The Internet runs on Eastern time...

So my life has been a little insane lately. I'm working on a new film called Red Canyon. It's not the sort of film I usually work on - horror flick, but it's still pretty cool. It's allowed me to work with some cool peeps. Christine Lakin, Norman Reedus, Justin Hartley...nice client list. ;)

Hubby's still on the pain train. Military is trying to figure out what pain meds will work best for him. It's insane. Each new pain med is just a new ride - seriously. The one from over the weekend made him feel like he kept stepping on electric wires and giving him shocks. Made him totally grumpy - to say the least. So that one's out.

My mother is coming to visit. So is my grandma. They're coming here for ten days over Thanksgiving. They're getting on a plane. That's huge. When my grandma was little, her sisters locked her in a coal chute for several hours, so she's been highly claustrophobic for the rest of her life. When they came to visit last year, they came on a train. Five days. FIVE DAYS. They're terrifed of getting on the plane though. My mother hasn't flown in over forty years - since she took a puddle jumper flight in PA. So she's assuming a lot of things....she told my grandmother the other day that they would be in folding chairs with strappy seat belts. She also told my grandma that they would be locked in tubes and standing there for hours while they wait to board. When I asked my mom where she got that information she said "I've driven past the Pittsburgh Airport lots of times Lori. I know these things."

She refuses to allow my grandma to check baggage because she says she doesn't want to juggle all the bags in her lap during the flight - or carry them from airport to airport....

When I try to tell her that she's wrong, she gets really angry at me. See, I know nothing cause I'm her daughter. Even though I'm in my 30's - doesn't matter. She still knows more. Last year when they visited, she argued with me because the Internet runs on Eastern time. (My mom hasn't been out of Eastern time more than once in her life and then she didn't access the Internet...) So every website, ticket, reservation, etc that happens online, is Eastern time. The rest of the ENTIRE PLANET must adjust accordingly.

That's pretty much a great example of what my Mom sees life as...she's got her opinions...the rest of the world must adjust accordingly.

November...already?

I had a huge blog entry typed up - ready to hit post...and it disappeared. Completely.

LL, you're going to have to wonder for a while what I had to say...and remind me to tell you later how I know that the internet all runs on Eastern time zone.

:)

Hmmmm....October ramblings

Hello internetland. How is everyone out there? I'm doing well. Really well! :)

Last week I got to interview Audrey Niffenegger. That was awesome. I had an amazing time and she was a great interview. And dude - she's a Whovian. How cool is that?! You can check out the interview (it's audio) at www.fictionaddict.com .

I sold a screenplay. I sold the rights for 365 days...if they don't make the film in a year, then the rights come back to me. Right now they're talking about filming in the Spring. We'll see. They've got to get $$ in the bank by Dec 1...so that's when we'll know for sure.

I'm reviewing a lot of books at fictionaddict - and I love it. Having a great time with that.

Hubby's recovering from his surgery. (Still - supposed to be a simple surgery and we're looking at six months here. It's crazy.) They say that he's got nerve damage, so they've put him on a nerve medication. It's long term neuropathic something or other. We'll see how it goes. I hope something good happens because I don't like him continuing to be in this kind of pain.

And that's really all the news I have....

Anyone else got news?

Still here

Can't sleep tonight so thought I'd take the time to get caught up.

NYPinTA has given me a new obsession. Well, not really an obsession...an interest? That's taking up more of my time than it should? And I'm spending money on it...? Okay. Maybe it is an obsession. I'm talking about Sookie Stackhouse. The books are like a big plate of brownies. You sit down and think you'll read just one and then boom - you've devoured the whole plate and didn't realize it. I'm working on book seven. I'll get back to you when I've read more.

I'm writing book reviews for Fictionaddict.com. It's really cool and I'm having a ball doing it. I've gotten some awesome books and the opportunity to do some interviews as well. (Nicholas Sparks. Who ever would have imagined that eh?)

I've also sold a screenplay. Or mostly sold it. Contracts are currently pending. I've signed and returned mine. Just waiting for everyone else to join the party. They have 365 days to make the film before rights revert back to me. From what I've heard, they're ready to start filming in like a month - so I have a lot of hope that this will happen. Still, it's a million bajillion contracts yet before anything further can happen and I know how this business runs. I'm really jazzed about this one because I'll be on set for the filming and they've said they want to hire me for the marketing too. It's a bigger budget than I'd hoped and I'm really *fingers crossed* that we get some excellent names on board. I'll keep you guys informed on that one.

And that's about it. What's happening in internetyland for everyone out there? Fill me in!

