Sir Mix A Lot: 11
Richard Cheese: 7
Anyone else notice that if you reverse them you get 7-11? There was a day when I loved 7-11 (as in the convenience store). Let's all say Big Gulp, because I know you want to. As for me and my vote, I'm sincerely torn in this battle. I think the original by SMA is hilarious. If you haven't seen a group of skinny white chicks karaoke this song, you haven't laughed nearly as hard as I have. Funny, funny stuff. On the other hand, the arrangement by Richard Cheese also seriously tickles my funny bone. I guess I 'll vote with the majority on this one for Sir Mix A Lot (my vote doesn't count for anything anyway), but it was a tough call for me.
In other news...
- Thank you, Bryan, for pointing out in my comments on the last post that if I were a terrible or "wanna be" writer he wouldn't bother CPing for me. Ironically, that little gem infused me with some much needed inspiration to tackle my WiP again.
- However, I think there is something to be said for taking a break from your novel when you're in the very unproductive state of writing and deleting. Maybe that is a good time for thinking. Or reading a book by someone else. Or both.
- I just finished Paper Towns by John Green. I'm not sure I can continue to read his books. I'm consistently awed and amazed by how good he is. I then go a through a period of self loathing, wherein I can never write anything even close to that good. Followed by a period of telling myself that we all write differently and no matter what "I will never be John Green" and "the world doesn't need two John Greens anyway."
- My blogging has just sucked. My blog reading has sucked. I wish I could explain this in a satisfactory way. Alas, I cannot.
- I'm strongly considering going back to camp this summer. It sounds innocuous and not a bit scary, right? Wrong. This is a camp I grew up at. Loved. Haven't been to since 1992. It terrifies me on so many levels that I'm not sure I can even list them all. I wanted to go back about five years ago, but didn't because of my migraines. I'm still very worried that the pace of camp will be too much for me and that my migraines will flare up and I will be DOWN. I also fear that it won't be the same magical place I remember. Heck, I know it's changed. I've been to their website. It's changed. Yet, it's still the same. If that makes any sense at all.
- So, I've been dreaming about camp (literally and figuratively), thinking about camp, and trying to work up a strategy to 1) get through camp, while 2) loving going through camp. I'll keep you posted on this one. If I do go, it will mean three weeks this summer of no cell phone, no computer, no internet, no TV, no nothing. Me. Nature. God. Kids. Fun. That's it. It sounds freakin' wonderful, doesn't it????
- I wanted C-Man and H-Girl to go to camp. For one week. They couldn't live without their cell phones that long. Sigh. I wanted to say, but didn't, that they both say they believe in God and Jesus, but they weren't willing to give up their phones. Yet Jesus gave up his life. However, if it takes guilt to get them there, I'm not willing to do it. Jesus wasn't guilted into dying for us. It was a gift. You can either accept it or not. Simple as that. However, it made me think about the things I've been (and not been) willing to give up in my own life. Which makes it tough to throw any stones at anyone else.
- However, the disappointment remains that they will never have the great life-changing camp experience I had. Not because they couldn't have it, but they didn't want it.
- Last, but certainly not least, we are about to find out who is right about the man in my mother's life. Yes, I'm talking about the one she's been emailing with for the last six months or so. The one I'm sure is a scammer and she's sure is about to be her next husband. He's FINALLY saying he's leaving Australia (where he's been "trapped" by various and sundry issues that I only have vague notions regarding, because I wanted to stay out of that loop). Yesterday she tell me his flight is booked and he'll be here Wednesday night. This morning, she tells me that he said he went to pick up his boarding pass at the airline and was told that me might have some taxes to pay in order to leave. I was like "That is the biggest pile of bologna (thank you Oscar Meyer, or I'd never remember how to spell that word!) I've ever heard." Mom seemed to see the sense in my statement, but still has faith in the dude. Whatever. I'll eat a paper plate if he shows up. My money is on him needing money (from her) to "leave" the country.
- Alas, as you can see, there is disappointment aplenty to be had here. At our meals we pass the fried chicken and the disappointment. You don't get one without the other.
Keep warning your mom. That whole situation sounds fishy.
ReplyDeleteThey can't give up their cell phones even though Jesus gave up his life. Now that's irony.
Maybe you should go to the camp this year. It might not be like going home again, but you could add a new layer of memories.
Oh, Alex, you have no idea. And I think my mom really needs the idea of a man in her life. Until she gets past that, that's all she'll have... an idea of a man in her life.
DeleteRobin: Good luck, mom. Altogether now,
ReplyDeleteTan me hide when I'm dead, Fred
Tan me hide when I'm dead
So we tanned his hide when he died, Clyde
And that's it hanging on the shed
JJ, I'm already so damn depressed that I can't bring myself to sing/chant your little song. But, I appreciate the sentiment (I think). I need all the good luck I can get!
