Morning After The First Snow

Hello Universe!

I bet you've been wondering where I've been these past few months. No? Well, I've certainly been wondering where I have been. Life has been pretty good lately, so I can't complain but in general I've felt rather lost. Work has changed rather drastically since the summer, with changes in hours, duties, and the people I work with day-to-day. There are aspects that are frustrating as hell, but other aspects that are a great improvement. I'm torn as to what sort of direction I want to go with my life (in terms of career and education) and right now I feel like I've reached an impasse. I have no idea where I want to go and what I want to do.


September was a fairly quiet month (besides work related chaos). Josh and I went to the Zoo one fall afternoon with some friends and we had a nice time wandering around. It's a little bit sad that the Zoo hasn't changed much at all since I worked there. It's also horrifying to think that I started working at the Zoo over a decade ago now. Holy shit! My summer job at the Zoo was my first real job and while it was certainly a good summer job (who can complain about being outside all day during the summer?), I definitely would not want to go back to that. I've certainly come a long way in ten years.


Last month was my 26th birthday. (Happy belated birthday to me!). I mostly took it easy and didn't worry about it to much. I had some friends over and took it easy. Josh and Michelle piled my desk with tonnes of t-shirts, books and candy for my birthday which was totally awesome. They were more anxious to have me unwrap my gifts then I was (so much so that they had me open them a day early!). I also went out to dinner with co-workers to celebrate the birthdays of three of us (all born within 3 weeks of each other). Overall I had a great time and was certainly glad for something a little low key.

My parent's gift for my birthday was getting Josh and I tickets for Mamma Mio! which is currently playing at Celebrations. We sort of picked what day to go at the last minute but we went and had a great time. The last show we had gone to was almost a year ago (for Josh's birthday) and we were pleasantly surprised to recognize a few of the cast from that last performance. We both got pulled up on stage to dance at one point to some great ABBA music and overall had an awesome time. :-)

Halloween this year was a lot of fun. Last year Josh and I didn't really get into the Halloween spirit and we only ended up having four kids come to our door. This year with both Michelle and Josh around the enthusiasm was much greater. We went all out, and I mean ALL out. Josh and I decorated the front steps, we packed goodie bags (including ones that were peanut free) and Josh carved some amazing pumpkins. I tried to help with the pumpkin carving, but I was so exhausted (and creeped out by the texture) that I was pretty much useless. We had two pumpkins out front, Boo from Super Mario Bros, and an awesome looking dragon. I wore my new Boo shirt that I got from Teefury.com and we were set!

Matt came over, we tossed in The Nightmare Before Christmas (Josh's favourite) and awaited the arrival of the cute children. The weather was perfect considering we live in Winnipeg, and we got a fair number of children (approx 40). Michelle even jumped out at one girl and made her scream! :D We got a lot of great ideas of what we can do next year and I'm already looking forward to next Halloween!

You can check out a bunch of the Halloween photos Here.

After the high from Halloween was over and I got passed the massive sugar rush, Josh and I tried to sit down and once again do NaNoWriMo. For the past few years I've been trying to match and surpass the success of my first attempt and so far I'm failing miserably. I have a lot of great ideas, but as soon as I sit down to type my brain shuts down. I have ideas and know what I want to write, but the grand descriptions and my excessive usage of various forms of "darkness" just isn't coming to me. I'm not sure if it's a side effect of work related stress, a variety of other distractions (Heroes, Bones, Warcraft) or if I'm just completely out of practice. Whatever it is, it's frustrating as hell! I know that it'll come to me eventually, but I'm resigning myself to the fact that I'm not going to reach my goal of fifty-thousand words by the end of our month. I'm glad Josh has tried to push me to write again though and that he's offered to write with me in order to encourage me. I think I just need to lock myself into a room in the basement, disconnect the internet and tune out the world for a month or two...maybe then I'll be able to write more than a page. Maybe?

In other news, Cataclysm is released in sixteen (16!) days and I can't tell you how excited I am. I've been on a sort of WoW fast for a few weeks now and it's almost time to get back into it. I'll freely admit that I've been addicted to just about every one of Blizzard's games, and I expect that this one won't be any different. All of the new content looks like it's going to kick ass, and keep me bound to my computer for the new few months. (I promise to continue trying to write during that time, I really do. Promise.) At this point I am still torn as to whether I want to pre-order and wait in line at midnight, buy a copy the next morning or just give in a get the digital copy so I can start playing right at midnight. I guess the real question is, how hardcore am I? Votes?

