Category Archives: Wuss Out Wednesday

Wednesday with Quentin Tarantino

Posted on July 23, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wuss-out Wednesday follows Tired Tuesday when one is on overtime and in a play.  I do love the overtime. For one reason, it gives me a good excuse to slack on everything else.  Uh, I mean, it gives me a chance to further my career, make a contribution in the workplace and… oh hell, nobody’s a good enough actor to sell that line of bologna.  I’m sure you’ll believe I can use the extra cash, but it is vulgar to brag about one’s income (especially when it’s really nothing to brag about) (so don’t bother hitting me up for a loan) (you know who you are).

Where was I?  Ah yes,  striving to post something, anything before going to rehearsal.  At last night’s rehearsal I showed that although I know my lines, I do not know my blocking (that’s moving where you’re supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there, for you non-theatre folks) (and for any pedantic theatre folks who want to correct my definition, oh just give it a rest!).

In my defense,  it is kind of a complicated play.  There are flashbacks AND re-enactments.  I think it’s a little bit like a Quentin Tarantino movie.  I can’t even add “but without all the violence,” because my character chops off her husband’s head (that’s not a spoiler; everybody knows that about Roxalana Druse).

I studied my lines again today while on breaks at work (I know, I should have been writing my blog post; one can’t do everything, after all).  I even said them to myself while I was working.  Luckily, my job is not one where I deal with the public.  I don’t think my co-workers were particularly disconcerted.  After all, they’re used to me.

Right now I’m as tired as I was on Tuesday with rehearsal tonight and more overtime tomorrow.  But that is OK, because the show must go on!  Tired is not too great a price to pay for stardom!  Or even for having fun being in a community theatre play.

 

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One Day, Two Libraries, What’s Not to Like?

Posted on July 2, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, does that headline read like I’m soliciting “Likes” for this post?  Naturally, I hope people like my blog, but I try not to be too needy.   Not to look too needy anyways.  Never mind, let’s get on with the post.

All I really want to do on my vacation is sit on my butt, perhaps in front of the TV and knit, perhaps on the deck with a notebook and write, perhaps just about anywhere with a glass of wine.  Wait a minute, that is how I feel most of the time.  I do enjoy to sit on my fat butt.  Nonetheless, I also like to get out sometimes.

I had a few errands to run today but no real plan as to what order to do them in or even if I would get to them all.  However, I set out this morning with a notebook and high hopes.  I made it to the bank for deposit and withdrawal. I even used the automated kiosk, which is quite the accomplishment for technologically challenged me.

I went to two different places looking for a poster board.  I volunteered to make the price list for a fund-raising concession Team Uncle Leo is doing three different times.  This is for Sitrin Stars and Strips Run and Walk, which benefits veteran rehabilitation programs.  Just thought I’d give them another plug.  In this I was unsuccessful, but I have time.

Ho hum, now what?  Basloe Library in Herkimer, always a good choice.  I wanted to find a book on paper flower making.  My character in Roxy, the play I’m in, made paper flowers while she was in jail.  This is not actually shown on stage, but I thought it  might be a good character thing to do backstage, in addition to giving me a new crafting skill to use while I’m sitting on my butt watching television.  Instead I found three other books that looked interesting.  Then I sat down (yes, on my fat butt) and worked on a letter to a friend.

Then I went home and took care of a few other things, including working on my lines for that play I mentioned.  I have a rehearsal on Thursday.  For anyone just tuning in, Roxy tells the story of Roxalana Druse, the last woman hanged in Herkimer County.  It was written by a local author and is being presented by Herkimer County Historical  Society and Ilion Little Theatre.

This afternoon I went to Frankfort, NY, to follow up on some fundraising for Team Uncle Leo.  I had to return to Big Willy’s Pizzeria.  I wished I had not already planned supper, because things smelled really good at  Big Willy’s.  Maybe I could hold the pork chops and macaroni salad for tomorrow.

