vash137

I did it! If you had asked me 10 years, 10 months, or even 10 weeks ago if I would be able to run continuously for 34 minutes, I probably have laughed and said "what you talkin about Willis?"

I was always the girl in gym class who when called to do themile run, which for us at Masterman meant 10 awkward, sweaty laps around the parking lot, would instead do my best to walk as slowly as possible so as to avoid that out of breath feeling, the painful stitch in the side, or any other sign of physical exertion. Sure, put me on the dance floor for a few hours and I wouldn't sit down, but running that was something else entirely.  Like torture.

When Steph told me she was doing Couch to 5K, and how she had gotten to the point where she could run continuously for a half-hour, I realized this was my chance to take charge of my long-time troubled relationship with running. Besides, the first week only required that I run one minute, followed by 90 second walking session.  Walking I could do, so I figured "what the hell." Now nine weeks later, new expensive running shoes on my feet, and a spring in my step, I did it! In under 35 minutes, with no walking!

Even so, halfway between one and two miles, I was filled with doubt. I felt a bit like I was running the event horizon of a singularity. There was a certain endless quality to putting one foot in front of the other. But I decided to go it with sincerity, in the way of the samurai, I would succeed or die trying. Okay, that's a bit melodramatic, but I really planned to finish it. And now I sit here, hot and sweaty in front of my computer, dictating this with my new voice dictation software, and eating free cheese. When my mom wakes up, I will give her a hug and let her know that I love her. That is after I take a shower. We will all appreciate that.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and support for me in this endeavor.

Love and hugs :-)

Found this article in the Onion: 

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/obama_depressed_distant_since

Utterly hysterical!

( Spoilers )
BSG was a brilliant show that I will truly miss.  We cannot judge it by the last 71 minutes.  Even so, I wish it hadn't gone out like this.

Expectations for this film were high for me, having loved the Graphic Novel, and the movie made it happen.  Most of the film followed the graphic novel's panels shot by shot and the acting (particularly by Jackie Earle Haley who played Rorschach) were excellent.  Also, what an amazing attention to detail in every regard for the sets and costumes!  This was clearly set in an alternate U.S. history, and the differences were seamlessly integrated through the film--it felt real and at the same time different.

As a note: this is NOT a movie for kids.  It's packed full of graphic violence (against women, children and animals as well as just generalized), cursing and sex.  It's a bit more extreme than the graphic novel at points.  While some people think this runs the line of being gratuitous, I think the violence especially needed that heightening.  The GN was supposed to read like a kick in the gut at points, but our tolerance (and immunity) for violence has if anything increased in the past 20 years, so the ratcheting up makes sense to achieve the same effect.  But it is not a kids movie or one that kids should see.  Period.

Reviews of the movie seem to be mixed, but for my money, I recommend this film wholeheartedly (for adults).  I already can't wait to see it again!

In response to the fact that a publisher from whom I order books from England discontinuing shipping to the U.S.: http://www.casperianbooks.com/blog/?p=96

I realize I spent way too long on this, but I was a bit irritated.


This may not seem like a big deal, but if you go overseas and need something shipped to you, or if you order anything outside of the U.S. or Canada, this change in shipping rates will effect you.  I'm especially thinking of this because I plan to go to Japan in the Fall, but even if I wasn't, I'd be annoyed.

If you want to complain, the online complaint form is here. The applicable regulation is on this page–the part where it says you can’t include a bulky item (in this case books) to create a small box shape, even if the items otherwise fit the dimension and weight restrictions.

This entry is going to be spoileriffic, so cuts will abound. Cuts = Spoilers. 

In general, I'm extremely happy with the two premiers and the general new season of BSG!  It's also nice that they are basically daisy chained on Friday night (although I could have murdered FOX for pushing Dollhouse to the itty-bitty screen at random to give us "breaking news" we also couldn't understand because it was on the itty-bitty screen as well.  Either interrupt the show or don't!  Don't do this half-assed BS!)

I know a lot of people have had trouble getting into Sarah Connor Chronicles, but for me, it's definitely second only to BSG in my estimation of current SF TV.  The show is ridiculously character driven (I'd venture to say at points even a bit more than BSG, solely because BSG can lean on prophecy and acts of the one true God at points for plot necessity, a mythology that Sarah Connor Chronicles does not possess).  I'm continually impressed with how the show continues to draw me back in; even though the premise really ought to run out of steam, it keeps expanding and becoming more layered.  Season 2 blew me away, and Season 3 looks like it's going to follow in those footsteps.

To specifics:

( Sarah Connor )
Overall, strong opening episode.  I'm so glad this wasn't cancelled.

Next of course was Joss Whedon's much awaited (by me for sure) Dollhouse.  I'm not going to lie, the show is interesting, and I'll definitely be checking out the next episode, but it didn't blow me away.  I have a high degree of faith in Joss, and there was enough there, that I'm curious.  I guess a part of me was hoping for something akin to Firefly or Dr. Horrible on instant "grab you!" Someone else equated this opening instead to closer to first season Buffy, and I can see that. 

