Curious? How is my blog loading these days?

Who's Your Editor? has grown a lot in the last few months and I feel like now it's not loading as fast as it should. At first, I blamed my computer (it is ever so old), then I blamed my newest upgrade to Internet Explorer 9 (or whatever update we are on), but now, I am thinking that perhaps my blog has too much on the first page. My biggest problem has been that the scrolling is not smooth. Then again, this isn't just happening on my blog, but on other pages as well, like my Etsy store.

So, I turn to you. What do you think? Is the page loading for you? Any suggestions?

Thanks for all you help!!!

"Twilight:Breaking Dawn Part 1 (4)" Movie Review

Yes, I did end up seeing it in theaters. How could I resist after that shocking yet funny story my friend shannon told me the other week? (To read the FUNNIEST TWILIGHT STORY EVER, click here.) For some reason, a lot of my friends thought I had already seen it, but no. Yesterday was the first time.

Let me provide some backing for my feelings about Twilight. It all began on a road trip to Cedar point in Ohio one beautiful afternoon. Nine of my friends and myself were packed into two cars and we were stopped on the expressway behind a truck full of sheep (the animals, not the common idiot.) Some of us had hopped out of our cars and were roaming around, looking for something to entertain us while we waited for traffic to get moving once again, but two individuals (girls) were still crammed in the back of our car with their noses shoved in the pages of this black, white, and red hard covered book. Deciding to ignore them for the moment, I continued walking around, being entertained by the boys daring each other to do something funny in front of the other cars.

(I promise this comes to a point)

The weekend ends after getting lost in Ohio, sleeping in a KOA, spending the entire afternoon on rollarcoasters, spending the entire evening with friends and whisky, experiencing the entire next morning and ride home with a hang over, and then finally asking the girls, "What the hell are you reading?! You don't read?! What is this?!" Turns out it was Twilight and the books was shoved in my hands and I was told to read it now!

Suffice to say, I loved it! I called Borders the next day and told them to reserve me the first three books in hardcover (the fourth wasn't out yet) , and I would be in the next day with my $63 dollars to purchase them all!

To this day, the first book is my favorite, the second, my second favorite, and so on.

I was thrilled to hear a movie was being made, but upon going to the first midnight premiere, I was thoroughly disappointed. I began blaming everyone who worked on the movie, except for Carter Burwell, the music composer who I appreciate very much and was recently brought back for the last two movies!!! I did not enjoy Catherine Hardwick's artistic inputs and Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were more awkard together than milk and lemon juice!

The second movie was a little better, especially since Taylor Lautner got more of a part, but I was still disappointed that the two main characters were not being portrayed accurately (in my personal opinion.) Eclipse was okay. I still liked the second one the best. When it came time for Breaking Dawn, I was NOT EXCITED AT ALL, only mildly curious if someone could make it remotely work.

Let me give a very general summary in bullet points:
-Bella and Edward get married
-Jacob is not happy
-Bella and Edward go on their honeymoon
-Bella gets pregnant
-Baby is killing her
-No one is happy
-EVERYONE wants to kill the baby except for Bella and Rosalie
-Baby is born
-Everyone is happy
-Bella = Newest Vampire

(Hopefully, this doesn't give anything away. It's pretty much layed out in the trailer. There are no surprises really.)

So, the big question...Did I like it? The quick answer...Yes. I was quite impressed that the story stayed true to the books with only a few scenes that were a bit indulgent. Like when Jake finally imprints and we travel back into his mind to when he first told Bella what it was like to imprint, and the person he is now in love with grows before his eyes and all that links him to her at the moment are her hazel colored eyes. He is so taken by the moment that he must fall to his knees, finally complete in his search for THE ONE! I tried not to laugh. My friend, Amanda, was bursting at the seams. Or, when we get to hear the werewolves voices for the first time while they are in wolf mode and Jacob has an "Inigo Montoya" moment as he declares himself independant from the leader of the pack.

Other than that, I was trilled with the outcome. Congrats to Bill Condon for getting it right on most scenes. Congrats to Carter Burwell for his return as the Music Composer. Congrats to Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson for FINALLY getting it together, not stammering, and realizing that they have got to be comfortable with each other by now (you're really dating for goodness sakes!). And congrats to everyone who did not faint this time around.

That's all I'm saying. lol.

I need more books like I need a million holes in my head!!!

Yes, I bought MORE books. This time I limited myself to two books before walking into the store...Well, I found two outside the store and two inside...That's okay, right?
Anyway, I thought I would add to my previous list of books I own but have not read featured here, here, and here.
This is what I bought:

Evanovich- One for the Money

Richardson- Labyrinth

Clare- Clockwork Angel

Holder & Viguie- Crusade

Anyone else read any of these? If so, what did you think? If not, do you want to read any of them?I know the Evanovich novel is being turned into a movie! Do you plan on seeing it?

PS: I did see Breaking Dawn today. I hope to have my review up some time tomorrow. If not, then definitely on Monday. NOTE: There is a stinger at the end of the movie. So, if you see it, stay through the credits.
PPS: Did anyone know that there was a stinger at the end of Percy Jackson and the Lightning theif?

I just made my FIRST SALE!!!

I just sold my first pair of earrings at my Etsy store!!!! I can't believe it! It's made my entire week and paid for all my fees on the website for the next 4 months!!! YEAH!

My store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AubrieAnne?ref=si_shop

The Amber Droplets are now gone, but I have two other pairs in the same style, just different colors that should go up at some point!

