The World of a Writer

I've always loved to write. It's ingrained in me and I just can't help it. I journal and write short stories, poetry, and fiction. There's something amazingly wonderful about taking your thoughts, your insights, your imagination, and your creativity and laying them all on paper or a computer screen. I live to write.

Now I've written my first novel, and I'm so excited about putting it out there for the world to see. I'm also nervous to find out what the readers think. But here's the secret: I'm not writing to become famous or make a ton of money. I think if writers have that as a goal, then they'll more often than not be sadly disappointed. The writing business is a tough world to break into. Sure, I had wanted to publish traditionally, but that didn't happen. After sending out query letters to agents and publishing companies, I never heard back from them. The sad reality is most writers will never get that traditional publishing deal. The good news, though, is that the playing field has been leveled somewhat. Writers can now self publish and share their work with the world. I commend all the writers out there who have taken this path.

So why did I write a novel then? Well, as I stated before, I've been writing ever since I could get my hand to paper. It's natural to me. I never thought I'd see the day when I could get my book into print. And it feels great! Even if I barely sell any copies, just the feat of completing a book has been amazing. It took me years to do it, but I am glad I made one of my dreams come true!

So You Think You Can Dance

Well I love to watch this show. I think it's simply the best. I also love this show because it shows off some incredibly talented people. It's so amazing to see how the human body can bend, twist, flip, slide and do all kinds of great things. I quite admire anyone who does any form of dance. I like this show because the dancers have to be versatile. And I think it takes more than just natural talent. A true dancer has to work hard day and night. Is anyone else watching this show?

The Baby-sitters Club

If there is just one book series that made my day, it would be The Baby-sitters Club by Ann M. Martin. I enjoyed reading this series so much as a kid. I read almost all of them, and would wait anxiously for the new one to show up either at the library or on the bookshelf.

The main characters were Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, Mallory, and Jessi. My favorite characters were Claudia and Stacey, who also happened to be best friends in the book. I thought they were so fun and spunky, and I wanted to be just like them. After awhile, I would skip the first few pages of character introductions because I already knew the back story. But the books never grew old to me. I salute Ann M. Martin for making books that enhanced my childhood! Anybody else out there love The Baby-sitters Club?

I Love To Read!

Reading to me is not just a hobby; it's my life! Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. I used to go to the library and get stacks and stacks of books and just devour the pages. To me, people who do not read are missing out on a world of possibilities. That's why it's so important for parents to encourage their children to start reading a young age. The love of reading then grows and thrives. Reading is amazing!

Got Mail?

Every day, I go to my mailbox, hoping that I'll see something else in it besides bills. And every day, I am disappointed. My mailbox has become a haven for all kinds of fliers, from local dentistry coupons to illustrious credit card offers. I know that we've all gotten used to e-mail and social networking sites (which are also fun to check), but it's just not the same as getting something great in the mail. Call me old fashioned, but there's just something wonderful about getting a package, a card, or a letter in the mail. I know that I always take time to read the things that people have taken the time to mail.

Sure e-mail is great, but it's just not the same as getting something in an actual mailbox. I like e-cards just fine, but does that really top getting a splendid Hallmark card? I mean, open it, close it, open it, close it --- the fun never ends! I can also display my beautiful cards on my coffee table. I don't think a printed e-card quite does the same trick.

I loooooooove coming home and seeing that Mr. Postman or Mr. UPSman has left me something on my doorstep. How exciting is that! Then I get to use my scissors to get past the brown corrugated box just to find out what special prize lies inside. I don't get that same thrill when getting a "present" on Facebook. Um, that's cute and all, but I can't take the "present" out of the computer.

So I'm asking: Am I the only person left in my age group (late twenties) who still cherishes regular mail?

Chipotle Had Me in Withdrawal!

Of this, I am convinced!

Why is it that I crave Chipotle so much? I tell you, I was seriously going into withdrawals this week. I just had to have Chipotle! I was in a hurry and didn't have time to stop, so I passed Chipotle by. Then I got hungry 20 minutes later when I was still on my journey and tried to find a Chipotle on my way home. There was none in sight, so I settled for some nasty chicken sandwich from a fast food franchise that shall remain nameless. Needless to say, it did not fulfill my Chipotle fix.

So a few days later, after being in church all day and night, I drove to the mall to get some Chipotle. I knew the restaurant wouldn't close until 9 pm. Oh, I could just taste the sweet victory of getting a nice bite of a Chipotle taco! I checked my clock and noted that it was only 8:07. Yes! Plenty of time to get my fix. So I walked to to the door, grabbed the handle, and the door wouldn't budge. And then I saw it. The dreaded sign on the door that said, "Today we'll be closing at 8:00 pm. Sorry for the inconvenience." Noooooooooooo!!!!

Defeated, I walked back to my car with my head hung down. Whatever would I do since I could not get my fix? I decided that the next day, I would surely get my Chipotle!

I had to go out of town again and I figured that I'd make a point to stop at Chipotle after going to my event. I got on the road, and half an hour into the drive, I hit wall-to-wall traffic. What was this?! Surely, it was not in the plan for me to get Chipotle this week! Yet, I drove on. I waited in the traffic, I made it to my destination (although I was late), and yes, I eventually got to Chipotle. Was it worth it? Well, you just take one bit of their tantalizing steak taco with the crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, yummy cheese, and freshly made guacamole and tell me if it isn't the best stuff you've ever had.

To Trust or Not to Trust?

Did I make the right choice? You be the judge.

Yesterday I was at a gas station, filling up my car at the pump. I'm a female, standing by myself in the dark around 9:00 at night. I saw a man approach me and I instantly became fearful. I kept my guard up, but I also felt somewhat protected since the manager of the gas station was inside the store.

The man came up to me and asked if I would be able to give someone a ride. He pointed to a lady down the block, who I couldn't really see. He said she was his friend and she needed to cash her check at the VFW. Mind you, it's almost 9:00 pm, so I'm thinking it's too late to cash a check. I say this to the man.

Man: "The VFW will still cash the check. Do you see that lady waiting at the bus stop? She really needs to get to the VFW before it closes so she can cash her check."

Me: "I'm sorry, but I just don't feel comfortable doing that."

Man: "She's a nice lady. She'll even give you a few dollars to take her. It's just down the block."

Me: "I'm sorry, but I just can't."

Man: "I understand. Can't trust people and all."

Then the man proceeds to walk away. Now I get in my car and begin to drive away, but suddenly the lady appears out of nowhere and taps on my window. I roll it down cautiously.

Lady: "Hi, do you think you could give me a ride to the VFW? It's just down the street."

Me: "I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm really sorry."

Lady: "I understand. Thank you."

So I left and then I started to feel bad. Was I being paranoid? I mean, these were complete strangers that wanted to get a ride in my car. Should I have given them a ride and been a good samaritan? Normally, I am very trusting, but I just didn't feel comfortable as a female by myself having some stranger (male or female) in my car. What do you think? Should I have given her a ride?