So here's a conundrum.....

My father split when I was 13. The day his divorce became final with my mother, he married another woman who lived in a neighboring town and had three kids of her own. So for a few years, I vacillated back and forth between his house and my mother's house. (Mom hardcore solid conservative as it gets - Dad married a woman who dabbled in witchcraft and watched porn together as a family. Can you imagine the chaos of Twichie's growing up years?)

When I turned 18, Dad called and said 'Now that you're an adult I don't have to pay anything for you. You're on your own now kid.' And that was it. I heard from him two or three more times after that. Once I needed money desperately for an emergency surgery and called him and he said no. I ended up needing a loan for it.

So a few weeks ago, bumped into my step-sis on Facebook. We talked a bit about life, kids, etc. We hadn't talked in nearly 20 years so we caught up. We exchanged pics of the kids and such - that's it though. Didn't really connect.

So today on my wall she writes (publicly I might add) that my Dad is dying and she thought I should know. She admitted he's a crappy dad but she said she thought I would want to know so I don't have regrets.

What the heck should I feel about that? I haven't thought about my Dad in years (other than a few weeks ago when she and I reconnected and then it was more...oh wow. Yeah. But nothing more than that).

There's a nice curveball. Add to that the realization that she had no idea he and I hadn't spoken because she says his walls are covered with pictures of me and the kids (obviously sent by my mother without my knowledge) and she assumed we were in contact enough that I sent those.

Also? We're planning a family vacation in May and we'll be driving through (of all places) the town where he currently resides and THAT was where we'd planned to stay the night.

The man was abusive when he DID pay attention to me and a jackass at his BEST. What the heck happens next? Stay tuned - it may end up in a screenplay.

*sigh*

Okay - where'd March go??

March has come in like a lion - but it's still roaring! Every week this month I've thought 'Busy this week - will catch up next week' and never do!

March 7th - birthday party.

March 8-13 - Spring Break.

March 14th - Microsoft/SXSW gig with wounded warriors.

March 16th - lost a friend to cancer.

March 17-19 - Aforementioned funeral arrangements, etc.

March 20 - Girl's night. (Hugh Jackman no shirt and margaritas - nice way to end a rough week)

March 23 - Meetings all day.

March 24-26 - Short days at school.

So...can I start saying now that "I'll catch up next month??"


Oh and BSG anyone????

Whoa...and like...whoa again.

Can I just say the flu STINKS? I mean horribly miserably didn't think I was dying but felt like I was anyway kind of stinks?

I slept for three whole days last week and didn't eat for a whole week. Seriously. Not cool.

Everyone - avoid the flu this year!

On the flip side, working a nice gig with South by Southwest Film Festival and Microsoft for the troops. It looks like we're going to be able to take some wounded warriors from Iraq/Afghanistan to a special screening of a film for them. Still working out details but I'll share more when I can.

Television viewing? Lost - amazing. BSG - as good as first season again. Loving Friday Night Lights (and not just because I have two clients on the show) and LIFE rocks! Love Charlie Crews!

How's flisty-land out there? What's up?!

February meanderings.

Hey gang. How's it going?

Is everyone still watching Lost? If so, what do you think? I've quit trying to puzzle it out and I'm along for the ride now. Not saying I don't enjoy it, but it made my brain hurt a lot - so thought I should just sit back and let them take me on the ride I signed up for - ya know? (watch for spoilers in comments)

BSG? Same question - what do you guys think? (same thing - spoilers in comments) I'm thinking that I see no way for them to wrap this up with a nice red bow before the end of the series and maybe they're hoping for a couple of movies? So we're gonna get left open ended but at least not Farscaped. I hope.

On the work side, I'm working on a couple of projects for the military. One of them's REALLY exciting - as it gets further along I'll share it with you.

Also working with Microsoft on a gig for SXSW. (South By Southwest Film Festival)

Dondi Scumaci's new book, "Ready, Set...Grow!" hits the streets March 3rd, so working on that and setting up a new podcast for her as well. That'll be cool.

Still liking Life on Mars. (Don't throw things at me okay?)

Life is back! Love Charlie Crews. LOVE him.


What's up with you guys? Tell me the latest - I've missed ya. And hey- are any of you on Facebook?! Just checking....

I've got to get my blogs on....

I've got blogs all over the internet now. I tell my clients to 'increase their internet footprint'. I've done that nicely. I just seem to be missing a few toes now and then....

Someday I'll come up with a way to keep my LJ, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Blogspot and professional blogs all updated without losing any important parts.

