Anticipation

Something is coming...

An event 21 months in the making...

A little history....

In the beginning of 2010, I was still fairly ignorant to the YA world. I knew who Megan McCafferty was and I knew I LOVED The Hunger Games but that was pretty much the extent of my knowledge of the genre with the exception of Twilight. (chagrin)

In January, there were rumblings in my online books club and among close friends about a collaborative novel, 5 years in the making by two of the most popular authors in the genre, David Levithan and John Green. I had never heard of either, but from what people were saying and a quick check on Goodreads, I was pleasantly intrigued. 

I started with Looking for Alaska, John's debut novel and was in a word...gutted. The writing in that book is like...well....it just is. Totally. I think I laughed, then I cried, then I wanted to put it in the freezer, and then I wanted to read anything written by this man I could get my hands on. 

Shortly after that I read Will Grayson, Will Grayson the book that had started it all and I loved it so much it prompted me to vlog about it because I was so struck by how amazing it was I couldn't even type. 

Every once in a while a fictional character comes along that strikes a chord with me from which  I am unlikely to ever recover. Tiny Cooper is such a character. Frankly...I am Tiny Cooper. I am big and loud and I love to kiss boys (if memory serves anyway) and I felt such a connection to him despite the fact that he's an obese gay teenager and I'm well...not.

Shortly after reading WG, I found out John had some sort of vlogging channel that he did with his brother Hank. So I hopped on YouTube, watched a zillion videos, became a Nerdfighter, and was forever changed.

Um, John Green is awesome. Like seriously funny and smart and nerdy (and so so dreamy she says with a girlish sigh) and awesome. I don't have words for what watching the my first Vlogbrothers video did to me, suffice it to say, a beast was created. 

A fangirly, heart palpitation having, John Green loving beast, and in April 2010 she was fed. Remember this?

In case you have forgotten, it was when I died.

I was lucky enough to get the chance to meet John and David and unluckily I spazzed out. 

Oh the horror. I was high pitched and squeal-y and chattered like a monkey on meth while they signed my books. I think John may have been mildly freaked out but he was still amazingly nice and appreciative that I loved his books. 

Since then I have managed to redeem myself (slightly) with David Levithan. When I met him last January I was only mildly spastic and managed to interact with him in a fairly normal way. At least normal for me.

So this January, I get the chance to redeem myself once again. John Green is headed to LA people!

My reaction?

I might have a minor gif obsession as of late.

I'm trying to get all of my epic spazzery out the way now because I NEED to be cool when I meet him again!!! There is not one cool thing about me but I'm going to have to drum some up by January 26th!

I can't help that I'm enthusiastic right? There's nothing wrong with being a fan of someone...right? 

Nothing at all wrong with me having this and this and this bookmarked to refer to on those days (everyday, sometimes hourly) when I need it...right?

Nothing wrong with having saved this and recorded it for future posterity...right?

Really nothing wrong with the fact that I don't see a thing wrong with this and was enabled by some of my fellow Nerdfighters..right?

Not his *actual* star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame but that's not really the point.

I am so excited I can't even stand myself! This is going to be epic! Amazeballs! Intense! Unbelievable!

How am I going to keep calm? Should I start doing yoga or practicing the Zen art of something or other in preparation?

Should I bring all of the books I currently own for him to sign and then buy some additional copies for signing to either giveaway or you know just to have as extras in case of fire or other natural disaster?

Most importantly...what the heck am I going to wear? I'm thinking pink...definitely pink. (And maybe a little cleavage. Just a little...I'm not a whore people.)

28 MORE DAYS!!!!

Disclaimer: I realized after proofing this post that stuff like this is probably why I'm still single. I have however, decided that I am ok with that. In short, if loving John Green is wrong...I definitely don't want to be right.

2011: A Retrospective

I wasn't sure if I could come with that many highlights for this past year...it's seemed like I've experienced so many highs and lows, 2011 has been the definitive emotional roller-coaster. But alas, looking back is often a great way to remember fun times and gain perspective on the year ahead. So enjoy this little trip down memory lane!

January:

I got the chance to meet David Levithan for the 2nd time and fell in love with his book The Lover's Dictionary.

February:

Sometimes I roll with super heroes!

March:

The princess and I went to her very first Broadway show which is also her favorite Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast.

April:

LA Times Festival of Books...where Dave Eggers kind of rocked my life. Believe me, it still resonates.

May:

I got a HUGE promotion and raise! Here are Jana and I at my Yay I Got a Promotion Dinner!

June: 

My book club got the chance to meet and hang with blogger and real life author Matt Logelin!

July:

Best Vegas trip ever! I learned how to strut!!

August:

I stowed away at LA SCWBI's summer conference, got the chance to hear an awesome speech from Laurie Halse Anderson and then meet her, and then met and became best friends with Libba Bray.

September:

Decatur Book Festival!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a funnel cake for the first time ever!!!!! I met Stephanie Perkins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

October:

The princess turned 8 and is made of magic and wonderful things. Plus my friend Courtney took gorgeous photos of us!

