I got tagged… like three times, and since I can only select so many people on Facebook, I’ve decided to post this here as well just for fun and because I’m super tired and don’t know if I’ll get around to writing the Life in Hell blog tonight, which I technically did last week but called it something else.

25 Random Things About Me:

1) I write… A LOT! I have now completed my fifth novel and have another 3 or 4 in the works. I also write a little poetry, which can be found mostly on Writer’s Cafe.

2) I’m usually reading 4 or 5 books at a time. Yeah, so not me in high school. I mostly enjoy urban fantasy, since that is the genre I write in, but I love Shakespeare and Poe. I recently entered a Writer’s Digest/Market short short story contest (that is not a typo), and on Monday, February 2nd, I will enter one of my novels in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest.

3) Most of my friends live in my computer… or in my head (yes, the characters DO talk to me and I listen very carefully).

4) I am in love with Brandon Lee in Crow makeup. I am also in love with Trent Reznor, even though he’s waaaaay shorter than me. =p

5) I discovered this morning that a teacher I used to work with died today. He was a good man and an exceptional Special Ed teacher! RIP Jim Gillett.

6) I fear nothing…………………………….okay, that’s not true. I fear scorpions, but after having to research them for my latest novel, I’m not so fearful of them now. This, however, will not stop me from screaming to holy hell if I were to see one in my house.

7) I like to stare at the moon and the stars and ponder…… many things.

8) I like to question things……. constantly.

9) I was just told on Twitter that this is a quiz. WhereTF are the questions? Oh, there’s one. =p

10) I am probably not the best person to view a movie with, as I like to question things that are impossible (hint: it’s a sign of boredom when I’m questioning the impossible in Sci-Fi flicks). Also, I have a very LOUD cackle, not laugh, cackle, like the Wicked Witch of the West.

11) I want to live in Italy or Ireland.

12) I’m generally a very nice gal, until someone pushes me too far. Then I can become your worst enemy. Ask my sister-in-law. She found out the hard way.

13) I LOVE calamari!!! =D

14) I have two dogs (technically one now, since the fiance and I split), and I have owned two wolves. Majestic creatures.

15) I am a member of Defenders of Wildlife and BioGems.

16) You should really look at my websites. I have many. =)

17) I am hopelessly addicted to the internet and usually have 3 or 4 tabs open while writing because I like to chat. Right now, I have 5 tabs open.

18) I enjoy cooking and baking (if a story isn’t talking) and of course I’m awesome at it because I’m Italian! Just put a chicken in the oven.

19) I collect specific Todd McFarlane figures (e.g. Spawn, Twisted Fairy Tales, would like Twisted Land of Oz) and of course I have The Crow.

20) I also collect Hot Wheels/Matchbox Volkswagon Bugs/Bajas and anything regarding Lara Croft.

21) I only got 5 hours of sleep last night and I still went to the gym.

22) I have 48 Stephen King books and a ton of YA books.

23) I enjoy playing video games but don’t get to do so often enough.

24) I’ve owned several cats in my lifetime. The last one was hit by a car.

25) I used to own a 10 ft. Burmese Python. =)

God, I need to get out more. There are several flicks I’d like to see!!!

Coming soon: reviews on required reading. Oh YAY! I’ll try to keep it interesting, but Sarah Kemble Knight is a giant bore. *yawn* So was William Bradford. *double yawn* That one nearly put me to sleep. I won’t cover them. Did read something interesting today by Benjamin Franklin. Will have to post later. Hey, it’s American Literature. You gotta know this stuff!

I will also write up a review for The Iron Hunt, a novel by Marjorie M. Liu.

Currently reading Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison. Love it so far!

Reader Question: What movies do I NEED to see?

This is hilarious!

Zombie signs 1

Zombie signs 2

I wanna do that!!! =p

2 hours + (30 pages on CareerBuilder.com @ approximately 20 jobs per page = 600 jobs skimmed through/looked at/etc.) and it gives a whopping total of 2 possibilities found

???

Something is very wrong with this equation.

A friend sent this to me in an email and I’m certain a good portion of you have read it, but for those who haven’t, here it is. I’m all about things that make me giggle and smile, especially these days, and this was too cute to pass up.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary.......

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity...
 
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They
dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or
some sort of dry nuggets.
 
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I
nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
 
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to
disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
 
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I
had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending
comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.
 
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed
in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could
hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was
due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to
use it to my advantage.
 
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this
again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
 
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems
to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
 
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the
guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors
have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is
safe. For now ... 

Pardon the randomness of this post, but I need to get this out… or something. I’ll probably delete it later.