So it's Monday morning. How is everyone and what have you been up to since..er...2007?!

And hey Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl! Hope you've got your Terrible Towels!

Writer's Strike..

So a lot of you probably already know my opinions on the big strike in Hollywood/NY right now, but in case you don't, here's a quick Twichie rundown.

One hundred percent behind the writers. I have been on the front lines of writing for the entertainment industry and I've seen the discrepancies about DVD pricing, residuals and how the writers are at the bottom of the barrel. I've also seen how webisodes and internet programming fall 'between the cracks' and can, in many cases, mean writers aren't getting paid for their work.

Now that being said, I'm not a member of WGA despite the fact that I have enough credits to do so. The WGA is fantastic for those professional writers who are making enough money to easily cover the dues yearly and who are working with people who are able to pay those 'minimum' payments for scripts and writing. The people I've been working with wouldn't be able to and it would be prohibitive to my career at this point. I can't gain experience and a 'foot in the door' if the people who are hiring me have to pay union salaries. So maybe later after I've won the Academy Award...

But for now? Totally one hundred percent with the writers on this one - and hoping it turns out well. The industry needs to realize there'd be nothing TO produce, act or direct without writers. They're the core of the industry if you ask me - so about time we got the respect deserved...

:)

Dude...

Once again I'm reminded that I have lots of friends at this blog and that they're virtually ignored when the blog is, so here I am - updating with another promise/hope to keep up with things again.

Although to be fair I haven't kept up with anything lately at all. Double pneumonia and a hospital stay will do that though. Throw in a five year old that does time in the hospital a week later cause no one even realized she was sick and that can really mess up your schedule. (How sick was she? Well, she was walking OUT of a doctor's appointment with just a 'minor cough' and collapsed in the doorway. The doctor had no idea she was so ill either. Nice eh?)

And yesterday a really good friend, some may know her as Christiarc from the Farscape campaign, became a widow. Her husband had cancer but his death was very unexpected. His health was going downhill, but the doctors had just assured her that they thought he'd make it until Christmas because he was so strong and, it seemed, handling everything okay. She said it was very quick and no one saw it coming. One second he was breathing and the next exhale he didn't breathe in. No big struggle or crash. Just....suddenly not there. She's shattered obviously - prayers would be appreciated. And hug someone you love today.

Virtual hugs to all my friends out there. Love you guys.

You know, I really need to get into the habit of updating more often...

But with this blog, my LJ, my myspace and all my business accounts, one of them is going to suffer! I guess this is it. Long Way Round is a good title then eh?

Anyway, wanted to share some cool news. My friends, Peter and Becky are FINALLY in Liberia picking up their kids!!! They have adopted three GORGEOUS children from Liberia and have been waiting months upon month upon months for all the red tape to go through and this week - they finally got to see their babies! So YAY!!!

Business is going well for me. I've got a couple of new movies I'm promoting. One is The Prodigy www.theprodigymovie.com and the other is Americanizing Shelley www.americanizingshelleythemovie.com . Both of them are really great movies but in completely different ways.

DW Moffett's website is up. www.dwmoffett.com and he's starring in the season finale of Grey's Anatomy. We're really happy about that because it's a set up for the new Kate Walsh spin off, so there's a chance of a recurring character there. And his series, Hidden Palms, has an airdate. It will premiere on the CW Network on May 30th.

Everything's going well at home too. I have too many Do It Yourself projects to keep up with, but what else is new? Better to have those projects to do than to not be able to do DIY. If you've ever lived in military housing, you know what I mean.

So that's about it. Anyone out there still reading?

Wow....

It's been a long time since I've been here. But I've been busy. I've started a business (www.beyondthebuzzmarketing.com) and written two screenplays and gotten several new clients...

So life is good. Anyone out there still watching this blog?? Let me know so I can figure out whether to update here or just...well...you know.

Well, the reviews for my show are coming in and...

They like it! The kids and even the adults really seem to like the radio show I wrote. It seems that fan mail and orders are pouring in...and it just aired on Friday!

I'm almost very nearly close to being famous! Isn't that scary??

Weird television musings...

Alias has been cancelled. Anyone care? I think they jumped the shark long before Garner got pregnant. Any show that resorts to zombies as a plot device...nuh uh.

Arrested Development? Damn...it better not get 'officially' cancelled.

Threshold. Don't care.

Any other shows on the bubble or cancelled that anyone actually cares about?

Elmo You scored 58% Organization, 68% abstract, and 76% extroverted!

