Did all of this just happened? Among other things…

I cannot believe the changes that are presently happening in my life within the past eight months which has not been an equivalent of a year yet. Yes, all of this has summed up to eight months that seems like it was not long ago at all, but you see for me it felt like a year. I guess all of the build up, planning, and some unexpected things that happened quickly all brought me to where I am now. To explain all of this first things first is on a Monday morning February 7, I walked into my supervisor’s office turned in my office keys with two pieces of paper – one was a resignation and the other one was a leave slip for taking time off in lieu to my resignation date. However, the last part did not go well but I made sure that it all worked out anyway, so I would not have to endure working in that office for two weeks until my departure date. It happened and I was still able to get a paycheck.

Another big occurrence happened when I finally moved and relocated to another state. For the first time in my life I did not let anything or anybody tell me that I could not do this. It was touch and go as to rather all of it was going to happen (financially and obtaining a job), yet so many of the same old mess were going on at my old job, and my life feeling like it was at a standstill and not moving forward that I had to make a move to change it. Afterwards, my short break from the Christmas holidays and went back to work that the job was just crazy and stressful. Now, I can fully understand when people say that when they had enough, that it is just that ENOUGH and time to give it up and move on. So, that is exactly what I had to do by basically put my faith out there in the universe. Believe it or not afterwards so many blessings have been happening since February. I wake up everyday feeling thankful!

My online college course are going smooth, but the classes are getting tough and thankfully I know that giving up is not an option. Unfortunately, the student loans are also a friendly reminder for me as well, that when I have to start paying them back at least by then it will all be worth it.

I plan on getting back on track with my writing. For some time I have been looking into doing freelance, which I probably have mentioned more than once in my previous entries yet it just I feel like it is compatible with my personality. I just cannot see how I could box myself into just one genre to write about when I can write about any and everything more than once. To me, that is the most creative part of writing which is not letting other writers, editors and publishers telling you that you have to stay writing about this particular genre. However, if as a writer you only enjoy and prefer to write specifically within one genre for instance science fiction then that is perfectly fine. Yet, don’t be afraid to try something new with your writing and branch out to a different genre as well. On a personal note, I can just see how that is my niche.

So Today is Valentine’s Day

I am so glad I have finally gotten comfortable with being single in my 30s where Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean a damn thing to me, anymore. I will not lie and say that I not only regretted February 14 every year as a teenager but it felt even more difficult in my 20s. The sight of seeing red, white, red and brown teddy bears, red roses and those Kay Jeweler commercials used to make me cringe either with some envy or a day I did not have a date to take me to dinner. Those were some of the highs and lows with this so called “Cupid” day of love, but I don’t know it is–now it is different. Perhaps, I have more things to deal with now than in the past, and finding a new love or being in love is just not a priority on my to-do list.

I guess my feelings regarding this is the same for other marketing holidays (with the exception of birthdays) which is whether you are single, married or in a relationship that your love for that person should be shown every day of the year. Give gifts whenever you feel like it and not just on Valentine’s Day. After Valentine’s Day what else are you going to do, but probably wait for another big holiday that requires you to spend more money to make up for all of the other normal days to show that person you love them. This is one of the wise things I have learned in my adult life — within the past 3 years. When I turned 30.

Also, this is not to say that I am anti-Valentine’s Day, and that I am not going to be judgmental towards other people who choose to celebrate it because it is a lovely holiday. If I ever have a significant other that believes it is a special occasion to send me flowers or take me out to dinner than I would be very appreciative for it. Of course, I am a woman and would not tell him “no” either. That would be crazy!

So, cheers for all of the lovebirds out there who salutes V-Day. To all of you single ladies, don’t let this day, the Kay Jeweler commercials, chocolate or Ben & Jerry’s get the best of you.