Amber Droplets

Plus, I added 4 new pairs today and photographed 4 other. Photography is the longest process and I plan on doing more tomorrow morning as long as it isn't raining. The rain will steal all my light!

Moss Squares
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87065066/sterling-silver-earrings-moss-squares

Egyptian Groove
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87065462/sterling-silver-earrings-egyptian-groove?ref=v1_other_1

Wish me luck!

PS. I might be seeing Breaking Dawn tomorrow so watch for a review! I've heard pretty mixed feelings, but it's obviously faint-worthy! lol.

NaNoWriMo (Day 22-24 of 30) So, Yeah...I'm throwing in the towel and participating in Black Friday! (??? words left)

My first year at Nano has not been the greatest. At least I was writing every day there for the first 16 days or so. lol. Now, I think it's just bad timing. So much has been going on with job hunting, building my Etsy store, now being hired, and the holidays. I have decided to throw in the towel with my 6,178 words. Of course, as I continue to get down my first draft of Strangers in the Dark, I will keep you updated and post some passages. Now, my focus is just in a different place. A good place, but sooooo different. I'll be working 40+ hours a week and my Etsy store will take up a lot of my free time. And I still want to blog all the time. :) Just wanted to let you know.

Well, I hope your bellys are full, your spirits are high, and you're ready to put on your running shoes for Black Friday!!! I'll be working at Express for the afternoon. I may stop into Target before I go, but not planning on trampling anyone for the second season of Vampire Diaries or the fourth season of Big Bang Theory that will both only be $12.99. What will be will be!

In all the excitement I forgot to mention...

Yesterday was a HUGE day!!! I opened my etsy store (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AubrieAnne), I started up my twitter account again (http://twitter.com/#!/Aubrie_Anne), AND, really the biggest news of all,

I WAS HIRED!!!

I am now the new production assistant at Knorr Marketing! I start next week!

Happy Thanksgiving to ME!!! And Happy Thanks giving to all of you!

My ETSY store is now open!

Happy Thanksgiving and soon to be Happy Holidays! I have been hard at work (not writing) but building my Etsy store! I woke up early and started taking pictures of my jewelry (mainly my earrings), then I built my store, got all the policies down, and started adding my products! I have 16 pairs up earrings up now and more to come throughout the week and before Christmas! Come visit it here and think of those gifts you still need to buy for all the wonderful women in your life. I ship to the address of your choice and my rates for Sterling Silver are AWESOME!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AubrieAnne

I really am excited about this. My line was ready for the next step and this is it!

See you all around here and there!

Plus, I'm tweeting a bit now. Get all the updates on each product that I add to my store...

http://twitter.com/#!/Aubrie_Anne

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2" Movie Review

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the final movie in the Harry Potter series and boy did it end with a bang. I really don't think I could have been more pleased with the series as whole. Each movie got better and better, the actors grew beautifully through the series, the effects, costumes, make up, writing, etc, were all stunning. I'm a happy camper.

To say a bit about the movie without ruining for any of those poor souls that have been unfortunate enough not to have read the book OR seen the movie. Harry is down to his final mission, stop the dark and evil Lord Voldemort before he destroys both muggle world and the wonderful world of wizards. The final show down takes place at Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione, and Ron's wizardry school. Everyone fights, some die, some fall in love (Finally!), some give rousing speeches that make you cry more than any other part in the whole movie (Thank you so much Neville Longbottom!)

All in all, I thought the movie was spectacular. In this case, I do recommend that every one read the books first. They are fantastic, but if you must only see the movies, I guess that in fine too. Just know that you are missing out on a bit.

(Damnit Neville Longbottom!!!)

What did you think of the Harry Potter movies?

Did you read the books?

Were you satisfied with the final movie?

NaNoWriMo (Day 21 of 30) Strangers in the Dark (43,822 words left)

So, I think I'm getting stuck in my head again, and my head is somewhere in Australia trying to convince myself that I do NOT need to revise now! But I want to so freaking bad! Like I had mentioned last week, I saw my friend Kimberli (the friend that is preparing for publication because she's a brilliant writer.) Well, speaking with her just made me realize how much more I have to learn about writing and how much my writing can still improve. She also pointed out all the "telling" in my story. (That's really my biggest nightmare!) I think I would prefer that (DARE I SAY IT!?!?!?) my manuscript be full of typos rather than be full of telling! (THE HORROR!)

But, I am going to try and move past this instead of seeking perfection on the first try because I know it's not possible. Kimberli said that her drafts always start out like mine and then she goes in later and plays around. I just have to get the basics down.

Suffice to say, I'm not completely over it and was only able to get down 86 words, but here they are.

Strangers in the Dark

(Still on Chapter Two)

What was I doing? Thinking I could simply walk out the door with a pack in one hand and a gun in the other? What did I expect? That I’d walk around the corner, see my brother or father struggling with a Recruiter, shoot the Recruiter in the knee cap, and get the hell out of here? Absolutely not. No way it would ever work out like that. Nevertheless, I stood with only one foot out the door, wishing that’s exactly how it would play out. (86 words)

"Immortals" Movie Review

I got the chance to see this movie in the theaters with my cousin, Michael. (The same cousin that saw In Time with me last week.) It certainly looked like a movie I would enjoy and since it had the same producer as 300 (Mark Canton) I figured I really couldn't go wrong as far as it being entertaining.