This test measured 3 variables. First, this test measured how organized you are. Some muppets like Cookie Monster make big messes, while others like Bert are quite anal about things being clean. Second, this test measured if you prefer a concrete or an abstract viewpoint. For the purposes of this test, concrete people are considered to gravitate more to mathematical and logical approaches, whereas abstract people are more the dreamers and artistic type. Third, this test measured if you are more of an introvert or an extrovert. By definition, an introvert concentrates more on herself and an extrovert focuses more on others. In this test an introvert was somebody that either tends to spend more time alone or thinks more about herself. You are mostly organized, more abstract, and more extroverted. Most people either love or hate Elmo. I hope you love Elmo, because that's who you are. You are both somewhat organized. You have a good idea where you put things and you probably keep your place reasonably clean. You aren't totally obsessed with neatness though. Elmo has the same basic approach. His place is pretty tidy, but he doesn't spend all of his time cleaning it up. You both are abstract thinkers. You definitely are not afraid to take chances in life. You only live once. You may notice others around you playing it safe, but you are more concerned with not compromising your desires, and getting everything you can out of life. This is a very romantic approach to life, but hopefully you are also grounded enough to get by. Elmo's whole life is based on fantasy and his imagination. In the beginning he was a regular character, but now he spends most of his time in this fantasy world. You are both extroverts. Elmo likes to talk talk talk. He'll talk with people, goldfish, tables, whatever. Without interaction with others he gets very sad. You definitely enjoy the company of others, and you don't have problems meeting new people... in fact you probably look forward to it. You are willing to take charge when necessary or work as part of a team. The other possible characters are Oscar the Grouch Big Bird Cookie Monster Ernie Snuffleupagus Kermit the Frog Grover The Count Guy Smiley Bert If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback! Also if you want to tell me your favorite Sesame Street character, I can total them up and post them here. Perhaps your choice will win!

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: http://is2.okcupid.com/graphics/0.gif" border=0> http://www.okcupid.com/">%20alt="free%20online%20dating"%20src=" You scored higher than 54% on Organization http://is2.okcupid.com/graphics/0.gif" border=0> http://www.okcupid.com/">%20alt="free%20online%20dating"%20src=" You scored higher than 91% on concrete-abstra http://is2.okcupid.com/graphics/0.gif" border=0> http://www.okcupid.com/">%20alt="free%20online%20dating"%20src=" You scored higher than 88% on intro-extrovert

Link: The Your SESAME STREET Persona Test written by greencowsgomoo on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

The spammers seem to like me...

Is anyone else actually reading this blog other than spammers? And attention spammers. I do not like you. You are gum on the bottom of my shoe. Actually, you're scum on the gum on the bottom of my shoe.

Now back to your regularly scheduled ignoring.

Bras not optional

Or at least they shouldn't be in some circumstances. One of those circumstances would be when you're in a public parade. Thankfully most of the braless women didn't have wiggling jiggling problems because their breasts all rested on their belly like leaky water balloons left forgotten on a shelf. What wiggling/jiggling did take place though was highlighted by the brilliant sequins sewn all over the costumes. (Costumes that, I might add, covered the entire torso of the body, but little else. Yes. Much wrinkled rolling skin was seen on legs and arms yesterday flapping in the wind to the tune of "She's a Grand Old Flag".)

There's a line in one of my favorite movies (Steel Magnolias) about how women should always wear lycra based foundational undergarments. It's noted in the movie that one prominent citizen of the town never wears such clothing and therefore, when she dances, it looks like two pigs wrestling under a blanket. I saw not only this woman, but all of her kin yesterday. All of the pigs were wrestling to the same tune and with similar motions. It was as mesmerizing as a train accident happening in slow motion. With sequins. And this, my friends, is how we honor those who have fought in war. (Read: Veteran's Day Parade.) With that, Hoo-ah!

Vertigo.

Reality shift. Hubby has been in the Air Force for 16 years. We've been married eight. For all of that eight years, he's been ineligible to deploy because he's necessary here. There's been a local policy shift at his base. (And no, it's not political because we're running out of people. It's just local.) It seems that the comfort I've taken in the fact he can't go has been misplaced. He came home last night to inform me that he's now eligible for deployment. At any time.

Not handling this as well as I'd like to be. We've just moved into a new house. Relatively new neighborhood. On my own. Doesn't sound like fun.

When you've had a bad 'kid' day at home...

The last thing you should do is go to a Halloween event with thousands of kids (literally) who have been eating their way through the sugar forest for the entire day. Especially when it's accompanied by live rock music.

I pretty much have a Halloween hangover today and I didn't even have any sugar last night.

It's going to be another Monday isn't it?