My New Love

My recent design project was to make an infographic. Obviously, my brain went straight to fencing. Lots of people have an idea what fencing is, but they have never seen it. When I first started fencing, I had misconceptions that the sport would be exactly like the movies. Swinging from balconies, saving damsels, and flipping over opponents. I was wrong of course, but I have to say that the truth is a lot better than the fiction. So at this very moment, I shall unveil my infographic for all of you to see. You are welcome.

 

Out of Power, Out of Mind

The power went out today, which isn’t that surprising during the winter. Well, power outages can happen anytime, but I seem to run into them most during the winter. What with slick roads, heavy snowfall, and sometimes high winds. However today, all the power in Cheney went out. It wasn’t just a block, but the entire town. Well, okay, in some places it would go out then come back on, but that still says outage to me. Or so I am told by people who live off campus. My theory, of course, is that the grid had to be shut down, or even better an Iron Giant decided to make a meal out of the power plant. How cool would that be, the actual Iron Giant coming to Cheney. I wonder if he would be friends with me.

Anyway, as I was sitting in my dorm, covered in blankets and possibly looking like the invalid I sometimes aspire to be. The power went out. But it didn’t do the clicking sound that I am generally used to, but the whole ‘WHOooooooo….’ sound that you hear in Sci Fi movies. You know the ones where they are on a spaceship and the flesh-eating alien has gotten free and turned off the power. It obviously made my mind race with possibilities. Creative scenarios played out in my head, from the Doctor appearing to pirates coming forward in time and destroying the squeaky clean image that I have of them. So, waiting for these things to happen, I sat in bed imitating the sound.

However, thoughts started to strike my mind like flies hitting a window. What are the computer classes doing? What will I do at work? And for all that is writerly, how can I spin this to make an interesting blog?

Since classes were still in session, the power being out probably set them back in whatever material they were teaching. However, the obvious answer would be letting the students out if the power didn’t return in the next ten minutes, or continue to talk. Using the primitive white board to illustrate their points for whatever their lecture was about.

Work was also easy. I didn’t think that the power would be out long, and before the actual working comes around, we have a meeting. The meeting lasts between an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how focused we are. Plus, one of the layouts was done so we could look it over and make it so perfect it sparkles. Sparkles so brightly, that every other newspaper will pale in comparison. We would win so many awards, just for that one page. However, it was an unfinished page, so we weren’t able to make it as shiny as possible.

And finally, I found my answer to the interesting blog. My observations that sent me into this blog in the first place. Don’t worry the beginning full of fluff is relevant, long introduction. But I digress. (Digress is such an ugly word and i hate using it. Time to consult a thesaurus and find a better, cooler word.)

I couldn’t help looking at the dead computers, while munching on various chocolate hearts. They were so alone and decrepit. Sitting there, completely cold and alone. The promise of entering the Internet, gone, until electricity could pulse through its circuitry. It was a sad sight. I couldn’t help imposing cobwebs, debris, and crumbling walls decorating the lonesome computers. The apocalypse prominent in my brain, whispering for me to write a scene about it. Wishing for it to be known. To be loved, and brought back to life. Oh how my soul went out to it, wondering how those millions of cute cats, awkward men and women, and information will fare when the internet is forced to be silent. Lack of power, the human race reduced to savages or at least reverting to the days of libraries and dusty books. Personally, I would be all right if the Internet went down. I would be sad, but I would have so much more time on my hands. I would actually have the drive to finish that book, and start the next one in my mind. Who wouldn’t be like that? But like any one who has felt the taste of fruit on a band trip, they will never be able to go back. I will always need the Internet and computers, perpetually being connected to the majority of humanity.

Do we all come to this realization? That we are slowly becoming more electronic and dependent as the days go by? Will we ever revert?

No.

 

Surprise Yourself

For some reason this post never actually posted. Strange. Oh well, here is this post that was supposed to be posted in January. If it makes you feel better you can pretend that you traveled back in time while you read this. Hrm. Now I am going to watch more Chuck, and possibly have another Chuck post up tonight.

