color - prosperity). Everything is reflected in a mirror (doubles the energy) that was already hanging in the foyer. We'll see if anything happens. I will go crazy if it does!!