I think I can...

Most of you know that this summer I took a big step forward in my writing, which was to join a group called the Writers' League of Texas. I went to an annual conference where I met with an editor, and learned about how to approach getting published.

At the conference, I ran into a friend who used to work at Dobie, and she and I have been meeting every two weeks to critique each other's writing. We are both writing young adult fiction, both our main characters are teenage girls, and we're both writing in first person, present tense. Other than that, our subject matter and writing styles are quite different. The great thing is that we're really getting to a point where we're digging into the writing, and pushing each other to revise in certain ways and make the writing really strong. It's fantastic.

It was my original goal to be done with my book by the end of the year. I've always gauged that I wanted to write about 150 pages. Since then, I've learned that in the world of publishing, you talk more in terms of word count, not page numbers. Right now I have 27,000 words, which is 115 pages. Typical YA fiction is between 25,000 to 35,000 words, and I'm still expecting to write several more chapters, so I think I'm right on track.

The exciting thing is that if I work really hard over the holiday, I may still be able to meet my goal of finishing by the end of the year. There's an end in sight, and I'm looking forward to the day when I can write my final page, close my laptop and feel that I created something I'm proud of. And yes, I sometimes broke the rules of grammar, like how I ended that last sentence with a preposition, or started this sentence with the word "and." And that's okay.

Guilty Pleasures.

Since everyone is doing it, why not join in the fun?
My top Guilty Pleasures that I am NOT ashamed to admit:

1. Chili cheese dogs, preferably from Dog Almighty or the Drafthouse, although I will settle for one from Sonic
2. Whose Line is it Anyway?
3. Girls Just Want To Have Fun (the song, AND the movie)
4. Sugarry kids cereals
5. The E Channel, Oxygen and We
6. Drug commercials that list funny possible side-effects
7. Going to bed at 8:30
8. The Game Show Network
9. Anything with Sarah Jessica Parker, even those Garnier hair color commercials
10. McDonalds French fries
11. Burger King cheeseburgers
12. Sonic tots
13. Popeyes spicy chicken
14. Whataburger sausage biscuits
15. Nestle Quik
16. So You Think You Can Dance
17. For that matter, almost ANY kind of reality TV, including ones that swap wives and bring in super nannies, but not the ones that make the contestants eat bugs
18. Cheesy aerobic workouts, like step or water
19. Jammin 105.9 (they mainly play disco hits of the 70s)
20. Robert Zemeckis movies like Romancing the Stone and Back to the Future
21. The #1 Spot at Target (those shelves right at the front where everything is on super clearance for $1.)
22. ABBA, the Carpenters, Journey, Heart, Whitney Houston (Pre-Bobby)
23. Oompa Loompa dance choreography
24. Kid songs like this.
25. samples at Central Market, which I eat 2 or 3 times the polite amount

The most fun I've had in a long time.

The Secret Fish-Girl Sing-Along at the Alamo.



You just can't imagine how singing like a fool at the top of your lungs with strangers around you doing the same can feel so, so good. Or maybe you can.

Either way, I'm hooked on this Sing Along stuff. Coming up next is the Christmas Pops! Sing Along which promises holiday songs by Boyz 2 Men, Dolly Parton, and New Kids on the Block. Add to that "Last Christmas" by Wham, and the strange but memorable duet of "Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie, and you've got something special.

Feeling a little bit better.

Not quite back to my usually annoyingly energetic self, but better than last week.
Sick is not good, but here are some things that make it nicer:
1. Watching old movies, especially musicals.
2. Consuming things that I normally would never want, such as Jello, plain Saltines, and Sprite.
3. Going back to work and having a mediocre day that turned into a beautiful day when Nathan had a gorgeous vase of flowers delivered. I would post a picture here so that everyone could see just how gorgeous they are, but that would mean bugging Nathan to help me do that, and that doesn't seem very thankful, now does it? Also, it's interesting that beautiful flowers can make a girl really feel beautiful.
4. Watching the Food Network, and wishing I was friends with all the people, especially Nigella Lawson, Rachel Ray, Alton Brown, Giada De Larentes, Paula Dean, Mario Batalli and the rest of them.
5. Exploring the new IKEA, which we visited this weekend. Twice.

Double whammy.

The doctor says I have bronchitus AND a sinus infection.
When I get sick, I do it right.

Sickies.

That's me. Not feeling good. Not good at all. Stuffy, sneezy, glands-swollen-y.

At least if I have to really take a day off, I have three great subs I can call in as backup.
Well, I'll only have to call in one of them.

Happy Anthropologie, etc.

Updates, since I haven't blogged regularly, and am very into lists right now.