Snow started falling this week in Winnipeg. We were lucky that we had a relatively extended fall this year. Typically our spring and fall are extremely truncated which leaves us with only two significant seasons (awesome and frozen wasteland). So far it hasn't been too horrific, but it's almost time to go and shovel the driveway (for the 3rd time!!!!). We had a brief reprise last night and I took the opportunity to go out with some co-workers and do some karaoke.

I'm by default not naturally inclined towards karaoke and as such was initially hesitant about going. By the end of the night however I had loosened up a fair bit and sang a bunch of duets with Christine: Bust A Move (Young MC), Baby One More Time (Britney), I Love Rock'n'Roll (Joan Jett), All That She Wants (Ace of Base) to name a few. I totally butchered Bust A Move and probably got less then a third of the worlds...and I think Simon got video of that...

A bunch of my co-workers really impressed me. Maridel and Marielle both have really amazing voices (though Maridel couldn't focus on a song long enough to finish it). Marielle stuck to ballads, which were all very impressive. Simon is apparently very southern when he rocks out and does his country music. It was weird hearing him sing instead of mumble softly. Impressive, but still a little weird. Dana had a very soothing voice and was totally not what I was expecting. It'll probably be a few more years before I do karaoke again, but I can admit that I had a blast. :-)

I'm going to end my rambling now and leave you with the video for a song I'm completely addicted to right now. I totally blame Josh, but it's really just because I <3 Katy Perry. :)




Hubble Image Credit: NASA
Cataclysm Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

I Fight Dragons

Hello Universe!

Not a great deal to report today, just another day filled with another migraine. Headaches aside my health has been pretty decent lately. I'm trying to get myself back into shape so I started working out again. I've discovered there are muscles that can hurt even if you don't know they exist. Getting out of bed this morning was a little difficult as a result.

I've been expanding my music library over the past few weeks in an attempt to fill my iPod and new iPhone with as much music as possible. Sadly my CD drive in my computer has decided that it will not cooperate and won't rip any of my old CDs so lately I've had to rely on iTunes (and The Sixty-One) to fill my musical needs. I recently downloaded a few soundtracks (Star Trek, Alice In Wonderland), some Beethoven music, and most importantly the playlist of I Fight Dragons.

I Fight Dragons is a video-game inspired rock band. I absolutely love their music and I've attached the YouTube video for Overture below. Visually it's not the most impressive...but it's an awesome song none the less. I demand you check it out right now! (Aren't I so bossy?)

Now that you're in love with them, spread the word! (Speaking of music...did you know Billie Piper had a singing career before Doctor Who?! WTF?)

Alright, on to more important business. I'm going to try blogging more frequently in my attempt to start writing regularly again. In order to promoting my blogging efforts I'm going to need a name for this pretty little weblog of mine (legantral's Weblog just doesn't do it for me).

So...suggestions?

The (Un)Importance of Formatting

Language is fluid, constantly changing and evolving...and as such, so does the written word.

Looking back, I don't know that I've used proper MLA formatting since I was in University, and even then it's not like I had a mass of papers to write each term. My novel uses proper formatting...but now any use of indents and notations have been all but lost.

Do they even teach letter writing in school now? So much of our correspondence now is done via e-mail; or worse, in texts and short form on sites like Twitter.

The way we as a society use language to communicating with each other is changing - but I'm not entirely positive that it is a change for the better. We tend to go for the quick option (like dropping the letter U from Colour) and laziness should never be encouraged. My writing style has never been perfect and my vocabulary is not nearly as vast as others around me, but I can at least claim to know how to write a proper sentence. Will future generations only communicate ideas in 140 characters?

Hospital and Other Adventures

Theme Song: "Only The Beginning of the Adventure" - Chronicles of Narnia Soundtrack
Life Outlook: Positive
Current Weather: 12 °C, Slightly Cloudy

It's been over a week since my last update, forshame.

Most of last week was spent worrying about and recovering from my trip to the hospital. After all of the delays and rescheduling there was a cancellation and I was able to get in to have some tests done. I had to take some medication leading up to it...and do tonnes of fasting, and then afterwards my stomach was a mess for a few days. All in all, it wasn't enjoyable - I just hope that they found something. I won't know results until mid-June. I hate waiting, but at least it's done with now.

