Writing Challenges for the Uninspired Muse...

Huff, Sigh, Grunt, Moan, Wail, Hiss... Bark?

2010-07-04T19:33:55Z

Maxx: *huffs*
Me: Don't huff at me.
Maxx: *sighs*
Me: Don't sigh at me either.
Maxx: *grunts*
Me: Maxx, do not huff or sigh or grunt at me.
Maxx: *moans*
Me: Maxx! Don't moan at me either!
Maxx: *makes incomprehensible noise*
Me: What was that?
Maxx: A wail.
Me: Then don't wail at me either!
Maxx: *hisses*
Me: MAXX! Don't huff, sigh, grunt, wail or hiss at me.
Maxx: *barks*
Me: O.o
Maxx: Well, what else am I supposed to do?! You took everything away from me!

Today's To Do List

2008-10-13T17:51:24Z

Get check from the Zoo
Clean the bird cage
~~Do the dishes~~
~~Go grocery shopping~~
~~Write for writer's group~~
Make images for TDM winners
Create new TDM challege
Change sheets
Do laundry (fold and put away as well)

Woot!

2008-10-01T06:33:16Z

#1 Totally easy.

#34 I went with BW to lunch today, downtown. We had a great meal at Macaroni Grill and then walked to Powell's City of Books (best book store evah). BW was awesome enough to buy me Wreck This Journal. (Thanks Brian, again... you will be the death of me!) While there, I bought No Plot, No Problem! in preparation for NaNoWriMo. Not only will that book help get me prepared, it will also satisfy one of the requirements for #77. I'm on a roll!

---

Oh, and we got another book. This one is a creative project for BW (I know I haven't told anyone about him but I will). The project is this:

Get a book that you haven't read before. This books has to contain chapters. Small chapters are a good thing, large chapters can be as well. The book does not have to be in any genre but is best if you purchase the book together. In this case, judging a book by the cover is wonderful!

Chapter 1: I read. I write ideas, thoughts, rubbish, doodles, etc in the margins. BW then reads my notes, but NOT the chapter.

Chapter 2: BW reads. BW writes ideas, thoughts, rubbish, doodles, etc in the margins. I then read BW's notes but not the chapter.

Chapter 3: Same as chapter one.

I think you get the idea. Pretty awesome idea? Yes? YES!

What it is? Shit man, lets go to the crib.

2008-09-30T15:35:24Z

Don't ask about the title. I have no clue. So, now that I have my 101/1001, I should update people on my progress. Yes? Yes.

#1. Easy peasy to remember. I now have a tooth brush in the medicine cabinet and one in the shower. It helps me remember and it's getting done.

#12. The litter box was in bad shape because I had let it go too long. But, it's clean now!

#13. A stalagmite of bird poo was growing in Gavin's cage. That is gone now and he's got a clean cage. I just need to stay on this.

#20. I was to make meals? Oh, I've made meals. I didn't cook on the 27th but I did make homemade mac and cheese on the 28th and last night I made spicy black bean cakes with lime sour cream.

#34. On the 27th, I went out at about 11pm and stayed out until 3am. I was with Avery and we just walked around down town. There are some pictures to come. And more fun things to share about this. I believe that walking around for four hours constitutes my 30 min daily.

#82. Rotten Tomatoes lists 'The Number 23' as one of the worst movies of... 2007, I believe. Yeah, I had never seen it. I saw it last night with Maxx and BW and it was terrible. YAY!

AMAZING!

2008-09-27T06:18:29Z

Daft Hands

Edit:
Daft Bodies

I cried!

2008-09-27T06:14:03Z

I do, I do!

