NaNoWriMo, I'm ScaToStaYo

I might be taking a cue from K.Law and begin scheduling my posts in the coming days since, as you know, NaNoWriMo is coming.

I feel like screaming, "The Redcoats are coming! The Redcoats are coming!"

It's freaking me out that much, I'm afraid.

NaNoWriMo, I'm ScaToStaYo.

Or scared to start you.

Am I clever or what?

But I'm so beyond excited at the same time.

I tend to rock my own socks off when it comes to deadlines because that way, I can divide up the work and know that it'll get done in small amounts rather than in one massive pile of craziness.

However.

This is a 175 page novel! Holy I'm-about-to-become-a-hermit, Batman!

I have some ideas. Okay, I have an idea that I'm 90% sure I want to stick with. But it's a very big deal for me to write about said idea, and since I do want to share it with you all, I need to come to terms with the whole thing, bite the damn bullet and just do it. Nike style.

I'm not about to ask for your support; I know I already have it based on past comments and overall amazingness. It's just me who has to commit and go. Balls to the wall. Yep.

So that is that, I guess. Halloween, then BAM. I write my life away.

So dramatic.

So it goes.

Happy Halloween! Be safe and have fun!

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Psst...

Can't type much right now but I wanted to steer you guys over to Midtown Girl's blog, where I'm participating in the SIMC series! Let me know what you think!

Love,
A

Got Jazzercise?

We interrupt our regularly scheduled Post-It Note Tuesday programming to bring you a very ridiculous story concerning...

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...jazzercise.

Oh yes, I'm afraid you read that correctly. My sister somehow managed to convince me to try a jazzercise class with her. And somehow, she succeeded in doing so, including a 7:30 am wake up call.

After searching high and low for this gym and questioning its existence, we finally found not only the gym, but a slew of women 50 years of age and older.

"Welcome to jazzercise!" beamed a woman in said age bracket. "Could you please sign in?"

Liza and I obliged, exchanging various looks of a combination of equal parts fear and "holy hell, what have we gotten ourselves into?"

It wasn't long before some ridiculous 80s tune blasted through the speakers and the women began sidestepping in time to the music. We joined them.

It also wasn't long before we realized we were the youngest girls in the room by a landslide. Most of the women looked exactly kind of like this.

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So what is jazzercise, for those under the age of 50 that are not educated on this hilarious workout?

"Jazzercise is a 60-minute group fitness class combining cardio, strength, and stretch moves for a total body workout. We’ve taken moves from hip-hop, yoga, Pilates, jazz dance, kickboxing, and resistance training and bundled them into one hour."-from the official Jazzercise website

There was one woman in particular who just took the class to an entirely different level. I'm talking about the cliche crazy workout woman. Yanno, decked out in her insane exercise gear and doing every single move completely over the top. She kinda wished she was Ms. Fonda circa 80 something.

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We did routines to about 7 songs, and most of them are a blur because Liza was laughing her ass off while I kept saying, "not while I'm jazzercising!" to her. I do, however, recall Spiral Staircase's More Today Than Yesterday and all the women singing along as we shuffled and hopped and...well, all that jazz.

After the class, another woman came up to us exclaiming, "You guys are great! Are you dancers?!"

Um...no ma'am. Noo ma'am.

She urged us to come back and see them all again soon, and we very promptly exited the building.

Upon telling my dad of the hilarity that was jazzercise that morning, he says, "Ali, you are aware that jazzercise is a pretty old school workout, right?"

Well dad, I do now.

Hey Friend Makin' Monday, You Lookin' Good

Oh yes, 'tis that time again. Now that I think about it, it hasn't been that time for a while now around these parts, has it?

FMMs, I've missed you. Glad to have ya back.

FMMs are now hosted by the lovely Amber over at {aefilkins}. And this week's topic comes courtesy of Kenz at All the Weigh.

If life were a movie, which movie would you want to live in?

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No contest.

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Every time I watch this movie, all I can think about is how simple that time was. And how nice (and pleasant, har har) it must have been.