Josh and my family were with me at the hospital, which I am very grateful for. Needles wig me out big time, and even though they couldn't be with me while I was getting the IV done or even during the tests, I was just glad knowing that I had people there to support me. Even if they were just stuck in the waiting room for 4 hours. Thank you! :D

I haven't put much time into WoW, or Writing, or anything else lately. On the plus side, without some of those distractions I've been brainstorming a lot more lately. With any luck I'll get some positive results from that. Now, however, I just need to find an artist to help me make my ideas into a reality.

My new job starts this week, which is something to look forward to. It's bound to be a steep learning curve, but I'm excited for it. I enjoy learning new things and tackling new challenges...and I'm sure that my brain could use a little more stimulation then DVDs and WoW have provided me as of late. Wish me luck!

Impossible Life

Theme Song: "Beating My Heart" - Jon McLaughlin
Life Outlook: Grumpy Gus
Current Weather: 10°C, Slightly Cloudy

Michelle recently bought a t-shirt that I absolutely adore entitled Impossible Love. The shirt features a cartoon porcupine who is clearly enamored with a very terrified looking pink balloon. I love the shirt, and thinking about it brought a smile to my face - something I certainly needed today.

Life lately has just seemed to be one series of problems after another. With each issue that arises I have been able to, in time and with a great deal of help, been able to come up with a solution. However for every disaster solved, another seems to take its place. This seems to be my life lately. It's as though I came to a fork in the road, but instead of turning left or right - I chose the unbeaten path filled with sinkholes and poison oak. However, despite all the recent chaos and stress I've been doing my best to keep trying to improve my life and not let it get me down.

One of the things I've been toying with to keep from getting into a rather nasty funk is writing. Whether it be this blog, or playing around with other ideas, I've been trying to keep my brain active and occupied. I've been thinking about trying out the idea of a webcomic again. My novel attempts as of late have been marvelous disasters, so it is my hope that a change of pace and outlet might just be what my creatively starved mind needs. If anyone knows an artist who might want to collaborate with me, toss me a message on Facebook or YouTube.

I leave you tonight with an explanation as to my song of choice for the evening. I've been a fan of Jon McLauglin since I first heard him sing in Enchanted, and I've recently been watching his video "Beating My Heart" on YouTube (yes - it is becoming apparent that I am quite attached to YouTube these days). I haven't put my finger onto why I enjoy the song so much...perhaps it's the catchy melody, Jon's wonderful voice...or just the fact that he's damn hot. Whatever the reason, I hope you enjoy!

Happy weekend everyone!

Book Covers

Theme Song: "Hide & Seek" - Namie Amuro
Life Outlook: Up and Down
Current Weather: 10°C, Clear

Another person has been awarded their 15 minutes of fame - and in this instance that fame is well deserved.

Sites like YouTube, Facebook and even the news are abuzz about a recent performance on Britains Got Talent. A rather unimpressive woman named Susan Boyle wowed the judges and the crowd with her performance of "I Dreamed a Dream" from one of my favorite musicals, Les Miserables. At forty-seven, everyone (myself included) didn't believe that Susan would put on a good show, but she definitely blew everyone away. By the end of the video I saw on YouTube I had goosebumps on my arms. Wow.

Definitely a reminder not to judge a book by its cover.

This brings me back to an earlier topic about what makes one successful? For Susan, she said one of her dreams was to perform in front of a huge audience - she did, and she kicked ass. She had a goal and she went for it and not only attained that goal but blew it out of the water. Maybe dreams really do come true...

Who knows I suppose?

For now I shall continue to reach for my goal of becoming a professional writer. That goal will, of course, be long term...but it shall remain there until I succeed, just like Susan Doyle. Hopefully when my fifteen minutes come around, I will be judged for more than just my cover.

Make Me An Offer

Hello everyone!

In order to stimulate the writing process Josh and I are going to be running a little challenge for me. I will be working on a new writing project, with a deadline and a reward at the end, if all conditions are met. The following rules are in place:

1. The greater of 250,000 Words or 100 Pages.
2. All new original writing, not re-worked previous writing.
3. Deadline: March 3rd, 2009, 11:59PM.
4. Properly edited (correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc).
5. Writing can be out of sequence (chronology) depending on flow of writing.