101 in 1001

2008-09-27T04:59:34Z

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Health and Beauty:
1. Brush teeth twice daily for six months. (3/181)
2. Find out what’s wrong with reproductive organs. (0/1)
3. Do not cut hair, including bangs, until after Sakura-Con 2009. (0/1)
4. Do not dye hair until right before Sakura-Con 2009. (0/1)
5. Wax eyebrows once a month for six months. (0/6)
6. Have a laser hair removal procedure done. (0/1)
7. Lose 50+ lbs via diet and exercise. (0/50)
8. Get tattoos removed and/or covered up. (0/4)
9. Eat more balanced meals for six months. (0/181)
10. Stop smoking by September 25, 2009. (0/1)
11. Have skin tags removed. (0/1)

House and Home:
12. Clean the litter box once a week. (1/143)
13. Clean the bird cage once a week. (1/143)
14. Wash dishes on the same day they are used for six months. (0/181)
15. Fold and put away laundry as soon as it is taken out of the dryer for six months. (0/181)
16. Plant a veggie garden. (0/1)
17. Plant an indoor herb garden. (0/1)
18. Plant flowers in the front planters. (0/1)
19. Remove blackberry vines from the side yard. (0/1)
20. Make dinner four times a week for six months. (2/96)
21. Try a new recipe once a month for six months. (0/6)
22. Only go out to eat twice a month for six months. (0/12)

Money and Debts:
23. Pay off hospital bills. (0/1)
24. Get a full time job with benefits. (0/1)
25. Save up $1000 by April 2009. (0/1000)
26. Trade in car. (0/1)
27. Pay off old Verizon bills. (0/1)
28. Pay off owed bank monies. (0/1)
29. Pay off computer. (0/1)
30. Pay off Oldsmobile. (0/1)
31. Pay back Vicki. (0/1)
32. Pay off tax debt. (0/1)
33. Buy only needed items for six months. (0/6)

Out of the House:
34. Walk or bike for thirty minutes every day for six months. (3/181)
35. Go skydiving. (0/1)
36. Go hiking for eight hours. (0/1)
37. Go camping. (0/1)
38. Go rock climbing. (0/1)
39. Learn about Oregon’s native flora. (0/1)
40. Learn about Oregon’s native fauna. (0/1)
41. Go jet skiing. (0/1)
42. Go snow skiing. (0/1)
43. Go to a ‘haunted’ Corn Maze. (0/1)
44. Visit Crater Lake. (0/1)
45. Get involved/volunteer time in the ‘pagan community’. (0/1)
46. Visit the Africa exhibit at the Oregon Zoo. (0/1)
47. Do a ‘behind the scenes’ with a big cat at the zoo. (0/1)
48. Host a Murder Mystery party. (0/1)
49. Go to the movies once a month for six months. (0/6)
50. Ride 8 rollercoasters. (0/8)

Art and Creativity:
51. Complete a Nanowrimo novel. (0/1)
52. Participate in a Blog-a-thon. (0/1)
53. Compete in all TDM Challenges except during Nanowrimo for six months. (0/48)
54. Participate in all Writer’s Group prompts/activities for six months. (0/48)
55. Learn a new word every week for a year. (0/52)
56. Learn to draw Manga. (0/1)
57. Complete an altered book. (0/1)
58. Make Robin Senna costume by April 2009. (0/1)
59. Make Rosette Christopher costume by April 2009. (0/1)
60. Make San costume by April 2009. (0/1)
61. Create one mask for a Masquerade Ball by April 2009. (0/1)

Education:
62. Take a drawing class. (0/1)
63. Take a swing or square dance class. (0/1)
64. Take a ballroom dance class. (0/1)
65. Take two ASL classes. (0/2)
66. Take a pottery class. (0/1)
67. Take a writing class. (0/1)
68. Take a math class. (0/1)
69. Learn to knit and create a scarf. (0/1)
70. Learn to crochet and create a blanket. (0/1)
71. Become more versed in own spirituality. (0/1)

Books and Movies:
72. Read 24 books in one year. (0/24)
73. Read 3 classic novels. (0/3)
74. Read 3 history/non-fiction books. (0/3)
75. Read 3 Sci-fi novels. (0/3)
76. Read 3 Romance novels. (0/3)
77. Read 3 books on writing. (0/3)
78. Read 3 self-help books. (0/3)
79. Write book reviews on all books read for 101/1001. (0/24)
80. Make a list of books to read. (0/1)
81. See ten of Rotten Tomatoes ‘Best Movies’ that haven't been seen before. (0/10)
82. See ten of Rotten Tomatoes ‘Worst Movies’ that haven't been seen before. (1/10)

