Monday Music Video: The Dandy Warhol's "We Used to Be Friends"

I love the Dandy Warhols, and while I knew of them, I didn't become a fan until I watched the series Veronica Mars and fell in love with the theme song (yes, I did watch Veronica Mars after it was canceled, cementing my belief that I'm just slow on the uptake when it comes to good television *cough*Firefly*cough*). Anyway, check out their other songs; most of them are good. Not something you can say for every band out there.

Paintbrush Challenged Drools Over Talent

Nautiluhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs by *MarcSimonetti on deviantART

It's when I see beautiful art like the one done by MarcSimonetti at DeviantArt that I wish I had some talent with a paintbrush (or a pixelated paintbrush). I'm really impressed by anyone that can draw, paint, carve...basically anything artsy. I think I missed that grab-bag when it was being handed out, but at least I get some art points from photography.

Beautiful art always makes me smile. It's like food for a deeper mindset.

It isn't like riding a bicycle...

I know my posting, as of late, has been near non-existent. I was keeping up with the Monday Music Videos, but then that became all I was doing and it got a bit ridiculous. I wish I had more to say about my writing life except that I've put it on hold for now, until I have find a balance. I'm juggling a lot of plates, you see. I'm working 50-60 hours a week and when that happens, you tend to shut down in other things. Virginia Woolf was right when she said that author's (well, she was writing about women writers, but I'll expand it to anyone who wants to write) need a room of one's own and the leisure time to do it, usually brought on by wealth. When you're working that many hours, in a high-stress environment, your brain tends to be squishy by the time you get home.

I'm not happy with this current arrangement. Truth be told, I hate it. I hate that I work so much for very little money. It makes me regret some of the choices I made in my life. I also hate that it's taken away my writing time from me; something that helps keep me sane and energized. I hate that my writing abilities are atrophying. That when I try to sit down and write, it takes longer and harder to get into "the groove" of it. In the Summer of 2010, I had it down to an art, I was at peak form, the best I'd ever been (of course, there was room for improvement, but I was at the best I'd ever been). Then I started this new job and...well, I've barely written anything since then.

I need to do something to change this, but I'm not sure what. Working -- bringing home a paycheck -- is kind of necessary. And on top of that, I need to eat, go to the gym (if I want to lose weight, which I do), keep myself and my apartment presentable. All this takes time.

Maybe, to extend the atrophying muscle metaphor, it is like working out. Do it when you can -- five minutes here, ten there, an hour one day. Eventually the muscles strengthen again.

All I know is my stress levels are up, my coping mechanisms are down. I need to write and soon. And not just stare at the tiny blinking cursor, which is what happens on weekends. No, I need to bite the bullet, get on the bicycle, and learn to ride again.

Monday Music Video: Dry The River's "No Rest"

I guess when they said "Dry the River," they meant by tossing it on themselves, which yes, would equal No Rest (I know, I'm lame). Anyway, it must be difficult singing when people are throwing buckets of water into your face. Regardless, this song is a nice one and I particularly like the chorus, which really echoes the emotions I felt from September to April, and that I still feel the ripples of sometimes. Do you ever start liking songs at first simply because the lyrics have a deeper meaning for you? And then you realize the rest of the song -- like the rhythm, etc. -- is also pretty damn good? The chorus in case you're wondering what I'm talking about: I loved you in the best I loved you in the best way possible I loved you in the best Did you see the light in my heart? Did you see the sweat on my brow? Did you see the fear in my heart? Did you see me bleeding out? I loved you in the best I loved you in the best way possible I loved you in the best way possible I loved you in the best way possible I loved you in the best...

Monday Music Video: Calvin Harris's "Acceptable in the 80's"

This music video is all thanks to VarnishVixen, who got me hooked on Calvin Harris when I was over at her place. This is my favorite song by Calvin Harris, perhaps because of the way he says 80's ("ahytees" :D). Oh, who am I kidding? It's just fun. Calvin Harris, do things for me, I was born in the 80s. ;)

Sacrifices to the Moving Gods

Typical. When I was packing to move last October, I had so many post-its I didn't know what to do with them all. Now I can't find any! Other things that have mysteriously disappeared: my kitchen apron, my fuzzy slippers, my "Plotting Evil" shirt (which makes me sad). But you can't leave anywhere without some stuff being sacrificed to the Moving Gods.