After Big Willy’s, I realized I did not have any more plans.  Now what?  Providentially, a FedEx truck was blocking the way in front of Melrose Market, so I turned right on the street that leads to Frankfort Free Library.  Naturally I had my notebook with me.  I finished my letter to my friend.

As I wrote, I thought, stopping at two different libraries in one day is not a usual thing for a person to do.  How fortunate for me that I live in an area with several libraries so handily located.  I sadly refrained from looking for more books at the second library.  I only have so much time to read, after all.

So this is my Wuss-out Wednesday post.  I accomplished a few things, at any rate.  Do you suppose I’m justified in sitting on my butt now?

 

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In My Defense, It’s Wuss-out Wednesday

Posted on May 28, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

So this guy at work got ticked off, because he said I was stalking him.  In my defense, my doctor told me to get a hobby.  Well, I guess it wasn’t MY doctor, but it was A doctor who wrote the article somebody shared on Facebook. At least, I think it was a doctor.

 

OK, the above paragraph is completely fictitious.  None of the guys at work are the least bit bent out of shape about me stalking them. However, I thought of that for possible use as a humorous Facebook post. That is what I think about  when I’m at work (it is the kind of job where you can let your thoughts wander).  I try to think about my novel or blog or any other writing projects at hand.  When I have no thoughts about any of those, I try to think of humorous Facebook posts.

 

Some of my readers who are also Facebook friends may now be saying, “Huh.  She doesn’t share any of those with us.”  How unkind!  I thought I was mildly amusing on occasion.  Unfortunately, sometimes I think of some really good bons mots then can’t recall them when I sit down at the keyboard.

 

The same goes for my blog posts.   However, full disclosure:  today I did not think of a good blog post.  But I thought for Wuss-out Wednesday, a humorous Facebook post would do.

 

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Tarp Today, Gone Tomorrow

Posted on May 21, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had hoped not to have a Wuss-out Wednesday, but it was going to be either a Wuss-out Wednesday or another Running Commentary.  And I didn’t run.  Other bloggers do not stress over this kind of thing, they post whatever and drive on.  I shall do that today.

 

I have been working on my novel during breaks at work.  And, I’m afraid, talking about it.  Tuesday as we headed out for the 2 p.m. break, I mentioned that I had killed another character.  Of course I hadn’t killed him — or her; the murderer had.  My co-worker asked had I wrapped the victim in a tarp.  I had not, but what a good idea, especially for that murderer.  After all it wasn’t enough that he — or she — killed — that person.  He — or she — would want to rob  — that victim — of all dignity.

 

It is very difficult to talk about my novel and not give away any plot points.  Now you know that more than one character dies.  Is killed.  But to complete my story about me writing my story,  I told my co-worker I would have to change too many things to wrap the body in a tarp.  Then today, I reconsidered.

 

“This should make you happy,” I said to him after the 9 a.m. break today.  “I wrapped that body in a tarp.”

 

He was happy.

 

I don’t know if the body will stay in the tarp.  Perhaps I should know these things, especially since I have set myself the goal of typing “The End” by May 31.  However, I can’t worry about that now.  Right now my purpose is to write a Wuss-out Wednesday post.  And here it is.

 

See you on Non-Sequitur Thursday.

 

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What About That Ghost?

Posted on May 14, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

I think it was a very good idea for me to announce on this blog that this is Finish That Novel May.  I am indebted for the idea to fellow bloggerMark Bialczak.  I am also indebted to Mark because he KEEPS BRINGING IT UP!  (did you hear me saying that in a mock exasperated voice?)

 

Perhaps on Lame Post Friday I will philosophize half-bakedly about how most of us really do not like to be reminded to do the things we “ought to” do. For now I will admit, it is good to have someone keep me on the straight and narrow.  I keep working on my novel, because I think, “I have to Finish That Novel!  My blog readers expect it.  Mark Bialczak is going to ask about it.”

 

Today I wrote the beginning of another scene before starting work.  While I worked, I wondered if I really needed the scene.  I continued the scene on the next break, because I feel that when you can write something, you should.  Back at work, I thought of another scene to add, and then saw how I could change a previously written scene to add something.