Day 4. Can I get a WOOHOO!!!? Yes, you need to say that in all caps, how you will manage that is beyond me, but try. You might surprise yourself. I personally love surprising myself, like posting four days in a row. Though, I do have to wonder if my posts won’t become smaller and smaller, just because I don’t have something to talk about. Though this is me, I always have something to talk about. Even if it’s about grass growing, which those sped up timelines of grass growing is rather entertaining. You lot should check it out.

One more day before I return to Cheney, school, and a lonely boyfriend. Though that lonely boyfriend has been texting me everyday, he mostly misses my pretty face. I have quite the pretty face, or so my momma tells me. You all can make your own decision by looking yourselves, I have quite the lovely picture on my about page. Go check it out, and ignore the plug to have more people look around my blog. But if it works, then do it.

Now some people might be wondering why my resolution, like last year, is to write more. As a writer, aren’t I writing more than enough? No. I have long dry spells where the evils of the internet tempts me away from what I need to be doing. What I need to do is write, write, and write some more. If I want to become a fabulous author that everyone is talking about, I need to write more. Now I won’t burn myself out, or push myself so hard that I hate the act of writing, because that would just be wrong. Writing is a basic need for me, like breathing or eating. I need to write, and I will never push myself too hard, but I will push myself.

The beauty of making a resolution is to push yourself. I hope to bypass the week limit and make writing a part of everyday life. It will be my time of relaxing, ordering the emotions that run wild on a daily basis. I need the release that writing will give, and I guess fencing. Fencing is up there too with the releasing of emotions. Did I mention that I got a breast-plate and plastron for my birthday? Well I did, and now have the option for competing if I so wish.

Wish me luck!

 

Ode to My Brothers

Sometimes I strongly dislike my brothers, but who doesn’t have such feelings for their siblings. They can be rash, cause grief for the family, and sometimes there is some miscommunication. I know for a fact that I don’t talk with my siblings as much as I should, but I kind of forget. I ignore the time that likes to flow by until about 9ish at night. Then I notice and say to myself, “Well crap. There goes that idea of checking in with so-and-so.” (Dane I’m mostly talking about you.) It is surprisingly low priority for me to get in touch with my brothers. My mother and I call each other at least once a week, unless she or I have a problem and need to talk. I kind of had a hope that I would be more connected with my brothers when I moved out, but that doesn’t seem to be happening. It’s sort of strange. So instead, here I am, writing a very public post to tell you what I keep forgetting to tell you. And since it is on the internet, it will live forever and if I ever fall into your bad graces, just look back on this and remember that I still adore you as my brothers.

Dane, my friend and brother. We have known each other for the entirety of our lives. Though I guess you did miss out on a year and a half of mine, but there wasn’t a whole lot going on. We have had a lot of arguments that ended in wrestling matches, and if you remember, I won most of them. Well I won them because I was bigger. When you shot up and gained more muscle than me, I had to get smarter in how I fought. Which truthfully consisted of me making sure there was a table between us, or a door, and repeating scathing remarks towards you. However, with all that aside I must say that I have hope in the potential that you posses. You probably have more potential than I do, but you won’t reach it while procrastinating on the work you have. I know you can do it, I have seen you do it in spurts and jumps, you just need to work on the consistency of that drive. I know you constantly hear from all of us that we see potential in you, and sometimes I don’t think you quite believe it. But you do, and every time you come home and talk about your future, you sound like you totally have everything under control. Though you should take note that if you go into political science, I will probably be coming to you about information on candidates. Also, the main picture on my fridge is your senior picture. The day that it was sent to me I showed it off to my entire honors class and friends. I was super proud, not because I didn’t think you would make it, but because you accomplished something. You had achieved a goal that had been somewhat thrust upon you, and you achieved it well. You made such a big turn around, that I couldn’t be prouder. You might have thought that I wasn’t aware of what was going on in your life, but I did observe some things. Probably didn’t catch everything, but I was watching you.