Monday Music Video: Keri Hilson's "Pretty Girl Rock"

I really like this song, but the music video is excellent. Keri Hilson transforms herself into famous female singers. I particularly liked TLC -- I still love the song that those silk pajamas come from. Can you name all the singers?

Writer's Block, Reader's Block, End of Summer Ennui?

I hate to have music video posts pile up, because it looks pretty lazy on my part. However, the simple truth is that I just haven't felt like writing -- or even reading, for that matter. It isn't even writer's block (at least, it doesn't feel like it), it's more like complete and utter creative ennui. I just don't feel like doing it. This is the first time that I can remember of that I don't feel like writing. I don't even feel like reading my usual selection of fiction books (and I have a pretty hefty To Read Pile that isn't getting any smaller).

I think a part of this is due to my current disinterest in the urban fantasy genre. Right now, it all seems the same; every book on the bookshelf that's an urban fantasy seems to blend into each other.

• Good looking female heroine that either is clumsy/doesn't have a job/some other ineptitude that makes her seem like an Every Woman? Check.
• Suddenly getting attacked thereby dragging her into a "dark world"? Check.
• Hot male protagonist who is alpha male, metaphorically (or literally if he's a werewolf), in his chosen profession (usually something hot: assassin, pack leader, bad ass loner, mage/sorcerer/wizard, etc.)? Check.
• Strange murders/unsolved mystery/ancient relic? Check.
• Some challenge that doesn't allow hero and heroine to get together, oftentimes rival for love or murderous bad guy (oftentimes the character being one in the same)? Check.
• Love scene full of purple prose where the hero candidly tells heroine he'll teach her about passion and how to embrace the passion in her own body. (I'll automatically put the book down and walk away if there's any shit like that. Gag me with a spoon. I hate books where the responsibility of the heroine's sexuality is put into the man's hands, as if she can't figure it out for herself.)

How many times can I read that story? I have to be in a very specific mood to read it, I haven't been in that mood for a while. But then, I also have some sci-fi books to read and I haven't even felt like that. In a perfect world, I'd go out to the bookstore, browse the shelves, and decide on something new. Unfortunately, the bookstore is an hour away which is difficult when you're full of ennui. Instead, I hit Netflix Instant Watch and watch BBC Mysteries like Midsomer Murders. (mmm...)

I think this ennui has spread to my writing, too. The Eternal Forest is an urban fantasy, even if I think that it's slightly different than your usual run-of-the-mill (mostly because I try really hard to make it so), there's still a romantic subplot, there's still vampires (although they don't really appear at all in this book, they did in The Blood Queen), so essentially, I am writing an urban fantasy. And I'm not feeling it right now.

Most authors would say, "Grit your teeth and write through it," which is ghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifood advice. That's the road to publication, of course; writing is also about business. But right now, I can't make myself do it.

I've been writing some short snippets, just writing exercises really, about a woman who lucidly dreams. All her dreams are allegories of famous paintings. I've done a few I actually saw at MoMA this summer: The Dream, Water Lilies, The Persistence of Memory, and Starry Night. They've actually been pretty fun exercises to do (I manage about one a week, which means I'm writing about 2,000 words a week...not very impressive for me). In some ways, these writing exercises are more like journal entries in story form, since writing has always been rather therapeutic for me.

I've been throwing around a story idea I've had for a while, but pushed to the background because I was working on the Tayce series. I can't decide whether to make it steampunk or cyberpunk, as it would fit wonderfully for both concepts, and I've always wanted to write something for those genres. I've never tackled steampunk, although I think it would be a lot of fun. Cyberpunk demands a bit of malaise, oftentimes; an underlying grittiness that I'm not sure I'm really in the mood for. What I'd like is a story that's fun and swashbuckling and filled with witty banter. Something I can walk away from the computer with a grin on my face. But I don't even know where to start with a steampunk, and I find myself staring at a blinking cursor on the computer monitor.

So, to sum up: I'm frustrated with my writing. I'm frustrated with the reading material I have, too. :D

And what happens when I don't feel like writing, reading, and I'm avoiding both cleaning/chores and work-related stuff? I willingly go to the gym! So, I'm off.

