I played Halo last night with my sister and D. I realized a few weeks ago that she stopped blogging because of Halo, and I stopped writing. That’s changing. I think video games, at least for me, are like dessert. I’m allowed to have them, in moderation. Moderation isn’t one of my favorite words. Let’s see if I have any will power.

But I need the will power… really I do. I smoked my last ciggy last night, while playing Halo and drinking wine. The new elliptical trainer stared at me. Yes, machinery can stare, especially when you haven’t used it yet. And I admit that I didn’t help D all that much when he was building it. Lex and I were very busy looking for skulls. Don’t worry, it’s a Halo thing

D and Amandapants and I went to Powells yesterday for some book-lovin’. That places chews on my credit card and spits it back out. My addiction isn’t shoes, or the latest fashions (I know, to look at me, you totally wouldn’t get that, would you? *snark*), but I love  books and video games. The last time we went to Powells, I think we spent 50 bucks. We got out easy this time, because I had a list that I tried to stick to. I almost bought this book, but until the casssh starts flowing with the jobby, I won’t blow money on books I don’t technically need. Okay, so I didn’t need another Gaiman book… but I will call it “research.” Hehe…   Amanda loved the place, and I think she’ll make a few return visits.

I hate Old Navy and small children with inattentive parents. There is no excuse for a child who is allowed to lock the doors at a store, leaving customers banging on the glass, trying to get in. There’s no excuse for a child who is allowed to throw a ball in a store, nearly missing several employees and my husband. There is no excuse for a child who pulls all of the JUST folded sweaters on a shelf, just so he can sit in the pile. When I go on my rants about kids, it’s honestly less about the children and more about the parents. And I think that “sales” make people, mostly women, nuts. They were so intent on finding that “deal” that they ignored the pee-pee dances and wailing, and dug through the wrinkled messes, in the search for that perfect shirt. Let me just clue you in, ladies. It’s fucking Old Navy, not Dolce & Gabbana. I shop there because I’m too lazy to shop at other stores. But damn, if I could just get through there one time without having a near panic attack — that would be lovely.

I haven’t downloaded any podcasts for 3 weeks. My computer is being a little pissy as I write this. Who knew it would be so taxing!

So, I am finally able to write about the residency (a word I have a very hard time spelling for some reason). I should write about this stuff on my other blog, but I’ll just keep that for book reviews for now.  It was everything I needed it to be. Sun shone on the chapel, and happy voices filled the Potter-esque cafeteria. When the wine flowed, I got honest with myself and several others. I learned the importance of POV and that there are not original ideas, just ways to reinvigorate them. After discussing thing with my mentor, and analyzing the ideas for my novel, I’ve decided to kill my main character, and focus on the characters that I really like to write — the other protag and the antag. The fun part of this whole thing will be working on their story, without the one character I tried to write. My mentor was just as excited about this whole process as I was. It feels good to be on the right path.

Beyond the writing, because residency is so much more than just the writing, I attended a wonderful class taught by graduating students. One really stood out. She gave us 3 index cards and had us pick a movie, a book, and a myth. On each card we had to write the : protag, antag, theme, setting, and story. Just brief little snippets and descriptions, nothing major. Then we had to mix it up - take the protag and theme from one, add the setting from another, and the antag from the last one. Then we had a brand new story to write. I’m not explaining this very well, but it’s a project I look forward to goofing off with. I’m going to write those cards down for all the books I’ve read, and the movies I have seen. If I can’t find anything to write about, I will dig out the cards and shuffle them about. An idea will fall into my lap, if I am patient.

While I braved the wilds of PA, I ignored the tv news stations, and remained blissfully ignorant of the political bullshit that has become that primaries. Let me just say this: name calling on either side of the isle does nothing to the “discussion” we should be having as Americans. That being said, it is a shame that the media is the true power in this country, not the voter. I’m jaded and bitter because the message that should be out there is : how are we going to make this country better. It shouldn’t be about Hillary crying, or McCain’s stupid bus. People don’t take this shit as seriously as they should, although if you pay attention, it will make you sad.

Oh — and Liberal isn’t a bad word. If you are middle class and think the conservatives really “get” you, you should take a deep, dark look at what that party represents. Be honest…then talk to me.

On another note, I start the job tomorrow. I’m salary. I bought adult clothes (no jeans….sigh), and I am nervous. Miss C was kind enough to invite D and me to dinner, but we had to pass. I have to go brave the wilds of the grocery store and Target. I need more shirts. While I love the tattoo on my chest, it’s a pain in the ass to hide when I go to work. I’m going to wear turtle necks for 3 months. Why 3? After 90 days I am permanent. I know how to play this game.

I would like to say: I love Portland. I missed being home. I’m glad that I finally got a job. And it is interesting how things work out —– when I need something to pull through, it does. But I have to need it first…. it doesn’t come at will. And for that… I am grateful.

Hope you had a groovy weekend.