And of course, it had a wonderful message in the end.

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Your turn!

PS: My lovely Ocean Dreamer gave me the Dragon's Loyalty Award and I wanted to say a big thank you to her!

NaNoWriMo, Here I Come

So.

Have you guys heard of NaNoWriMo?

No, it's not some weird new species of rhino. And yes, that thought was the first that came to my head upon my hearing of this word.

NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. Here's some more from the official website:

"National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30."

I originally heard about this from this fab lady and was immediately intrigued and inspired.

You see, writing something big has always been on my Bucket List. The thing that's kept me from doing it (as I'm sure is the case with many people) is that I don't have any light at the end of the tunnel. No goal, no reason. Make sense? I'd be doing it strictly for me, and when I do things strictly for me, they kiiinda fall by the wayside. And I know that's really lame, but I'd be lying if I said anything different.

So there's that.

Then I hear about NaNoWriMo, and BAM! I have a goal. Not only do I have a goal, but I have a website, chock full of people with the same exact goal as me. In the same exact amount of time. And most likely with similar fears and anxieties as me.

Gotta love it.

So yes. I am finally going to do it. I'm writin' a novel, folks! What I love about NaNoWriMo is that they advise you to not focus on quality as much as quantity. It's generally the opposite, but this makes total sense. You can go back and edit the hell out of it when November 30th (at midnight!) hits, but the point is to write a novel in a month. To get 'er done and be proud of yourself for doing so.

At any rate, I encourage anyone who has this dream (or has had it and like me, has pretty much kicked it to the curb for one reason or another) to join me. My user name is ABD1350. If you choose to participate, find me and friend me! We can cheer each other on. And cry together when we think there's no hope. And drink together (or apart) when we just can't take it anymore. I really think we'll bring out the best in each other?

And at the end of the day month, who doesn't love taking a Sharpie and crossing the crap off something on your Bucket/to do/whatever list?

Post-It Note Tues - No, I Lied. Oops.

Oh yes folks, 'tis that time again. Except it shouldn't be, because it's Wednesday. And this little tradition is on Tuesdays. But I had a sucky day today so there's my justification for not posting this today, but that's really neither here nor there. Either way, feel free to click the note above for more info.

And without further ado...






And with that, I bid you all goodnight.

Sucky day over.

Pumpkins With My Pumpkin

This past Sunday, the best (aka Lauren aka my little pumpkin) and I went to the Pumpkin Festival.


It was an exciting time. We saw hog pumpkins.


We saw dragon (ish) pumpkins.


We saw one scary ass clown pumpkin that continues to haunt my nightmares.


No one gave us the memo that pumpkins make for very comfy seats.


We found our winners and took 'em home to carve.


Ta da! Our masterpieces (mine's on the right, Lauren's is on the left).


But we couldn't exclude the seeds, oh no siree.


Wash, spread, salt and roast. Now that's my kinda recipe.


All in all, a successful pumpkin carvin' kinda day.

For. The. Win.

Before I get to a little pumpkin filled weekend, I must thank ze lovely Rachel of Observations of a Token Yankee for the Over the Top Award. Oh Rachel, you make me blush with your flattery.


The rules:
-Use only one word.
-Pass along to six favorite bloggers (and tell 'em you did so).

Let's begin!

1. Where is your cell phone? Right
2. Your hair? Straight
3. Your mother? Organized
4. Your father? Hilarious
5. Your favorite food? Indian
6. Your dream last night? Forget
7. Your favorite drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Writer
9. What room are you in? Family
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Failure
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Happy
13. Where were you last night? Cheesecake
14. Something that you aren't? Evil
15. Muffins? Yes
16. Wish list item? Manolos
17. Where did you grow up? NY
18. Last thing you did? Worked
19. What are you wearing? Vest
20. Your TV? On
21. Your pets? 2
22. Friends? Fab
23. Your life? WIP
24. Your mood? Mellow
25. Missing someone? Always
26. Vehicle? Dirty
27. Something you're not wearing? Hat
28. Your favorite store? Tie
29. Your favorite color? Turquoise
30. When was the last time you laughed? Now
31. Last time you cried? ET
32. Your best friend? Drew
33. One place that you could go to over and over? NYC
34. One person who emails you regularly? Mallory
35. Favorite place to eat? Lots

