Roadblock

I have been bound and determined to complete my manuscript in time for the Writers Conference this summer. It took me the whole month of January to rewrite and tweak Chapter 3 until I felt it finally worked. The characters have more dimension to them and I introduced two new conflicts that would help flesh out the story and the character's mindsets.

I was on my way until February rolled around. With all the personal health crisis I have been struggling through, I have not been able to get into the mindset to touch my writing. For those who don't know, the procedure I underwent at the beginning of the month is not a success and has made me feel worse than I was before. I have been agonizing again over my options, which are severely limited. So, I have not found been able to find solace in my creative outlet, writing. I have an inkling I'm not going to meet my goal this year of finishing my manuscript and meeting with an agent.

On a brighter note, I've discovered how fortunate I am in my friends.

More Than Romance Lesson

Kay decided I needed to branch out and try some other genres of movies. So here are my first tastes.

The Bad Seed This drama is riveting. The young actress who plays the main character is phenomenal. She scared me! I especially loved at the end of the movie, the request to not share the ending with other potential viewers.

RashomonThough a foreign film, I found the story itself fascinating. It's a tale of murder told from four perspectives. Some of the "fight" scenes made me laugh because they are really amateur, but the story kept me involved.

My Favorite YearA comedy that does not pass the test of time. I was rather annoyed with all the characters.

My Favorite WifeA fun romantic comedy with Cary Grant, who discovers his 1st wife is still alive on the day he weds another woman. I was slightly put-out by the fact it took him so long to tell the 2nd wife about the 1st wife, but then, there would be no movie.

For All You Twilight Lovers

Has anyone else seen this commercial? It cracks me up.



Source: You-Tube: Verizon "Vampire"

Unobservant

As much as I love my hubby, he can be extremely unobservant, which can be a benefit to me at times. In the first four years of our marriage, I gained 40 pounds. That's not a typo. My hubby never noticed the weight gain, and of course, when I lost 25 of those pounds, he didn't realize my wonderous weight loss either. He can now look back at pictures and realize my weight had changed, but he still claims my weight never reached the level I claim. I recently received medical records from that time period and showed him the changes in my weight noted within the files and he still couldn't admit it.

This past week while recovering from my procedure, I have been extremely swollen around my stomach. To the point my pants don't fit me. Once again, hubby claims he doesn't notice anything different. Everyone else has been telling me how pale I am and hubby states, I'm always pale. But my favorite comment this weekend was concerning my hair. Hubby asked if I realized I had blond streaks in my hair. Um, yes, I highlighted my hair over a month ago.

So it's a blessing he doesn't recognize my physical flaws.

Oooo, I've Been There

Since I've been laid up for a few days, I've had plenty of time in front of the tv and I've noticed a strange phenomenon. While watching a movie or tv show, I'm recognizing the localities. While watching Bride Wars, I perked up realizing in one pivotal scene, they are standing in front of the 72nd St. Subway Station which is very familiar to me from my visit to NY. While watching Prison Break, I recognize many cityscapes from Chicago. I've even found myself checking the background when a window appears in a scene. Charmed features many scenes from San Francisco. I find myself thinking, I've been there and there and there when watching. Do you recognize places you have visited when watching tv or movies? Care to share.

So Damn Stubborn

Tuesday, I went to the doc to have my mini-procedure done. You know the one I chose over major surgery. I'd been hearing mixed information on what to expect and the recovery time, but heh, I could handle it. I had three different friends offer to go with me, but I said it would be no problem. I honestly thought, I'll have mild cramping, go home, sleep for a day, and I'll feel better. What was I thinking?

First off the procedure was not a walk in the park, though it took less than 5 minutes. I spent the next 2.5 hours in a haze of weakness, unconsciousness, and what some seem to believe was shock. My body did not like what was done to it. As I lay on the examining table in a quivering mess, the nurses kept asking who they could call to sit with me. I nearly did answer, but then said I'd be okay. I really thought, I just need to get a grip and get up. Mind you, I had tried getting up in the first 30 minutes, which is what had led to my state of initial unconsciousness.

Now mind you, I had two situations working against me involving the procedure. They even did a sonogram to make sure everything was okay, since I was in so much pain. Yea, forgot to mention the pain, which they tell me may last 3 weeks. A little too late to rethink that one.

Now, I know I was too stubborn about allowing anyone to go with me, or calling anyone once I was at the docs, or trying to leave the docs, or driving myself home in a winter emergency, or coming into work though I'm in pain. I know. I can't help it! The more I push myself, the quicker things return to normal. It's my mindset. Though I don't deny, I will have someone go with me next time and I won't try to leave the docs while the room is spinning.

Celebrating our Anniversary

Hubby and I spent this weekend in our normal fashion, ie doing nothing special, though we were celebrating seven years of marriage. Hubby came home early on Thurs and we spent the evening curled up watching Lost. Fri continued our sci-fi time, with hubby watching the SV Justice Society movie (if you know what it is, you're as big of a geek as me), with hubby explaining the DC Comic heroes to me. Sat, we had dinner and a movie, which is a big deal. Hubby dislikes going to the movies and this time he agreed to see a chick flick. He actually enjoyed When in Rome more than me. All around, it was a nice quiet weekend together doing much of the same things that have kept us happily married.

My Lesson

Kay visited my desk the other day and handed me eight movies to improve my education, so I am here to provide the lesson plan for others. This is based on a four star rating system.

The Quiet Man Who knew John Wayne could play a romantic hero? I found this movie humorous and enjoyable. The courtship in Ireland in contrast to American ideals is intriguing and the landscape beautiful to view.

Bell, Book, and Candle A humorous movie featuring Jimmy Stewart and witchcraft. A quick, fun romp.

Leave Her to Heaven Gene Tierney is terrifying in this movie. The lake scene alone deserves 3 stars.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir I fell asleep. Some moments were cute, but I was disappointed that she lived alone for decades without love. How depressing!

Lady Eve Quick, cute, and humorous, except the hero was a little dumb.

My Man Godfrey Wonderful hilarious movie with many lovable yet quirky characters.

Queen Margot Subtitles and royal incest aside, this movie held me engrossed and though I knew how it would end, I still wished for a happy ending.

Babettes Feast I'm sorry this movie wasn't for me, though the meal scene made me hungry, but after watching her prepare the meal, ugh!

Peggy recommended:
Arsenic and Old Lace HILARIOUS! Cary Grant is wonderful in this movie.