I’m single… again. Seven years… gone… just like that. *snaps fingers* Wow. I was engaged for the last few years, but we had a talk 26 hours ago and decided this was the best thing to do before we kill one another, or before we hate each other. I rather think the hatred would come before the killing.

At least he’s not leaving me high and dry like I was afraid he would (not that he’s ever been that kind of person, mind you; it’s just my overactive imagination), and he’s giving his support while I get back on my feet and get my head together and my health as close to 100% as I can. We practically were married, with a house and cars and everything but children, unless you count the dogs. Had a foster daughter for 2 years, but she moved out last September. He says he doesn’t want anything. I just want to try to keep the house–or for one of us to keep the house. Aside from that, I don’t know where I’m going to put everything. Do you have any idea how much stuff I have??? My house is not small.

He’s a good man, and a good friend. We love each other, but our goals are different now and they’re splitting us apart.

I hate it when my gut tries to tell me something and I don’t listen.

I’ll be 40 in June, too. Damn.

The dating world has changed completely, as this was discussed with my friend The Schoolteacher around 5 AM yesterday. I wouldn’t even know what to do now. Not that I’m even ready for that yet. It’ll be a while. I think I should probably stop crying first, don’t you? Yeah, that might be a good idea.

Now you may understand some of what I said in the Hope post. It wasn’t all about the need to write.

I am an introvert. I like the hidden worlds I create and spend a good portion of my time in them, with exception to an actual job–if I can find one again. I live in two different worlds most of the time–the real world and my imagination. But I suppose I’m repeating myself there.

If only I could find a man like the characters I create, but unfortunately they don’t exist, even with their flaws. I can handle flaws. I just need someone to accept the fact that I am first and foremost and always will be a writer. I think only an artistic mind will understand that. Maybe. I don’t know.

So, let’s see if I can fall asleep without crying this morning, and then we’ll start a new day when I wake up this afternoon.

This is a post from my other blog that I thought I’d put here, since this is a book and film review blog. =)

Reviews will be given “Jinxes” in order of the following:

0 Jinxes = 5 stars (i.e. the film was outstanding and you really should see it)

1 Jinx = 4 stars (i.e. great flick)

2 Jinxes = 3 stars (i.e. it’s good, not great)

3 Jinxes = 2 stars (i.e. eh *shrugs*)

4 Jinxes = 1 star (i.e. if in theatres, wait for DVD or cable)

5 Jinxes = 0 stars (i.e. not worth seeing, period)

On DVD:

Smoke Signals

A delightful Native American film written by Sherman Alexie (a wonderful author) about a young man, Victor, and his unlikely companion, Thomas, who travel to Arizona to take care of Victor’s father’s “estate” when he dies; a father he hasn’t seen or had contact with since his childhood. The story is a wonderful quest for Victor and Thomas, who each discover who they are along the way and become true friends. Michelle St. John, of the film Where the Spirit Lives, which I highly recommend, has a minor role in the film as well. The film is witty, moving, and may leave you in tears as you travel with Victor and Thomas, but in the end, it will leave a smile on your face.

The kids I worked with didn’t think I’d “get” the humor in this film because I’m not Native American. Well, I’ve experienced enough of the “rez” to understand the humor; however, you don’t need to be Native American to “get” it. Although, I must tell you that this film does not accurately represent the rez I have come to know. It’s a bit on the lighter side.

0 Jinxes

Walk the Line

I had been dying to see this film for the longest damn time and just couldn’t ever fit it into my schedule. I’m glad I finally did because this film is an awesome tale of singer Johnny Cash. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic! The entire cast is fantastic! I most especially laughed when one of the other band guys offered Johnny some pills for the first time with the line “Elvis is doing it” because my thought on that was “Well, if Elvis is doing it, hell, everybody should do it” in my normal sarcastic twang. And in the back of my mind, the memories of when they found Elvis dead played out on the little B&W television we used to have. But still… Awesome film! A must see.

0 Jinxes

In theatre:

Mamma Mia!

Can you say ABBA? No, it’s not the beginning letters to a magical word. Besides, that would be ABRA… Anyhoo…

Great film. LOVED it! Definitely a chick flick. I would not dare force my husband to sit through this one. I think he’d fall asleep. He was a small child during the time of ABBA anyway and wouldn’t appreciate the music, to which I am embarrassed to admit I know quite well. Late elementary and junior high school for me. The cast did a wonderful job with the songs, it was extremely funny, to the point that I was in tears from laughing so hard, and the story was good as well. I was a little put off by Pierce Brosnan singing, and thought “he really shouldn’t be singing” the first time I heard his singing voice, but all in all, he didn’t do too bad.