Life is a journey…

I can see myself opening up to new things next year. It will have nothing to do with past circumstances but new beginnings. My new mantra that I have been claiming the past few months will take over my mind and soul for I am not going to let anything or anybody hold me down. You have to feel that way, and as I see it their is nothing is wrong with being selfish if they are for the right reasons. If changing things in your life is what you need to do then by all means do it. An individual should not let others get in the way of that. If you allow that then who are you allowing to control your life, yourself or other people. As the saying goes, “Do not let your circumstances define who you really are.” I try my best everyday to live by that because it is so true.

I finally took the leap despite taking out student loans to return to college and get my bachelor’s degree. With much serious thought of what my major would be after attending college off and on over the years decisions on what I want to do was one thing and then changed to something else. You know how that is but actually getting to the point where you know in your heart and mind that yes I finally believe that this is my calling and not what it used to be. So, with saying all of that I decided to get my bachelor degree in English, well Bachelor of Arts degree that is. With this English degree the career plans is to obtain a job in publishing or public relations. This will also give me a chance to work on freelance writing in hopes to do that full-time, so I can open up my own publishing company doing edits, newsletters, articles, press releases, self-publishing books and blogging. I’m finishing my college education online so all of my classes are taking on the internet with a university out of my home state. I am looking to complete all of this by September 2013, seems far away, but I know that date will be here soon. Wow, just thinking about all of this builds up more anticipation for what is to come.

So many things I am feeling positive about that through persistence it will all fall into place and I can be more at peace. The fall weather is here and I love it…also looking forward to celebrating another birthday this month. November is one of my favorite months of the year. Oh, by the way I love keeping it real for all Scorpios!!

Book Review: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

I just finished listening on audio CD The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Although, this book has been out in print since 2004 and made the New York bestseller’s list it is still not late to check it out for a good read.

The story begins in Afghanistan around the early 1970s with Amir as narrator. It follows the friendship between Amir and Hassan along with the relationship with Amir and his father whom he calls Baba. One should also note that the beginning half of this story also takes place before Afghanistan became under ruling by the Taliban. One winter Amir and Hassan competes in the kite fighting tournament with Amir winning the competition but the victory is an emotional one for Amir. Although, with this victory for the first time Amir feels that he finally won the approval and the love that he always wanted from his father, but his close friendship with Hassan deteriorates after Amir witness a horrific event that would change both of their lives forever. The beginning of 1980 Amir and his father leaves Afghanistan to relocate in California to escape the rulings of the Taliban. Here we see Amir grow up into an adult but he constantly remembers about his past in Afghanistan, his friendship with Hassan and still carrying a lot of feelings between Hassan and his father that he hasn’t been able to let go. Amir later returns back to Afghanistan from a request he receives from an old friend who is very ill and asks for him to make a trip there. Amir feels foreign and different since briefly coming back to a war-zone Afghanistan when him and his father left. Here secrets are revealed from his old friend and Amir’s fears are tested once again as he tries to make peace with his past once and for all.

It is so much that happens in chronological order in this novel that you have to read the whole book until the end. The story and the characters were well written and at some points I thought that parts of this story was part memoir and part fiction. The reason being is how descriptive Khaled Hosseini told the story of Afghanistan and elements of the story of the characters that he actually lived and experienced the exact things if not very similar. When you can find a first narrative fiction novel like this one that can draw you in to visualize everything in the story to the very end is priceless.

Book Review: The Reader by Bernard Schlink

I finally finished reading The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. Took me nearly two weeks to finish reading this novel but I wanted to get through it. Visualizing the story was not a huge problem especially since I saw the movie first but Part 2 of the book did not keep me very interested. I felt that in Part 2 of the novel it started dragging too much and when that happens it becomes dreadful and boring. The only focus were on the two main characters Hanna Schmitz and Michael Berg. Probably would only remember bits and pieces from this one. It is not one of those memorable novels where I could remember and talk about everything chapter to chapter. My favorites are the kind of novels that sticks into my mind for almost forever.