Travel:
83. Take a cruise. (0/1)
84. Visit Hawaii. (0/1)
85. Swim with dolphins. (0/1)
86. Go snorkeling. (0/1)
87. See coral reefs. (0/1)
88. So scuba diving. (0/1)
89. Take a road trip. (0/1)
90. Visit Mississippi. (0/1)
91. Visit Massachusetts/New Hampshire. (0/1)
92. Visit New York. (0/1)
93. Go to Sakura-Con 2009. (0/1)
94. Visit Ireland. (0/1)
95. Visit England. (0/1)
96. Visit Japan. (0/1)
97. Visit Australia. (0/1)
98. Visit India. (0/1)

Miscellaneous:
99. Verify Divorce. (0/1)
100. Get passport. (0/1)
101. Take scuba lessons. (0/1)

Note:
Some of these things say six months and should really continue longer. I figure once I have done them as stated for six months they will become more of a habit than anything else... And good habits are a wonderful thing.

Also, this list is beginning tomorrow!

Clicky!

2008-09-24T02:53:36Z

Feed Me!
Adopted from Valenth

Feed Me!
Adopted from Valenth

Kumoricon

2008-09-24T00:53:14Z

So, I never got around to telling everyone about Kumoricon.

Kumoricon is Portland Oregon's Anime Convention. And my friend Dice wanted to go.

Dice

So, she flew up from Mississippi on Friday August 29th. We had dinner and watched some anime before heading to bed. First thing on the 30th, we headed over to the Lloyd Center Double Tree and got in line...

Mind you, the back of this line was around the building from the entry doors. We had been told to stand in the line but after two hours and finally in sight of the doors, we found out that we were in the Pre-Registration line. GAH! We had missed the Opening Ceremonies and were a bit bummed but we were able to at least get our passes to the Con.

And yes, I was the moron who forgot the camera... But, we saw a ton of awesome looking cosplayers and some of them I was able to snap pictures of on Monday the 1st. (I forgot my camera on Sunday too!)

Since there was nothing going on that we wanted to see, we headed out for food... And booze. The first thing we did when we got back was see Anime Hunters. It was a panel of funny cosplayers that put on skits. Dice ended up getting swag thrown right in her damned lap! Lucky girl! And she didn't even know who they were when we went in there. Most of her time in that panel was spent drawing me a chibi Jens for my badge. (You will find out more about Jens in the future. All I can tell you now is that I am his number one fan and will be creating a fan site... I swear to you!)

After Anime Hunters, we were headed to the AMV contest. Now, I had never been into anime but after this contest viewing, I had a whole list of anime that I wanted to watch... I got my first taste of the addiction and to this day I am feeding it. I am sure it's much to Dice's delight.

We had some time to kill and went out for drunken dinner. After we ate, Dice spotted the cutest Grimmjow. Now, this Grimmjow was sitting with a group of people... needless to say, he was eating. Since Dice was drunk, she headed over. I stepped down some stairs and hid out of their sight, but was able to see what was happening through some table legs. Apparently, Dice went over and told the Grimmjow: "My friend wanted to see some Bleach characters and you're awesome so will you wave to her, she's over... there... Oh, she must have left." Or something of the sort. Grimmjow must have thought her an idiot but it was a HIGHLY amusing to us.

We headed back to the Con and went to the room where they were holding 'Anime That Scarred Me For Life". In the room were some folks who were just having an open discussion. This was along the lines of "Cosplays That We Are Sick And Tired Of Seeing" or "No No's Of Cosplay". This was a very amusing discussion and the panel that we originally came for... well, it sucked. We left early to check out the Park filled with Cosplayers and Glomp Circles. (This is something that we did often as I smoke and Dice does not... it gave us a way to still hang out while enjoying the con.)