Specifics:

( Dollhouse )

All in all, I liked the episode and will watch the next one (and the whole season, if it lasts that long).  This show has potential. 

And oh BSG!  So much love!  The past three episodes have been magic. 

( BSG )
In short: Holy Awesome!!!

Can't wait for next week in BS G and for the entire SF Triple-Plex of joy!

Figured I'd drop a line and see (a) who is going to Arisia (b) if anyone wants to get in on my hotel room and (c) if anyone wants to grab lunch or dinner at some point during the Con if you're there?

On the Con, I'll be getting there on Saturday morning at 8:30am (I couldn't miss the BSG premiere and with my test schedule for school, that means I have to watch it at home and catch the midnight train and sleeping my way to Boston) and will be in town until Monday morning.  If you're going to be there, let me know, so maybe we can touch base and hang out.

On rooming, I'll be staying at the Boston Marriott Cambridge.  I'm an easy roommate, general convention veteran, nonsmoker (if you smoke, I'd prefer you didn't in the room), quiet (I'm likely not to be there that much), with very little stuff.  I hope to have two double beds, but it is just as possible from my reservation that I will have one King.  I'm happy to share a bed with another female, and anyone (of any gender) who is willing to crash on the floor (or take an extra bed or cot, etc) is also welcome.  Bed-space is on a first come, first serve basis.  Currently, I have two others who are sharing, but we're willing to go up to eight.

Let me know if you're going, and drop me a line if you want to room or have lunch, dinner, or party.

Hugs :)
 

I got up at 6:30am this morning and made it to the polling place at 7:10.  Already the line was out the door and around the corner, but thanks to the efficiency of the poll workers, I had cast my vote by 7:50, (I was #64, yay!).  Also, I am happy to say I was able to make a way for another voter (a woman in front of me who would have left the line due to time constraints) by suggesting she have one of the poll workers ask if someone earlier in the line (who had more time) would be willing to trade spots. 

With turnout like this in Philly, I am hopeful that we'll keep this state BLUE!

Yes We Can!!!

Just wanted to drop a line and let all of my lj friends know that my story, "Making Nice," made semi-finalist at the Writers of the Future contest!   See my name in lights here: http://wotfblog.galaxypress.com/

Much love to all who helped me whip this sucker into shape.  You know who you are :)

Love and Hugs!

Love my new icon, thanks nettlebrew !

Couldn't resist posting:


more animals

Just cracked 30,000 words on the novel in a month.   Still behind, but moving forward. 

A few things have struck me as I've gone into hyper-drive these past few days to get this book done. 

1.  For some reason, I spent much of this month struggling to write even 1,500 words a day, now with the press of needing to kick out a minimum of 3,000 a day, I'm hitting the larger goal, while still doing lots of other stuff.  Somehow, it is easier to write twice as much daily than the original need.  And finally, my book is moving in a direction. 

2. Much of the reason I decided to do novel in a month was to reenergize myself in regards to writing and my own writing ability.  While the book I'm writing is fraught with major flaws, I feel as though the process is really working for me now.  Everywhere I go, I'm getting ideas for future stories, and I have greater confidence in my ability to bring these stories to life.

3. Watching fan-made music videos on my breaks between 45 minute writing sessions, I came to grips with something that has really been blocking my writing this past year:

• What is a "great" story?
• Do I have what it takes to write it? 
• Would I even recognize greatness if I saw it? 
• Are my interests, by nature, not great?
• And because of that, am I doomed before I begin? 

This has lead me to a large degree of indecision/lack of confidence in my storytelling ability.  Watching music videos reminded me of what makes stories (books, short stories, television, movies, etc) good for me: the desire to share something wildly cool and interesting with the world, and to do it in the best way I can at the moment.  All of my favorite stories have flaws, but I don't really care that much, because for me, that piece of magic that the writer, (artist, production staff, etc) has managed to capture, through his or her sheer enthusiasm and dedication to the project, shines through.  There are parts of the process that are skill, and that can always be improved, and there are parts of the process that are magic, and we can only open ourselves to.  These are leaps of faith, and sometimes jumping is really frakkin' hard.  For me, the act of speed writing really helps me tap into the leaping process the most.  Which is why even if the novel is a flop, the writing of it is beyond value. (priceless!)

For all of you that are struggling with the weight of words as the month barrels towards its close, I hope these thoughts are helpful.  Remember, just keep running for your goal!  You can do it!  Success is the persistent realization of a worthy goal or idea, as Earl Nightingale says.  So long as you stay in the race, you'll cross the finish line.  The only question is when.

Love and Hugs :)
Vash

Just dropping a line here to let everyone know I'm going to be doing NaNoWriMo this August.  Like the traditional National Novel Writing Month that takes place every November, the plan is to write a novel, no less than 50,000 words, in the month of August. 