Those are the rules. I will do my best to keep a daily (or at least weekly) word count throughout the process. Let me know what you think! Do you have a reward to offer if I can complete this challenge?

WoW & The Creative Process

Theme Song: "Hot N Cold" - Katy Perry
Life Outlook: Pained
Current Weather: -24°C, Clear

I sit here afflicted by a killer headache, and despite that I have chosen now as a time for me to write. "Write what?" you ask. Heck if I know. As mentioned in my previous blog I've been sick as of late, and I find being ill seems to kill the creative process. Sometimes I miss the cult - at least then I was forced to write on a regular basis...even if it was a little over the top sometimes. Or maybe I should just embrace the "over-the-top" nature of my writing, and not try to force something else that clearly isn't getting any results.

My mind continually drifts back towards my story concept for Angela - and I wish that I could complete that project...but every time I try, I seem to slam face first into an immovable brick wall. My brain shuts down and I seem to find myself drawn to Solitaire. I know, bad me. Procrastination can be killer. Lately I've tried to allow my brain to wander aimlessly and follow where it leads be and I've been drawn somewhat towards the Aeternus storylines I worked on so many years ago. Maybe if I could find an artist I could develop those ideas even more. Any takers?

On another note, my WoW addiction has returned with full force. I blame this on three factors:

1. Josh allowed me to play on his account this week and I made a Hunter and got to level 14 in a few hours of play. Damn those OP Huntards.
2. I've been on YouTube lately and found the eccentric and humorous ramblings of a Girl Gamer. One of her WoW related vlogs can be found here.
3. Being sick, I've found myself not as busy as I have been while I was working...which before meant lots of time to lvl my Shaman. I miss having time to play. :-(

For now, I think I'm going to head off and try to write a little bit. My headache is clearing up somewhat and I'm hoping that inspiration will strike! I wonder if inspiration works like lightning and I need to hold an umbrella for it to hit me. Hmmmm. Something to ponder.

Wish me luck writing and searching for an artist! :-)

I Do Believe...

Theme Song: "Peter Pan" - Movie Soundtrack
Life Outlook: Weird
Current Weather: -36°C, Clear


Every great story begins with two very basic and contrasting elements: the protagonist...and the villain.

...and the thing to know about villains is that they are often times incapable of completing their goal of undermining the hero without assistance. This can come in many forms, whether it be an ally, a dastardly plot...or more often then not, it can be found in a singularly important and powerful object.

Just like our various villains, their dark tools can come in many different forms. Whether it's the witch's poisoned apple, the hook of an evil pirate or the degenerative effects of Alzheimer's...all great villains seek to destroy their counterparts. And in turn our heroes battle, leading themselves and their companions towards some intangible goal.

I have searched long and hard over the past several weeks. My goal: to uncover my perfect villain.

I don't know how to describe him just yet. He may even end up being female. My first attempt at a novel villain failed greatly, and now I seek to improve upon her. The darkness necessary to bring the perfect foe into existence lies within my soul. It will take time, but eventually I shall tap into that part of my mind.

Then the challenge becomes translating that onto paper. My tool shall be my computer and the words used to give my counter-parts their lives. Only with a proper villain shall my protagonist be truly be able to shape. Without opposing forces balance can not be attained.

So for now I search for inspiration. Fairies, Muses, Angels. Ideas are whispered into my head, the voices of characters yearning to take form on the page. Music fills my head as I close my eyes and wait for the answers to come. What form shall my villain take? Animal, Vegetable or Mineral? Only time shall tell...and until then I shall dance, write and dream...

"I do believe in fairies. I do. I do."

Double Dog Dare

"The true art of memory is the art of attention." - Samuel Johnson

This story isn't a hollywood big budget production. There are no perfect families or angsty teens with money and fancy parties. It doesn't really fit the role of comedy and will never win awards as the next big sci-fi thriller. It's my story. It's a pretty ordinary tale, and for that I am truly sorry. That is the only truly genuine apology you should expect from me during this tale, so savour it while you can.