 

Spoiler Alert:  The change involves the ghost.  There is a ghost in my novel, and I have not given this ghost nearly enough to do.  Today I thought of a few more ideas.  But what about that other ghost?

 

I apologize for speaking so elliptically (is that the word I want?  Perhaps I mean obscurely or cryptically) (no, I am not writing with a thesaurus in hand) (and yes, I realize that none of those words are synonyms).  I mean, for not explaining what really happens in the novel so my descriptions of what I wrote will make more sense.

 

In my defense, it is Wuss-out Wednesday.  I am allowed to wuss out a little on my blog post.  But since today is May 13, I have 18 more days to NOT wuss out on my novel!

 

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At Least I’m Writing SOMETHING

Posted on April 23, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

Welcome to another Wuss-out Wednesday.  I was busily writing while at work today (before my shift and on breaks, as usual), but not on a blog post.  I started a new novel.  Oh, it is so fun to start a new novel!  New ideas just appear in my head and I write them down.  I feel brilliant.

 

I’m writing this novel a little differently from how I’ve attempted previous novels.  I started writing a list of potential names, then I just dove right in and started writing.  No notes.  No outline.   All I have, other than the pages of novel, is a growing list of characters, so I don’t use any names that are too similar (so annoying to the reader, I know it drives me crazy).

 

Of course it is the wrong thing to do, to begin a new novel.  I VOWED I would finish the last one I started.  You see, I have many, many novels started and only one I ever finished.  And that one’s not very good.  My later novels are better, but they are not finished.  It is mortifying to admit this, but it is true.

 

However, my latest unfinished novel (I mean the one before the one I just started) was at a STANDSTILL.  I simply could not progress.   I had to take a step back and I just couldn’t bear to not be writing.  Sometimes I can only write what comes out of my pen.

 

In case anybody is wondering, I am still working on the play about bananas.  I’m writing on that every night before bed.  Yesterday I wrote a speech from the play within the play (I just can’t write anything that is not complicated, I suppose).

 

So that is my story about why I did not write a blog post today.  Tomorrow I will try to find a little more time to write an actual post.  But since tomorrow is Non-Sequitur Thursday, I make no promises.

 

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It Is What It Is

Posted on March 12, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

When I asked Steven could we skip doing laundry tonight so I could work on my article for Mohawk Valley Living, I had no intention of wussing out, Wuss-out Wednesday or not. My brain had other ideas. Oh, that’s an inaccuracy. My brain has no ideas whatsoever! My article isn’t finished. My blog post isn’t written. All I want to do is sit on the couch and crochet.

Some windows were open at work today. As I felt the almost spring air come in, I could feel myself coming back to life. I felt relief, joy and longing. Oh, I wanted to DO something! So I was not thinking about my article, my novel or my play. I was thinking what I could possibly do on Saturday. Or even tonight.

I was aware as I sat there daydreaming that my brain was not functioning up to par. It must have been functioning somewhat, because I got my work done and even managed to work on a couple of puzzles during breaks. Yes, yes, I worked on puzzles in a puzzle book during my breaks, I did not write, stop looking at me with that judgmental expression, you’re not perfect, either, you know.

I did work on my article a little. I think what I’ve got is good, I just want more. I think what I’ve got so far for a blog post is not very good at all. And I don’t want more! I want my crochet! This is dreadfully embarrassing, but as an annoying saying goes, it is what it is. Let’s see if I can do better on Thursday. I hope I’ll still have readers.

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Damn You, Dominick Dunne

Posted on March 5, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is going to be another Wuss-out Wednesday post. I did spend some time on breaks at work writing. I have two blog posts started but can’t seem to finish them. I never have been good at making myself write. Or do anything else for that matter.

