Shootin' the Breeze...

Hey guys! Hope everything's going great out ya'll's way. And yes, I just gave ya'll a possessive form. :o) It's been one of those days... NOT IN A BAD WAY! Of the good this time! I've wanted to write today, and just haven't known what to say. Imagine... me... speechless! HA! Apparently, someone sneaked in and placed duct tape over the mouth of my muse, so she's not making so much with the chatty today, but I'm a trouper! I'll plow on through and hope what I say makes at least some semblance of sense!
I was playing some video games tonight, and then had a nice relaxing evening curled up with a book, one of my favorites called "Waltz Into Darkness" by Cornell Woolrich. If you guys haven't read it, I recommend! It's probably about the 6th time I've read it this year. I mean... after you finish "Death's Daughter" and "Cat's Claw" by Amber Benson, what can you do, right? Speaking of which... need to get the word out guys... only have 32 out of 200 reviews for "Cat's Claw" on Amazon for Amber to have to make good on her end of the challenge! Let's get 'er done! Anyway... I was going somewhere with this... oh yeah! So I was reading "Waltz Into Darkness" after the video gameage and just stopped reading and thought, "man I need a life!" Then, I remembered... I was too busy to HAVE a life. I wonder how that works out.
I go so much, all the time, it's like I seem to forget that THAT IS my life! And you know what? I really wouldn't trade it for anything. It's crazy, chaotic sometimes, completely random, and sometimes(to throw in some Buffy quotage) "sucks beyond the telling of it." But the crazy chaotic, random, and, yes, even the bad parts, are so worth the good. Most of you reading this know that I had a friend of mine take her life recently. That has hit me harder than I believe I thought it did originally. I just wonder how someone can come to that point in their life. I mean, I've been to that point, and I know it's easy to get to, but at the end of the day, I can't think of ANYTHING worth missing out on life for.
Okay, enough with the heavy stuff. Let's have some fun. Completely random and totally having nothing to do with this blog, other than it's my self expression, my little cousin, who's four walked into my living room today, and said he wanted to tell me a joke. I'm ALWAYS up for a joke! If you have one, lay it on me! He asked me, "Why did the chicken cross the playground?" And I KNOW I should have known the answer, but I was so dumbstruck that he asked if he could tell me a joke, I said, "I have no idea." He looked at me with the biggest Chesire cat grin you have ever seen, and says... "To get to the other slide." I busted out laughing! Couldn't help it. Yeah, it's a cheesy joke, and yeah it's a kid's joke, but the way he said it and the big grin, was just hillarious! I asked him where he heard that, and he looks at me and said, "From you! 'Member? You know everything!" The child was as serious as a heartattack! Boy, does he have a hard road ahead if he believes that! Christopher, my cousin, is autistic, and I keep him Monday through Thursday. More often than not he tones you out, and you don't think he's paying a bit of attention. Then he pulls something like that up from months before... it just amazes me. I remembered the day I'd told him that joke after a few minutes. He was sitting on the floor coloring a Buffy coloring book page... yes I had the Buffy coloring books... THEY WERE GIFTS! When I told him that joke at the time, he told me that it was "silly", I believe was the term he used. But today, it took on a whole new meaning. That is exactly what I want to try to look for in the bad and messy things of life... the whole new meaning. I love the part in any book or movie when the bad turns into good, and I truly believe that's what happens in life. Throughout all the ups and downs, and bumps and bruises, the bad always turns to good, if you hold on and wait for it.
Those are my random thoughts for the day guys! Hope you enjoyed! All over the place, I know, but that's my charm I guess! Look forward to babbling at you again soon!
OH!!!! And by the way... Buffy trivia went awesomely fantabulous! I'm still the reigning champ, and still have yet to miss a question! Peace out, folks!