In summary, a slave is caught in the middle of a war between men, gods, and titans. Secretly trained by Zeus himself, and the unofficial body guard of the virgin oracle, he's the best warrior to save man.

The storyline on paper sounds fantastic, but it really didn't take the spotlight. Instead, it was overwhelmed with the multiple beheadings and virtual buckets of computerized blood. Don't get me wrong, the fight scenes were choreographed beautifully. It was just very hard to see with so much splattering going on. Definitely not for the faint-hearted.

The cinematography was beautiful, though. As were the costumes, makeup, and abdominal muscles. lol.

NaNoWriMo (Day 19 & 20 of 30) A Busted Day (??? words left)

Uh huh...guess what? Yep...no writing. But I will fill you in on some stuff!

GREAT NEWS!!! I have and INTERVIEW tomorrow! I am super geeked! It's for a local marketing firm and the job I am going for is in their production department. I don't know a ton about the position, but I will be involved in the production of the literature that is created for clients. There's proofreading, writing, designing, and many other things to do! It all sounds PERFECT to me!!! I want it! So, hopefully, it goes well.

Other than that, not too much. Been hanging with friends, working on side projects for the Chamber, SHOPPING for CHRISTMAS, getting excited for THANKSGIVING, preparing to work on BLACK FRIDAY!!! Too much fun stuff that has been stealing all my creative time, but in a very good and enjoyable way.

How's everyone else doing?

FUNNIEST TWILIGHT STORY!!!!

So, I don't know if anyone has heard or read one of my rants about the new Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 movie that came out this weekend. For the last year, I've contemplated whether or not I will see the movie in theaters, complained about the movie being split into two parts, still commented on how much Catherine Hardwick messed up the first movie, discussed whether or not Melissa Rosenberg should have been chosen to write ANY of the movies, let alone ALL of them, and contemplated how Bill Condon was going to transform the final book into any form of a movie.

Now, my greatest hope and fear has been realized!!! I haven't seen the movie yet, although I am almost positive I will see it in theaters (especially now!!!). Here's why...

My friend, Shannon, and a few of her friends went to go see the movie during the midnight premiere and one of her friends FAINTED while Bella was giving birth to her half human/half vampire child on screen! Apparently, the blood and sheer gruesomeness of it all got to her. (NOTE: Shannon said the scene wasn't really all that bad.)

If any of you have read the book, you may understand exactly what happens during the birthing scene, and perhaps even realize that it must have been the most difficult scene to transform from book to the screen.

Suffice to say, this is the most hilarious story I have been told in a long time, and it makes me want to see the movie all the more!!!

NaNoWriMo (Day 18 of 30) Uggghhhhhh! (??? words left)

As you can tell, I did not write on the 18th day either. No reason really, just didn't do it. Blahhhhhh! Also, not feeling it tonight. So, there could beanother one of these boring messages about how I did not write. Grrrr! Probably should be writing now instead of writing this post. Going to go try. :)

NaNoWriMo (Day 17 of 30) Another Bust (??? words left)

Yesterday was a LONG day. I worked, met with an old friend, Kimberli, from one of my creative writing classes, helped my aunt transfer all her old music over to her new laptop (Best Buy wanted to charge her $100-200!!! RIDICULOUS!), then I met my cousin, Michael, and we had dinner and went to go see the new movie Immortals. By the end of the day, I was so drained, I wasn't doing anything else.

An encouraging note to all writers out there, though. My friend Kimberli just returned from a writer's conference in Wisconsin and received some excellent feedback. She ended up getting a meeting with a counselor she really liked--apparently the woman is brutally honest--and she said to Kimberli that her writing was brilliant, and even though her manuscript is not completed, she needs to publish NOW!!! So excited for her. She's currently working on polishing her first few chapters and writing her query letter!

I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on her. I've read a lot of her story so far and I can't wait for her inevitable success!

"Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (3)" Movie Review

This is another one that I saw in theaters and was completely unsure about. I thoroughly enjoyed the first and second movie, especially since the only other version I had seen of the books was an old VHS recording of some ancient TV series that tried to recreate the books with the combination of live action actors and animation...Strange!

In the third installment, only Lucy and Edmund return to the fantastical world of Narnia, along with their annoying cousin Eustace Scrubb. The appear in the ocean where they are picked up by Prince Caspian, who appeared in the franchise for the first time in the second installment, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This time, all of Narnia is being threatened by a creepy green smoke that is spreading across the sea, gobbling up ships and everyone on them. It's up to Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and even Eustace to five the seven missing lords and their seven missing swords to break this curse and stop the evil green smoke.

It really sounds cornier than it is. Nevertheless, this is still my least favorite of the three movies out so far. It felt more like a series of four or five small stories rather than one whole storyline, making the whole movie a bit disjointed. Also, the green smoke had a tendency to bring out the "ugly" in everyone. Caspian was a bit power hungry, Lucy wanted to be beautiful like her sister, Susan, and Edmund is STILL haunted by the White Witch (I'm not sure how thrilled Tilda Swinton is about returning to these last 2 movies for a mere 5 minute cameo. I'd be done with it.)

But, the colors were beautiful, the effects were nice, and the actors were doing there thing. I also enjoyed watching Eustace go from fainting at the sight of a talking Minotaur, to getting teased for talking to a seagull, to asking if he could return to Narnia someday.

NaNoWriMo (Day 16 of 30) Strangers in the Dark (43, 908 words left)

I had the day off today so it was a good day to write, but the bad news is that my car had to go into the shop :( It's making a bad noise!!! So far, it's not looking too expensive, but the people aren't done looking. Cross your fingers for me.