Monday Music Video: LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem"

This song is just so damn catchy (and the band's name is actually LMFAO. I don't know why more bands haven't decided to use internet-speak as their band name), I had it stuck in my head for three days straight once, where I kept muttering to myself, "Everyday I'm shufflin'." (No, it probably wasn't good for my, most likely tenuous, grip on my sanity.)

Monday Music Video: Nero's "Promises"

Sorry about missing two week's worth of music videos. In my defense, I've been busy: first traveling, then trying to get everything done when I realized that half of July is already gone! Summer goes by so fast. :( Anyway, I found this song as a result of "YouTube surfing," or basically where I start at a music video I know and then just randomly click on interesting looking music videos to the right. I've found some awesome new music that way. Nero is an example. I really love her voice, plus this music video reminds me of Equilibrium/Aeon Flux/Matrix. You know, that Big-Brother-is-out-to-get-us-fight-the-system kind of thing.

Monday Music Video: Manchester Orchestra's "Simple Math"

I can't believe I haven't posted this music video yet. I love this song, and the music video is beautifully done. I love when a music video matches so wonderfully with a song and I love when it's obvious that a lot of thought, planning, and careful execution has been put into a music video. I think it takes the creativity to a whole new level. When I shared this with a friend of mine, all excited by my new find, he listened to the song...and then commented with a grin, "When did Zach Galifianakis make a band?" Okay, maybe the lead singer is a little on the hairy lumberjack side, but it's forgivable for the song. You go Manchester Orchestra, hairy lumberjack look at all. :P

Peek at My Desktop: 6/22/2011

I actually have a randomizer on my computer that cycles through the multitude of wallpapers I have (how could I ever just pick one when there are so many pretty ones??), although lately the randomizer hasn't been as prompt since I don't often turn off my computer. I use Kana WallChanger, a nice and simple (and FREE) program. I'm surprised there's only two windows open, actually. I am notoriously bad at "multi-tasking" on my computer (meaning having a million windows open and flipping between them like a ferret on Mountain Dew). I suppose any future computers I have will need high processing capabilities to keep up. Anyway, don't let the screenshot full you; if Firefox was open, you'd see just how many tabs I have going... Also, if you like fantasy and sci-fi wallpapers, I suggest taking a peek here, the author has a "Wallpaper of the Day" and some of the ones he found made me do a Neo: "Whoa."

Apocalypse Jenny

So, there's an anthology I've got my eye on and a short story in the works. We'll see if I make it for the deadline, but I kind of like what I've managed to squeak out so far. Here's an excerpt (remember, it's very raw; I haven't edited this in the least):

So, surprise, the Apocalypse came — and went. I suppose we should’ve given more credit to those doomsayers. My mother always used to say, “A dead clock’s right twice every day, Jenny.” I suppose if those doomsayers would carol about the end of the world long enough, they were bound to be right sooner or later.

Well, I still get the last laugh. I’m alive and I’m surviving despite the lack of electricity, clean water, fuel, and all those other little amenities of modern life we’d all taken for granted until now. What’s my secret? How do I keep bouncing back when so many more buff, survival-minded, and serious people have fallen to the wayside? By my Five Simple Rules During Post-Apocalyptic Times.

Now don’t let me lose you here, I’ll keep them brief, I’m no teacher. I’m just a girl trying to make her way in a world that ended. I’m just like any girl, really; at one point I was looking forward to advancing in my career, getting laid on the weekend, and keeping my waistline respectable. I guess that’s one silver lining to this whole Apocalypse thing: I never have to worry about overeating.

Monday Music Video: Clare Maguire's "Ain't Nobody"

I know, I haven't posted in a week, but I've been pretty busy. On the plus side, I have a few entries in the pipe. Hopefully I'll get something out before July. :)



I really like Clare Maguire's sultry voice. This music video is also interesting visually, although I bet her hair was a pain in the butt to comb afterwards.

Monday Music Video: Wye Oak's "Fish"

I love Wye Oak's music, it's haunting and beautiful, and their favorite song of mine, without a doubt, is "Fish." The music video is quite beautiful, too, and made out of shadow puppets (how often can you say that?).