November:

I finally realized how awesome I am!

December:

Sometimes you need a night you barely remember with friends you could never forget. Right?

What was your favorite part of this year?

Friday Five

1. Happy Friday!!! It's almost Christmas! Have you been good this year? I certainly have mostly anyway. I'm so stoked for 8 days off! Not in a row but in total! I love the holidays!!

2. I've been doing all sorts of fun things this holiday, most of it has been spending time with friends and attending fun events. My office holiday party was a blast! We were escorted by limo to cocktails at my boss' house and then to the Queen Mary for dinner! I took NO pictures because I'm super lame and also because my office does not understand the whole blogging, pics or it didn't happen concept. Trust me though it was awesome! Walking around the Queen Mary makes me want to watch Titanic again. I felt just like Rose Dewitt Bukater, but without all the selfish broken door hogging, and leaving Leo to drown.

3. The best part of the holiday season for me is watching Love Actually, which if you read my Christmas questions poll from earlier this week you'll know is my favorite Christmas movie of all time. Normally I watch while waiting for Santa to come, but this year the princess isn't with me for Christmas (more on this later) so I wasn't sure when I'd find the time or spirit to watch it. Luckily a dear friend of mine holds an annual watching of the movie and she was nice enough to invite me! I seriously can't wait to hear "I feel it in my fingers...."



4. Earlier this year the ex asked me if it would be ok if he took the princess to visit his family out of state this Christmas and even though it nearly killed me to do it, I agreed. The idea did not necessarily sit well with me for many reasons but part of being divorced with a child is realizing that sometimes things are just not about you. Although I do not like the situation, life isn't about doing things you like all the time. I'm not happy to have the princess' life split in two but in order for her to have a real relationship with her dad, stuff like this has to occur. I realize that and even though it sucks big fat donkey balls and I'd much rather have her here to wear her new Christmas pj's and opening the gifts I spent months Santa brought.

I actually thought I'd made my peace with it until I went to say good bye to her. Let's just say there was a massive ugly cry and continued replaying of emo acoustic-y guitar music which is almost always my go to melancholy soundtrack.

5. Last week my friend Jessica posted a video on her Friday Five entitled Sh*t Girls Say. It's less than 2 minutes and so completely on point I could NOT stop laughing or repeating all the different lines. There was even a second installment that came out this week..hilarity obviously ensued.

Also this week my cousin posted this video on Facebook  and it pretty much shows why I love Internet memes and the world wide web in general. Please watch and laugh and if I don't see you...Merry Christmas!

Hey Santa...

For my ever so patient feet...

A girl's gotta smell good (oh and my free sample from Sephora is almost gone)

Because Oprah has one (and so does the rest of the world)

Just a little mojo for the coming year if you please

Happy, healthy, and (wishful thinking) home for Christmas

For...ever. With a ring and a royal title. The bloodline could use a little shaking up!  Also because Kate needs an awesome chocolate covered sister in law

My first Wordless{ish} Wednesday, thanks Paper Mama!

Christmas Questions

Hello all! I am a bit mentally zonked between work and more work and the holidays, but I came across this tag on YouTube (my current obsession), and figured I'd give it a go. Enjoy and feel free to do it as well and link back in the comments!!

Whats Your Favorite Holiday Movie?

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is Love Actually. It's about love and Christmas and England plus Emma Thompson is in it. Enough said.

I also really love Home Alone, Muppet Christmas Carol, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the cartoon not the live action Jim Carrey version)

Whats Your Favorite Christmas Color? 

I love silver at Christmas. Probably because it's sparkly!

Do You Like To Stay in Your PJs Or Dress Up For Christmas?

Christmas Day is a lounge-y kind of day. We stay in our pjs after opening presents and then have brunch.

If You Could Only Buy One Person a Present This Year Who Would It Be? 

The princess. She is pretty much the only person I buy gifts for. I have a standard disclaimer that I'm a single mom on a budget and because I love giving gifts will end up eating beans out of a can for the entire winter if I bought everyone I loved a Christmas gift.

Do You Open Your Presents Christmas Eve Or Christmas Morning?

On Christmas Eve just before bedtime we open one gift, usually pajamas. Everything else is opened on Christmas morning.

Have You Ever Built a Ginger Bread House?

Nope. It looks like it would be fun but I'm not particularly crafty so it would probably be a big mess.

What Do You Like To Do On Your Time off at Christmas?

Read, eat, relax, repeat.

Any Christmas Wishes?

That I make it through my first holiday without the princess relatively unscathed and that she has a good time visiting her with her dad's family out of state.

Favorite Christmas Smell?

Love the smell of sugar cookies baking! I also really love the smell of Christmas trees!

Favorite Christmas Meal Or Treat? 

Christmas cookies! 

Do you celebrate a holiday other than Christmas?