DeleteIt's great that you have Bryan in your corner. You're a wonderful writer, and you don't give yourself enough credit. I hope you don't have to eat a paper plate, though it will be the least of your worries if this person shows up. I also hope the tension eases between you and your mom.
ReplyDeleteJulie
If you're not careful (and continue with the compliments), you'll end up on the receiving end of an email from me asking you to beta read this thing (once I'm finally feeling closer to "done.")
DeleteI'm so concerned about your Mom that I can't address anything else. This totally sounds like a scam - not even a unique one! It's like a Dr. Phil show waiting to be filmed. I would do whatever I could to squelch that before she is hurt financial, as well as emotionally. What's wrong with people???? ARGHHHHH.
ReplyDeleteI would love to sic Dr. Phil on this case. I just watched a show of his that involved a woman being scammed (for a TON of money). It was so sad. My mom watched it, too. I saw so many similarities between that woman's story and my mom's, but she couldn't or wouldn't (more likely) see it. Since my mother has ALREADY been scammed once, I don't think my talking to her will accomplish anything. She will need SOLID PROOF that this guy isn't who he claims to be (since he's already asked for money and she's said no). I have no idea what it will take to wake her up. We talked about it yesterday and she still thinks he's "a very nice man with whom she'd like to spend the rest of her life." So, we could still be right here next year. Clearly, she NEEDS him.
DeleteOn taking a break - If your truly being unproductive a break is a good idea. But, for me it's important to know if I'm really being unproductive, or just lazy. Often, I just REALLY don't want to face something about my writing, so I convince myself I'm being unproductive. My last break extended to a full year. Sad!
ReplyDeleteOn going back to camp - Might be something good for you as long as you realize that 'you can never REALLY 'go home again' (it actually sounds like you have a pretty good handle on that). If you go for the 'new experience' the one that will enrich your life today - hooray!
I went back to camp about eight years ago. I went as the Art Director at a camp for children with cancer (I thought I wanted to give something back), Those kids broke my heart and yet it was one of my best experiences. The Camp Director did get quite angry with me when I would not return the following year. I'm glad I did it, but once was enough.
On reading John Green - chin up ole girl. You may never be John Green, but do you really want to be. I love his stuff and a lot of other authors. I don't stop reading 'em, but try to dissect what they do so well, and learn, learn, learn.
On blogging - not the most important thing in anybody's world. Or at least it shouldn't be.
On trying to get your friends to go to camp - My Daddy used to say; 'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink'. I used to raise Quarter horses and I've learned from first hand experience; it's true! Goes for people too.
On disappointment - 'The less you give a damn, the happier you'll be." I lifted that from Pintrest. sounds kind of cynical, but in a way it's not, and it's definitely true. Care about those things were you can make a difference and don't allow people to disappoint you, cause they are always, Always, ALWAYS gonna.
Whenever I'm blue thinking how someone, especially someone important, disappointed me; I think of all the possible disappointment I've caused others, by simply being myself.
Serving disappointment up with dinner could have some serious caloric consequences. YIKES!
Hang in there, things should get better!
FAE...
DeleteI think my lack of production is well involved with my level of depression (which I am always loathe to even admit to...). I'm having a fairly difficult time functioning. Period. Possibly that's migraine-related, too. So hard to do anything with your head pounding. I think this thing with my mom contributes heavily to my depression. Her "future" is mentally and emotionally tied up in something that will never happen. She's forcing me to make choices like it will, and it gets be too much. I can't live in that fantasy land. I think sometimes my head pounds in response to my frustration over this entire situation.
Back to my novel... I feel emotionally drained from my life. It's not leaving much for my book. Is that lazy? It could be. I know that I struggle with that, too. (I could do this thing that needs doing, but instead I'll do this thing I want to do...)
I think I addressed your camp reservations above. However, I'm so glad you did it and got something that you could use from it. Cancer camp. Wow. That would be tough. I can understand why summer was enough. You can be good at something, glad you did it, and still depleted from it. This isn't anything like that. As a kid, and even as a counselor, it was always a spiritually fulfilling experience for me. Granted, the one experience was vastly different from the other. But, both good. Going this time as an activity specialist (and not a counselor) will be yet another change after a very long absence. I can't wait to tell everyone how it turned out.
Horse. Water. Thirst. Drinking. Got it. :)
I don't know that I want to get used to disappointment. It was that sort of attitude that led me to get married to my ex-husband (a disastrous choice for me in every way, including my health). I was so disappointed in the dating possibilities that I just decided there weren't any good guys out there. I was tired of dating and decided to suck up the disappointment. Little did I know that being alone is far better than living with an awful spouse. I don't want to choose from places of disappointment any longer. However, I think you're saying care about what's really important and let the rest go. Don't just stop caring about EVERYTHING.
Egads. Disappointment I've caused. That's very philosophical. I know I've caused plenty.
Thanks. I appreciate this heart-felt comment.