One out of three teenagers with me enjoyed the film. It just wasn’t the right cup of tea for the others, but hey, they were given a choice and they said they didn’t care. Bet they learned their lesson there, huh? =p

0 Jinxes

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

Mulder and Scully return to the odd world of the x-files in this dark, strange, weird, but perfectly normal for them film. Duchovney’s humor was spot on normal for Mulder, and Anderson reprised her role as the skeptical Scully. Great film, and with a smaller budget than the last film. I believe only $29 million was spent on this one. There are no displays of grandiose special effects, but they weren’t really needed. The film is dark, reminding me of the TV show, which is good. X-Files fans will appreciate it. Amanda Pete is in the film, and we do get a glimpse of one of the characters from the show, but I won’t tell you who. I’ll just leave it at “YAY!” and no, it’s not CSM (if you don’t know that acronym, you’re not a fan).

0 Jinxes

The Dark Knight

In all honesty, there is nothing bad to say about this film. It is darkly rich with action and suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat awaiting the next event. Heath Ledger’s role as the Joker–there aren’t enough words to describe this–was amazing, brilliant, captivating, and even stumbled Michael Caine on his lines (though we don’t see that in the film). His death is a devastating loss to the film industry and fans, and throughout the film, with every Joker scene, I kept dwelling on that because this is quite possibly the best role I have ever seen him play. He was frighteningly realistic with his portrayal of the Joker and it very much so kind of creeped me out. And then we move on to Harvey Dent, played by Aaron Eckhart (whose last name amuses me–wasn’t there a character named Eckhart in the first Batman film with Jack Nicholson?) whose line “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain” was a wonderful precursor for fans who know the Batman storyline. I had to explain it to my husband because he didn’t understand why I was so excited about hearing that when viewing the trailer. And WOW, the make-up on that one! Rachel Dawes… ok, I wasn’t so thrilled with Katie Holmes playing this character in the first film, mostly because I’m just not a fan of hers, and with Maggie Gyllenhaal taking over the role, at first I wasn’t thrilled, but she did very well. In some scenes, she looks much older than I think she actually is, but then I noticed that she has this 30s or 40s-ish air about her, something along the lines of Betty Davis or the like. It gave the film a darker edge, I think.

So, I wonder who the next villain will be…

0 Jinxes

Journey to the Center of the Earth, in 3-D

It was cute, it was funny, it has Brenden Fraser in it, so who cares if it’s bad, right? It’s a good flick for kids, but it definitely must be seen in 3-D because I don’t think it would be as good without it. Not one of the better picks I’ve seen lately, but the kids enjoyed it and so did I on some level.

2 Jinxes

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Ok, now we have Brenden Fraser and Jet Li, two actors I love to watch. And it’s a Mummy film. Who could ask for more, right? It’s good, not great. The film is definitely filled with action (of course) and humor (of course) and a love story of sorts (of course). The CGI is a little better than the first film. There’s a good storyline to it, and it’s nice to see Evie (now played by someone who is NOT Rachel Weiss) and O’Donnell at it again. And of course, the character of Jonathan always cracks me the hell up. Great sidekick. We all need a good sidekick, right?

3 Jinxes

And by now, you can probably tell I’m tired and this is one long damn post.

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army

One word: AWESOME! Loved it! So glad the director of Pan’s Labyrinth did this one. The costumes and effects were wonderful. You must see it if you’re into comic book flicks. I almost think this one was better than the first. Gasps! I know!

Sorry, I have nothing else to say. Just watch it.

0 Jinxes

Tonight, I stepped out into my backyard and tilted my head back to view the sky. Scattered clouds hid what few stars I can normally see at this time of night, but I was able to glimpse one or two. There was no moon to look upon or shed light, and I closed my eyes, feeling the soft breeze flit strands of hair across my face… and I breathed in the night air until the worry was but a lingering shade. It is a concern that has plagued me these last few months, and I had hoped I would be in a better place by now, but alas, I must pass yet another test of will. That is difficult to accomplish when one holds my beliefs. When I look at the stars, I see the Universe, not the Heavens, though occasionally one might find me praying. It is a hard habit to break. I also see the characters of stories ages old in those stars.

A character sprung to life while the wind drifted through leaves of a nearby tree, but I held her back because it is not inspiration for a tale I seek this night, but for life. And funny it is that life is what inspires me to write. Every character, every facet of the story, is based on some true personal life aspect or pending possibility, and there is always an immeasurable number of those outcomes because that is what life is about—infinite possibilities.

At a time when my personal life hurtles toward the abysmal hell that has seized America, I sit here and ponder the countless solutions I know are out there but just out of my reach for one reason or another, and my claws grasp at the edge of that infernal well I have found myself in once before. It is not quite as dark as it once was and I will not allow myself to fall completely, but it holds an eerie comfort within which keeps me from crawling back out these days.