1. We are close to Thanksgiving. This was even a three day weekend, if you count the inservice I had today.

2. I was afraid that my wallet had been taken out of my school bag yesterday, but found it exactly where I left it at home. It was a relief, because I had accepted the possibility that it was stolen. Lesson of the day: Trust is emotional.

3. It had gotten nice and chilly. Now hot again. "WHA HAPPEN'D?"

4. Tomorrow morning--ok, afternoon--I plan to happily explore the new Anthropologie store downtown, and maybe even buy this gorgeous dress I've had my eye on. If it fits, naturally.

5. This Sunday night for family, we might just have a dance party. I wish I could type "dance party" in bright colors and animate the letters so they wiggled, with little confetti pieces all around. Does anyone know how to do that?

6. If we do have a dance party, I think I should wear my new party dress.

Last Thanksgiving, I raided my mom's closet.

Now, to give you a little background, you should know that my little sister constantly "borrows" things from my mom because she's in college and is back at home a bunch. My mom is something of a packrat, which means she hangs onto clothes forever. To boot, she has a flair for fashion and most of her stuff is really timeless. In other words, it's a rare treat for me to dig through her closet. One of the things I pulled out was this fantastic trenchcoat that was in perfect condition. A basic, belted trench, double-breasted. Mom said she got it in the early '80s. I tried it on, and it was really perfect. So, I swiped it. Obviously.

Well, I didn't end up wearing it last year because it had these shoulder button-strap things, which are meant to hold up the sleeves if you roll them up. You might know what I'm talking about. Really more function than fashion. Well, last week, I got to looking at the trench, and realized that the straps were sewn on externally, and it would be a snap to remove them. So I did. Obviously.

With the cooler, blustery weather, I've been wearing the trench almost daily, in the mornings especially. I love the feeling I get from it. Just knowing my mom wore it more than twenty years ago gives me this strong sense of connection to her. I also found a ticket in one pocket from a jazz concert that my little sister went to. Which means that at some point, she stole it, too. How I managed to get it in the end, I'm not sure. But I plan to keep it. Obviously.

Why, American Heart Association, why?!

I could have gone a long time without reading this.

In a fitness article I just read yesterday, I saw a little piece of information, direct from the American Heart Association. But before I break the traumatic news, I want you to keep in mind that this article is titled "Killer Tone-Up, Trim-Down Workout." Sounds good, huh? Tell me more about this killer workout! The explanation and exercise moves look great. I think I'll incorporate them into my 30 minute, 3-days a week workout. Cool.

Not so cool. In a little pull-out box of text, I read that the "American Heart Association now recommends the new fitness guidelines of 30 minutes of exercise per day to maintain your weight and 60 minutes a day to shed pounds." It says nothing about my old faithful 3 days a week routine. In fact, if I were to up my ante and complete my workout on a DAILY basis, I would still only maintain my current weight. Sure, I wouldn't gain, but let's be honest. How many of us, including me, have tons of cute clothes we're still hanging onto for that far-off dreamy day that we might fit back into them again?

So what now? I could just quit. Because what's the point? OR--and this is the philosophy I'm going with--I could be bittersweetly grateful that I read what I did, and accelerate my workout to 60 minutes, EVERY day. Yes, there will be days that I don't make it. But if I get it done most of the days, I may begin to see a difference on the scale and might even be able to wear said cute clothes in the back of my closet again.

My German roots have finally caught up with me.

Something happened about a year ago. We had been back on meat for a while, and I started craving bratwurst. Then, schnitzel. Then, I started to think, my tastes have changed a lot in the last few years. What about trying some kind of...beer, just for kicks? I thought that given my German heritage, I owed it to myself and my ancestors before me, to try....beer. Before long, I had developed a taste for what I liked and didn't like, and then one day, I finished a full bottle. I believe it was a Dos Equis. Since then, I've moved on. Enough so that I can even recommend my top ten brews, perhaps even give a quick run-down of what they taste like to me. In no particular order...