My next read is by John Grisham, The Summons. Currently reading Chapter 3 but I had to cheat a little and read the reviews of this book on Amazon’s website. It got a good amount of poor reviews but I’ll give it a try anyway, since the only harm would be putting it back on the bookshelf. The backup choice of book to read in case this one doesn’t work out is either New Moon by Stephanie Meyers or finish reading Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger. Probably repeating myself again, but I’m finding it difficult to find a good book. One of the reasons why for a long time I chose reading magazines over books. Think about it magazines are a quick and easy read, since most likely you will find interesting articles and then you are done reading for the day.

On another note, my cat Phoebe turned 3 years old today. Before getting ready for work this morning I greeted her with a Happy Birthday. This evening when I got home she seemed happy to see me but other than receiving treats and catnip nothing spectacular happened. It was just another day in her world. I’ll make it up to her later in the week with a birthday gift then we can celebrate it again.

The Future of Publishing

Came across this on Business Insider’s website and thought to share it. You really have to listen to the whole video in order to understand the whole logic of the importance for publishing companies to continue printing books rather than going completely digital. I understand that publishers want to jump on the bandwagon and follow the latest trend with technology e.g. Kindle, e-readers, ebooks and now iPad. However, the point there is a lot of us who “not wanting to follow technology trends” prefer to just do certain things the old fashion way by purchasing or checking out from the library a hardcover or paperback book to read.

In my opinion I wonder sometimes if publishing companies see themselves more at stake due to competition with the new era of digital technology, and for the future of publishers and authors to continue printing books. Yet, I can’t see printing vanishing because of the needs and wants to serve customers who would more rather order print books online and in bookstores. Newspapers and magazines companies are going through similar issues with printing versus digital. So it’s not just publishers feeling the punch of finding ways to market and please everyone.

Future of publishing just seems like an ongoing issue that most of us will have to keep an eye on. Only solution is continuing to follow as well as show support for authors who love to see their work published in print. I sure hope when I publish my first novel, memoir or book of poems that I can share my book with others.

The Future Of Publishing
Source: businessinsider.com

Quote for the week

“My recipe for dealing with anger and frustration: set the kitchen timer for twenty minutes, cry, rant, and rave, and at the sound of the bell, simmer down and go about business as usual.”
― Phyllis Diller

HELP, I’m stuck and can’t get out!

As adults is there such a thing with getting to that point in your life where you just feel stuck? Feeling stuck to the point where you don’t have the answers; to not being able to find the answers or a clue to figure it out – this can be multiple things by the way. Then, you find yourself gasping at the very moment of knowing or saying to yourself I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to get to that place where I want to be in my life right now. I think to myself sometimes if it’s just me feeling this way since I’m always trying to analyze practically everything and figure it out. What do people do when they reach to that point in their life? Surely, someone out there has these moments where they feel stuck in a situation or situations at the time. Yes, eventually you figure something out and move on and noting it in your mind as a lesson in life. Can someone feel normal to say to the universe that they don’t know how to get to that place, or to achieve that goal without appearing to be whining, complaining or negative or who doesn’t want to get ahead in life.

Well, I’m learning that It’s okay to have those moments. Women are always known as being more emotional thinkers than men but I know that men have these sticky moments as well. When you do have these sticky moments don’t brush them off think about it, let it out or whatever it is you need to do at the time. If nothing is figured out right away, be patient and go back to it again at another time. In other words don’t ignore it because the point is you are experiencing that moment(s) for a reason. We know sometimes things just don’t go right even when trying our best to keep it all together that is minus human mistakes. They are more rain drizzling or for some, downpours in life that it can get too overwhelming. It is good to know how to keep your head above water, just as not to stay in the water for too long and drown in it. My past sticky moments I’ve been in that water a lot of times even felt drowned in it more than once. Thankfully, I was able to pull my way out of it and not physically and mentally die. If I did drown myself in the waters, I’m sure it wouldn’t be a peaceful death. Nowadays, I do feel it but I am learning how to deal with it. So, I really feel that all of the other things that we feel stuck in is just mud.