Friends

Hey guys! Today is one of those days I just want to be thankful. I have some of the coolest friends! Some old, and some newer. Taking some time out of the day to appreciate and show the love.
Marla: My absolute BEST FRIEND in the world! Stuck by me through everything, and I mean that in the most literal sense of the word. If anything bad ever happened, she was there... I wonder if there's a connection between the two. Hmm... Nah! She's too awesome for anything like that. I remember this one time; I thought I'd killed her. Gave her something with cashews in it, that I DIDN'T KNOW had cashews in it, and she went into antifalactic shock... scary time! Needless to say... I don't give her candy anymore.
Watson: You have to be the MOST FUN individual on the face of the earth! I don't think we ever run out of things to talk about! It makes me happy that all of our conversations leave us both hurting from laughing too hard! It is okay to hurt as long as it's from laughing, right? Although the lightheadedness from not being able to breathe while laughing so hard tends to give me a slight buzz. Still, wouldn't trade ya for anything! Thank God for Amber Benson, or we never would have met!
Nicole: Girl, you can trade trade Buffy trivia with the best of them! It has been a blast getting to know you, and getting my brain picked with questions about the best show ever made that I actually have to think about! You seem like an absolutely awesomely cool individual and I can't wait to get to know ya better!
Luke: You have been one of my best buds since middle school! I'm proud of you for standing up for what you think is right, and not letting others dictate your life. I know if I ever need anything, or just need someone to listen I can call you up and it won't matter how long it's been since we've had a chance to speak, it's always like nothing has changed. Love ya!
Michael: Absolutely one of the SMARTEST people I have ever met! I enjoy the conversations on the randomized subjects we somehow seem to wind up talking about. Also, I know my router appreciates you for telling me to stop throwing it against the wall and sliging it around my head by the ethernet cable. Look forward to more conversations!
I think that's about got me in the clear for what I wanted to say for today guys! Talk to ya on the next go around! By the way, even if you weren't mentioned in specifics... I still am very glad to count you among my friends!

Been Thinkin'

Hey, guys! Hope all is going well with ya'll! Today... yes, I am pausing for dramatic effect... I've been thinking! Dangerous thing to do, I know, but I think I have something figured out. I can't do much on the acting front anymore, at least not stage wise, so I've think I've got it! A fool proof way to still be able to show off my flare for the dramatic(and BOY do I have a flare for the dramatic!) and still be able to keep from breaking my leg again with all the dance complications of musical theater. You guys ready for it? THEATRICAL RADIO! That's what I've been thinking. Well, that and how to get prepped for my Buffy trivia competition this weekend. Nervous about that one, and kinda excited all at the same time. Finally found out today how many questions they're firing at us. Somewhere in the ballpark of 10,500, they said. Keep in mind, there about 50-60 of us, give or take. Needing some serious quizzing on the subject, so if any of you have questions just shoot 'em my way, either on my Facebook ot Twitter, even an email will work. Back to what I was saying... what was I saying. OH! Theatrical Radio Broadcasting. I think I could soooo do that! I mean, you get into character and don't have to worry with the learning of the choreography, or lines. If I pursue this, however, I sure hope I'm not one of those people that move their arms around frantically the whole time their character is speaking or singing. Really, it doesn't take all that... No one sees you anyway! They aren't going to know if you're sitting on your hands or waving a flag. Yes, I am one of those folks that wouldn't be able to talk with my arms tied behind my back because I do use the hands for speaking(I think it's a southern thing), but this is just overexaggerated stuff. Wow. Pretty sure I butchered the spelling on that. Anyway, some broadcasts do record videos and no one wants to look at themselves looking like an enraged orangutan! Well, maybe someone does, but I'm not one of them. Flailing your arms about does not make one a better actor. Anyhow, that's my randomized thoughts for the day! I keep promising to be more organized, but it's not working for me. It just isn't me, the whole organization thing, not with the thought processes moving as rapidly as they do. Anyone out there know what I'm saying? Anyhow, talk with you guys next go around! Later gators!

You Know What?

You know what I'm tired of guys? I am sooooooooooo-- the alphabet doesn't even have enough "o"'s for how so tired I am of watching "Dora the Explorer" with kids!!!! Whoever thought that up had waaay too much time on their hands! When I was little we had cartoons like "He-man" and "She-ra", "Care Bears", "The Snorks", you know, programs without freaky little monkeys that talked! Also, without cows and chickens that looked like they were smokin' some serious weedage. That's just weird.
This has been the craziest day! Singing monkeys, people that wear the same clothes day after day on television programs. What are they teaching our kids these days? "Sure, it's okay if you wear the same outfit all week!" One of the kids I keep actually asked if she could wear the same clothes over and over again. I told her it was unsanitary. You know the response I got? "What does that mean?" You'd think a two year old would know the word! Really!
I find myself watching my dvd ses of HR Puffinstuf, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, Sigmund and the SeaMonsters repetitively! Now THAT was entertainment.
All over the place guys! Sorry! Just what was on my mind...