Procrastination, inertia, and summer ennui

That's, of course, the problem when you find yourself facing 60 days of freedom after the most hellish 9 months you've ever had in life. You don't want to do anything...ever.

If I could have my way, I'd probably sleep 10 hours, then wander back and forth in my apartment until I, bleary-eyed and shuffling, came out of my apartment/cave into the sunlight for a walk to the library or a drive up to a bookstore. That just might be my vision of heaven.

I have tons of projects. Tons. And on Monday I'm starting a tutoring gig for some much needed dinero. Yet I don't want to do any of it -- or even better, I want to click my heels and have it all done nicely and neatly for me.

Lazy? Sure. Will I do my tasks? Yes, I always rouse myself. You know what they say: "It's never over till it's over." I always manage to make myself finish what must be done. But for right now, everything seems so insufferably like work. And nothing is quite working out like I hoped.

Book 2 isn't going anywhere, and mostly because I can't seem to start the damn thing. I've re-written the beginning five different times; yes, five! I'll get a chapter in, say to myself, "It's all wrong!" and try again. I don't know why I think it's wrong, but something in my brain just keeps saying things like: It's not flowing right. It's not what you want to achieve. What are you doing? You can do better than this!

Gee, thanks Inner Critic. How about you write the damn book instead of just complaining about it?

I wish I could just skip the beginning and go back, but beginnings are critical for me. I write rather chronologically; I don't know how those authors who bounce everywhere between their book, and still manage to tie all the threads together, do it. Plus, I feel more connected to the book when I write the beginning first; I get a better feel for the story that way. So, I haven't written much on The Eternal Forest (book 2) that I plan to keep. However, my goal for this summer was to exercise and write every morning for an hour, each. Yeah...I haven't been very faithful to that resolution.

The query letter is also floundering, mostly because I hate writing the damn thing and I think it sounds like crap. Query letters are very hard to write. You need to sell yourself and I've never been good at selling anything (and I used to sell knives door to door). The publishing industry is all about selling. I need to write a 3 paragraph synopsis of The Blood Queen (which I think sounds like crap) plus a 1 page, full summary of the book (which I'm dreading). What do I say? What do I leave out due to space restrictions? How do I make it sound engaging, promising, and interesting all at the same time?

I don't know. And I've been saying that a lot lately.

How to start The Eternal Forest? I don't know.
How will I write a good query letter? I don't know.
How to effectively tutor during a summer gig? I don't know (although this is easier solved than the others)
Why is my contact irritating my eye and causing tears to waterfall down my face? I don't know, but I'm going to have to sign off and take care of this. Hopefully I'll end the summer ennui soon...

The Phantom of the Library or Spending an Afternoon Nostalgic

I just got home after spending a weekend with the folks. While I was at their house, I went to my old haunting ground: the library. And before you say, "Isn't it hunting ground?" Um, no. I used to imagine how cool it would be to live in the public library as the Phantom, dropping down from the ceiling (where I'd have a nice apartment situated in the attic or something, as opposed to humid and stinky sewers) to snag a book and disappearing with only the legend of my existence left behind.

I was a strange kid.

Anyway, I spent the time in the library researching literary agents. The list of places I'm sending my query letter has grown from three to five, and with some more time this week, I think I can get a healthy list of eight to ten. :) The query letter is still being tweaked, and I need to work on my page synopsis (*shudder* I am not looking forward to that. The query letter is making me pull my hair out), then I can start sending those letters out.

See? I may have been AWOL for a while, but I've been tagged back in! I'm ready!

WELCOME!

So I moved to BlogSpot, and here's my reasoning: I'm extremely busy right now, I'm not moving as quickly as I want in my writing, and I just don't feel like up-keeping the HTML and updates all myself...for right now. Do I still have the website? Yes. Is it in dire needs of updating? Yes. Will I get to it eventually? Yes. But until then, I'll be posting from here. Don't worry about changing your bookmarks, all the URLs will stay the same. :) You will have to update your RSS links; choose the appropriate RSS link you want from the "Subscribe/Feed" option at the right-hand side.

For some reason, the importing of my old posts didn't work, so eventually -- and slowly -- I'll have to copy them over (*groan*), as well as get my pages up. All the old posts are up! :)

Welcome to my new Home Away from Home!

