Monday, July 30, 2012

Urban Adventures - South Bend

What have I been up to? Well it's been over a week since I last posted and that's only because it was crunch-time for me to condition for this year Urban Adventure Games - South Bend. See it's kinda like Amazing Race but with shorter challenges and only 4 hours to complete them in.

Oh! And your only mode of transportation is your bike... as in bicycle.

How our day started out... I had a flat tire before we even started. At the venue I am replacing my tube and pumping it up. Did I mention I was freaking the freak out. We got there at 6:45 and the mandatory rules meeting started at 7. We walked in as the lady was beginning her spiel on obeying road rules, cheating, and our passports.

What it entailed... (* = my favs but accomplished all that are listed)

Biking 30 miles
*Zip line (across the river)
Water polo
*Hockey
*Water rafting (down the river)
*Paddleboarding (standing while paddling a surfboard)
Elliptical biking
Balloon popping
Sand transfer (ran back and forth filling up sand buckets)
Crossfit (moved 300lbs of weights)
Face painting
Played a round of Cops/Robbers
Ran relay in Firefighter gear (hard as hell)
Egg relay w/spoons
*Farmers market (we had to push ourselves thru the market to get items on a list)
Paper airplanes (you had to fold a paper airplane then throw it through a hole - not as easy as it sounds)
Water a flat of flowers
Run a city block tied together
... plus much much more
We didn't get to three stations but with it being our first time... I think we did so much and had a blast!

I seriously thought my hubby would be yelling at me and pushing me too hard but he was AWESOME! He was encouraging, said nothing but great things, and he made me feel great about myself. I hate being in a bikini so when it came to the water polo and all we were allowed to wear was a sports bra and our biking shorts - I about freaked. He said I looked great and better than most of the people there. I know he was puking bullshit but he made me feel great!

Would I do it again? HELL-to-the-YES!


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

First Hookers, now Hangers

It's the second day for the Hookers and Hangers Blogfest hosted by the Falling for Fiction chicks.

We all know how important the first and last lines are in every chapter. This blogfest will hopefully get your HOOKERS and HANGERS polished making it impossible for readers to put down your book and leaving them begging for more!





On July 16th, we posted the first sentence from each chapter.

For today, July 18th, we are posting the last sentence from each chapter.

Post as many as you like!



They will be judging everyone's first 3 Hookers and Hangers.


I know I it's only the first 3 but just like Monday, I added another. I wanted to do every Hanger but gave up on that. I decided to make this as painless as possible.

CH. 1 - "I know the perfect place to put her staff,” the blonde mutters as the three of them step into the light.

CH. 2 - Maybe a nice corner in the back of my closet would be comfortable.

CH. 5 - “If that’s the case,” I stared at the strangers as they strolled away, “she needs to work on that. It has got to be the worst I’m-sorry-for-your-loss face I’ve ever seen.”

CH. 8 - The three men marched back into the woods from where they ascended.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

WRiTE CLUB - Yes Please

Okay… so yesterday I participated in the Falling For Fiction (aka FFF) Hookers and Hangers blogfest. When I came into work this morning (I only have time to blog at work – shhhh don’t tell) I pulled up my page and viewed all of these awesome and wonderful comments. Then what I try to do is make it to each one of these remarkable bloggers’ pages and leave a comment (if I haven’t already).
I notice that Kyra Lennon had posted something about WRiTE CLUB hosted by DL Hammons. Now DL (or as my brain reads it – Down Low – No joke; my brain really reads his name as “Keep-it-on-the-Down-Low" Hammons) is one of my favorites to follow. His posts are helpful, informative, and funny.
Now, this is the second year for WRiTE CLUB and being as I’m about to hit my 1st year blogiversary in August… it’s my first year hearing about it. Soooo, after my heart started racing causing me some serious heart palpitations and a slight cause of angina, I decided to participate.
The rules are simple… I think. I still haven’t had my caffeine this morning so it seems easy anyways. If you are interested in WRiTE CLUB please click on any of the WRiTE CLUB's in this post for more info and rules.
Do I plan on being the next Tyler Durden? Nope... I'm just planning on having fun!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Hookers Galore

It's the beginning of the Hookers and Hangers Blogfest hosted by the Falling for Fiction chicks.

We all know how important the first and last lines are in every chapter. This blogfest will hopefully get your HOOKERS and HANGERS polished making it impossible for readers to put down your book and leaving them begging for more!



On July 16th, post the first sentence from each chapter.

On July 18th, post the last sentence from each chapter.

Post as many as you like!



They will be judging everyone's first 3 Hookers and Hangers.


I know I it's only the first 3 but I added another. I wanted to do every Hooker but gave up on that. I decided to make this as painless as possible.