Before we begin, I should lay down the foundation of what you're about to learn:

1. I was born into a normal family, with loving parents.
2. I came out at the age of sixteen.
3. I work for a bank, but my passion isn't numbers or money; it's in words.
4. I typically vote Liberal.
5. I come from a military family - we've all been involved in some small part.
6. I have few hobbies: writing, dancing, movies.
7. I can be considered obsessive, I see it as being organized.
8. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba...at least, during this chapter of our unremarkable tale.
9. I am twenty-two years old.
10. ...

Got all of that? Good. Let's begin...

It would be easy for me to begin this little tale of mis begotten drama, somewhere during the nine months while my mother cared for me in her womb, or perhaps in the delivery room. After all, that's where most stories begin, is it not? I suppose if you want to be litteral that might be the case. To hell with the human gestation period...lets fast forward a few years...

This is the beginning of my newest project. I don't know what medium it will take form in, but its been something brewing in my mind over the last several weeks. Before you ask, no this is not a life story or some biography. For the sake of practicality I used the intro with several personal details, however as the character grows those details will be supplanted with pieces of information more relevant to the story itself. Plus, what do you think I am...some sort of egomaniac? Who would really want to read a life story about me? I certainly wouldn't pick up a copy...

That brings the number of working projects to four. This story, the sequel to my first Elizabeth novel, the story of Aeris Raine and my angel screenplay. We'll see which one gets completed first.

Anyone wanna make any bets on either of these upcoming challenges? Make me a deal...I dare you...

Life Is A Train

Theme Song: "Life is a Train" - Maren Ord
Life Outlook: Positive
Current Weather: -28°C, Clear

"Life is train, filled with pleasure, filled with pain.
Hey conductor, take me away.
Life is a train, I think I'll take this ride away.
Hey conductor, take me away."

Those are the lyrics of my favourite songs by Maren Ord. As simplistic as they may seem, the song resonates true whenever I hear it. One day I might be stressing over the foils in this world - the next I might be floating up amongst the clouds...filled with inexplainable joy.

I can't say I'm up on cloud nine...but life is looking pretty good right about now. Joshua recently celebrated his birthday, things are falling into place at work...and when I least expected it, happiness found me.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still remaining practical. Around the next corner I could hurt myself, or have a terrible day at work...or suffer a weeks worth of migraines. But overall, life is looking pretty good. I can honestly say that makes me smile, and that's something I haven't really been doing for a while now. Just because life is good though, that doesn't mean I won't have goals for the New Year:

1. Work Out & Stay Healthy
2. Finish A Rough Draft (Manuscript)
3. Edit My Novel
4. Finish My Second Novel
5. Improve My Apartment
6. Gain My Mutual Funds License
7. Invest More & Stay On Budget

Lofty goals it may seem. Sure they won't all work out...but at least I have something akin to a plan. A lot has changed in the past year, and I have no intentions of losing that momentum...

Now if only it would damn well warm up, life would be just about near perfect. Windchill sucks.

I was going to leave you all with a preview of my most recent project (the manuscript), however it's getting late and I need to re-read what I've written. Wouldn't want to be a disappointment. :-) So for tonight I shall leave you with this thought:

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on." - Robert Frost

Not So Amazing Update

I've sort of fallen behind on my writing this week...so to make up for it I intend to do an amazing blog update.

The weather today is amazing for November, and I'm absolutely loving it. If only it would last. I'm not looking forward to the endless and snowy depths of winter. This season is definitely not for me.

I have to head to work shortly. 2:53PM, that gives me seven minutes before I have to get ready and head out the door. I love living so close to work. Training for the new job is going really well, and I'm loving everyone I'm working with. Even the one or two people who rubbed me the wrong way at first are starting to grow on me. I think this'll be a great opportunity for me and I'm looking foward to seeing where it'll take me. Now if only I could get my ass in gear and get my word count up...

Changing gears; I've discovered a musician from the United Kingdom lately - Alice Shaw. I realize love the music of hers that I've heard so far. You can find her on myspace (Alice Shaw). I've been listening to her music extensively over the last few days...might have to search for a CD one of these days.

I leave you today with a passage from my most recent work...(unedited)...

Life's a bitch, and then you die.

Well, that's what people say at least. The world is a harsh, terrible place; sometimes you don't realize how horrible things are outside of your own home, but despite your naiveté, problems exist in this world. People kill each other for the smallest of reasons, governments oppress entire cultures and beliefs develop around concepts of hate and fear. The Egyptians hated those of Jewish faith, wars have been fought in the name of freedom and children across the world have become victims of rampant disease.