1. Pyramid -- Apricot Ale. Fruity, crisp, sweet without being too malty. One of the first beers I ever tried, and really turned me on to the fact that there are ALL kinds of beer out there.
2. Lindemans-- Cassis (Black currant) Belgian Lambic. We also like their cherry lambic. They also brew a peach, but it's a bit too sweet for my taste. Lambics are pretty much the champagne of beers. So bubbly and punchy that I'm not even sure they belong in the same category.
3. Real Ale - Full Moon Pale Rye. Nice and hoppy without being bitter. Real Ale is a brewery in Blanco, Texas, which is about an hour away.
4. New Belgium Brewing Co. -- 1554 (Brussels Style Black Ale) We just found this one a couple weeks ago. The label says it has a "clean, chocolately finish" and surprisingly, it does.
5. Spaten - Oktoberfest. Bold, bitey. Those Germans know what they are doing.
6. Dogfishhead -- 30 min. IPA. Despite the off-putting name, this brew is nice. A bit on the stout side.
7. Fireman's #4. Every time I've had this one, it has accompanied steaming slices of pizza from the Parlor. Pretty light, just a little hoppy. Another one of my gateway beers.
8. Full Sail -- Session Lager. This one is smooth and well-balanced. Not a usual you'd find in the regular grocery store, but don't let that stop you from looking.
9. Pyramid -- Curve Ball (seasonal) I picked this one on a whim, and I'm glad I did. Has a little kick.
10. Bass Pale Ale. This beer was originally brewed in 1777, and I read that it was a favorite of Napoleon, Edgar Allan Poe, and Buffalo Bill. Oh yeah, it's also great. Big, hoppy, I like it.

This stuff is genius.

This week I had that feeling. You know the one. The uh-oh-I-think-I'm-getting-sick-and-I-don't-have-time-for-that-right-now feeling.

I thought about buying some of that medicine I've seen that you're supposed to take right at the beginning of feeling cold symptoms. I talked to three different people, and this is what they said:
Dana (a friend from work): You mean Zycam?
Lora: Are you talking about Mucinex?
Nathan: Uh...I don't know. Echinacea?
Me: No, I'm pretty sure it's called something else.

And it is. It's called Airborne. It's that stuff that you may have seen that was created by a school teacher who was tired of getting sick all the time. I can relate to the teacher part, but not the getting sick part. Excuse me now for the following personal testimony/unpaid endorsement. This stuff is packed with antioxidants, herbs and vitamins to boost your immune system so that you can actually fight a cold. The formula dissolves in water like Alca Seltzer, but tastes a lot more like Blue Sky soda. I bought the pink grapefruit variety, and the Walgreens version, Wal-borne, because this stuff isn't cheap. I did also spring for these Airborne gummy throat lozenges that have a smaller dosage of the formula.

It's FANTASTIC. Every time I have taken my little tonic, I seriously get this boost. The website says it doesn't have caffeine, so I think it must be the blend of natural herbs and all the vitamins. This stuff is insanely magical. I know that I'm not sick right now and I should be because of this stuff. And I, for one, am very happy about that.

Best voicemail ever.

This morning I saw the little annoying blinking light on my phone telling me that I not only had one, but two messages. While I am inundated with email throughout the day, it is a rare occasion to get voicemail messages, and the majority of them are either hang-ups, or parents who are very angry--and vocal about their anger--who demand that I call them back right away. I know my return phone calls will almost always end well, but I digress. Voicemail blinking lights are NOT a welcome sign.

To my surprise and delight, I was wrong.
This is the transcript of the two voicemail messages that I hope to keep forever.

Hi Mrs. Russell.
I love you, Mrs. Russell.
You are my favorite teacher.
Bye!
(click)

Hello...
This is Casandra and Jayla...
We just wanted to know...hi!
I mean, we just wanted to SAY hi. (laughter in background)
And we love you.
Bye!!
(click)

Dedicated to all those who have an Abigail-sized hole in their hearts.

Just now, and I mean, right this very second, I was about to post about my stressful day in which I had three meetings, two that were before 9 a.m., and then a siren went by, right as I was signing into blogger.

A second later, I heard Abigail howling out on the patio. All the tension of my day slipped away like in one of those commercials for scented candles. Just hearing Abigail belt out her little low-pitched howl made me smile and realize that I have a pretty nice life.

On the heels of my junk food post

I think it only appropriate that I delve into my latest fitness craze--the NYC Ballet Workout!
I love, love, love it. Perhaps it's my formative years that were spent in ballet class, I don't know. But my unrequited desire to be a ballerina will be satisfied, and I plan to burn some calories in the meantime.

Here is a shot of myself doing one of the more basic maneuvers (with Nathan helping me, of course!)



By the way, on the second volume of the ballet workout, there is a combination routine that I think we should all learn and perform together! In the spirit of Oompa Loompa. Who's in?

When you have an insanely hectic day

from start to finish, there are few things on Earth that will make you feel as good as a steaming slice of Conan's deep dish pepperoni pizza and a cold glass of Pyramid's apricot ale.
Nice.

Top 5, okay 3, Patriotic Movies that Make You Feel Good about Our Country

I tried to think of 5, so that I would have a nice round number, but could only think of 3. So, here they are, my top 3 Patriotic Movies...