Alright you sexy ladies, get to it!
1. Sierra
2. Katelin
3. Mallory
4. Ashley
5. Jessica
6. Megan

I have one more exciting, quasi self-promoting thing to share with you all and then I am stepping off my soapbox. This is just too cool that I couldn't not share it though.

I won a giveaway over at Midtown Girl's blog and was beyond stoked/psyched/giddy/what have you because a) I won a giveaway and b) this giveaway was so creative and amazing.

Tera is one fab artist and proves it over at her Etsy shop. The giveaway was a portrait of the winner digitally reproduced by Tera. I was floored when I saw how it turned out.


Not only does it actually look like me, but Tera's incredible and added the Carrie flowers on the dress! I died.

Please, check out Tera's shop and see what else she has up her sleeve. She's great. And thank you, Midtown Girl, for a wonderful giveaway!

Climbing off soapbox in 5...4...3...2...

Done.

2 Blondes Walk Into BJ's...

Well, Sierra beat me to it because I'm late in writing (and squealing) about this, but I met Miss OceanDreams this past Wednesday!


It was kind of ridiculous how well we hit it off. I mean, yes - we knew about each other's lives prior to meeting IRL, but still. The chemistry was there and we had so much fun!

I must say, I've never met someone as genuine, caring and sweet as this wonderful lady. It's very rare to talk to someone and know that they really, truly care about what you're saying. Sierra is most definitely one of the few who possesses this quality.

So...verdict? I heart her. And know that our dinner was one of many fun adventures to come for us.

What about all of you? Have you met any of your bloggity blog friends?

It's My Right of Birth, Damnit!

I can't believe how late I am in telling you folks my big news. I'm kinda embarrassed, actually. And feel lame. And stupid.

Oh Ali, quit the dramatics (but hey, I was a drama major!) and stop talking to yourself (fiiiine) and just get to the point.

Remember that time I told you guys about Birthright? We were all sitting around in a circle in our pajamas, eating popcorn and ice cream, gossiping and all that fun stuff?

Oh wait. That never happened.

But I did mention Birthright and how I just had to get in (preferably with my sister) and that if I did, I'd be the happiest I've been in quite a while.

Well, guess what? I'll give you 3 guesses and the first 2 don't count.

I. Got. IN.

Can we all please take a moment, get up and do the Hora around our computers?

Thank you.

Not only did I get in, but Liza did too. And not only did we both get in, but we both got the same trip. And not only did we both get the same trip, but we got our number one choice (in December).

Yes, I'm afraid to say that we'll be missing Christmas this year.

Funny? Not really?

And perhaps the most exciting part is that our trip ends the day before my dear friend Minnie's wedding...in Israel. So we're going to try to extend our trip and make it to the nuptials.

Nothing's perfect, that's for sure. But this comes pretty damn close.

P to the S.

I got this fabbity fab award from one of the most random and hilarious blogs I read, scarletts walk. Thank you thank you!


And speaking of comments, I've been trying to figure out the best way to respond to all of your comments because they mean so much to me. Seriously, each and every one makes my day that much brighter. How do you all do it? Because let's face it - some of your blogs get 50 comments per post, minimum! Spill.

Gnocchi Wisdom

Who would've thought that great quotes come on the back of gnocchi packages?

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."-Eleanor Roosevelt

"Anybody remotely interesting is mad, in some way or another."-Dr. Who

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."-Victor Borge

"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"-Steven Wright

"Do not wait for the leaders; do it person to person."-Mother Theresa

"Here is the test to find out whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't."-Richard Bach

"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all."-Noam Chomsky

"People call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that distinguish me from a door mat."-Rebecca West

{bolded = my favorite}

Yum.