In our generation the newest fear is genetic mutation. Our species has reached a point of heightened evolution, causing individuals across the globe to develop unusual skills. These individuals are known as meta-humans...or mutants. Freaks, monsters. Heroes, villains. Mutants are feared and hated by our society, and just like countless other cultures before them they face persecution for being different. Soon a time will come where we are forced to live in peace, or face the call of war.

But I must apologize, I'm a terrible narrator...I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Elizabeth Raine....

Remember, Remember

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November,
The Gunpowder, Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot.

Bought and watched V For Vendetta today, how can you tell? Writing is going slowly - didn't do nearly as much this weekend as I should have. Sitting at 2451 words, when I should be closer to 5,000. Hoping to do a push tonight to get me closer to that 5,000 word goal.

Nothing else is new. Job is going well, apatment is a bit of a mess...working on the novel. That's about it for now...

Remember the 5th of November...

Sixty-One In Sixty-One

Special Agent Elizabeth Raine makes her return...

On November 1st I began work on my second novel using the working title "The Origin of Aeris." While Agent Raine and her partner are investigating a string of murders along the west coast they become involved with a rather unusual, exceptionally gifted young woman named Aeris.

Tiger has come out hiding! (Don't know what that means? Check Here)

I've given myself 61 days to complete 61,000 words. While the overall goal is higher then last year's target, I've allotted more time to the project. I don't just intend to surpass my word count from 2005, but I also intend to improve the quality of my writing. Last years story was left with a lot of holes and got off track easily. I plan to improve upon my previous flaws.

Today's Word Count: 979
Today's Word Goal: 1,000
Complete Word Count: 2,017

Can I reach 3,000 words by the end of today? Lets hope I can keep on track this time. Keep an eye out for a profile of Elizabeth Raine coming soon! Wish me luck!

November Onwards

Last year was 50,000...

This year it's 60,000...

Let the mayham begin...

Winter's Arrival

With yesterday's snowfall came another life change. Yes, I started a new job...but I actually mean something else.

Over the last few months things have been really up and down. I've reached some sort of emotional state where none of that matters anymore. My life is a lot different than it was six months ago; I'm in a better place in my life. This isn't to say that I'm leaving the past behind me, but I've moved beyond that emotional stress. Things seem a lot brighter and sure I'm still hurt but at least I know I can still be happy.

It's likely that to the majority of readers this will mean absolutely nothing - and no offense intended but I don't plan to explain the fine details. Just know that I am happy and I've reached a point of clarity.

...and now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Today is Hallowe'en. I decided against dressing up at all, it was a casual day at work. Something told me wearing big red wings to the bank won't really work all too well. Our trainer brought candy (and chocolate) - which was enjoyable. Avoided the chocolate of course...all in all it worked out to be a relaxing day.

Getting along well with my new coworkers which is a plus. It looks like I'm the baby once more - so I have to get myself oriented to that mentality again. One of the people in one of the other classes is actually someone I went to Elementary school with. It was odd running into him. Oh. Brought my novel to work today and tried my hand at editing once more. Slow and steady...

Things definitely seem to be looking up, indeed. I feel like dancing...

Six Characters

Kaylee Lynn: Kaylee is an 11 year old girl, who died in a horrific accident. She is a very curious individual and questions many aspects of her life (and subsequent death). She has an innate ability to notice the slightest details about a person. In her life she was a dancer and a writers, and was considered an outcast in school.

Rebecca Schultz: Rebecca is a 21 year old woman who during her life suffered from a form of paranoid schizophrenia. She believed that she was a prophet and wrote scriptures, mathematical codes, and novels as a response to the delusions in her head. She was a mathematical genius in life, however was never taken seriously due to her condition.

Angela Raine: Keeping with tradition, my screenplay will also have a woman of the Raine line. Angela is a forty-something house-wife, who has two children, a husband and is also an acclaimed novelist. She has spent her life in an abusive relationship and writes as an outlet. She doesn't care about her two kids, and they hate her. She went to school to be an English Teacher, but quit after her first year of teaching.

Daniel Margolis: Daniel is a 17 year old male who is a highschool student in a local school. He gets relatively good grades, is generally well adjusted and works in a local dance studio. While not a terribly good dancer, he tries and looks up to the older and more experienced teachers at the studio. He is also openly gay, single and is in love with one of his co-workers.