Gift cards & birthdays

I'm suffering from a bit of a blip in life right now. I haven't written anything on the "Tayce" series in quite a while and I want to, especially since my life has been so hectic lately and writing really helps, but I just haven't been able to sit down and make myself do it. I haven't gotten my query letter ready for literary agents for Book 1, nor have I finished the final edits on Book 1. To make matters worse, my birthday is coming up and I'm in the introspective phase -- specifically, "Where the heck do I want my life to go in the next few years?" What can I say? I like to know what path I'm walking, what my eventual destination is going to be, so I can take as many detours as I want.

My sleep cycle is also messed up due to a few days of sickness and a night of partying last weekend. Hence why I'm still up despite needing to wake up for work in less than 6 hours. But, to keep my mind from all that, I've been getting books for my Nook like crazy and reading whenever I have a free moment. A book I've been waiting for an entire year (or has it been a year and a half?) to come out is finally out and I used a B&N gift card I've been hoarding to buy it: Children of Scarabaeus (Scarabaeus, Book 2). (I would have included an Amazon book cover link, but it isn't working for some reason)

I really loved the first book by Sara Creasy, Song of Scarabaeus. It had an awesome climactic scene. So, I was really excited when I realized the next one is out and immediately plunked down the money and had it delivered to my Nook. I tend to hoard gift cards because I hate buying things with them that I'll hate -- it seems like such a waste of essentially "free money." I know, neurotic, but who said I was normal?

Finally, I've been listening to Audioslave a lot lately -- I got through phases -- and I am in love with their song "Be Yourself." :love:

I hate being sick

I caught a pretty bad cold or something, which usually doesn't happen to me. But every few years I catch something bad and it takes me a while to get over it. I think I may have bronchitis. Unfortunately, I'm in a new town and it's tough to get new recommendations for doctors and stuff. A co-worker of mine suggested the Urgent Care; I may go there tomorrow to get my lungs checked out, but I'll really have to find a general doctor to call my own. Before, I went to the university health center. It's funny how "growing up" has all these little things you have to be able to do, like figure out a doctor for yourself.

Oh yes, my birthday is a week away, so I've been thinking about "growing up" a lot. This April puts to close a pretty stressful year in my life. I get introspective when I've survived a stressful year.

In other news, here's a Scandinavian band that I'm currently enjoying. While the lyrics are generally safe for work, there is the F-word in there. Be warned.

Because Pink is Awesome

So, I've loved Pink since I discovered her a few years back -- yes, the infamous "Stupid Girls" video -- and I think if I was a rock star, I'd make my music videos as awesomely hilarious and poignant as Pink (sans the forced breast milking, 'cause I don't care what anyone says, that was creepy). I'd like to think as much, anyway. I definitely was one of those "freaks" when I was younger...and probably still am (and enjoy it!). ;)

This is for Varnish Vixen, because I was talking about this song and she'd never heard of it. Enjoy! :)

I live!

Yes, I know, it's been a while again. In my defense, I've been extremely busy (especially these last few weeks. Soooo buuuuusy :emotion: ), so much so that I had to work last Saturday and it's looking like I may have to put in a few hours this Saturday, too. Tragic really, especially when you consider how much I'm being paid for this shite.

Anyway, I've been slowly getting back on the bicycle of regular writing -- when I get home at a semi-decent hour. I make myself some dinner, then watch some Wire in the Blood (a really intense English mystery/drama/horror; definitely not for the faint of heart!) and pound out a few pages of prose. I've been mostly "doodling" -- or writing stuff that doesn't have much to do with any of my projects. I consider it like warming up before a work-out. Anyway, I've begun redoing my outline for Tayce Book 2, The Eternal Forest (my current, working title :P )

Book 2 is when some poop finally hits the fan, including some major character conflict between Tayce and Cotter, my two protagonists. The Tayce Series is the first set of stories I've made that really had a good over-arching plot line fully realized from the get-go. In other words, I knew pretty early on what I wanted to do with the story and the characters. Some stuff has changed, but overall, I've kept with my original vision. That never happens to me and that's why I believe that I may have something good on my hands...something worth publishing. :)

So I was thinking about the growth and the arc that Tayce and Cotter go through in the series, and I've been hearing "Grenade" by Bruno Mars nonstop on the radio -- which means eventually I'll probably hate this song, but right now I really like it. I don't know why; it's not my usual kind of music and his voice is okay. The music video is interesting. But, I think it's the lyrics that do it for me. I just can't help but think about Cotter (circa Book 3-4) when I hear this song. It exemplifies the struggle Cotter goes through later on in the series.