Life's Lessons

You learn life's lessons through the small things in life. I can think of about twelve right off the top of my head. I shall share them with you now!

12: If you consume too much alcohol.... chances are you're eventually going to either, embarrass the heck out of yourself, or hit the floor. Whichever comes first.

11: Gummy bears take SEVEN YEARS to digest! Just thinking.... WOW!

10: Don't let the bad things in life keep you from the great things in life.

9: Take it from me... don't tell someone to read your blog, even though you totally weren't expecting them to take the time to do so, if you don't really expect them to read your blog!

8: Keep your nose clean... drugs are more trouble than they're worth, and they only keep you satified for a while.

7: It's not a wise idea to Psych 101 someone that you have absoloutely no clue about. Usually, it comes back to bite you in the butt.

6: It's ridiculous to conform to what someone else thinks you should be. Be you.

5: You can learn a lot of valuable life lessons from Buffy! :o)

4: Nowhere in the Bible does it say "cleanliness is next to Godliness", but being clean does have it's benefits!

3: Ladies, if you go to the restroom after a four year old boy has just come out of it, check the toilet seat... the water's cold!

2: Don't judge others.... it's not your place.

1: And my A#1 life lesson..... drumroll please......... If you have a dream in life, aim for it, and then aim a little higher because it will make you happy in the long run!

You can take these of leave them... it won't hurt my feelings either way! Till next time guys!

One of the Funniest Moments of my Life

Hey, guys! Hope all is well! I'm a day or two late on keeping my promise of a lighthearted entry. Ah, well. I never have been one to be governed by a clock. I've decided today, that I am going to tell you guys about one of the funniest, yet most embarassing, days of my life. Hmmm... a story style. Hard decision. I think I'm going to fall back on the style of Sophia Petrillo from the "Golden Girls". You guys just sit back and enjoy!
Picture it! Cartersville, GA, 2002. I had had my driver's licensce a little over a month, and was out with some friends when we received... the call. Not that I'm making light of "the call" in the least. Pretty serious phone call. My friend Amanda hangs up the phone to inform the congregation of us sitting around the table at Outback steakhouse that one of our friends, Chad, had been killed in a car accident. But I digress. Light hearted bloggage today, just giving a background. We left the restaurant, all sad, each of us going to our own homes after. Except for me. I went driving. it's what I do when I get upset. Just hop in the car and go. I always tell people the latter part of this story, but never the first. I'm not sure why that is. Hmmm.... Anyway. Driving. No where to go, just to clear my head. Didn't realize, until about three hours after the "lights on; nobody's home" expression on my face was replaced by a look of clarity, that I had driven myself all the way to Tennessee.
Something you should understand about me... I couldn't find my way out of a paper bag with a huge gaping hole in it, so horrible am I with directions. I pull over at the first gas station I see. I walk in and smile at the clerk, trying to look all nonchalant while the last couple of customers are clearing out of the store, so I don't look like a huge uber idiot when I explain to the man that I had no clue how I had gotten there. The folks made their purchases and left, and I commence walking up to the counter, not realizing that my purse was connected to the sunglasses display. So, I walk forward, and the display leans with me, leaning into yet another display, followed by another, finally followed by a big wire rack that had knick knacks in it. The crash was UNBELIEVABLE! The look on the clerk's face was funnier though. He starts kind of reprimanding my clumsiness, coming out from around the counter.... and tripping over a "caution.... wet floor" sign, and sprawling onto the floor. Who's the klutz now? Anyhow, he sympathized with me after I explained the predicament.
I drove the three hours back home, taking pity on the poor man who's store I destroyed, bought a tank of gas at his store, and yes, I helped clean up the mess my purse had made. The next day kind of blurred and really, I have no memory of anything until the day of Chad's funeral. I'm not one to show my emotions, hold a lot of things in, but I was teared up listening to the preacher go on and on about how great a person, clean nosed Chad had been... he didn't know the same Chad I did. He leads the attendants of the service in a moment of silence, that was supposed to be followed up by a quick prayer. Heads are bowed, eyes are shut in respect for the dead. You could hear the person next to you breathing, and probably the person three rows back too. Then, it happened. As the minister takes a breath to begin the prayer.... Right Said Fred's "I'm too Sexy for my Shirt" begins to ring out over the crowd, getting louder and louder with each word. Not able to hold it in any longer, I busted out into loud gales of laughter, complete with snorts, and gasps for air. I cannot possibly tell you how many glares I got from the people sitting in the room. But when something is funny, it's funny. I don't know who the culprit was that allowed their phone to be off of silence or vibrate, but I'm sure happy it was. Chad was a funny guy. He would've wanted it that way... maybe not his preference of song, but he'd have wanted laughter.
Hoping this was as fun for you to read as it was for me to remember! See you guys next go around!