Carter Gilroy: Carter is a 35 year old male, who works as an accountant for a large corporation. He is very unhappy with his life and is an alcoholic, spends much of his time doing drugs and gambling. Several years ago he tried to clean himself up, and even go arrested for drug possession, however he has recently returned to his former ways.

Takoda Ashby: Takoda is a 29 year old male, who has recently graduated from medical school and has just begun his career as a doctor. He has been hired by the government as a medical examiner and was present at that accident were Kaylee died. He is very analytical and serious, and has almost no sense of humour at all.

Goals 2006: The Beginning

Getting back on track...

1. Support My Creativity - More pictures, music and writing.
2. Complete Screenplay Draft - Due July 1st, 2006; 120+ pages.
3. Complete Novel Draft Edit - Due December 25th, 2006; rewrites as necessary.
4. Plan May-Long Bash - Self-explanitary.
5. Move Out On My Own - Deadline, July 2006.
6. Learn One Great Song - Purchase the music and learn by October 14th, 2006.
7. Archive My Life - Create a photo album with my 1,000 favorite pictures.
8. Run In The Marathon - Set up a team for the relay.
9. Find Happiness - That one (non-destructive) thing that makes me smile...

...to be added to at any time. All deadlines final. It's time to get my life back where I want it...

Why Should I?

"I'm street wise. I can improvise. I'm street smart. I got New York City Heart. Why should I worry? Why should I care? I may not have a dime, but I got street savoir fare..."

Well I had an interesting weekend filled with fun times, chaos and work. Friday was a good night, and I had a great day on Saturday (minus some of the hellish disasters at work). Sunday had the potential to be a bad day...

Woke up after having six hours sleep, went to work to find that two people had called in sick. I was rushing around all day - broken tills and coin changers. Sunday closings are usually hellish, but Carla and I managed to get out early...and I hopped onto a bus to the north end. Fell asleep, my iPod died...great ride, really. Got to the north end and it started raining...the vehicle I was there to pick up was no where to be found. My sister had grabbed it earlier in the day. Had I not been in a good mood that day I would have been cursing and venting...

Overall it was a good weekend. I've reached a point where I'm not concerned about the small little disasters right now. My focus is on the big picture - getting myself happy again, working on my novel and my screenplay, preparing to move out, finding a second job. I did so much last year and so far 2006 has been filled with disappointment...I need to get things back on track...

80 more days until my screenplay deadline. Anyone want to make me a bet as to whether I can finish it?

"The rhythm of the city, boy once you get it down. I say you can own this town, you can wear the crown. Why should I worry? Why should I care? Say I may not have a dime, but I got street savoir fare..."

With Our Broken Hearts In Tow

It is five a.m. and I write this entry with bloody shot, sleepless, eyes...

Tonight was a great deal of fun for me. For the first time in what feels like forever our old group of friends got together and went bowling. We used to go on a fairly regular basis...but stopped over a year ago. Shame, really. I took a bunch of pictures and have posted several of them on my site. The 'Spring 06' section is really filling out this week...

I've missed spending time with some of my friends that I was close to during and after highschool. I saw Laura on the bus today, which was refreshing and made me smile. It reminded me of those great times before University - before everything got so complicated...

Inspiration struck this evening and I'm getting a lot of ideas for different screenplay characters. Many of them don't have names yet...and I have yet to finalize the details of the Arbitrator and his office staff...but many of the supplementary characters are falling into place...

I have the lead female (Angela), a home maker and a writer who spent her entire life chasing that one great line. The lead male (Carter) who was a drunken, abusive husband and eventually took his own life. There is also the 11 year old girl (Kaylee) who was sexually abused, and a retired General (Kayin) of Nigeria who ordered the deaths of thousands of civilians. I also intend on focusing on a young woman (Rebecca) who believed herself to be a prophet, only to learn that her beliefs were wrong...and a young teenager (Daniel) torn about his schooling/friends/sexuality and any other issue under the sun...

Those are just six out of a dozen...each character evolving in my mind faster then I can type. They will change and be re-written, their names with be altered to adapt their personality. In time I will have a complete cast, a screenplay...and I will be happy...

...that will not happen now, and won't ever happen without sleep. On that note...I head to bed. Goodnight world.