Ryan! My buddy and pal. Of course, we haven’t known each other as long as Dane and Kevin. But I have seen you transform from this goofy kid to an avid and active sports fan. I am always bragging about how you made Varsity football to my friends, even if you only dressed down with the team and didn’t necessarily play in the game. It was still impressive. I can totally see you as a sports broadcaster, sitting there in a suit and tie, talking about who and what you think about a certain team. When this happens, I will have so much to brag about. Plus, it will probably become my favorite show on television. As proof, let me let you in on a little secret. While I was home for winter break, I rather enjoyed watching Sports Nation with you when you came home. It is probably the only time I would actually watch it and it was surprisingly enjoyable. Make sure you don’t get into any scandals though, they can be a little messy to clean up. Did you hear about the ESPN anchor that got suspended for the racist comment that they made? You probably already knew, I only saw it in passing, and I was a little disappointed. So don’t disappoint me, Ryan. I expect a great future for you, so don’t let me down.

And finally, little Kevin. My prodigy. I know that we joke that you were raised by me, but I think the entire family had a part in your growth. You were a collaborative effort, and possibly an experiment to see who would be the best caregiver when they were older. You are the best aspects of all of us, twisted into something that is just you. When you were still super little, Dane and I would fight over who got to sit next to you. I usually tricked my way into being the one to get the privilege, it was easy when both Dane and I had faulty memories when it came to whose turn it was. It was easy to play off of, and manipulate my way into the ideal situation. You are the mascot of so many of our high school groups that when you finally get to Highland you will be known on sight. I also don’t doubt that you will also be a needed member on the robotics team, though you do have to move a little faster than dial-up. You can smell the roses after you have finished the task at hand. Possibly look over your work to make it a dashing piece of work. Just speed up the process Kevin, we know you can do it.

Maybe in the future I will make a follow-up post for this, expanding on points as I watch my brothers grow and flourish. I can see a glimmer of their future, and it is shining brightly, they just need to find the path that will lead them to the happiness that could be granted to them.

I know that an ode is supposed to be sung, so if you feel like it, you can sing this post.

 

An Interview with Nivar Woods

Nivar Woods lives in Pocatello, ID. He works in the National Guard as a 13D, a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist. During his free time he works on various books, and hopes that he can one day get them all published so others can enjoy his ideas and stories.

1. What inspired you to write your book?

This is a pretty tough question. I’m not sure any particular one thing inspired me to write my book. It was always more like a dream for me. Ever since I was about five years old I wrote and drew some things… although my drawing didn’t improve at all during that time, heh. Seems like yesterday when I finished my first picture book at the age of six. The Worm! Of course, this book never got published.

2. How many places did you send your manuscript to?

Honestly, I don’t think I kept track. I pulled up a list of publishers and wrote up an introductory letter with a summary of my book. I’d send that to each one, along with my manuscript if they were interested. Some publishers replied when interested. Others wouldn’t.

3. Why did you choose Author House?

No particular reason. They did offer a lot of services though. Once one of my books got published with them, they are open to receiving any of my other works. I’m grateful for this, because I’ve got quite a few books getting worked on.

4. Why did you choose the title Paradox?

I thought it was fitting. The title is much like “The Three Musketeers” in that the story isn’t REALLY about the Musketeers but they are in it.

5. Is there a writer that you look up to?

Can’t say that I look up to any writer, I read a lot of books. I’ve enjoyed everything from Stephen King’s works to James Patterson. On the other hand, you could say I look up to them all since I enjoy reading so much of everything.

6. What advice would you give new writers?

Hm. Don’t try and edit your own work if possible. Yeah, you can do the basic stuff… but I got caught up with every little thing that annoyed ME. I had about 4 or 5 people read my manuscript before I had it published, and they all loved it. None of them picked out what bothered me. I can relate it to an actor who dislikes watching themselves on a movie. They might pick out what they dislike about themselves, but other people don’t see it. One other thing: If you can’t write a lot at once, try writing one page a day. Within a year you’ll have a novel sized book.