We stood in line to go to the Slants concert and saw Grimmjow again. Of course we were staring! But Grimmjow was surrounded by fangirls and we made up the 'thoughts' of the boy that was seemingly with the three girls. It was highly amusing. Once the girls and their male counterpart left, Grimmjow waved at Dice. Of course she wasn't sure that he was truly waving at her and so... completely ignored him! Hilarious! I'll tell you, Saturday was the most fun. We finally got into the concert but left early as it was... annoying. We headed back to the car to fill up on booze and met up with our Elevator Friends.

2/3 of the Elevator Friends

The Dice and I and the Elevator Friends met up the first time we got in the elevator to go to the con. They also were in front of us in the two hour line. Almost every time we went to the car for more booze, we met up with the Elevator Friends. They shared their booze with us and we with them. It was lovely... So, when we met up with them again, we drank some more before heading to the Dance (not the Concert). At the dance, we hung with the Elevator Friends... Conga-ed with them... And was even helped to my feet after I did this to myself:

This was three days after it happened...

So, with a severely twisted ankle, I went up to the car to rest. My head was spinning when I stood and I had stopped drinking about three hours before this happened. At about 1:30am, Dice came out to the car and told me that one of the Elevator Friends (EFs) was hurling in the men's room sink. And the EF that drove was still too drunk to move anywhere in the car. Sooo, we oftered them floor space at my house. The three EFs piled into my car with a large trash bag for any vomit.

The next morning, we parked and parted ways. We saw the EFs in passing on Sunday, but we didn't seem to hang out with them anymore. I think it was embarassment! But, we were joined by Avery.

The one bad thing about this con was that every major event required us to get tickets. Mind you, the tickets were free but no one told us that we needed tickets to see the Cosplay event! So, we missed it. Annoying to say the least. So, we basically just went to the merchant stalls, watched cosplayers and hung around until the Masquerade ball.

Avery on the left, me in the middle and Dice on the right.

This was amazingly fun! Even with my sprained ankle, I was able to dance with Avery (with the help of Percocet). Dice managed to find like three different guys to dance with! After the Ball, we hung out at the dance. Fun times were had by all.

Monday was the last day of the con. Avery only was able to make it one day so Dice and I headed to the Charity Auction alone. While this was entertaining for me, Dice drew a lot. I love the fact that she's able to bust out images while tuning out what is going on around her. Because we were at the Charity Auction, we were able to keep our seats (second row) for the Closing Ceremonies. Keep in mind, Monday was boring as far as the con went. It was the Cosplayers that made the con great!

If you want to see the photos I managed to snap while I was there, you can check out my Flickr.

ROFL!

2008-09-17T21:19:50Z

Finish Him ???

Small, sickly update

2008-08-08T03:02:39Z

I'm in my new house. It's beautiful but very... boxy.

I am also on my death bed. I have been sick too long and now I am wallowing in pity and used tissues.

That is all.

Quicky update because of shoddy internet access.

2008-07-13T04:14:07Z

So, what is going on with me?

Grandma and I had a huge falling out over her stupid boyfriend. She basically told me that I wanted her dead and that none of her family cares about her, including me. She said it was her house and though it was not in essence, her kicking me out, it was enough to make me uncomfortable. So, I left.

I didn't have anywhere to go, really, so I'm at my Aunt Marcy's. It's okay, I suppose, but I do feel like I'm a fish out of water. There's not much I can do about that but at least it's a roof over my head.

I might be able to get into a cute little cottage home on the 1st. It's a 1 bedroom and it has a yard! My Aunt and Uncle own it so they are giving me a good deal. They are not making me pay a pet deposit and are letting me split up the security deposit into the first three months rent.

I just need to come up with another $100-200 to move in. I am not sure how I am going to do that since I'm tapping Maxx out and I am not sure how much money I will be getting from my next Zoo paycheck.

It seems a bit hopeless but I'm still holding my breath...

Time to move on.

2008-07-03T02:47:58Z

I'll write more when I can but I think I'm going to be away for a while. Grandma and I had a blow out and I'm moving out. Not that I have anywhere to go, but none the less... I need to leave.