No. Unless sloth counts. I do celebrate New Year's usually by scrambling for some fun thing to do which ultimately ends with me sitting in front of my TV watching the ball drop.

What are you doing for the holidays this year?

No definite plans. Just keeping busy.

What's your favorite holiday drink?

I enjoy the Gingerbread Latte at Starbucks.

Candy cane or Gingerbread men?

Gingerbread men...they're cookies. Duh.

What's your favorite holiday/Christmas song?

Carol of the Bells is one of my favorites and so is the Nat King Cole version of The Christmas Song. I also really love All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey. 

What's the weirdest gift you've ever received? 

I can't think of one but I'm sure I have at one point or another.

Have you ever made a snowman?

No. I live in Southern California. Fun fact...I've never even seen snow before.

What is at the top of your list this Christmas? (or whichever holiday you celebrate!)

an iPad! Or a new pair of boots.

What is most important to you about the holidays?

Spending time with people I love. Having fun. Relaxing and reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead.

December Grievances

Dear Starbucks Barista, 

I said butter croissant, not cheese danish. One does not sound remotely like the other. Ditto that on taste. 

Xoxo,

I said butter croissant

Dear Self,

You hate cheese danish. Stop being so nice and exchange it for the butter croissant you originally asked for. 

Xoxo,

You 24 hours after eating and hating previously mentioned cheese danish

Dear Salted Caramel Mocha,

You were the best thing about my morning.

Xoxo,

Mmmm....caramel.

Dear Kim Kardashian,

If this were an island, I would vote you off. You have managed to ruin celebrity weddings, reality TV, and purple eyeshadow for me in a very small span of time. 

Xoxo,

Get off my island

Dear Kris Humphries,
This is why you should date girls who read.
Xoxo,
You're welcome

Dear Everyone Responsible for Ryan Gosling related Tumblrs,

You have ruined me. Seriously. I can't concentrate. I can't focus. All I keep thinking is..."Hey girl".

Xoxo,

Lifetime Fangirl

Dear Pair of Elusive boots that are perfect for me,

I've been waiting for you for over 2 years now. Please stop playing coy and find me already. 

Xoxo,

Bootless Betty

Dear Hunger Games Movie,

Why aren't you being released at Christmas? Why are you 3 more months away? Why am I still so disappointed by the choice to cast Woody Harrelson as Haymitch?

Xoxo,

Girl Who Is On Fire while waiting for this movie to be released

Dear J.Crew,

$110 for a pencil skirt? Seriously? Unless it makes me arse smaller and my hair shinier, I'm going to go with no thanks.

Xoxo,

I got it at Ross

Dear Apple*,

I would like an iPad. A free iPad.

Xoxo,

That is all.

Dear Princess,

This Christmas is our first one apart since you were born. I'm so sad but I want you to have fun and make memories with other parts of your family. I'll try and have a good Christmas here at home but it will not be the same without you. Love you.

Xoxo,

Mom

Dear Prince Harry*,

So it seems I have some free time around the holidays and I heard you're close to my neck of the woods..care to grab a drink and talk about life and crap?

Xoxo,

Always on the lookout for a Hot British Ginger

*Obviously not a grievance

It's Time to Light the Lights...

Doesn't it seem that lately all the great iconic pop culture type things from our childhoods have no been bastardized in the name of remakes? The Smurfs movie that came out earlier this year is a screaming example. Needless to say, Hollywood is desperately lacking in originality of late, in fact since the Harry Potter movies are now over, I doubt we'll see anything incredibly original debut for a while now.

Despite my less than enthusiastic response to reworkings of franchises of my childhood, I have to admit I was incredibly excited when I heard that another Muppet movie was in the works! Excited due to the actual Muppets themselves and because Jason Segel (swoon) was writing it. Anyone who has seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall knows that Jason (as I like to call him) is obviously a huge fan of the Muppets given his stellar Dracula puppet opera that occurs during the movie. His die hard love for the Muppets made himthe perfect person to get this movie made.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to take in the movie with 3 other friends and we were fortunate enough to the be the only people in the theater. The Muppets is just SO perfect! I think I sat there with a huge grin on my face the entire time. There was singing, dancing, clever humor, sweetness, and Jason Segel in a suit. I think it's pretty safe to say I loved it.

Who's your favorite Muppet? I'm torn between the divaliciousness that is Miss Piggy or the Rolph the piano playing dog. He likes naps.

I'm only sad I didn't take the princess with me to see it, I may actually go again with her sometime before the holidays, if I can talk her out of seeing that gosh darn Chipmunks movie. Chipwrecked...seriously? Muppets > Chipmunks, yesterday, today, and forever.

Vloggy Style

In the name of keeping things fresh here on the blog I decided to do a quick tag video I discovered on YouTube. I managed to cajole a few of my friends to do it too and will link a few of them as they give me permission. 

I encourage any and all who wish to participate to do so...I personally never tire of seeing myself on camera. 

Hope you enjoy!