Other than that, I want to ZUMBA! tonight and it was totally fun and a good work out. I'm thinking of doing it every week. :)

Well, here's more of Strangers in the Dark...

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two Continued...This is almost the end of chapter two. I just have one more section planned.)

Handling a gun wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. The cold of the metal, the weight of the trigger, and the kick of the shot made me feel more confident. The only thing that jolted me was the blasting sound, but I even got used to that after a few shots. Kale had built a makeshift man out in the fenced off backyard using a sturdy wooden table with two cardboard boxes stacked on top. Nora stood on top of a kitchen chair so she could be the look out, letting us know if anyone was walking by or if the shots were attracting unwanted company. Nora gave the go-ahead nod.

Kale continued with his lesson, “Now that you’ve got the feel of shooting the gun, let’s try aiming. The best way to incapacitate someone with little chance of seriously injuring or killing them is to aim for the meat of their thighs. Think of this set up as a man standing in front of you. The boxes are the man’s head and torso. You shoot there and you could be causing some serious damage. It really should be the last resort unless you really understand the body; like where the empty space and the vital organs are inside. Now, think of the legs of this table as the legs of a man. Squeeze the trigger of the gun slowly while aiming at one of the legs. Then, take a single breath, and squeeze again at the same leg.”

I did as he asked and aimed for the front leg on the right. I wasn’t sure where the first shot went, but the second nicked the inside of the leg I was aiming at. Once my ears stopped ringing a bit, I could hear Kale clapping.

“Excellent job. Nora had to try at least three times before hitting the leg, and her target was twice as big.”

“Watch it, mister. Now I could take off your pinky finger if I wanted to.”

Kale smiled for the first time since I met him. “That’s very true. Now try again, Talis. You’re doing just fine.” I repeated the same two shots with the same results. “Again.” This time I hit it with both shots. “Good, here’s a new clip. Replace it and make the same shot.” I was sloppy while replacing the clip, but I got it in there and made the same shot, hitting the leg twice again. “Now, aim for a different leg, using the same kind of shot.” I did as he said, aiming for the front leg on the right. I missed the first shot, but nicked the outside of the leg with my second shot, a near mirror image of my first try. I looked to Kale for further guidance. “You’re aim is very consistent. That’s good. Let me try something now.” He took the gun from me and adjusted the sights on the top just a bit. “Now try again, same leg, same kind of shot.” I did as he said and hit it twice, splintering the leg from top to bottom. “Perfect. Let’s try a few different shots with the rest of the clip.”

Nora jumped down from her look out spot and placed some empty pop cans on the table, on the boxes and on the ground. There were four cans all together.

Kale instructed me once again. “Now, this time, aim at the first can on the ground, shoot, take a breath, aim for the second can on the table, shoot, take a breath, and so on. Even if you miss, go to the next can.” I did as he said. I missed the first can on the ground, hit the second on the table, hit the third on the card board box, and missed the fourth by the fence, only by an inch though. “Great job. I’m actually very impressed,” he said while giving me a little hug around the shoulders. “We should stop, though. I’m sure we’ve attracted some attention and it’s getting dark. You might get the chance to practice more in the future, but spare your bullets just in case. Just remember, even though you have a gun, doesn’t mean you have to use it. Be careful, be resourceful, and defend yourself.” (716 words)

See you all tomorrow. I should have another movie review tomorrow as well. If not tomorrow, then definately Friday. Have you guys been enjoying them? I bet you can tell that I have been watching a lot more movies than reading books. I'm sad to say that I haven't finished a book in a long time. I've been reading the same book for the last two months. The even sadder thing is that it's an excellent book! Oh well!

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon (3)" Movie Review

I did see this movie when it came out in theaters. In fact, I am pretty sure that I saw it twice. Once with my friend Amanda who always manages to be able to see movies with me the day that they come out. And once with my friends Sarah and Morgan that decide to go see it randomly a week or two later.

I enjoyed it both times, but it certainly was more over the top than the first or second. More about the huge effects than the actual storyline.

In short, and as always, without giving too much away, the Decepticons are at it again, trying to take over Earth, but this time they are looking to bring their home planet here and enslave all the humans as a workforce of 6 billion and growing! Of course, Sam, his new obnoxious girlfriend, and the Autobots are there to stop them.

Speaking of Sam's obnoxious new girlfriend. I didn't like her. Yes, she was pretty, like Megan Fox, but blonde. And yes, the writers tried to make her a strong female lead, as in she was the one with the good job, bringing home the bacon, while Sam moped about his glory days. But she screamed A LOT! And her miraculous hair transformed from curly, to flat, and back to curly more times in the action scenes than was humanly possible. Plus, I guess no one thought we would notice how she changed shoes several times from 4 inch black stilettos to black flats while also running for her life (all while still screaming her head off.) I thought for a while there that maybe she just broke her heals off (reasonable and probably more practical) but NO! In the final scene, as she stood on a car, with the wind blowing through her newly curled hair, her heels were back! Thank goodness!

Did I mention that the city of Chicago must no longer exist because it was completely decimated by an alien race and half the army blowing shit up. Anyone been there lately? Does it still look like an atom bomb went off?

All in all, you're going to enjoy the movie if you love the big effects and watching buildings crumble under the strength of a giant robotic sea serpent/worm/snake/whatever that thing was.