Occupiers


CH. 1 - The night was icy, bitter with war and hate.


CH. 3 - Looking into my visor mirror I quickly rubbed the blood onto the cuts and bruises Mitch so kindly left on my face.


CH. 4 - Once they opened, my eyes focused on a large figure hovering over me.


CH. 5 - I really wasn't in the mood the morning for Mitch's funeral service.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Friggatriskaidekaphobia or Paraskevidekatriaphobia

Friday the 13th

The fear of Friday the 13th has been called friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen), or paraskevidekatriaphobia a concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (meaning "Friday"), and dekatreís (meaning "thirteen") attached to phobía (meaning "fear"). The latter word was derived in 1911 and first appeared in a mainstream source in 1953.

Tuesday the 13th

In Spanish-speaking countries, instead of Friday, Tuesday the 13th is considered a day of bad luck. The Greeks also consider Tuesday, and especially the 13th, to be an unlucky day. Tuesday is considered to be dominated by the influence of Ares, the god of war. A connection can be seen in the etymology of the name in some European languages The Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans happened on Tuesday, May 29, 1453, fact that strengthens the superstition about Tuesday. In addition, in Greek the name of the day is Triti meaning literally the third day of the week, adding weight to the superstition, since bad luck is said to "come in threes". (Although some believe the first day of the week is Monday since the seven day is consider "the day of rest" and that day is Sunday - you do the math!)

Friday the 17th

In Italian popular culture, Friday the 17th (and not the 13th) is considered a day of bad luck. In fact, in Italy, 13 is generally considered a lucky number. However, due to Anglo-Saxon influence, young people consider Friday the 13th to be unlucky as well.

Have a great day and weekend!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Big Brother 14

I'm a HUGE Big Brother fan!!! And this year I will be no different. My kids love the show as well and we are all OVERLY awaiting tonight's start as the summer officially begins.

The Cast Line Up...




Ashley Iocco
26, is a Owner of a Mobile Spray Tanning Company from West Hollywood, California.



Danielle Murphee
23, is a Nurse from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Another Danielle; hopefully this one didn't bring her dad.

Frank Eudy
28, is unemployed and lives in Naples, Florida and is the son of wrestler Sidney Raymond Eudy, often referred to as Sid Vicious.


Ian Terry
21, is an Engineering Student at Tulane University from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Engineering ... you don't say?!
Jennifer "Jenn" Arroyo
37, is a musician and a former bass player for the female metal group Kittie from Brooklyn, New York.
Jodi Rollins
42, is a restaurant server from Calipatria, California.

Joe Arvin
41, is a Chef from Schererville, Indiana.
Home state represented! Come on Indiana
Josephine "JoJo" Spatafora
26, is a Bartender from Staten Island, New York.
Kara Monaco
29, is a Model from Los Angeles, California. She was on the covers of the June 2005 and June 2006 issues of Playboy and was the 2006 Playboy Playmate of the Year.


Shane Meaney
26, is a house flipper from Bennington, Vermont.

Hope his last name doesn't actually convey what's to come.
Wil Heuser
24, is a marketing consultant from Louisville, Kentucky.


Not to be rude but at first I thought this "dude looks like a lady" but he's super cute!
Willie Hantz
34, is a tankerman from Dayton, Texas. He is the brother of former Survivor contestant Russell Hantz.
Call me crazy but I love the Hantz brothers!







And the RETURNING House Guest

Britney Haynes
24, is a Hotel Sales Manager from Huntington, Arkansas. She previously competed in Big Brother 12, where she placed 4th.

"YAY!"
Dan Gheesling
28, is a Catholic High School Teacher from Dearborn, Michigan. He previously competed in Big Brother 10, where he was crowned the winner over runner-up Memphis Garrett.

"UGH"

Janelle Pierzina
32, is a VIP Cocktail Waitress from Miami Beach, Florida. She previously competed in Big Brother 6 and Big Brother: All-Stars, where she placed 3rd in both seasons.
Can't wait for this #1 POV & HoH winner to come back!
Mike "Boogie" Malin
Bar Owner from Los Angeles, California. He previously competed in Big Brother 2 where he placed 8th and Big Brother: All-Stars where he was crowned the winner over runner-up, Erika Landin.
Another big fat "UGH"






Let the summer games begin
Do you already have a favorite?
Which returning house guest is your favorite?

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Undead Stuff

Don't deny it because I'll be the one on the car.


Just skimming the Internet the other day and BAM...
If you haven't read about this... maybe you should. Go to Z World Detroit to learn more. Maybe you can help fund this new project in the works!