I have had people in my office who were scammed and it is heartbreaking. I hope you can get through to your mom but i also know that is someone has made up their mind, even when it is destructive in one form or another, you can stand on your head and wiggle your ears and they still will not change their mind. It can be most frustrating but i hope your mom will see the light. Somehow you will have to find a way to let whatever negative feelings you have towards your mom's situation go. Even when you feel she is not hearing you, there is not much more you can do but say your peace. Now I hope you can go to camp. You can never relive the past times but you can make new memories and enjoy yourself. I have had the same thoughts when i see other people create cards. I think their's is so much better and I get really down on myself thinking mine are simplistic and can't measure up but each person has their own style and the worst we can do is compare. We do it but it usually is not a great thing to do.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is heartbreaking. No, she won't hear me. I'm not sure why I'm even still talking about it here. It's a bit like whistling in the wind.
DeleteCamp. The more I think about it, the more I look forward to it.
Writing. I need to push past all of the stuff weighing me down and write.
I think every writer has moments of needing a break from their WIP's. Sometimes I take a break and read a book by a great writer, just like you did, and sometimes I feel like I'm climbing up a hill that has no top, so I'll never make it. I'll only succeed in continuously trying to make it. But I always get back to my WIP, and I'm sure that reading great works by others helps me do a better job myself, so it is not time wasted.
ReplyDeleteAs far as going back to a camp from your childhood, wow. I envy you that. I'd love to visit the camp where I spent a few weeks for a few summers in a row. The memories...
Have a great time. Don't pass it up, because then you'd always be wondering what it would have been like. You can go, and if you don't like what you see, you can always write about it and turn it back to the way you want it to be. Fiction, it can be what we need it to be, when we need it. :-)
Climbing a hill that has no top. Yep. That's how it's felt. However, I think it will be satisfying when I feel I've reached the summit (the novel is its best!). Thank you for the encouraging words!!!
DeleteHi Robin.
ReplyDeleteI thought your BOTB was very funny. Richard Cheese was so silly, I had to pick him.
Sadly I have work set aside, still waiting my return.
I think an outdoor retreat would be great. If you choose to go, I hope it's a blessing and joy.
Thank you, Dixie. I think it will be a blessing AND a joy.
DeleteGIRL WONDER ~
ReplyDeleteMy money is on YOUR money! There is no question that this guy is going to need money to leave the country and make all your Mom's dreams come true.
It's a damn scam, and your Mom is going to realize that (or should) soon when the subject of "necessary funds" comes up. And it's coming up, you can bet your life on it.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
The crispness of your reply echoes my own sentiments. It's a damn scam. Damn straight!
DeleteWith all you're going through, I prefer not to think about you eating a paper plate. Thank goodness, you won't have to.
ReplyDeleteHang tough.
I prefer to not eat plates (as a general rule). I think I'm pretty safe on this bet.
DeleteGo back to camp. The change of pace could be inspiring. I hope your mother finds a way to back off from this guy, and the online dating thing in general.
ReplyDeleteOh, Liza. Yes to camp. Your hope is my hope. My fervent hope. You have no idea how much I hope it....
DeleteI was wondering how long it was going to take for this guy to ask for money. And holy heck, I hope he doesn't actually show up on your doorstep. Do you know any computer-savvy people who could investigate this guy's online profile and track down where he really is and who he really is?
ReplyDeleteDianne, I've probed my own brain for anyone who could search out who this guy really is and wake my mom up. Alas, I've come up empty. The sad thing: even if I were able to prove this one was a scammer, she'd only find another. Until she learns this lesson herself, she will continue to repeat it. Just like the rest of us.
DeleteI went to a church camp when I was a teen and it was one of the best times I ever had. As for your mom...oh boy. Not sounding good.
ReplyDeleteI loved camp as a kid. Like you, one of the best times I've ever had!
DeleteThe thing about camp that I should've made clear is that I KNOW that going back will be different. I will get something totally new from it this go-round (even if it hadn't changed at all, because I've changed!). Since we've both changed, I know it will be different. I have faith it will be good.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed your BotB post. Never went to camp. I grew up way out in the country where we often had to rough it so I'm not a fan of doing without the conveniences.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mother doesn't get her heart broken or her bank account.
I'm always happy to inspire, and sometimes taking a break from your novel is a good thing. We've both had to do that plenty of times. It gives you a little breathing room, and plenty of time for your subconscious mind to figure some things out.
ReplyDeleteI must be old. I LOVE when we all go camping and I have to turn off my cellphone. It's so blissfully quiet. And we all talk to each other.
Also, you nailed bologna but had a slight miss on Oscar Mayer. And the only reason I say that is because my cohort, Mr. Meyers, wants to assure you all that he is not related to a hot dog. :)
I guess my blogging still sucks more than I wish it would. I can't believe you've put up 3 posts that I've somehow missed. I've been doing better I guess, but still not good enough. But life gives us things to do doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out