Twilight confession

If you haven't heard of the Twilight book series by Stephenie Meyer, you might be accused of living under a rock! Meyer's series of four books is targeted at the young adult market. It's really only existed peripherally for me until very recently. I'd see references to it on magazine covers and in newspaper articles and in Facebook flair. I just had to shake my head at the passionate debates the books inspired in fans. Edward vs. Jacob? Really? I was in Borders the other day and they had the most ostentatious display of Twilight merchandise. I wish I'd had my camera with me. Books, CDs, lunch boxes, pins, posters, chocolates, it was so funny.

I began to pick up hints that people over the age of 14 also liked the books, so last week I checked Twilight out of the library. I was skeptical despite the recommendation of my friends. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the story. I couldn't put it down. Yes, I've gone over to the dark side. Oh wait, that's Star Wars. :)

Superpowers

I love superhero movies. When X-men came out, my friend Leah and I had a debate. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Leah chose shape-shifting. I decided on telekinesis. (We both agreed that controlling the weather wouldn't be that great.)

In real life, my talent isn't as flashy as telekinesis. I'm a good speller. I subconsciously proofread everything I read. At a park a few weeks ago, I saw this sign and captured it for posterity. Do you see why? :)

Free speech

I was blown away by this succinct quote in the preface of Jeffery Deaver's latest fiction novel:

"What the Internet and its cult of anonymity do is to provide a blanket sort of immunity for anybody who wants to say anything about anybody else, and it would be difficult in this sense to think of a more morally deformed exploitation of the concept of free speech." -Richard Bernstein in The New York Times

I completely agree.

New use for business cards

I had lunch with two of my sisters last week. As I was giving them the update on my business, I showed them my new business cards. The conversation stopped abruptly when we happened to glance at my niece Sophia. She was eating a business card. I'll admit I didn't have this particular use in mind when I designed them. :)

Open for business

Innovative Writing and Design is ready to go! After a few months of planning and lots of work, I'm officially announcing that I'm open for business. Please check out my website and let me know what you think.

Deck building

Today I devoted several hours to building a deck in my backyard. Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I'm not Ms. Fix-it or Ms. Do-it-yourself. I have a few crucial tools like a hammer and screwdrivers, but I don't use them very much. I've had more than a few people laugh when I tell them what I'm doing. I think they are picturing some rickety, unstable thing that you might see on a hillbilly cabin.

Taking on a project of building a deck would be definitely out of my league without the help of my sister. Beth is an experienced builder. She's thorough, systematic and very competent, not to mention she has her own set of power tools. In short, she's awesome. If something goes wrong on the deck building, it's sure to be my fault. But I used both a miter saw and a drill today and I'm still standing. :)

Here are a few pictures of our work in progress.

Ain't never been done before

My friend Gary and I have very different tastes when it comes to movies. In the interest of expanding our horizons (or filled with glee at the idea of watching each other suffer), we made a deal. I'd watch a movie that he recommended if he watched a movie that I recommended. Gary had never seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, a classic black and white movie from 1939 starring Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. In turn, I had never seen Smokey and the Bandit, filmed in 1977 starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field.

Gary didn't make too many comments during my movie--although I think he almost fell asleep a few times. Afterwards, I asked him what he thought. He was unmoved. How can you not like the heartwarming naivety of Jimmy Stewart? Ask Gary.

I tried (unsuccessfully) to not make comments during Gary's movie choice. I'll sum up my thoughts like this: despite the dorky plot and dialogue, the movie wasn't as bad as I expected. I even laughed in a few parts.

I finally figured out why Gary likes the movie: the black TransAm and all of the peeling out and burning rubber. Oh, and Burt Reynolds had a mustache.