free write

Today during my American Lit class we were talking about "local color" in literature and how some stories can only happen in certain places at certain times. This is what came out of my ten minute free write. It's rough, but it's a start and I'd like to someday expand it.

Balmy summer nights begin with pizza and friends on the tailgate of a rusty blue Ford next to a small khaki Chevy four-door with blankets strewn between. Frisbees fly on children's laughter as small orbs of light float, eluding capture as the picture projects on a screen in the sky. Semi's add their sound effects to the latest action flick. I giggle with friends curled up and we wonder about those caught in an embrace behind the white brick snack shed, shadows cast on their face from the moon and from flickering farm lights. The same kind found on every rural property from the Mississippi to the Missouri along highway 30 or I-30 or highway 20, but what teenagers here have on hot summer nights in not-so-secret kisses in front of an outdoor picture show. The glow of cell phones are new to a nostalgic call back to the classic cars and soda fountain that once graced these small knolls. Instead of Nixon and Vietnam, we rode through summer on Bush-isms and Iraq waiting to turn 18. Instead of the Beatles and flower power, there was Green Day and the fervent need to leave this small town behind.

That's it for now. Tell me what you think!

Back in School (and some rambling)

So classes have officially started for the spring semester at GVU. I am taking 15 credits and have a crazy hectic schedule. Until March 5, I will be gone for 12-15 hours a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One of the worst things about this time of year is the cold. Currently, I'm sitting in a work room for education students and freezing my you-know-what off. It's about 10F outside and they haven't adjusted the heat indoors to make up for it. There seems to be no middle ground. It's either too cold or too warm inside. My hands are cold as I type this. I'm restless in this nearly 5 hour break even though I have plenty to do. It would appear that I just can't sit still these days. Maybe I'll take a quick walk around the building and see how I feel then.

I realize this blog is about nothing in particular except to say I'm back in school and taking classes and enjoying most of them so far. Some of them seem like they'll be full of busy work or worthless memorization (Developmental Psych), but I might be surprised. My favorite classes by far as my Survey of American Lit II (1865-present) and Women's Lit. My two education classes aren't really doing much exciting. Have I mentioned how much I hate busy work? Oh, I haven't? Well, I do. And so far in one that seems to be what we're doing. But I guess it's easy and sorta fun. And has a point. So it's not really busy work. I just... don't know why it's a 3 hour class. I've taken plenty of diversity classes already. Why do I need another one?

Anyway, Dad had his 3rd cath lab since last February last Thursday. He had one stint put in. The good news is his cholesterol is under control along with his blood pressure. The bad news is, the doctor said genetics are the big factor in why they keep finding blockage. They will most likely have to put in a few stints a year for the rest of Dad's life. That's not great news, but it could be worse. There is a fix for this.

Additionally, the health care repeal has me nervous. If it gets repealed, I would lose my heath care insurance, be unable to take care of somethings I need to (like go to the dentist). I should probably make sure I go as soon as I can so that I can at least get one cleaning before it could possibly be taken away. It's all so frustrating.

Well, there you have it. Some random tidbits from my life. By the way, are you following my friends and me over at Twitter to Get Fitter? It's an awesome group blog with everyone offering their own perspective with their own goals, their own life stage, and their own insight. Make sure you check it out!

Who me? Irresistibly sweet?

So today was overall a pretty great day. I was lazy with Will who got a day off mid-week. We were bums in pajamas all afternoon, took a shower, and went out for Chinese food. Then we stopped and rented a few videos to watch. After that, he went to the gym for an hour so I decided to hop online and see what all my friends are doing and I got praised in an inexplicably amazing way! That's right! Scarlett over at Confessions of a Shieldmaiden gave *me* The Irresistibly Sweet Award along with some amazing praise about my writing, my blog, and me!

However, in order to accept this award (and accept the fact that I really am irresistibly sweet) I must first share FIVE guilty pleasures with you. Piece of cake! (Ha! Get it? ..... Seriously, you can tell me to get a life any time.)

1. Online role play games- I currently play in more than I care to admit and have in the last month finally branched out into universes past Twilight. I am also beyond the Twitterverse. I am on forum boards and doing actual writing within a Harry Potter universe. It is so amazing. I'm also starting on a new site in a completely original universe. It so relaxing. I get to plot, I get to write, I get to scheme. It's a dream come true.
2. Facebook/Twitter/AIM/Blogger- I spend more time than I care to admit on Twitter, Facebook, AIM and other places chatting with online friends and real life friends. I just love to talk. I love being social. I feel like social networking was made JUST for people like me. I am addicted. Yes, addicted. But it's entertainment and it's free. What more could you ask for?
3. Wine and chocolate- I love a glass of wine or a (tiny) piece of chocolate at night while I'm Facebooking/Twittering/IMing/Blogging or RPing. Wine, chocolate and I.N.G.ing. It's the best.
4. Snuggling- So there is nothing better than snuggling with my hubby under our big feather comforter or just smooshed together on the couch. If the 60 lb. dog jumps up on top of us (him) it makes it all the better especially is I'm also getting my back scratched. Human touch and animal companionship help make anyone happy. Seriously. They do research on this stuff.
5. Shoes- I love shopping for shoes, trying on shoes, looking at shoes online.... looking at other people's shoes. The same goes for handbags and jewelry. And if it looks vintage? Bonus points!

So, now comes the part where I get to recognize three bloggers who I think are irresistibly sweet! So, here goes!

• Erin and Erica over at domestic daredevils- WOW! What creative cooks! I get inspired to make delicious dinners for my hubby here! I don't always use their recipes, but seeing someone else do it makes me want to do it! I'm neither a domestic or a daredevil, but maybe with their help I could come a tiny bit of each.
• Niche White's Bridal Loft- I wish I would have seen her site BEFORE I got married. She has so many pretties on her site that are great to look at. Even if you've already gotten married or aren't anytime in the near future, who doesn't like looking at pretties? She's also super friendly and interacts with her followers on Twitter and within her blog! She even remembers who I am! :-D
• Lele and Belinda of The Seam Rippers- Lele is an amazing new mother and together with her mother they share all of their wonderful crafty projects. My! Do I wish I were that talented! Belinda also leaves the sweetest little comments on my blog! They are the nicest women and even if I don't know them in real life, I know they would do anything for their family, friends, and loved ones. Amazing!

Did anyone else notice a thread in those blogs? All the owners have skill and are creative! I love filling my days with the pretty or tasty things they share! Thanks, ladies! <3