“We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of pie.” – David Mamet
…that sometimes it takes the intervention of a professor to get the attention of a wayward group of young people. As I wrote in my last post, I’ve been having a bit of trouble getting my project group to focus, take the assignment serious, and produce an A worthy presentation. This week I’d had enough. I called in the big guns and arranged (along with another student) for an early morning heart to heart, or as my husband likes to say, “a coming to Jesus meeting.” Hopefully, they have seen the light and by the weekend, I will be in possession of a well-written, cohesive presentation.
Think good thoughts for me, please. I have a feeling I am going to need them.
…that there is a band from Norway called Katzenjammer and they make me want to dance a jig in a pirate’s den – dressed like a tavern wench. What?
Thank you to cresting with words for posting a great blog about them and giving me something new to add to my playlist. Check them out.
…that Selena Gomez appears to have dumped Justin Beiber.
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of millions of tweens all over the world, heaving a collective sigh of relief.
…that for the first time in years, I will have an empty house during the week of Thanksgiving. It was hard for me to make the decision to opt out, but it had to be done. I’m not going to bemoan my overburdened semester again. I’m sure you all are totally over my incessant whining. Hell, I’m tired of listening to it myself. However, it doesn’t change the fact that I simply do not have time for Thanksgiving and all that goes along with it. It breaks my heart, because the best part of the holiday for me is spending a week my nephews. They’ve been a fixture in my house every Thanksgiving since…well…forever.
I guess I shall have to be content to think of them as I sit at my desk, hammering away at my African-American history paper, eating cold pumpkin pie, and listening to the deafening sound of an empty house. It’s just not Thanksgiving without hearing:
Them: “Aunt Peggy, Cory won’t let Megan and I have a turn!”
Me: “I don’t want to hear it. Figure it out.”
Them: “Aunt Peggy, Cody won’t agree to the movie Megan and I want to watch!”
Me: “You know the rules. No unanimous decision – no movie. Work it out.”
Them: “Aunt Peggy, Justin just farted on us!”
Me: “Justin, stop farting.”
Them: “Aunt Peggy, what are you going to make for breakfast? Uncle Nolan told us to ask for biscuits and gravy.”
Me: “Tell Uncle Nolan to come ask me himself.”
Them: “Aunt Peggy, can we have chicken tacos for dinner?”
Me: “Really? Don’t you think we should worry about that after breakfast? Maybe even after lunch? Certainly not before I’ve had coffee.”
Them: “Aunt Peggy, you’re our favorite. Will you make us banana pudding? Not the diet kind. The kind that tastes good.”
Me (feeling all warm and gooey inside): “Of course. Just for you.”
<sigh>
I’m going to miss those boys this year.
…that I am finally going to sell the bedroom set in my spare bedroom and make myself a proper office. Why haven’t I utilized this unused space before, you ask? I have absolutely no idea. Now, who wants to buy a 5 piece twin bedroom set in near stellar condition?
Anyone? Please? My unfinished novels are begging you…
…that for the first time since September 25th, I had the itch (and the courage) to take a peek at my WIP, Retribution. I’ll be honest, I have had no real desire to delve into it. The problems run deep, and at the moment, I don’t have the time, nor the energy to sit and sift through the rubble to find the usable stories that lies buried there. In spite of this, I couldn’t help but read through the first chapter. I needed reacquainted myself with my beloved Anna. She hasn’t changed. She is just as I left her – a staunch realist, who holds no illusions about the harsh world in which she lives. She understands all too well the battle between good and evil is one fought in the shadows, on the edge of civility, with an armory stocked with less than honorable tactics. To survive, and to ensure the survival of the free world, one must let go of any idealistic notions of morality. Sometimes it is necessary to do the unthinkable, the reprehensible – all in the name of the greater good. Of course, these things come with a price. They always do.
I want to sit and do nothing but write today. Unfortunately, I have obligations that take me in several different directions and none of them involve a computer or a notebook. Poor Anna. Destined to ignored for another week…at least.
…that the Christmas shopping season has begun. I’m sure it will come as no surprise to all of you, but I am annoyed by this. I like to take things as they come – one at a time, and in chronological order. Just once, I’d like to get through Halloween and Thanksgiving without being reminded that Christmas is looming in the wintery fog, ready to pounce. I know it’s there. I can see it’s beady little eyes glowing in the dark. It is quite unnecessary to throw decorated trees and twinkling lights in my path, or blister my ears with tired carols and annoying jingles. There will be plenty of time for that after the turkey and pumpkin pie have been properly devoured and digested. And, really, there is no need to worry dear retailer giants, I’m not going to forget the real meaning of the modern season. Cold hard cash. I have every intention of spending plenty of my money down at the local mall. But not until after December 1st. So stop bugging me.
…and last, but not least, this week’s awww moment is brought to you by this beautiful little girl who is celebrating her first birthday this week.
Alright, everyone all together now – awwwww….
Of Bears and Boating 