GROWLS

2008-07-01T16:16:14Z

FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUCK! I HATE NICK!

I'll tell you more later.

Thank you Elk!

2008-06-28T07:19:30Z

Can you taste that? No you can't! But if you could it would taste like ha-ha!
-Elk (On the taste of snubbing someone)

Bleh

2008-06-06T04:56:09Z

Well, I changed my layout. It was annoying me. Since I don't have a paid account anymore and I have to save money, I went with a premade. I would have liked to make my own again but, alas, a girl has got to do what a girl has got to do. Though, I will say that I love the little icons!

Oh, and updating tags is not a fun thing. I have had this journal since 2002! I will, someday, update all the entries with tags. Until then, you get what I got.

Update

2008-05-27T18:20:08Z

It's been a while since I have posted anything... So, I figured I should. But, I need to be brief. I'm a bit busy with life at the moment.

Got a job at Jo-Ann Fabrics. (Hate it)
Going for an interview today... at the Zoo. (Hope I get it)
Spent the weekend with Maxx.
Have been eating healthier and really loving Bento Boxes and the goodies I can put in them.
Testing out different Tofu recipes. (Not happy with Tofu)
Trying to get some more Nanny/Babysitter jobs. (Love kids, need cash)
Oh, the whole needing three jobs thing! Well, I wanna get out of debt.
Smoking is gross and I'm trying to quit.
Been slack on the_dead_muse and need to get it in shape.
Need to get the car into shape as well. (Can't drive the truck forever)

World of Wifecraft

2008-05-26T20:51:02Z

OMG! Too funny!

Job Hunting...

2008-05-13T19:44:46Z

Looking for a job sucks.

Oh, and lady at the place I called... you're a bitch. I mean, yeah, I don't have experience but you could have been nicer when saying: You don't have experience, I can't hire you.

It's not what you say, it's how you say it. Douche.

A guitar and a scar.

2008-05-08T06:46:53Z

I went online tonight and I saw a man that I hadn't talked to in eight years. A man that saved my life.

When I first met Dillon, we were on a MUD. I played a fairy and he played a warrior (I may be wrong but that's not the point). Those eight years ago, I was married to a man named Gary. Gary was extremely abusive but he was wealthy. I was eighteen and worried that I would forever be alone. Because of my understanding of love, learned from my mother, this was the best my life could ever be.

Dillon and I would talk for hours. We would spend time playing our characters and chatting. Soon, it became obvious that he was a man that I could tell my secrets to. I told him about Gary and I told him about the great guy I had met. Joe was fresh in my life and he was kind. And though I would thank Joe for saving my life, it was Dillon as well.

Dillon was and still is a musician. He would send me his songs and I would listen to them as I talked to Joe. Between the two of them, I was able to get out of Gary's house and as far away from him as I could get while staying in the country.

Joe had offered to get me out but Dillon had convinced me to take up Joe's offer.

And now that I think of it, on the 19th of this month, my life changed. I got on a Greyhound bus, bound for Boston MA, with only what I could carry and a single cucumber. For three days, that cucumber was the only thing I ate. Though I was starving, that cucumber was the best and sweetest meal I have ever eatten.

So, thank you to Dillon and thank you to Joe. I have missed you and will always miss you.

Wow... just wow.

2008-05-04T09:01:02Z

When a friend tells you something that you just don't understand yet you just let it go, no matter how much it hurts you... That's called loyalty.

When you find out that someone you care about no longer cares for you... That's called betrayal.

When you are able to find it in your heart to wish happiness for someone who you just want to be miserable... That's called being the bigger person.

Today, I found loyalty and betrayal. Above it all, I found that I am in the bigger person. Though I am sad, I'm proud of myself.

Lies

2008-04-30T01:52:24Z

I love you.

I'll wait for you.

I want to be your friend.

Call me whenever you feel like it.

I'll always be in love with you.

You are everything to me.

There is no one else.

I'm sorry.

Lies.