1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
2. The American President
3. Dave

Aren't these great movies? For some reason, I love them, and they make me want to stand up and sing in the spirit of Pollyanna, "Amerrrrica, Amerrrrica, God shed her grace on theeeee, and crooooown thy gooood with brrrraaaaaaaatherhood, from seeea to shinnniiiing seeea!"

Updates in Brief

School is back in full force, three weeks in to be exact. And I am tired, spent, brain-dead, any other synonym you can think of.

1. My classes are going well. Other than having the highest numbers I've ever had, I'm feeling good, working like crazy, and loving (almost) every minute of it.

2. I wrote past my 100th page in my book! I'm meeting every other week with a friend who is also a writer of YA fiction, and just having that meeting time motivates me to pick up my writing when I don't feel in the "zone." By the way, the "zone" is a load of crap, and just a really good excuse to be lazy.

3. Not working out every day like I did in summer, but between all the running around I do at school, up and down the hill between the building and my portable, and the fact that I haven't had a lot of spare time for snacking in front of the tele, I'm still on the weight-loss track. I think it's the tortoise-variety, the "slow and steady" weight loss track.

4. Nathan scored tickets to the symphony tonight, which featured Joshua Bell, the world-renowned violinist. I almost cried more than once.

5. It is almost 12:30 and I am still awake. But it's also a three-day weekend. So lay off.

Summer in the city.

Erika doesn't fully realize just how great she is. I know this for a fact.
One small example I can tell you right off the bat is that she and Rob came down for little visit about a month and a half ago.
When they were here, they forced us all to go out to the pool, (which we had made friends with last summer, but were not really "clicking with" this summer). At the pool, Rob and Erika led us in a series of relay races with these dive toys they had, and I'll go ahead and say it. It was not only fun, it burned calories. After Erika and Rob had to go back to their city, we rekindled our relationship with the pool, and even purchased some dive toys of our very own.





Also, I would like Erika to know that we assigned point values to each of our dive toys in the order of the most dangerous, with a man being 50 and a sea horse being 10. Sharks are 40, and so on. Some might argue that sharks are more dangerous than man, but come on. Have you seen the planet lately? Also, Erika, if you're reading this, I would like to suggest a new game. You have someone throw ALL the toys at once and then dive under to get as many as you can before they hit the bottom. A variation of this game is for one person to throw the toys in 3-5 second intervals at whoever is diving. They can breathe and surface as much as they want, but can't get toys once they hit the bottom. Nathan is pretty good at this, and throws the toys back out at me, and most of the time of the time they stay in the pool area.

I have a confession to make...

which has nothing to do with the produce section at HEB.

So you know those cable channels which are specifically targeted at women, like Oxygen and Lifetime? Unfortunately, I just confirmed TWICE this weekend that I am a prime audience for these crap channels. Sad, but true.

First, I stayed up until midnight watching the Hallmark Channel's presentation of the made-for-TV movie of Love Comes Softly, the film version of the Christian book by Jeanette Oke, which is set in American pioneer days. The book, which I read in sixth grade was, at the time, the most fabulously moving thing I had read, romantic and inspiring. Let me just tell you, this movie was so heart-warming that I actually welled up with tears, although none spilled out.

Then, today, I watched four hours, I repeat, four hours, of the 2-part TV film, Sybil, starring Sally Field, which aired on WE. I was so engrossed in the story, that I neglected to work out, work on my book, get dressed, or even wash my face, and almost forgot my one errand of the day, to get to the bank before 4:00.

This film, which is a tragic, true tale of one woman's triumph over her childhood of abuse resulting in 16 different personalities, makes me want to read the book, but mostly makes me want to die of embarrassment that I am so susceptible to these shows and programming.

Oxygen, WE, Hallmark, and Lifetime, you have won. I am putty in your hands.

In true Russell/Prien fashion,

Nathan and I carried on a 45-minute conversation over iChat today without either one of us remembering that today is our 6th anniversary. Then, some time later, we both said "Um...forgot to tell you something....Happy Anniversary!"
It was pretty funny, but also a nice reminder of why we might just be perfect for each other.
So to celebrate tonight, we took a night off from cooking and a night off from our diet and ordered a fabulous Conan's pepperoni pizza which we just polished off with some ice-cold cherry Coke.
We also have some skittles (sour for me, and classic for Nathan) lined up for our double feature of crappy movies that we got on Netflix.
Last year for our anniversary, we went to a ridiculously decadent fondue restaurant. This year, it's pizza, Coke and Netflix, and I couldn't be happier.