Have a listen and tell me what you think about it!

End of the Year Meme

I completed this meme last year, although for the life of me I can't find it now. When I think back to the end of 2009 and compare it to where I am now...all I can say is "holy shit." It may have only been 365 days, but I've changed so much. I'm in a completely, entirely different place. Just on the surface, I've got a new job, a new apartment, a new city, and I don't have John around anymore. It's not just one thing that changed but everything. I know I haven't blogged about this yet, and I don't know if I can ever blog the whole story (it was a very tragic few months for me, where I didn't really know which way was up and which way was down) but I have made a New Year's Resolution to journal more, and even bought a new journal for that purpose.

Anyway, in celebration/commemoration of the fact that I survived 2010, a year that was BY FAR my most difficult, I think I shall do the End of the Year Meme again. Enjoy. :)

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’?d never done before?
OK, this is a tough one. Let's see...finished my first novel that I was happy with and thought I could get published. Lived on my own. Got my first job that actually makes use of my college education. Those are the biggies, but the smaller ones would be: tried to cook a traditional Indian dinner (very difficult!), got a manicure and a pedicure for the first time, and waxed a part of me that had never been waxed before. *ahem*

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept one! I finished The Blood Queen (Tayce Book #1)! That was #1 on my New Year's Resolution list for 2010! Boo-yah! Not so successful with Resolution #2, which was make a work-out schedule and stick to it. But hey, that means I still have a #2 for this year (after complete The Eternal Forest Tayce Book #2). :grin:

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope, not that I can think of.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
...Yes. Two people. A family friend's daughter (whom I've known most of her life) committed suicide at the end of summer. And John's father died of a sudden heart attack. You could call these two events the harbingers of what followed; the reason for the change of my life. I'll always regret not speaking to those two people more often, and wishing I kept in touch better than I did.

5. What countries did you visit?
None. Unless you count driving around Arizona to different job interviews. Some of those places really were like different countries, especially for a city girl like me.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 which you lacked in 2010?
Oh man, where to start? To get the shallow ones out of the way: more money, more time, and more...other stuff (what? It's been a while). But, I'd also like to figure out some stuff about myself; grow some more peace of mind. It takes practice, but 2011 is definitely going to be the Year of Me; getting myself into a stronger, better place.

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
Sept. 7th, 2010, the day John and I called it quits. A seven year relationship ending is never easy.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Meeting all my challenges face-on with [relative] calmness and fortitude. The simple fact that I'm not a blubbering mess right now and I can wake up each day [more or less] happy about my life.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I'd like to say that I couldn't work it out with John, but truthfully, I think there was no way to fix it. What happened had to happen, even if it hurt. So my biggest failure? My inability to be more pro-active about work and exercise. A friend told me that considering everything that happened, I deserve to have some days to "just deal," but I sometimes feel that the line is thin between "dealing" and "procrastinating."

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. Not anything physical, except for stress-induced headaches and back pain. But I'm working on those.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Oh, I really tricked myself out this year. I was like, "Why not? It's my money." I bought a SmartPhone and now I'm unsure how I managed without one (it's got an app for that!). I also am in love with my B&N Nook. There is an ease to knowing I can get a new book whenever the heck I want.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My wonderful, saintly friends who were all there for me. You know what they say - true friends are the ones who are there in time of crisis and boy, do I know who my true friends are now. I'm so glad I had such a strong support system, otherwise I really would be a blubbering mess right now.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Oh, gee, I wonder who? Hmm...who indeed? Do I really need to name the perpetrator or can we just leave it at "DUH"? :P

14. Where did most of your money go?
After bills, most likely splurge book purchases. Though I did spend a butt load to move (moving is not cheap; sudden moving even doubly so).