NaNoWriMo (Day 15 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (44,621 words left)

Today was a good day.  I got two checks today--one for my jewelry that I have been selling on consignment and one for a project I did for the Chamber a few weeks ago! I got two calls about interviews for possible full time jobs!!! I got an email about a temp job for 3 months next year if nothing else pans out! I finished my paperwork for working at Express for Black Friday! I bought the final Harry Potter movie! AND I was able to write for NaNoWriMo! All in all, good times.

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two Continued)

      It wasn’t the night that had me ready to jump out of my own skin, but the day. It was the longest day I have ever had to bare in my eighteen years of life. I wanted it to be over so badly. I wanted the sun to go down and release me from this lit prison. My fingers throbbed as I continued to tap them against the arm of the chair I had been sitting in for the last six hours.

“Can’t sit still for one minute, can you?” I looked over at Kale. I didn’t know how long he had been standing there, looking over me as I allowed all my nervous energy to consume me.

“You’re teasing me, right?” I knew what it was like to have a sibling. All they did was mock you in the most loving way possible.

“Yes. I know this is not the most appropriate time to lighten the mood, but it looked like you needed it.”

I laughed a bit. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Will it help to go over your plan with me? I’ve been told I am an excellent strategist.”

“Only when we are playing Monopoly, Kale,” Nora teased.

“I am the king of hotels.”

“I appreciate all of your help, but I don’t think there is anything else you could do. I know I’m not prepared for this. I don’t think anyone would be.”

Kale and Nora seemed to agree, but there was a strange look on both of their faces. They looked at one another, and in a moment, I could tell an entire conversation had occurred between them. My mom and dad used to have the same kinds of conversations. It just showed how much they knew about each other, how close they were. Kale and Nora had the same vibe. “We may have one thing that could prepare you a bit more,” Kale finally announced. “But it also may be a bit scary for you. However, we feel it may be entirely necessary for your safety, especially after what happened last night.”

     “Okay, what is it?” I asked, more curious than nervous.

Kale once again retreated from the room, this time to return with a small black case about the size of a lunch box, except there wasn’t a thermos and sandwich in this lunch box. “This is a semi-automatic handgun. I’ve owned a gun almost all my life and I’ve taught Nora how to shoot properly and effectively in the last year or so. I guess you’ll just have to get the quick lesson.”

“Whoa, hold on a minute! Who said anything about me shooting a gun? I’ve never…”

“I figured, but you’re going to have to learn if you’re planning on going up against even one Recruiter. Last night, almost every single one of those people had a gun or some lethal weapon on them. As much as they want to recruit new people, they really aren’t very concerned about sparing lives.” Kale was becoming heated, but he took a breath and looked me straight in the eye. “Just because you own a gun, does not mean you will ever have to use it. And even if you do have to use it, does not mean you have to kill the person you are using it on. Self-defense is the only reason to ever use it—when it comes down to your life or the life of someone you love.”

I paused, thinking about how unreal my life suddenly seemed. At the time, I was more likely to believe I was having a nightmare, or was stuck in a video game or teen novel. But the truth was that it was all real, and Kale was right. I was going up against people who didn’t care one lick about my life. “Teach me.” (639 words)

NaNoWriMo (Day 14 of 30) A Busted Day (??? words left)

Today was a productive day. I just didn't get to work on what I would have liked to have worked on. I did finally get the chance to turn my blog into an app (directions in the previous post or at the bottom of my blog, along with my QR Code), I completed yet another application for the screening process for a job I am trying to get, and I ALMOST finished all the contact entries I needed to add to the Chamber's website. I would have had all of them if for the last hour an wrror message didn't go up every three entries or so, forcing me to redo the entire entry. Eventually, the error message flashed every time so I'm waiting until the morning to complete the project. Anyway, with all that going on, plus the millions of times I was interrupted by my phone or a family member, I was unable to write ANYTHING today. I'm just not giving myself very many days off to work on it. I know I won't make my word count, but I do hope to keep writing every day, if possible. Never fear, I should have more tomorrow, although it could be late. Tomorrow is another HUGE day!

Comic found here: http://www.toothpastefordinner.com/archives/2009/Aug/

IT WORKED!!! My blog has it's own app!

Here's the deal! You can create an app for your blog to be used on either iphone or droid, and the best part, it's free!
First off, come and get my app! The first thing you have to do is go to your app store and down load the Bloapp (it's also free.) Or, you can visit either of these links and download it onto your computer to later sync with your phone...
1) iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/my/app/bloapp/id436962200?mt=8
2) Android app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.infindo.bloapp.activities
After you have downloaded the app onto your phone either search for my blog Who's Your Editor?, or scan my QR code to the right here ---->

Now, you have my blog app on your phone!!!
Secondly, how do you get your own app for your blog???
Just visit this website...http://www.bloapp.com/index..., click sign up now, follow the easy directions, and I will be more than happy to get your app as well!
Looking forward to seeing all your blogs in app form!!!

HEY! There's an APP for that! ("That" being MY BLOG!)

Yes, that's right! I am currently trying to build an app for my blog!

I was playing with my phone the other day, after an entire afternoon/night of trying to update itunes and my phone (thank you very much MAC! You're an absolute joy to work with...NOT!!!) But, it did update and I remembered why I love my phone. Then, I thought, I need an app for my blog. I got more serious about the idea and began to wonder if it was actually possible and FREE to do.
So far, so good! I have found a couple of websites that say it is possible. So, I am going to try a few different ways of doing it and hopefully I will have something up and running soon. Maybe even TODAY!!! Then, I can share my blog app with all you iphone/droid/??? users in a whole new way. Plus, I will tell you how to do it yourself so you can try it too!