While I have completed this challenge twice (ironically, neither time in November), facing the starting line this time is as terrifying for me as the first time, and much for the same reasons.   I first attempted Novel in a Month in May of 2006,  two years after I had written my first novel--an appalling year and a half vomit of prose that included such brilliant concepts as a 35,000 word martial arts battle--and I was terrified to attempt writing another novel.   What if I spent another year and a half pounding out something equally as bad, or possibly even worse?  I knew novels were the way to go for success, but I wasn't sure if I had the emotional fortitude to write another one.   As a consequence, I didn't know if I had it in me to be a writer.  I was fortunate enough to stumble across Chris Baty's book, 'No Plot, No Problem', which introduced to me to the novel in one month process. I decided that I was willing to take a chance on writing another terrible novel, provided I didn't have to spend two years doing it.  For me, Novel in a Month was a make or break process: either I'd come out of it with a novel, or I'd come out of it knowing I didn't have what it took to be a writer. 

That month was a pendulum of emotional highs and lows, but I made it.  At the end of the month I finished three thousand words over the minimum.   It was one of the most affirming things I've ever done.  At the end of the month, I knew I had what it took in character, determination, and creativity to achieve my dream of being a writer.  (check out the blog here: http://bookmonth.wordpress.com/ )

Now, two years later, I face my fourth novel in a month (I missed the goal the one time I tried in November--still, I love that 1/2 a novel) and I am filled with the same fears.  Again, I'm not sure I have what it takes.  Not in regards to talent or training, (the first is out of my control, and the second I've been blessed with in astonishing abundance) but in regards to the most important factor that determines success: character.  This past year, I've made only one of my writing goals.  Barely.  My overall writing productivity has been less than 1/8th of my previous year, I've written only one new story (again barely), revised only one story, and my confidence as a result is at a true low.  I keep setting goals and I keep falling short.  I start stories and scrap them three paragraphs in, or after a page or so, all for reasons that appear to be different, but they are likely the same: I've lost my center. 

I'm not sure if Novel in a Month will be the solution this time, but either way, I'm hoping it will be a hell of a ride.  I'm hoping the sheer call to produce great quantities of writing will kick start my muse and force me out of this writing rut.  One thing I can say, every time I've made the attempt at novel in a month, I've done it with sincerity, and at the end of the month, the process has made me a better writer. 

But writing a novel is always much more fun with friends.  If you're interested in jumping in for NaNoWriMo with me (and writing your own 50,000 word or more novel in August),  check out the yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nanowrimoaug/ .  Already, other intrepid writers from lj who have taken up the gauntlet include: shvetufae, kateing, whereweather, babarnett, julie1029.  There is still time to join the rank of champions!

Drop me a message if you are in for trying the challenge, and feel free to nag me all month regardless!  I know I need all of the help I can get!

Love and Hugs :)

. . . X-Files 2: Hours of Your Life You'll Never Get Back

Clearly Chris Carter didn't feel that he had done enough damage to his series with the last film, so he decided with this one to put the final nail in the coffin . . . again.  Seriously, did Carter write this script with a dartboard and a magic eight ball?  Not only did it have plot holes you could fly a fleet of Independence Day style UFOs through, but the film also went out of its way to destroy the characters of Mulder and Scully.

SPOILERS BENEATH CUT!



I was going to write another whole section on the plot holes, but the fact is, this film was almost entirely plot holes. Or as a friend said, lace toiletpaper: mostly holes and crap.

In short, you have been warned,

Anyone going to Readercon?  Drop me a line if you're there.  I'll be getting in sometime Friday afternoon-evening.

Also, is anyone down for an after-con dinner on Sunday?

Here's the youtube video of Keith Olbermann's special comment yesterday on Countdown:



This stands on its own.

Okay, so this was forwarded to me from a friend, and I had to share:

Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties.

The first man had married a woman from Nashville and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning. He said it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were done.

The second man had married a woman from Miami. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes and the cooking.

On that the first day he didn't see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done and he had a huge dinner on the table.

The third man married a girl from Philadelphia. He told her that her duties were to keep the house clean, dishes washed, law mowed, laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal.

He said the first day he didn't see anything. The second day he didn't see anything. But by the third day, most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye; enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher and telephone a landscaper!

Gotta love those Philly girls!

Note: I think this applies to the bulk of my female friends, regardless of region :)

. . . as an itty-bitty, blurry cheering face in the audience!

Yes, after an afternoon of much waiting in lines to wait in further lines, including a very thorough security inspection, I had the absolute pleasure of being an audience member for tonight's showing of the Colbert Report (on Comedy Central). Much thanks to Steph and Ben for remembering me when they signed up online for the tickets (that did not guarantee entry, hence my not mentioning this until now). Getting to be a part of the live taping of the Colbert Report was a fantastic and fun experience that I totally recommend. There's something wildly exciting about seeing a creative person having a great time at their job, and he's so darned funny. Not to mention the other quality guests... (like Michelle Obama).

The show will be on tonight at 11:30pm on Comedy Central. It will replay tomorrow as well, so set your DVRs, TIVO, and/or other recording devices!

Love to All :)
Vash

Here's my newest wallpaper:

Links: 1024_768; 800_600

I really loved how the light worked in this (thank you photoshop + incredible source material).

The rest of my BSG wallpapers are @ sciencefictionbuzz.com for any who are interested.

Hope you like :) 

X-Posted: battlestar_blog