7. What can we expect in the sequel?

Can’t spoil too much now, but I will say that it’s going to be crazy. The climax planned for it is a bit over the top currently, but I might just keep it that way. It might make the first books ending seem toned down by comparison. Which I’m looking forward too, since the first ones ending was almost non-stop action until the ending of the climax.

8. Will you branch out into other genres?

Possibly, I’ve been toying with the idea of writing a fantasy book that takes place in a more medieval setting. There’s definitely more science fiction ones coming along the route, and there’s a book I want to write that involves a major conflict between technology and magic.

9. How many books will be in this series?

It’s a trilogy, so three of them. There may be other books I write that take place in the same universe but from other characters perspectives and adventures.

10. What was the hardest thing about writing your book?

Would you believe me if I said that coming up with character names were the hardest? For some reason that was tough for me. I’m proud of the names I created and used, though. Other than that, I just wrote as I went along with it. I think that helped keeping it fresh for me.

Paradox by Nivar Woods
Aaron – an average eighteen year old boy – finds himself dragged into a conflict between a Superhero, and Conglomerate, in which he is propelled across planets and dimensions, and finds out what it means to be a true Hero in the midst of adversity. Paradox is the first book in a trilogy where Aaron meets a Superhero like none other, able to control the very essence of darkness. Soon he is pulled into a conflict that has spanned over time. A conflict between a hero and an organization called the Twilight Core, created from a conglomerate of businesses in their bid for the world. This will bring Aaron across the universe to other dimensions where life has been destroyed by otherworldly creatures, and ultimately define what it truly means to be a Hero.

Paradox is on sale from AuthorHouse and Amazon.

 

Guilt Free Chocolate Day

While thinking about Valentine’s Day, I caught myself thinking, ‘Wow, I can eat chocolate without regret.’ While an odd thought in and of itself, I realized that it was true. Anytime I want to eat something that is even slightly sweet, I have to give myself a reason. ‘I’m tired today’, ‘I got an A on my test’, or ‘That was a hard practice’. Even though these don’t seem like very good excuses, they are the usual thoughts that go through my mind as I decided if I want to eat that delicious looking cookie today.

Not surprisingly, one of my guy friends was perplexed when I specified that today I didn’t have to have an excuse to eat chocolate. He couldn’t understand that to most girls, at least the ones I generally know, give a reason before they place that succulent piece of chocolate into their mouth. I explained to him that society, as a whole, has bombarded us with the stereotype that we need to be skinny, so we agonized.

He then asked another question. ‘Why can’t you just stop at one?’. Well for one thing, I usually eat chocolate while watching television or while I am doing something. After eating that first piece, the excuse warps to ‘one more won’t hurt’. Which it doesn’t, since I do it in spurts and sometimes go without chocolate for weeks. He still didn’t understand, but I learned something about myself.

I needed an excuse to eat chocolate.

Well except on Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. These holidays give me a guilt free pass.

But why should I feel guilty? I haven’t done anything wrong. All I did was eat a bit of chocolate or candy, it wasn’t like I punched someone in the nose. To gain weight takes a lot more factors than just eating a bit of sweets, I shouldn’t have to justify to myself why I need it.

After all, the motion is quite simple. Open mouth, insert chocolate, close mouth, let melt, and swallow. Takes no effort, and I am not injuring myself. Sure, if I just sat around and only ate chocolate I would be hurting myself. But I’m not.

That’s it, no more excuses! Everyday shall be no guilt chocolate eating day!

 

How My Logic Works

It doesn’t really.

Some people have no idea what I am saying, though others understand exactly what I am trying to say. It is a very strange give and take of who knows me and who doesn’t. Those who don’t know me won’t be able to follow my train of thought that is going on a weirder route than the Polar Express. It definitely wierds people out, and makes them think I have no idea what I am talking about. Well newsflash I do, you just don’t understand me.

Though if I say that my writing is any better it is not. Sometimes I read the metaphors, and figures of speech, and I just have to go WTF mate. Then realize this is probably what other people think when I open my mouth. I feel bad about making fun of them, though they should realize that I will be vague and specific at the same time. And sometimes it is hard to understand them too. they say things that just don’t compute in my brain. Though that could be because I am not the best listener when there are other things going on, or I am not interested in the conversation. Wow, I am starting to dislike myself a little bit.