I hope it works! Cross your fingers for me!

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Movie Review

I finally got a chance to see it! I wasn't surprised when I saw that there was another Pirates of the Caribbean, especially after the way the last one ended, and the fact that there was a stinger at the end of the movie (not always a definite indication of a sequel, but a pretty good one.)

As a short summary and with few to no spoilers, this movie follows Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Black Beard (Ian McShane), Anjelica (Penelope Cruz), and the Spanish Prince discover the existence of the fountain of youth. There's more pirates, but also zombies and mermaids!!!
I enjoyed the fourth installment, perhaps even more than the third, that just got too weird for me. I LOVED the mermaids, so pretty, but so deadly. I didn't care much for the zombies, there didn't seem to be a reason for them to be zombies and not just regular men. I actually enjoyed whatever tensions was going on between Jack and Angelica, and I thought the little romance between the young man and mermaid was cute, but unfinished, frankly ignored at the end. The effects were fantastic. The music was spectacular as always, Mr. Zimmer. And the costumes and makeup were inspired. A good addition to the series.

Plus, don't forget to stay tuned after the credits because, you guessed it! There is another stinger!
I also thought I would add a link to the website Media Stinger. If you are one of those people who loves to see the stinger, but never knows what movies even have one, then this is the site for you. I bookmarked the website in my phone and every time I go to the theater to see a movie, I open the website to check whether or not I need to stay through the credits or not.

NaNoWriMo (Day 13 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (46,606 words left)

It's raining, a lot. A great day to hang with friends and watch movies. We watched the new Pirates of the Caribbean and now we are on I Am Number 4. Here and there, I have picked up my computer to write a bit. Here's what I got.

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two Continued)

“I have to go find them, Nora. You have to let me go.”

“You’ll wait until dark,” Kale announced as he entered the room with a small black back pack. “Here.” He handed it to me. “There is enough food and water to last you a week if you are careful enough with it.”

“You don’t have to do this. I had a bag, back at the barricade. I can return and get it. Or, I can return to my house and try and find something.”

“I’m sure the Recruiters have confiscated everything that was left behind at the barricade. Apparently, they have a lot of mouths to feed.”

He was probably right, so I thanked him and took the bag. “I should go now, though. The longer I wait, the farther away they get from me.”

“No, you’ll wait until dark. From what little I know about the Recruiters, they like the light, to show off their numbers. They have the appearance of being without fear, but I’m sure there are plenty of weak links. After all, they are mostly made up on anxious, kidnapped children. Where is your house?”

“Just a few blocks from here, I believe.”

“Good. You should be safe there then. The Recruiters are mostly based in the center of the city. Their numbers will be the most concentrated there. Rumors are that they are building a wall, claiming their territory, keeping the outsiders out. Who knows what else they are planning there. Your best bet is to get out of the city all together, as soon as you can. Nora and I are heading north. The farther away from here the better. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, but I can’t”

“I understand. Nora and I will stay with you until dark at least. Best get some shut eye. It’s going to be a long night for all of us.” (319 words)

I'm sure I'll write more which I will either post later today or tomorrow. See ya!

The Thunder Down Under!

Yes, this is what I did last night. I went to go see The Thunder Down Under. Just a bunch of very sexy Australian Men strutting their stuff. It was so much fun! I went with my best friends Morgan and Sarah, and my mom and Morgan's mom. It was at the casino so we went early, ate, had some drinks, and gambled. The concert started around 8 and went until 10 or so. The guys were in all sorts of ridiculous costumes, they danced, pulled women up on stage, and then stripped down to their pants or briefs and went dancing in the crowd. My mom and Morgan got kisses on their cheeks and Sarah was hugged and picked up. It was hilarious! At the end, they had a photo shoot and we all got in on it!

That's Morgan on the left, Sarah to the right, and me in the middle, surrounded by the six men of the show. They were all so nice. lol. The girls and I already decided that the next time they were here in Michigan again we would go. Just too much fun!

NaNoWriMo (Day 12 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (45,645 words left)

Another beautiful day off. Everything in my back yard froze over last night and the frost was twinkling in the moonlight. Then, when I woke up, it was sunny, the frost was gone, and I could tell it was going to be a beautiful day. So far, so good. I got a bit of writing done, but now I must get ready to go see The Thunder Down Under! For those of you who may not know what that is, it is basically the Australian Chip N Dales. My friend Morgan, that is getting married next year, bought them all for her mom for Christmas and as a little pre-very-early-bachelorette party. I've never been to anything like this, but I do hear that the most entertaining part is the crazy women you get to see freaking out over the dancers. Should be a blast!!!

Strangers in the Dark

(Chapter Two continued)

Both their eyes darted to the corner where my voice appeared. “But you do have to let me go.”

Nora walked over to me, and cautiously laid her hind on mine. “Of course. You are not our prisoner, and I am so sorry that we mistook you for a Recruiter, but will you please allow us to make sure you are not hurt. We also need to find you some rations.” Nora looked back over at Kale who nodded his head and left the room. “Come on then. Let’s go to the living room. This room is getting cold and there is more light in the main room. The sun is coming up.” She said the last bit with a smile. The sun was really the only hope any of us had that the world was not ending quite yet, that there was still some light left.