Pudding Pie

Pudding pies are fun, fast and delish. So Liza and I decided to make a couple.

If you're anything like my sister, you use chocolate pudding...


...and boring old pie crust.


You measure the milk...


...and add it to the bowl.


The end result is this, where it remains in the fridge for a couple hours before being consumed.


But if you're like me (and I do recommend being more like me in this situation than Liza), you swing this way.


Oh that's right. Cheesecake pudding and chocolate pie crust. FTW.


The end result is this, where it remains in the fridge for a couple hours before being consumed.


They both tasted pretty bad.

Post-It Note Tuesday

Jessica, one of my lovely blog friends from This, That & My Blog alerted me to this fun little Tuesday activity called Post-It Note Tuesday (click link above to see the originator). Pretty self-explanatory. I love this because I loove Post-Its (but I mean, really...who doesn't?). It also allows me to cross "hop on the bandwagon and make a letter post" off my to do list. Um, killing two birds with one stone? Yes please. So, without further ado, here is my first Post-It Note Tuesday, wee!


More on that last one soon.

Happy Tuesday! What would your Post-It(s) say?

I'm Going for Quirky

(this post blog brought to you by Kellie @ Blogging Blogerton - we now return you to your normally schedule blog)
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PEGGY: No, I don't think you're like, "I'm charming and mysterious in a way that even I don't understand and something about me is crying out for protection from a big man like you". Very hard to compete with. Especially to us married women who have lost our mystery.

MAGGIE: ... you haven't lost your mystery! You're very mysterious!
PEGGY: No. I'm weird. Weird and mysterious are two different things.
MAGGIE: But I'm weird.
PEGGY: No. You're quirky. Quirky and weird are two different things.

Okay, if you can name the movie, we can be friends.

And if you can name who said the quote, we just might be on our way to BFF status (please send me your address so I can mail you a matching heart necklace).

I should start off by thanking the lovely and oh-so talented Ali Dubrow for allowing me to guest post. Now maybe more than 3 people will read my inane ramblings (no offense, my 3 loyal readers of Blogging Bloggerton - see how I managed to plug my blog in the first 2 minutes? Talent!).

Back to the quote at hand.

In my life, I try really hard hope to be to be the quirky girl, as opposed to the "weird girl". But quite frankly, I'm probably a mix of both. When I heard this quote all those years ago (has it really be 10 years since that movie came out?!), it really struck a chord (cord?) with me. Even 10 years ago I realized if I wasn't the weird girl, I was at least the quirky girl. And so I thought it fitting to share a few of the, um, different, things I do that make me "special". Here we go...

1) I don't eat fruit. I don't eat fruit because I don't like fruit. No, fruit does NOT taste like candy from the earth, unless you are referring to dirt candy, because that's what fruit tastes like. Okay, that's a little dramatic, but I don't like it. Maybe it's a texture thing, I dunno. But either way, I'm not havin' it!

2) Sometimes, when I laugh at something really hard, or I have an explosion of laughter I wasn't anticipating, it comes out like a crazy person's laugh. It sorta sounds like a jammed machine gun (as if I have any idea what that sounds like). Trust me, this one pushes me more toward "weird". But the hubs loves it.

3) I always always always bring a jacket. It's 102 degrees outside? Well you never know what might happen, or what cold building you might walk into. The hubs once asked me what I would run out with in case of a fire, and I said I would grab my jacket and the photo albums. He scoffed at the fact that I would take the time -while the apartment was ON FIRE- to grab a jacket, but who knows how long you might have to wait outside. And it could get cold at night. Thanks mom.

4) I am SO 2000-and-late when it comes to fashion. I will straight up ABHOR a new look when it comes out. Then a year later, I'm like "I NEED an over-sized belt! Why can't I find any freaking LEGGINGS?!" I should also point out that I am completely fashion un-savvy, and Ali, those boots are awesome, but they would be a DEATHTRAP on me. Mostly because I would have to take them off and walk around barefoot, eventually contracting tetanus.