My now ex-significant other does not understand why I write, or why I spend so much time doing so. It is because an idle mind breeds those worries, and when I write, when I create, my mind races through other worlds. The worry comes in those moments when I am not in front of my laptop. Since I am not working at this time, I make every attempt to be in front of my computer, whether it entails a job hunt, a blog read, or writing, because I have learned throughout life that I must remain busy, lest my mind become troubled.

I am in the process of editing one book for a contest in which the deadline looms around the corner and I am but one-third of the way through the novel and cannot seem to move any further. At the same time, I have three others speaking to me and work on each one throughout the night when one has a moment of intermittent silence. Each novel is different in genre, so I have preternatural creatures running rampant through my mind along with the fantastical tales of heroes and heroines, and let us not forget the drink-slinging mafia princess.

These tales are where my comfort lies, in the darkness of night, in the wee hours while the rest of my time zone sleeps. They are what keep me from falling, from failure, from giving in to my darkest of moments, because they wish to exist.

I have often said this:

Slipping into that dream world is so easy to do, and so hard to break away from when the characters speak and the story wants to be written right now. I have told the story on several occasions to shut up, but there are times when I lie awake in bed at six in the morning with dialogue racing through my head for several hours. This is the very reason my schedule has altered into total nocturnal activity. I know if I get up to write down that phrase or conversation, or entire story, I will not return to bed because it will grow into four thousand words faster than one can blink. It has happened often over the last two months.

But there is hope.

As my characters evolve, so too have I, because they face obstacles that lie in their paths and I must find a way to get my characters around them, enabling me with solutions for my own. They are not always easy solutions. Some, I know, could break my heart (and it did), but I must endure.

I discovered today that I must kill a character I adore, and that is never an easy thing to do.

And I realized once again this evening while I sit outside and listen to the wind, look at the sky, and feel the earth beneath my feet, that life is full of infinite possibilities and that only I control my destiny.

I do not make it a habit of writing resolutions for each New Year, but I have made a decision to do so now.

My personal resolutions are these:

Every day I will write

Every day I will read… something

Every day I will do some form of activity to keep the aches at bay

Every day I will tackle a project outside of writing

Every day I will hold my head high and smile

Every day I will be thankful for what I do have

Every day I will hope

Added by a friend:

Every day I will believe

Updated 30 Jan 09 and 10 Jun 09

Perhaps, now that the Cardinals have made it to the SuperBowl. I’m shocked. How long has it been? 60 years? Wow. I remember when we first got the team. How long ago was that anyway? I think I was in my early twenties.

And our new African-American President will be inaugurated soon. Another wow. I’m still in a bit of shock over this one. Ah yes, the winds of change. Hey Obama, I need a j-o-b!

I had a brief conversation on Twitter with my cousin earlier this evening:

Me (from text): Hell has officially frozen over! burrrrrrrrrr

Her: The Cardinals are going to the Superbowl, and a Black Man is about to be President. The world is ending, isn’t it?

Me: It’s freakin’ cold here in Hell. *shivers*

Her: Yeah, I think I saw Judas and Lucifer ice skating down Mill Ave. WTF?

Me: What makes that even funnier is that I’m listening to Metallica’s “Creeping Death” right now! LMFAO!

Her: Jesse has been making this face –> 0_o <– for the last few hours. The Cardinals won? Seriously?

The end of the world? No, just the end of an era. I hope that it brings good things.

Metallica’s Creeping Death Lyrics:
Slaves
Hebrews born to serve, to the pharaoh
Heed
To his every word, live in fear
Faith
Of the unknown one, the deliverer
Wait
Something must be done, four hundred years

So let it be written, so let it be done
I’m sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written, so let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh son
I’m creeping death

Now
Let my people go, land of Goshen
Go
I will be with thee, bush of fire
Blood
Running red and strong down the Nile
Plague
Darkness three days long, hail to fire

So let it be written, so let it be done
I’m sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written, so let it be done
To kill the first-born pharaoh son
I’m creeping death

Die by my hand
I creep across the land
Killing first-born man

Die by my hand
I creep across the land
Killing first-born man

I
Rule the midnight air, the destroyer
Born
I shall soon be there, deadly mass
I
Creep the steps and floor, final darkness
Blood
Lamb’s blood, painted doors, I shall pass

So let it be written, so let it be done
I’m sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written, so let it be done
To kill the first-born pharaoh son
I’m creeping death

Mike Geffner is a Writer/Journalist/Columnist who has won many awards and written for multiple magazines. He’s had success and wants to share his knowledge, so check out his blog here. He also has a Writer’s Helping Writers group on Facebook, and a Writing Workshop on Yahoo.

Specifically, you might want to check out his 10 Commandments to Writing Success, especially if you’re an aspiring author/writer. Good advice in there!