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The new Ann Aguirre novel! She cannot write fast enough for my tastes. :) Otherwise, Fable III and the new Sims 3 expansions.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
"Airplanes" by B.O.B
"My Moon My Man" by Faust

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?
Sadder, but in a way that I know will lead to better things. Same thinness/fatness (glass half empty or full?). Richer? I have enough income now that I can save a little for a rainy day, but otherwise I'm the same amount of poorness.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Relaxing, enjoying the time I had with people, writing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying/angsting. Lazing about or watching TV. Getting angry.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Spent Christmas with my family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
*snort* No. Shame, really, I wouldn't mind a good love affair. But, in some ways, I did fall in love with myself all over again. ;)

22. What was your favorite new TV program?
I ended up stopping my cable, so I haven't watched much current TV. However, I did discover the awesomeness of two comedy shows that are still airing on TV: Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't hate because I feel if you hate, you're spending way too much time on one person who definitely doesn't deserve it. That being said, I did burn a few bridges and walked away with my head held high.

24. What was the best book you read?
This year I discovered quite a few good, new authors and am really happy about that! To name the top three new, favorite authors on my list:
Ann Aguirre
Marjorie M. Liu
Sara Creasy

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My memory is blurring as to what I knew last year and this year. The last few months, I haven't done any new music hunting. But, I did procure a new love for: Faust, Feist, Bat for Lashes, and La Roux. I also rediscovered my love for Blue October, Breaking Benjamin, a few of Ke$ha and Lady Gaga's songs, and Muse. I also listened to a lot of Kitsune Compilations, BoA, Bossa N'Roses, Coheed and Cambria, and Two Steps from Hell, and Placebo.

26. What did you want and get?
When? All year? I guess more time, more love, and more goodies.

27. What did you want and not get?
Love and support from certain people.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Oh man, I saw a lot of movies and I'm forgetting the best...but the ones that really stick out in my memory is the Sherlock Holmes movie and Easy A. Sunshine Cleaning was also pretty good.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn?
I turned 25 and I don't remember what I did, which must have meant it was pretty memorable :P (or not). I think it was one of the most laid back birthdays I've ever had.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Um...not sure, honestly. This requires me to regret a lot of choices, and while I'm sad things turned out the way they did, I also think there was no way to avoid what happened in 2010. So, I do wish that the people who died hadn't done so, that they were still around in this world; I do wish my job wasn't so difficult; I also wish I had spent more times with friends and wasn't so busy now.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
"How can I be professional and look like I know what I'm talking about while staying firmly in the business casual sphere, not paying an arm and a leg for clothes, and avoiding pantyhose like the plague?"

32. What kept you sane?
Wonderful friends, my own space (new apartment), good music, and writing (when I had the time).

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
At this point, most of them look more or less good. Although, I'd still play soccer if it meant I got Jonathon Rhys Meyers. (a cookie for anyone who can name that reference ;) )

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Equal marriage rights. Speaking as someone who KNOWS marriage ain't always the sacred blah-blah people want it to be, lets just share our antiquated and overly idolized institutions, okay people?

35. Whom did you miss?
My friends! It sucks being 1.5 hours away in a town whose smallest population % is my age group! :emotion:

36. Who was the best new person you met?
My mentor at work. I'd've crashed and burned if not for her.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:
Life sometimes really sucks and it's how you meet the sucky bits that show how strong you really are. And I'm hella strong.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

If I may indulge, there's three that really sum up 2010 for me. Sorry if they sound a little emo, but I think they're very fitting for everything that went down in the last few months.

"But I'm good without ya
Yeah, I'm good without you
Yeah, yeah, yeah
How many times can I break till I shatter?
Over the line can't define what I'm after
I always turn the car around
Give me a break let me make my own pattern
All that it takes is some time but I'm shattered" ("Shattered" by O.A.R)

"Can we pretend that airplanes
In the night sky
Are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now (wish right now, wish right now)
Yeah
I could use a dream or a genie or a wish
To go back to a place much simpler than this" ("Airplanes" by B.O.B)

"Do, do, do your dirty words
Come out to play when you are hurt?
There's certain things that should be left unsaid
Tick, tick, tick, tick on the watch
And life's too short for me to stop
Oh baby, your time is running out
I won't let you turn around
And tell me now I'm much too proud
All you do is fill me up with doubt
This time, baby, I'll be bulletproof" ("Bulletproof" by La Roux).