Also...
Merle and his hand replacement! If you haven't watched The Walking Dead's first two seasons then you're missing out!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

For The Love of All Montagues and Capulets Everywhere

One of my favorite movies was on last night. 1996’s Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
The film is an abridged modernization of Shakespeare's play. The original Shakespearean dialogue is kept for effect. The Montagues and the Capulets are represented as warring business empires and swords are replaced by guns. Ironically the guns are manufactured by ‘Swords’. *Tongue-in-cheek*
A few names were changed Lord & Lady Montague/Capulet were all given first names, Friar Lawrence became Father Lawrence and Price Escalus is now Captian Prince. Also the ending was slightly different.
What makes me love this movie so much? I know the reasons why I love it but what strikes a chord in me? Maybe it was the year; 1996 was a huge year for me. I graduated high school (stop trying to do the math) and was on to college and trying to find my way in life. At this point, I had never experienced a love as deep as theirs, and not that I would want to. I love my husband but would never commit suicide to be with him in whatever afterlife is waiting for us – after suicide.
I fell in love with each of the actors and have “followed” them ever since.
Leo DiCap will always hold a tender spot in my heart. Of course I loved him way before R+J came out but he wooed me with his sweet tongue, tears, and embrace. Uh - I mean he wooed Juliet cause - you know - the movie is about Juliet - not me. *swoon*
Claire D was an emotional force that drove the ending straight through my heart.
Harold Perrineau as Mercutio was, by far, my favorite. The way he spoke those old Shakespearean words and his presence captivated me. Loved him again in HBO’s Oz and of course in LOST. He was also in the zombie flick 28 Weeks Later. *drool*
John LeTakeMyClothesOff err, umm, Leguizamo as Tybalt was spot on. Of course my love for John started a year earlier with his take on Chi-Chi in To Wong Foo. Oh he’s so “ROMANTICAL”!

Do you ride and die with the Capulets or the Montagues?
Side note ... love love love the soundtrack!
This movie defines a moment in my life; what movie makes you relive your past?

Friday, July 6, 2012

Ask and You Shall Recieve

Yesterday I was asked when I would be blogging next because they wanted to be entertained. My answer was next week because I had decided to take this week off with the holiday and such [as].

Well now that I'm at work and the only one in my department... I thought What the hell... lets post something entertaining-like. So I whipped the following up. You may critique if your like, I don't mind. It's a rough, rough, write. The show-don't-tell needs some major re-work.

Hope your entertained for now!