Amber Benson Wows Fans with the Mad People Skills!

Hey, guys! Yeah I know; I should find a shorter title for the entry, but deal just this once.... pretty please with a cherry on top? I had the priviledge of sitting in front of my computer most of the day, the part my meds would allow me to, and think up mindless questions to ask Amber Benson. For those of you that don't know her, which she's so awesomely fantastic I can't imagine anyone that didn't, she was mostly known for her role as Tara in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". She's been in plenty of films, mostly sticking to the independant arena and made for TV movies, has had guest spots on TV series such as "Supernatural", "Private Practice", and "Cracker"(on BBC at one point in time), but has now branched out not only into directing, but writing as well, with a flourish, might I add, that I wish I had. Today, she hung out in the Bitten By Books(awesome site!) review chat room, answering questions for her fans, mainy to promote her new book "Cat's Claw", the second in Miss Benson's Calliope Reaper-Jones trilogy. It may be a trilogy anyway, hopefully it'll be more!! There's still so much Callie would be able to get into. I can think of hundreds of things just sitting here thinking about it. Back to the point. Yes, Amber Benson, answering questions. She talked everything from Sweet Valley High, to Christopher Pike, to RL Stine. Hit on the Ghost of Albion series that she co-authored with Christopher Golden, another extremely gifted writer, and a sweet guy. Threw in some talks about Buffy, because as always, inquiring minds want to know.
The thing that stuck with me the most about Amber Benson's Q & A session today is how graceful and personable she was with her fans, but hey, as she is from Alabama(my closest neighbor to the west), that's a Southern girl for ya! She didn't shorten her answers to her fans for the sake of time, and got to at least one of everyone's questions they had asked. I'd be dead tired, which I'm sure she probably is. The five minute Q & As from my parents when I was younger wore me out; I couldn't imagine 12 hours. Yep, I said it. 12 hours answering just about anything our minds came up with, even offered advice, which was very cool.
I suppose I do sing her praises a tad more than most, but you have to understand something, although I watched Buffy, when they brought Tara(Benson) on the show, I was so torn out of the frame by the break up with Oz, I was kinda angry with the whole thing. Then, from her debute episode "Hush", I could tell where Joss Whedon was going to take this new friendship between Willow and Tara. Casting spells.... yeah uh huh! Anyhow, I was a tad irritated at her being replacement gal for Oz, but by the "Family" episode, she won me over a little. Seeing the character's family, much like my own, made me sympathize with her. Yeah, it was a character role, but still, when you go through something personally, you identify more with the character, plus you get to know them week after week and you just get attached. Then, came the turning point for me, maybe a tad bit on the late side of the Buffy series, but at a good time for me. The episode "Tabula Rasa". She leaves Willow after Willow breaks a pretty important promise to her. That hit home. You see the shy, almost scared character that Amber Benson played make a decision to do something so huge and brave. It hit home for me because at the time this relationship came about, I was in a very abusive relationship, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I had seen her go from this shy girl that would barely lift her head, to this amazingly strong character. I thought, if she could do it, I could do it. Because abuse, whether it be having your memory sucked from you by a forget spell(twice) or being hit pretty much everyday for seven years, is abuse. Both come with broken, empty promises, and things being done to you against your will. So, I drew from Tara's courage, and ran like heck out of that relationship. So, yes, I'll sing Amber Benson's praises till the cows come home! Got a little off subject, but anyway, here's the bottom line, although there are some not very pleasant people to chat with out in Hollywood world, there are still breaths of fresh air out there. So thank you to Amber Benson for being one of those, and making tonight, not only a memorable one, but a fun one! Had a blast hanging out and can't wait for the next CRJ book!
For those of you that haven't heard of them, check 'em out "Death's Daughter" and "Cat's Claw", respectively. Fun and definitely entertaining!!!! Also, pop on over to http://www.bittenbybooks.com/ and give the site a gander! Till next time!