Have you ever gotten into an argument where both arguers are on the same side, but they don’t realize it. I do all the time. It’s one of those misunderstanding things. Though I usually pick up on it about five sentences in. The way to tell is if they say the exact same thing, only with different words. It gets frustrating, because they think you are saying one thing, when I know we are saying the same thing. It makes for an odd predicament.

Will I change my way of using logic in everyday speech, no. Will I continue to be tied for won and lost arguments and debates, yes. Will I, along with the other billions of people on this earth, ever be understood, maybe.

 

Stage an Interview

Now the majority of you that read this blog probably know me in real life. Well, you would know that I had an interview to be the Master of Ceremonies for the Spokane FIRST Robotics Regionals. Now, I didn’t think I would be considered for Master of Ceremonies, since I am a second year university student, and probably wouldn’t be as cool as say a UFC announcer. Which there was actually a UFC announcer at the interview. Which weirded me out, because these robots don’t fight, though I would guess he would have the voice for it.

Anyways, when I have an interview I have to go through stages. It’s a type of ritual, and if I don’t go through it, I feel like I have missed something. Something important, something that was needed.

1. Disbelief
This usually comes with the email or phone call, usually an email though. I generally stare at the email for a bit, wondering if this is a trick or not. Yes, I do sometimes wonder if this entire world is a figment of my imagination and that strange people are controlling my surroundings. Plus, I have gotten prank emails before. Anyway, I generally stare, open, read a few times, then go to the next step.

2. Excitement
Generally there is a scream, declaration of happiness, or lots of bragging that follows the understanding that I am getting something I would enjoy to have. There is usually a post to Facebook, so all my friends can validate my existence, along with a text sent to boyfriends/roommates/people I know who aren’t on Facebook, so they can join in my joy of being chosen and validating my growing ego.

3. Nervous Energy
This step will show up the night before, or several hours before, as I realize that this is going down. I start making lists, making sure I know what I am taking, what I am not taking, mapping the course I am going to take, and all around keeping myself busy. If I allow myself to stall than I will start doubting myself. Doubting myself is not the way to go. One will probably find me talking quite a bit in this stage as I rationalize my nervousness and doubt.

4. Calm
When I am faced with the interview, as in I am in the interview or about to enter, a calm washes over me. I am breezy, nice, coherent, and not sarcastic. So everything I am not when I am around people I know well. Like any interviewee I try to show my super shiny side, while hiding the dull rough spots that will be shown after I get the job. They don’t need to see those yet.

5. The End
At this final stage a lot of things happen, like picking apart the interview, doubting myself, and rejoicing that I made it through with little to no embarrassment. I know that after all is said and done, I can’t do anything more, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t pick it apart. Wishing that I had done something different, worrying about how much better the other interviewees were. They were a lot more shiny in my perspective.

As you can see, a lot of people go through this along with me. I am rather vocal in all stages, though mostly in 2, 3, and 5. However, I have been told that others go through something very similar. I just hope I get the job, though if I don’t, they have other places to put me.

 

Chuck Do That Tango

I must start off by saying that Chuck is a real creep, he reminds me a little of the cook from 2 Broke Girls. Of course he isn’t completely, he does have his moments, like helping Chuck out with fixing computers and motivating his team. Though on the other hand he wants to have a bromance with Chuck. Like showing up at Chuck’s place uninvited and asking why his ‘girlfriend’ was there. Oh Morgan, you remind me of one of my guy friends, though he was trying to get me to date him. It didn’t work, because at the time I was dating my first boyfriend, and afterwards he wasn’t tall enough. Sorry guys that are shorter than 5’9″, you won’t cut it. If it makes you feel better, Morgan wouldn’t make the cut either, he looks shorter than 5’9″.