Okay, so maybe the "weird" sometimes outweighs the "quirky". Sometimes I'm a downright oddball! Either way, I totally knew at age 17 what Joan Cusack was talking about, and that I somehow fit that bill. And 10 years later, I wouldn't have it any other way. :-)

What do you do that makes you weird or quirky?
(Photo Credits: #1, #2)

A BOOTyful Weekend

The photo below is absolutely atrocious in quality, I know (step it up, BlackBerry). But look! I got new boots! That's right folks. I - Ali, the one who hates spending money on things she knows she can borrow from her fashionista sister - got myself a pair of gray boots.

All because of you, fall.

Isn't it amazing what a great pair of shoes can do for you sometimes?

New show obsession: FlashForward.

Hey, Mr. MILF Man. Long time, no see!

This weekend consisted of frozen yogurt and The Jerk (which has yet to be finished), focusing on my passion for writing through a lovely friend, being a Shredhead (which reminds me, any fellow SHs been to this site?), fall shopping (hello boots!), a friend's birthday partay and a few episodes of Lost with another friend.

How were/are your weekends?

Oh!

PS: A fab guest post coming your way over here tomorrow. Keep an eye out!

Funked

I'm kinda sorta hanging my head in shame right now. Shame for not posting frequently as of late. But at least I know why that is.

I'm funkin' out.

I've been funked out for quite some time now, but it's really an old story. You know, that whole hire-me-please-so-I-can-make-full-time-money-and-use-that-full-time-money-to-pay-rent-on-my-own-place-so-I-can-once-again-be-the-independent-woman-I've-grown-to-be...story.

Grr. I'm frustrated. And I'm trying to be optimistic and remind myself that this is all just a phase that many of us are going through. But sometimes - when I'm just at home and don't have a helluva lot to do because, well, I don't - my mind goes to this place and I feel crappy.

And thus begins the funk.

And this funk spreads. It's kind of contagious really, because before I know it, I'm not as motivated to catch up on blogs (does anyone else feel like they'll never, ever be caught up either?). And then I feel out of the loop. And then I get annoyed about that.

Ah, vicious cycles really are the best, don't you think?

Switching gears for a second though, I want to thank Aubrey at Made You Blush for awarding me with this pretty little thang.


Thank you, Aubrey!

If you haven't been to Aubrey's blog, I highly recommend it. She's bright and full of life and love and just a lot of fun.

And because I'm a rule follower...
-List 7 things about yourself.
-Pass onto 7 KREATIV bloggers.

Aaaand here goes.

1. I once put a plate in the toaster oven. But this wasn't just any old plate, oh no. This was a paper plate. I thought I was so domestic and grown up that I called my mom and told her I was cooking all by myself. Then I turned around and saw the fire.
2. I consider myself a city girl at heart (miss you every day, NYC). But secretly (well, not so secret anymore!), deep down, I long for a small little town where everyone knows everyone and there are seasons (unlike southern Cali). Hmm...Stars Hollow anyone?
3. I have a huge dream of traveling Europe, preferably by myself (though my family's not a huge fan of the latter part). I have money saved, I just need a little bunch more and I'm outta here.
4. Though I know for a fact I could survive my morning sans coffee, I'd rather not risk it. I mean, you know, if it ain't broke...
5. I just saw Plan 9 from Outer Space. It's deemed the best worst movie ever made, or something like that. And it is. It really, really is. I can't believe I was missing out for so long! You must experience it.
6. I'm equal part social butterfly, equal part homebody.
   
7. I read Us Weekly religiously, but only on the treadmill. How's that for motivation?

Now I want to know more about these fabulous people!
The Seattle Smith's
Observations of a Token Yankee
One Size Fits All
...and all that Hoopla
Tudor City Girl
The New Black
The Company She Keeps

So please, bare with me everyone. I value each and every one of you so much. I'll bounce back, promise.

-A