Deep I know, but it’s healthy to go there every now and then.

2010 Academy Awards

The Oscars was the highlight of my evening on Sunday, March 7. Granted, that I am not a huge fan of watching the Academy Awards every year, but when there is a movie that catches my attention or an actor/actress being nominated for an award most likely I will watch. That was the case this year with my anticipation to watch and witness history being made that night in Hollywood. Here are some of my favorite highlights from the ceremony.

Oscar winner, Mo’Nique won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. It was a delight to see her as an African-American to win an Oscar. Even though she won a Golden Globe award in that same category, but to win an Oscar is priceless or even better than that – the icing on the cake. Her acceptance speech was professionally done and straight to the point. Another thing that made that moment for Mo’Nique even more special was realizing how far she came in her career; from being a stand up comedienne, that led her to acting in comedy movies, getting her own television show The Parkers, reality show, and now her own late-night show on BET. I am sure that more opportunities and doors will open for her.

One of my all time favorite actress Oscar winner Sandra Bullock won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for The Blind Side. This was a great moment for Sandra Bullock by winning her first Academy Award and she deserved all of the recognition for playing this role. I always thought she was a good actress but most of her movies were romantic comedy movies, yet even the drama roles she played (remember The Net, Hope Floats and A Time to Kill back in the mid 90′s) weren’t blockbusters nor did it help her career. I thought she did a great job in the movie Crash but she wasn’t nominated for any major awards. Then, she went back doing what she always did best romantic comedies. Finally, an opportunity came her way at the right time that showed another acting side of her that most of us already knew she had. The Academy took notice of Sandra Bullock’s serious side of acting and as they say the rest is history.

Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow won Best Achievement in Directing for her movie the Hurt Locker. In all honesty, I am not familiar with Kathryn Bigelow or her work, nor have I seen the movie so I cannot comment much on it. I do remember seeing the movie trailer for this as well as watching bits and pieces from scenes of the movie while watching the Oscars. The bits and pieces I saw seemed intense and surreal. She made history that night for winning the Oscar for Best Director and not too many women of her stature are able to achieve that kind of recognition in Hollywood. Kathryn will be another one on my movie watch list.

Gabourey Sidibe was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Precious, but lost to Sandra Bullock. She did not win the award but she was practically the highlight at the Academy Awards ceremony. A special speech by Lady O herself, Oprah Winfrey and on the red carpet prior to and the end of the ceremony, every entertainment host wanted an interview with Ms. Sidibe. So, either way it goes she was still a winner and everyone took notice. She would be another actress who I hope to see more doors and opportunities open because next time she may just win an Oscar.

On a side note: I am so glad Inglorious Basterds didn’t win the big categories such as Best Directing and Best Screenplay. Why on earth that movie by Quentin Tarantino was selected and nominated for any category is beyond me.

Love for reading

My goal for this year is to read one or two books each month. Lately, I’ve been on a mission to find a good book to read. For awhile it’s been difficult for me to find one that I actually enjoyed and if I didn’t like it after 5 chapters it went back to the library. In January I read the book Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. After watching the movie (which I swore I would not watch when it was in theaters) thanks to my friends for loaning me the DVD I couldn’t help but want to read the book. I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. Now I understand why so many teens were going crazy over Twilight. After reading it in 4 days I got excited again. The characters and the story stayed on and off in my mind for a few days, that’s when I realized that I got my passion and love back again for reading books.

Towards the last week of February I read Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice. Another great read that took me longer than a week but I wanted to finish reading it. The story had depth and emotion that instantly drew me to the characters. Once I started getting into the chapters it was difficult to put it down.

My next read for the month of March is The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. Never heard about this novel or the author until after I recently watched the movie to find that it was based from the book. The weekend I watched it I had to look it up at my library to see if they had it and sent a request to put it on hold. I will be picking it up today.

Will be posting updates on my progress and giving feedback on the books I’m reading.