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Nothingness.
Her dreams. White walls. White floor. White ceiling. Or is it nothing? Nothing at all. Does she float? Is she floating?
A white abyss. Peaceful. Silence. Her ears don’t ring. She. Hears. Nothing.
Her eyes. Are they open? Are they closed? She can’t tell for the light is blinding. Is there a difference in the stark of the white?
Her limbs are lifeless, the way she likes it. She can’t even tell if she’s breathing. Should she be? The need for sir doesn’t consume her.
Warmness washes over her, tingling her toes and fingers. The numbness her body has been experiencing the past few hour’s dissipates. Here comes the cool rush over her drifting her back to consciousness. She can tell her slumber is coming to an end. It always ends this way. Warm, then cold, then aware.
A sound! She… hears… engines. Engines and padding feet. Feet, feet, feet, the mind drifts. Playing with her sleepy mind she tries to persuade it from waking.
Unfortunately the padding continues to get closer. The familiar creek of the door fully wakes her but her eyes stay firmly shut. The body taking in its first conscious breath.
“What?” The venom spews from her lips.
“You need to get up Lenay,” her sister spits. “Mom said to get up now. You need to come see this!”
I need to come see this? Lenay thinks. Her sister has got to be kidding her. Their mothers’ lame-brained idea to rouse her from sleep no doubt. Every weekend their mother has some ridiculous plan to drag them from the house. “Lenay you need to get out more. You’ll become a lazy slob with no future.” Maybe that’s Lenay’s life plan. Lazy. Slob, No future. Her mother acts like she’s never been seventeen before.
Lenay’s body lifts from the down mattress, involuntarily of course. The everyday movement of the body is a funny thing. Doing things subconsciously to where no thought process is necessary.
The sounds of her naked feet echo down the hall as she quickly, and awkwardly approach the living room. Between the moments Lenay left the comforts of her bed and the contact with the cold wood floors, her eyes had cracked open. In her line of sight is the ugliest but most comfortable lazyboy and that is where she plans on plopping her body once she makes it there.
“Lenay! We’re in here!”
Damn! So close.
“What?” A whine slips through her barely parted lips.
“Come see this,” Their mother chirps.
“You won’t believe it!” her sister cries.
“Shhh Maggie. I can’t hear,” Mother firmly presses a finger to her lips. Lenay hated the way she shushed people, like some stupid librarian. Visions of Lenay slapping Mother flashes before her eyes.
“So what am I seeing here? A movie? You got me out of bed to watch a movie?”
“No. It’s on the news,” Their mother rebuttals.
“It’s Nine Eleven all over again,” Maggie says before Lenay could turn and stammer back to my bed.
A heave of breath leaves her lungs as she falls to the awaiting couch below. With a “humph” and a few blinks of her eyes, she focus in the images on the screen.
Moments before her eyes could see, she hears a reporter babbling on about a plane that had crashed into the Gateway Arch. “Really, the Arch. Why would someone want to purposely crash into that? What a funny thing for terrorist to kill themselves over. I mean really.” Lenay hissed.
“They don’t think its terrorists. Some reporter from Seattle said all planes traveling from Newark are crashing.” Mother mumbles through bitten nails.
“Yeah, he said one went down in the middle of a subdivision, wiping out, like, thirty houses.” Maggie stands from her beanbag chair, grabs the cat and plops down next to me. “Didn’t you hear it? It’s like two miles away.”
“Maybe, I don’t know. I thought I heard something.” They sit and stare at the events which  plaster the screen.
Knickers, the cat purrs to the rhythm of swipes Maggie makes through its mangy orange hair. As Lenay stares at the chaos, her ears draw in the purrs. She wants to hit the cat. No. Correction. What she really want to do is pick that cat up and chuck it across the room.
He taunts her, Knickers. If Mags wasn’t up already this morning, that stupid cat would have been perched on Lenay’s chest breathing in the air that was meant for her. It never fails.
“What is that?” Mother startles Lenay.
“What?” she shout, still trying to get her heart back to normal rhythm.
“That,” she points, “that, right there. Do you see it?”
“Someone survived!” Lenay exclaims.
Mother and Maggie look at her. Their shocking expression left a sour taste in her mouth.
“What?”
Maggie smiles. “Look at that. Doom-and-gloom actually has a soft side.”
“Oh shut up!” Lenay swats at her in disgust. “Seriously though. It’s a miracle. How can someone walk out of something like that?”
The man staggers from a huge hole which is engulfed in flames. “Do you see that?” The news lady says.
Apparently before you. Even in holy terror Lenay’s mind still drips with sarcasm.
“Paramedics have finally arrived.” She presses on her earpiece to hear over the sirens. “I’ve been told that a total of fifteen planes have crashed due to unknown causes.”
Unknown causes? She’s extremely resourceful, this one. Lenay’s mind continues to rant.
Shots ring out from behind the broadcaster, jolting Lenay from where she sits. “Get down! Get down! Shots fired! Shots fired!” A man’s voice comes through the TV.
A flash comes from the left side of the screen, knocking the lady to the ground and along with it, the camera, “Get off! Get off!” The lady shrieks, kicking and writhing. Screaming she kicks at a woman in a business suit. “Get off!” Business Suit lurches for the lady again.
Lenay’s heart races with fear and excitement. She can’t believe what she’s seeing. “What’s happening? Why isn’t someone helping?” Her eyes sweep the room to find Mother curled up in the chair with a nail in her mouth and Maggie staring at the screen in shock.
BANG … BANG … BANG
“Ahhh!” Maggie screams, “What was that?”
“The door.” Lenay runs to the front door.
Standing behind the painted glass door, in all camouflage, was an older guy wielding a rifle. “May I come in?”
“MOM!” Lenay shout.
This guy doesn’t even wait. He takes two large steps inside. “Sure, oh please, won’t you come in.” He doesn’t thank her. Ass!
“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you and your girls to exit the house. Are you the only ones here? Do I need to contact your husband?” The gruff man directs them to the door.
“No, I’m not married,” she pauses, “Can we grab a few belongings? My girls and I are still in our pajamas”
“Sure. Make it quick. No longer than five minutes. I need you out by the truck then. Do you understand?”
She nods. “Girls, hurry! You heard then man.”
Maggie grabs Lenay’s arm, dragging her down the hall. “Hurry Nay. Grab essentials.” Turning, she bolts across the hall to her room, already stripping down to her scibbies. Lenay hated being called Nay. But then again she hate a lot of things.
Essentials, essentials. Mimicking her sister, Lenay tears off her t-shirt and shorts, almost ripping them clean off. Essentials, hmmm. She grabs the closest pair of jeans, sniffs, shrugs, and pulls them on, falling on to the bed. Standing, she grabs a white tee and throws it over her head. Two hands grab the sides and pull down. “I said hurry. What’s taking so long?” Maggie says tossing a sweatshirt, socks, underwear, a brush, a few more tees and Lenay’s shoes into a bag.
“Where the heck do you think we’re going? Vacation? I don’t need all of that. Do I?”
“You never know Nay. You have to be prepared for anything. Remember that ok?” She nudges Lenay out the door.