I have to say that the opening credits of Chuck are one of my favorites. Of course, this is in line with Castle, Big Bang Theory, and Young Justice. The little stick figure running and being awesome takes my heart. It makes me want to take a typography and animation class, it is so well put together. I am so jealous. Not to mention the song in the background, catchy and appropriate. I have a soft spot for Cake, especially when I found out they did a cover of Mahna Mahna. They won the world in my eyes.

I have to say that I am not impressed by Yvonne Strahovski’s performance so far. I haven’t seen her in a lot of things, but she seems to forget how to act every once in a while. Like when she tells Chuck that he will be all right, it seems really forced. I didn’t buy it. I really didn’t, and I just found her fake and understood why Chuck doesn’t like to trust her. And why he has no problem trusting Casey. The guy straight up wanted to kill him and didn’t hide it. He also doesn’t do half-truths, and seems a bit more realistic in his acting. Though I have to say that Zachary Levi does a very good job of showing terrified. I can see myself being him, and not knowing what to do. Also, Captain Awesome! He is awesome. I loved his tango scene with Chuck, made my night.

Before I leave to watch another episode, I just have to comment, couldn’t they make the closing credits as awesome as the opening credits. It would sell the show completely for me. But until those credits become so awesome they blow my mind, I will have to give this show 4 1/2 stars. Sorry Chuck, but I have to.

 

New Pet Project

So, I have recently started watching Chuck. My roommate and various other people have mentioned that I should watch Chuck. Saying that I would enjoy the show. Until now I have never gotten around to watching it, then I watched it. Chuck is absolutely fantastic, and I am rather excited that it is done. I won’t have to wait for new episodes, and I can watch from start to finish without having to worry about cliff hangers. Oh the bane of my existence, cliff hangers. Then I got a grand idea. I would start dedicating posts to Chuck. It will give me something to do as I watch, instead of my usual half-paying attention to a show. Plus, it will give me something to write about, and if it turns out to be super fun, I will pick various other shows that have run their course and write about them.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not reviewing the episodes. There might be some review, but the review will appear in probably the first paragraph and then my speculations. I’ll probably talk about characters, plot, or insight I gain about myself. I am actually rather excited for this.

So I have only watched the first two episodes, but I was hooked in the very first scene. Chuck and Morgan are trying to escape Chuck’s birthday. I have had this feeling before, some of my earlier birthdays I have wanted to escape and never look back. However, his sister catches him and brings him to the party where he breaks down and talks about his ex-girlfriend. Of course things go downhill from there. Explosions and secrets are at every turn, making the heart pound.

I approved of the skater guys reaction as they watched this car drive like no tomorrow down the stairs. Though I couldn’t help thinking that Chuck’s boss was going to be pissed, especially since in the second episode he did damage to the other car entrusted in his care. I just have to wonder, how did Chuck’s boss react. He must have lost some faith in Chuck, and now that he wants to be assistant manager? How is he going to pull that off if he has wrecked two Nerd Herd cars in just a few days. If I was his boss, I wouldn’t even have him as the assistant manager. Sorry Chuck, being a living super computer for the NSA and CIA isn’t going to cut you any slack.

And what was that with him not trusting Sarah even though she had tried to protect him in the pilot. Sure he saw her kill some people, but she is the CIA. That is her job. I wouldn’t have trusted the guy who had wanted to kill me, is part of the company that manufactures those detonators, and had his own car blown up. How did Chuck know that he hadn’t planted it on himself. Goodness gracious, though Sarah did kind of overreact. Chuck is at a very interesting crossroads right now, he doesn’t know what’s going on. He’s still in the rationalization stage, give him some slack. Argh! At least the characters should get better. I am only on season 1 after all, they are still getting their legs stable.

Chuck has certainly intrigued me, and although I don’t have a ton of specific thoughts, besides how much I would be freaking out if I was forced to fly a helicopter for the first time, I intend to have interesting thoughts, and dig deeper into my psych as I continue to watch. There will probably be strange and potentially boring insights along the way, but I hope you take my hand and come with me. Come with me on this magic carpet ride that will potentially scar you for life.

Do you still trust me?