The water was cold, but Nora made sure to wash my hands, face, and hair.

“You don’t have to do this, you know. I understand that you didn’t mean to intentionally hurt me. That day, yesterday, was terrible,” I choked. “None of us deserved to be in the middle of it.”

“Yes, it was terrible, but that does not mean we are all on our own now, that we must step over others just to save ourselves. Humanity, empathy, love, they don’t simply go away.”

“Sounds like something my mom would…would have said.” I looked out the window, in the direction of the barricade. “She was a good woman, too good. She didn’t understand this new world, how it could be this bad, almost cruel. All she was ever concerned about was taking care of me and my little brother.” I had tried a brave face, but was unable to keep it up. I cried, not only because I missed Mom, but because I had no idea how I was going to be able to find Jensen and Dad. (326 words)

As always, more tomorrow!

I am a Wedding Winning Fool!!!

As some of you may know, I have been attending bridal expos, shows, stores, and fittings like crazy with my best friend Morgan because she is getting married next summer and I am her maid of honor. So far we have signed up for over a hundred gift certificate drawings and a few different honeymoon giveaways. We've bought the bridesmaids dresses and the bridal gown. Her and her fiance have booked the reception place and got the license for hosting their ceremony in the park.

Now, we are onto caters, DJs, and table settings. Whew!

But, in the process of all of this, we have been hearing back from some of the drawings. A few have simply used our information to advertise more, but I have also won a $200 gift certificate for a facial and $200 off a DJ service. Isn't that exciting??? I've never won so much in my life! lol. Plus, it's even better that it helps Morgan!
Looking for more wedding fun soon! I'll keep you guys updated periodically.

Anyone else been a bridesmaid or maid or honor? I could use some tips lol. I have been a bridesmaid once before for my cousin, but I was only 16 or so and really not involved in much, but tying some bows and touching up hair dos. (Nevertheless, it is still one of my favorite memories.)

NaNoWriMo (Day 11 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (45,986 words left)

It's 11/11/11, everyone! Make a wish and knock on wood!

I will be working at the Chamber today (all day), but I'm working on a pretty important project with a very tight deadline so this work has actually been contracted out to me which is awesome!!! Nothing I like better than contracted work at the moment. A realy job would be better, but for now, this is fabulous! Then, I am having dinner with my parents and my aunt that is up from down state. I can't wait to see her.

With all this going on, I am happy to get this portion of my NaNoWriMo off early to you all!

Strangers in the Dark (Chapter Two continued)

It was dark, immediately reminding me of this new world I was living in, one without light, one of war, and consequently, without a mom. The pain in the back of my head was not enough to make me forget about the pain in my heart, and the tears were not enough to wash away the cinders on my hands and face. I was in agony, missing my entire family. But now had to be about my own survival if I was ever going to see Jensen or Dad ever again. I lifted myself from the bed I had been carefully placed in, a pillow had been placed under my head, my shoes removed and socks replaced, the blankets tucked neatly under my chin. Whoever my captors were, they were kind or simply diligent.

The room must have belonged to a young girl at one place. Every shade of purple and pink had been utilized, flowers and butterflies haunted every blanket and picture, and costume jewelry littered the vanity and dresser. Who was this young girl, and where was she. Perhaps she escaped, like my friend Sari, or was captured like Jensen, or lost like myself.

There were two doors in this room—two potential exits. I assumed one must lead to a bathroom, while the other would lead to a hallway, living room, or staircase? Looking out the window, which was unfortunately nailed shut, I surmised that I was on the main floor, and not too far from the barricade. All I had to do was get out of this room and I could be right back where I was earlier today—yesterday? I didn’t know how long I had been out.

Putting all my weight on the fully carpeted floor, I crossed my fingers that not a single noise would escape this room. The last thing I needed was for my captors to be onto me before I even knew where the front door was. Or, maybe, that’s exactly what I wanted to happen. I managed to stand without a sound and made my way over the vanity set, picked up the chair and smashed it into the single, nailed window, shattering the glass. Hearing footsteps running toward the door directly behind me, I dropped the chair and dived behind the dresser, hidden from view.

A glow began to grow from underneath the door, an opaque monster, lighting the way for its master in the hallway. The door creaked open, a man entered the room, followed closing by a woman that clung to his shirt.

The man surveyed the room. “She’s gone, out the window.”

“What?” the woman gasped. “But what if she was still hurt, Kale, you hit her so hard.” She almost sounded concerned.

“I thought she was one of them, Nora. I thought she was going to hurt you.”

“Well, she didn’t have a red arm band. She’s our responsibility. We hurt her and put her in more danger. We need to find her, now.” Nora turned to walk back out of the room, as determined as I have ever seen a young woman before.

“Wait,” Kale yelled after her.

“What is it? She’s going to get too far and then we won’t be able to help her. She probably doesn’t have any food or water, barely even a coat or a…”

Kale interrupted her, “She’s still here.”

I stiffened.

“There are no footprints in the snow. She did this to throw us off, in case...”

“In case we were evil people.”

They began to glance around the room, neither of them looking like they knew what to do next. There was really only one thing to do.

“I don’t think you’re evil,” I whispered. (620 words)

Well, tomorrow is another day to write, read, work, eat, love, and live! (In no particular order.)

Storyteller Challenge #3: Autumn Phrase Prompt

I got home today and this is what was going on in my back yard! Unbelievable! I am so not ready for snow. Of course, none of it is really staying on the ground, but I know this is only the beginning!!!