I might have been able to finish one of the posts to my satisfaction but for one circumstance. I inadvisedly picked up a book I purchased some time ago but had not read yet. People Like Us by Dominick Dunne. I ADORE Dominick Dunne, may he rest in peace. Oh, what a writer he is. His fiction is so layered and satisfying. His people don’t sound like ones I spend much time with, but they feel so real. I’m not reading a book; I’m spending time in another world.

I could wish it was a happier world. I’m sitting here feeling quite upset that this character’s husband is leaving her (not for any good reason) and that character is dying of AIDS (in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, when it was little understood and always a death sentence, and being gay was considered by many to be a dreadful shame). And don’t even get me started on the writer’s story, which echoes Dominick Dunne’s own tragic experience.

Most of Dunne’s novels are considered roman a clefs. That is, they are thinly disguised versions of actual happenings. The Two Mrs. Grenvilles was based on the true story of Billy and Anne Woodward, a society boy who married a showgirl who later shot him. I’m not sure what People Like Us is based on, if anything. But it’s a good, good, good read. I’m going to go back and keep reading it.

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Warm Enough Not To Wuss

Posted on February 19, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

What a wonderful thing is perspective. For example, size 10 looks a whole lot different when you pass it on the way down than it did when you passed it on the way up (and if you have never been in double digit sizes ever, just shut up, that’s all). Similarly, 20 degrees feels a lot better when you pass it on the way up than it did when you were on the way down.

That is how I felt when I left work today and realized I could take a deep breath of the ambient air with no discomfort. I even took off my gloves between my vehicle and the drugstore when I made a stop on the way home. This was awesome!

I had spent a good part of the day pondering my lack of a blog post topic. I did not want to have another Wuss-Out Wednesday nor yet take a Blogger’s Sick Day. The latter seemed a genuine possibility, as the cold temperatures in my place of employment wreaked havoc on my sinuses. I moaned and groaned to myself. I could not complain much out loud because the post-nasal drip was giving me a dreadful sore throat.

Normally, I thought, feeling not a little ill-used, when I have no blog post topic I go for a run or take my dog for a walk and write about that. I could not take my dog for a walk in single digit temperatures. I tried it last Saturday in the teens and it was not a good idea. Her poor little doggy feet were quite uncomfortable. Imagine my amazement when I stepped out of work and it felt WARM! I realized this was only comparatively speaking, but I’LL TAKE IT!

As I walked into and then back out of the drug store, I lamented my fate. This lovely, lovely temperature and I was sure I felt too awful to take my good little dog for a walk. But I knew I could not waste the opportunity. Thursday and Friday are supposed to be frigid. My dog likes to go for a walk. How could I be so selfish as not to take her? For another reason, I needed a blog post.

The irony is not lost on me that I have now spent over 300 words writing about what I am going to write about. I feel this is at least a step forward from writing about not writing. Perhaps I can actually write about the walk tomorrow. Happy Wednesday, everyone.

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Pick-up on a Wednesday Night

Posted on February 5, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

I did try to avoid a Wuss-out Wednesday, I really did. I bet some readers don’t believe me. Well, I’m sorry. I think I just have to realize I’m going to have a bad proportion of ridiculous posts till this play is over.

We had our pick-up rehearsal tonight. Pick-up rehearsals are usually fun, because you don’t put on costumes or act full-out. For the pick-up rehearsal for Harvey, we just sat in the lobby of the theatre and said our lines. Tonight we were on the stage and did all the usual movements, and some acting. Some lines we just kind of said, then moved on. A couple of times we didn’t say the right lines (I say it with a sheepish smile).

I wanted to make my blog post before rehearsal. In fact, I wanted to write it at work. I think I wrote two sentences. Oh wait, one sentence (I just checked). Then I felt I should study my lines. And (full disclosure) I worked on a cryptogram puzzle (don’t judge). I had some time before rehearsal, but I sat in front of a blank screen with a little voice in my head screaming, “I CAN’T do this!”

Now I’m sitting here, typing away, and realizing I still don’t have much to say. That’s why this is Wuss-out Wednesday. I’m going to stop typing now and see what tomorrow will bring.

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