Day: May 10, 2018

Pet Peeve

I tend to spend a lot of time on line at the local fast-food franchise’s drive thru. It’s close to my Day Job; it’s easy to grab breakfast on the way in in the morning, and it’s convenient for lunch when I’m in a hurry. Over the years, I’ve observed a lot of different behaviors, and there is one that really irks me.

The line is long. We patiently wait our turn to reach the speaker and place our order. The vehicle in front of us has been on line a long time, too. So why does the driver wait until s/he is at the speaker to find out what everyone else in the vehicle wants to order? Seriously? You couldn’t have had this conversation in the five minutes you were on line before you arrived at the speaker?

Am I a Space Alien?

One of my nephews has informed me I must be part space alien.  Why? Because I have green eyes.

Then there is the Rh Negative blood theory.

I’ve never had strep throat in my life. Nor do I bother with a flu shot because, hey, I don’t get the flu. TV Stevie gets the flu. His doc then puts ME on Tamiflu, but really, it’s not necessary.

Here’s the kicker: my nephew had my parents’ DNA analyzed. My mom is 6% uncertain. (So is my nephew.)

Therefore, I am a descendent of space aliens (according to the circumstantial evidence).

It could be worse.

Swapping Ideas

Yes, there really is such a thing as National Swap Ideas Day. And it’s today!

Authors will recognize this as another way of saying “brainstorm.”

I love to brainstorm. I could not write without my critique group. When someone shares a scene and asks for input, the ideas from others start flying. My local RWA chapter also plays a role in my creative process, although not as intimately as a critique group. The energy in a room of authors bouncing ideas off ideas off random statements is invigorating.

But brainstorming isn’t confined to writers. When I worked in local TV, we sat around brainstorming promotional ideas, special news features for ratings periods, and even stories for the evening news.

When you get together with your siblings to ponder what you should get the parents for the holidays, that’s brainstorming.

The key to successful brainstorming is keeping feedback positive. Stay open minded, and don’t reject suggestions out of hand. Maybe a suggestion won’t work for you, but it could spark another idea that is perfect.

National Lazy Day

It’s National Lazy Day.

How many of us need a push to be just lazy for one day?

I once read a book, a feminist book, by Jane O’Reilly or Ingrid Bengis or Tillie Olsen or someone whose name I have forgotten. The author was recalling her childhood family holiday gatherings and how the children always preferred hanging out with the men drinking beer and playing horseshoes than with the women in the kitchen, who were just bitchy. The author’s moment of truth came when she realized the women were bitchy because they didn’t have the holiday off. They still had to watch the children, prepare the feast, clean up afterward.

Why do we need permission to take a day off?

I frequently find my “vacation time” from day job usurped by household chores.  And I resent it.

I’m reminded of The Parable of the Mexican fisherman and the Investment Banker.

And of the many Facebook memes advising us to build a life we don’t need a vacation from.

That’s not lazy.

Writing is the best part of my day