It all worked out though because Shah over at Wordsinsync posted her new Storyteller Challenge Prompt this week and it's "Give Autumn a Chance." So, I combined inspiration from her phrase and this photo that I took of the snow falling in my backyard and came up with this poem. The rhyming is a little cheesy, but I think it's funny. Enjoy!

Give Autumn a Chance

Come on snow, give autumn a chance

It’s not your time to dance

They’re still leaves on the trees

And Thanksgiving feasts

And all you do is make me sneeze.

One day the afternoon is sunny

The next, my nose is running

I thought this was Fall

Not a winter squall

Now, all I want to do is bawl

Autumn is my favorite time of year

There’s pretty colors and pre-holiday cheer

But the snow is falling too soon

So, I’m singing a different tune

One about shivering before and after noon

Although the snow can be very pretty

And it may inspire a spontaneous ditty

It still makes driving really crappy

And mostly everyone is unhappy

Because the dim is kind of shabby

Yes, I like to make snow angels

And I don’t mind if my cheeks tingle

But can’t we all give autumn a chance?

Let’s take this one final stance

And not let the snow ruin our prance

Because autumn is my favorite season

Although there really is not reason

NaNoWriMo (Day 10 of 30) "Strangers in the Dark" (46,606 words left)

I'm working today at the Chamber and then I have the rest of the day off. I'm thinking a little bit of shopping could be in order. What are you guys planning on doing? Oh, and here's the rest of Chapter One of Strangers in the Dark!

Strangers in the Dark

(The end of Chapter One)

“Oh, no,” I breathed.

“What?” my mom ask, desperately trying to see through the fence.

“Grenades. We’ve got to go.” I pulled on her desperately.

“No, we can’t leave your father and Jensen. Where are they, Talis? Did you see them?”

“The Recruiters have already pulled the pins, Mom. We need to leave…”

The explosion built a wall of heat that forced me away from her, pushing me onto my back and singeing the threads of my jeans and sweater. And as the other grenades went off, it began to snow.

With ears ringing, face flushed, legs weak, I rolled over onto my stomach and crawled over to my mom. The explosion had appeared right behind her. Like a fox sneaking up on a poor rabbit, no one saw it until it was too late. My hand reached hers, and despite the warmth of the burning fires around us, her hand was cold. But she couldn’t be…I cradled her head in both my arms and tried to rock her awake. Her limbs were heavy and her clothes badly burned, but still I thought she was merely knocked out. She wasn’t breathing and I couldn’t find a pulse.

Finally, I succumbed to the tears. They choked me, cutting off my breathing and my voice. I couldn’t call to my Dad, but I saw him running toward us with Jensen. There were men in black following him, though. One hit him over the head with the butt of his gun and then shot a police man that had snuck up behind him. Another grabbed Jensen and started carrying him away like a rag doll. I couldn’t hear him, but I could tell he was yelling my name, ripping his vocal cords just to get me to help him. I cried a little harder as I looked back down at Mom.

“I love you, but I have to go now.” I brushed her hair away from her forehead and gave her one final kiss, like I used to do when I was a little girl. “Good bye.”

It was hard getting up off the ground. Ever muscle seemed to be fighting me and the world looked like a blur of black and blue, but my hearing was coming back and Jensen’s voice sounded through all the fog. In moments, I was in a full out sprint towards him, skimming around the pot holes and fires in the road, jumping over the poor souls that were now lost just like my mom. Dad was still on the ground, just a few feet away, but I knew he wasn’t dead. All I had to do was get to Jensen and then we could come back for our dad.

I was almost to my brother. I paused a moment to pull a metal baton off a fallen officer; it would be something to defend myself against the man that had a hold of Jensen. I made a quick turn to face his captor, but ended up running down a young woman instead. Then, everything went black.

Chapter Two: The Awakening

I awoke in an unfamiliar room. (520 words)

That's all you get of Chapter Two today, but I sure am happy to have started it!

"The Three Musketeers" Movie Review

So, I never realized what bad reviews the new Three Musketeers movie was getting until just recently. Granted, I have been called a bit of a movie slut, because I am usually able to find something I like in each movie, not always though, but I loved this movie. The casting was fabulous, the costumes were mezmerizing, and I think it played true to the fun, corky, swashbuckling themes we are used to seeing in all the Three Musketeer movies, just with a twist. I mean, did ANYONE ever see the 1948 Three Musketeers movie starring Gene Kelly!!! OMG! Talk about corny! So why does this movie get so many thumbs down?

I won't go into much of a summary because we all know the story. What this movie has done different, besides the bigger effects and a fun play on modern language mixed and mingled with the era, they've also made a more kick butt Milady, a younger D'Artangnan, given the Duke of Buckingham a larger part, and added some DaVinci-esque inventions. All together exciting!

 I'm giving it my good review, but many are not, especially the critics. In fact, many critics are treating their reviews as more of a joke than the movie with their cocky little digs. For example, "This one is overblown, over-dressed, and grandiosely dopey, packed with gargantuan sets and ludicrous action scenes and shot in unusually dark and dingy 3-D" or "Every time you think it can't get any stupider, it gets right up in your face, calls you "bro," and gets stupider" or "This is a once-in-a-lifetime fiasco, an epic fail like none we have seen this year, a bad idea by a very bad director and a career-crippling credit for all concerned." Come on people, let's stop being funny.

Well? What did you think? Have you seen it? Thumbs up or thumbs down, and why? Do you want to see it?