Friends Cut

2008-04-25T20:16:05Z

Dear Friends,

Please do not take any of this personally. I am cutting friends because it's time to let go of the strings that attach me to things I no longer need. If you were cut, you were cut because we do not talk or because I need to let you go.

Feel free to leave a comment here if you would like to discuss this or if you would like to be back on my friends list.

Thank you.

Emotion and thought dump.

2008-04-22T22:14:59Z

I find myself in a situation that I brought upon myself. I have ruined a relationship with a wonderful man because of jealousy and fear. I set myself up for sabotage and I did it all on my own. I take full responsibility for those actions that caused this falling out. I, yet again, played the victim and allowed those emotions to rule me. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to break this habit.

I get close and pull away. The only person that seems to understand me and those feelings is Maxx. And while I love Maxx with all my heart, I feel that I may be burning through him as well. I do that, you see, I burn through people and leave them dry because I'm searching for something that does not exsist. There is no happily ever after, there is no forever love. I can only hope to have happiness when I create it. But that's the point, isn't it? Create your own happiness because it won't just fall in your lap.

I form a strong front, a front that I show to people. This font allows me to feel in power, to feel that I have not lost innocence or happiness when in fact I have. So, I'm sorry for showing people this falsehood that I live. I know no other way. And while I try to learn other ways, it seems that I pull myself back from that happiness and punish myself for even wanting it.

So now, I'm left in that same hole that I was trying to dig my way out of. Perhaps, with much work, I can just dig to the other side. But how much farther do I need to let myself go before I finally reach that light, that peace that I so desperately want, that light that I shut off from myself with a single word?

Maybe I should just become the brutally honest person that I should be? Maybe I shouldn't care about the pain I cause myself through others and just let it all go? Maybe I should just tell everyone what I need to say?

But if I did all of this, I would again cause pain to other people. Here in lies my dilema. Do I continue this bottling up of emotions to let it go in little spurts or do I let it all go and get it all off my chest and lose everything that I hold dear? In the end, aren't I losing it all anyway?

Thankful

2008-03-07T22:40:31Z

Christopher, the friend from my last post, has chosen to take on the task of helping me better myself, of making me look inside myself for the answers I seek. As a way to get myself and my mind out of the depressive rut that I have allowed myself to enter, I must fine at least one thing a day that I am thankful for. But, today, I have more than one thing...

I am thankful for friends that care and want only the best for me. I am thankful that these friends have stood by me no matter what I have said or done out of the surface feeling of anger. I am thankful that these friends have not stepped away when I have lashed out at them for reasons that I am only starting to see, reasons that are below the surface of my emotions.

I am thankful for the roof over my head. I am thankful for the clothes on my back. I am thankful for the food in my stomach. I am thankful for these things because I have been in the place where I haven't had these things. Though that situtation was of my own accord, I am thankful now for what I have.

I am thankful for warm showers, fresh razors that nick my skin, fruity shampoos and conditioners and envigorating bodywashes.

I am thankful for my body. No matter how much I neglect it or treat it unfairly or use it as a punishment for my own inner conflicts, my body has served me. I am going to make it up to that body of mine and work to create it as the temple it should be.

I am thankful for music and it's never ending way of reaching into my soul and pulling out the words that I could never say.

I am thankful for my pets that love me unconditionally and allow me to hold them, kiss them, pet them and preen them. I am thankful for my bird, Gavin, even when he wakes me up in the morning, calling in the new day by chirping with cheer while I scream that I need more sleep. I am thankful for my cat, Amber, for playing with me, refusing to come when I call her unless I tell her 'Up' and give her a treat when she successfully completes her 'trick' of standing on her hind legs.

I am thankful for Christopher, for allowing me to cry, to scream, to cheer, to celebrate, to dig to the bottom of the emotions that I have piled on him. I am thankful for his ability to listen to me when I can't listen to myself. I am thankful for talking about what is happening to me and calling me on those feelings. I am thankful for his understanding and loyalty to what I thought was a lost cause. I am thankful that he believes in me.

I am thankful for myself, even if I don't want to be.