I cannot express my love for this video...

I found this video online and I just love it.  I thought I would share it with you.

What Sorcery Is This?

Against all odds, dear readers, I have actually managed some progress this month in Camp Nanowrimo.  I know, it's incredible!

I am the happy writer with 41,309 words to her name and it just keeps coming along with more and more words every day.  I'm not sure where this is coming from really, as two weeks ago I could not have cared less if this had happened.  IT IS HAPPENING!!!  :)

The best part is that nothing is wrong with it.  I know that sounds strange, but there is nothing wrong with the story at the moment.  The characters are cooperating, the plot is moving along nicely, the setting is perfect, the dialogue is good.

Wait a moment....

This almost never happens to me.  It is usually an uphill battle the whole way, fighting characters, forcing dialogue....

Hmm.  I probably shouldn't question this until after I reach my goal.

I'll keep you posted.

Looking for Recommendations

Hello dear readers!

I am happy to report that I am doing a little better these days and those low feelings from my last blog post have abated somewhat.  I have been careful with my sleep, taking my meds (which finally appear to be working!), trying to eat right, and getting some form of exercise every day.

I hurt my back a few weeks ago and I had to drop out of dance for the summer.  That may be what tipped off that last heavy bout of depression that made me so apathetic about everything.  Going from two classes and a couple of volunteer hours a week to absolutely nothing in a hobby can throw anyone off track; I suppose that is why I felt as though a huge chunk of my life was suddenly missing.

Things are a bit brighter now and I'm looking forward to a weekend filled with time to relax and plans to hit a library for the full day (I know, I'm soooo exciting!).

I was thinking today that I'd like to join a book club as something to do.  I mean, I enjoy reading, but I lack discussion partners.  If I mention a book I'm reading at work, I am often met with confused stares or a recommendation for the latest steamy romance bodice-ripper.

I checked the book club at the public library, but they're not meeting again until September.  September feels so far away.  Can anyone recommend any online book clubs you may have used in the past?  Or, maybe a really good book you've enjoyed?  Maybe a discussion will start on my blog? I need some more adventure in my life, and well....

A bad couple of days

Hello dear readers!

I am still surviving. That's pretty much it at the moment.  Surviving.  I've had a rough few days (more like a rough week) and it doesn't seem to be getting much better.  I have managed getting to work, and then getting home from work, but everything else doesn't seem worth the effort.  Today starts Camp Nanowrimo, but that's not going to happen now.  I just....can't.

Hi there!

Hello dear readers!

I am sorry to say that I do not have an update for you just yet.  I am working on one, I promise.  It's just not happening the way I want it to go.

The characters all want to do their own thing, and I want them to do what I want them to do. 

You see, I am the one with blue hair, and they are winning this fight.

*sigh*

Any other writers experience this phenomenon?

Busy, busy bee!

Hello dear readers!

My week has been super-busy since last week.  I finally made it to the doctor's office last week and I am cleared for dance (injuries...*sigh*).  I was super excited.  I am also the owner of some medication that is supposed to help my panic attacks and anxiety.  I've already experienced the one (and that medicine needs a MUCH bigger warning label about making me relaxed....I was a zombie on Friday!) and the other needs a few weeks to kick into gear.

On Saturday morning, I bundled myself and my backpack into the car and drove to Parkersburg, WV ALL BY MYSELF!  This is a huge deal for me.  I have driving anxiety and spent quite a few months in therapy to deal with it.  I had been run off the road by some tractor trailers a few years ago, and the highway lost its allure for me really quick.  It got to the point where I avoided driving altogether.  This weekend, I broke the cycle.  I drove for two hours by myself on the highway to go see my good friend in Parkersburg.  I spent the night with her, got to play with my goddaughter, and generally enjoy myself.  We made food, participated in the March for Babies (through the March of Dimes) on Sunday, and giggled until late into the night.  Her poor husband...surrounded by reminiscing females.  It must have been difficult for him.  Either way, he's a good guy and makes some mean popcorn.

I made it home Sunday evening with only a minor freakout on the way home - not a panic attack, but it was an OMG! moment with a tractor trailer, an on-ramp, and vague road signage.  I made it through and back home, where I promptly collapsed into my bed and introverted because I had spent the entire weekend surrounded by people.

I had my ballet class last night (and I feel it today!) and now here I sit at my laptop, telling you all about my weekend.  :)

SURVIVE!  The next chapter is coming.  ;)

Emma Went to the Zoo

Hello dear readers!

This past weekend, the roommates and I headed out to a local zoo called Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo.  It was no where near on the scale of Pittsburgh Zoo or Oglebay Zoo (a zoo in my hometown), but it was still a good time.  It was small enough that you weren't exhausted by all of the walking you had to do, but it was large enough that we spent about an hour looking at all of the animals.

And there were a ton of different animals!  (All pictures are courtesy of my roommate, because I forgot my camera!)

These two were pushing each other around all day.

He walked right up to us!

This was the nicest peacock I've ever seen.

Snooze.  Snooze.  Tired little albino wallaby.

This little guy came right up to us.  Might have something to do with the fact we were carrying food.

Capuchin!

Capuchin again!!  I love their tire swing!

Random duck is random.  And nesting.

Lone wolf (out of four in an enclosure).

The camels noticed the food, too.

Affronted camel because we couldn't give him a carrot.

This little guy followed us around for about five minutes.

The zebras loved the treats we had for them.

PONIES!!

I love lemurs!  They are some of my favorite animals.

He didn't want us to leave.

Pygmy goats!

The llama is unimpressed with our visit.

Human!  I want a treat!

Sunbather.

It's a ram!

Awesome shot of the birds.

Yes, it watched us the whole time.

My sister feeding the giraffe.

It was a good time.  If you're ever in the Morgantown area, check it out.  It won't take too much time, but it is well worth the drive.