Monday, March 9, 2015

Life's Cha Cha


Backward, forward, shake, dip, twirl...

So I was all set and working on my script and then learned the 1000 entry limit on the HBO contest had been met SAME DAY IT OPENED. We used to paranoidly think ABNA was going to do that, but somehow the contest always stayed open almost to the end. I guess there are more script writers with ready products sitting there waiting for a chance. THAT is discouraging. I will keep going, but I will do so at a slower, more careful pace. And then I will get feedback and make corrections and rethink and then someday I will submit it... But there is no longer a rush, so I have had a hard time prioritizing it, March Madness and all...


In the more positive...

I think I am ready to commit again to that fitness plan I got so frustrated with in January. I've spent the last month with vitamin supplements and trying to cope with some other stuff I felt like was interfering in metabolism and attitude... on the 23rd I reach 15 months shy of my 50th birthday and I think 15 months might be about the right time so instead of an open-ended start, I am going to do this as a countdown. (this would be part of that attitude thing)... the goal is to be hot by the time I'm 50... or something... (honestly, it is just to feel fit again and healthy, but clothes fitting fits in that profile, too)


Also positive...

Mari and I on a train in the UK, 2008
I have a house guest coming!!!

There is a distinct and unexpected perk to living in the town where the university library has somehow accumulated a huge number of historical letters. Mari will be my 3rd friend visiting town for the library—in Mari's case the letters are Jimmy Carters, but I have two other friends who have been here for OTHER letters... books they will scan or loan, but the letters are treated more carefully.

Now I've met Mari in person before—twice. She did an exchange in DC when she was in her grad program and came to visit on a break, and she was there when my writing group met in the UK—this officially means that my Norwegian friend is the member of my writing group I will have seen the most in person. A funny thing, considering most of us live in the US.

She will be here the last week of the month and the first of next--working, but we will have weekends. Looking forward to introducing her to the Couch to Keg team.


Also ALSO positive...

The snow is MELTING! All week we get over 45 every day!!! Man, this is HUGE for me feeling hopeful again. I hate feeling like any venture outside is an ordeal. I REALLY REALLY hate wearing two pairs of pants. And it contributes to my fatness, as I sometimes need a ride and often catch the bus for part of my commute instead of walking. My snowboots don't offer the support my feet need, the ice is slippery, the snow is an obstacle and the cold is cold, so now we enter the time of year I can enjoy it outside. I will miss my nice bus driver, but it is for the best.

17 comments:

Cruella Collett said...

I am really looking forward to this too! Perhaps especially as you say the snow is melting - I've been anxiously following the weather over there for a while, as you seem to have been hit harder with winter than us. I know I've said it before, but seriously: I think there is a law somewhere demanding that you cannot travel FROM Norway TO someplace colder. It just isn't done! :P

(And yes, I am looking at Carter's papers, but only after I visit Ann Arbor, in Atlanta. In Ann Arbor I am looking at Gerald Ford's papers.)

Jan Morrison said...

Oh wow! I so wish I could hang with you two - what fun. But no - our snow is not melting and I start a real job today - one where they want me to come in every day! What's with that? I've been thinking of you a lot my Tartlette as you do manage the work, job, home life thing. I know - not always easily but you do. Hellup!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Sorry about the HBO contest (I think you've got to be right about the screenwriters with the scripts in the drawer), but these are some really positive reports. :) Have fun with Mari, glad to hear about the fitness program...and the melting snow is especially good!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I can't believe the entries maxed out so quickly for that contest.

Hot at 50. LOL! Thanks for the push, as I only have 11 months to go before I hit that age.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Yeh for positive moments and things to look forward to! And I think the countdown is a great idea - a definite goal/end point to shoot for. Good luck! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Have a great time with Mari. Bummer you couldn't enter your screenplay.

Trisha said...

Wow, that was quick for the screenplay contest! Maybe you'll have yours ready for the next time?

My life feels like a shambles right now even though it really isn't. I need to get my shizzle together, creatively that is, in a big way. :P

Donna L Martin said...

Hi there!

I just stopped by to check out your blog. I've signed up for yet another year of the A to Z Challenge and look forward to reading many, many posts next month...;~)

Take care,

Donna L Martin
www.donnalmartin.com
author of THE STORY CATCHER (Anaiah Press 2015)
coauthor CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: ANGELS AMONG US (Simon & Schuster 2013)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Perhaps it was fate that is giving you more time to polish your script. I know how disappointed you must be. I am going sugarless myself and trying to get into shape as well. Working all weekend with an abcessed tooth helped me not to over-eat at least!! The dentist tortured all this morning -- and even though I told him the Allies were landing at Normandy, he kept torturing!!

Andrew Leon said...

The HBO contest was probably filled by people in L.A., you know, where everyone has a screenplay.

Sarah Ahiers said...

WHAT?? That sucks about the HBO contest. Boooo on that

H. R. Sinclair said...

Positive is always so good! Our snow is not melting yet, but some might today.It's 43 and balmy!

Helena said...

The snow here in Denver has driven me nuts, so I can't imagine how much worse it's been for you!

I'm not at all surprised about the HBO contest filling up in 24 hours--the number of aspiring screenwriters out there is truly scary. However, there's a good resource for screenwriters called The Black List (www.blcklst.com), and I believe it has a few TV opportunities available, so maybe you can check it out.

And damn, for getting near 50 or any age, you look great!

Carol Kilgore said...

Things are looking up. I'm looking forward to getting back into my walking routine, too. And beer on the patio. Which means I must walk, LOL!

CA Heaven said...

I'm kind of on the opposite side when it comes to snow. I want it to stay as long as possible. When it comes to letters, I'm fine with any president. If Hillary Clinton becomes the next president of the USA, her letters (i.e. e.mails) may be harder to get, since she only uses her private mail account >:)

Cold As Heaven

Arlee Bird said...

The worst thing about L.A. weather of late is that it's getting hotter and I mean like in the 90's. I'm almost scared to see what summer might bring. We've really had a mild winter this year.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

VR Barkowski said...

Discouraging about the screenplay. You definitely have the right attitude going forward. Even with warmer temps and meltage (I really think meltage should be a word), be wary of ice. I hit a patch last week and dislocated my shoulder. Frustrating.

Enjoy Mari's visit!

VR Barkowski