Going Old School

I've been slightly distracted this week. I bought a portable record player and it's really great. There's nothing better than listening to old records. I don't know why I didn't make an investment in a record player sooner.

Anyway, I thought listening to records instead of CNN while I worked would be a better solution, even if it was only to get me up and moving every 20 minutes to change the record. Turns out, I prefer staring at the record while it is spinning when I'm listening to it. So, records are only for after the day's work is done, but it is becoming a great way to end the day. And of course, it's fun to hit Half Price Books and various yard sales to get more vinyl.

Other than that minor distraction, all the writing is still on schedule. Write on, folks. 

2013 -- It Better Be Good

This year, like nearly every other year, I will be spending New Year's Eve in front of the TV tuned to CNN--probably without booze, but that could always change, depending if the break in to talk about the fiscal cliff again.

It's not as pathetic as it sounds. I can only remember ringing in the New Year with other people twice--last year and when I was ten years old. And I can definitely tell you that sharing the experience did not make the event itself or the year as a whole any better. In fact, I believe both years I spent with others turned out to be a couple of pretty bad years. So, I am glad I am home alone, in my PJs and writing poetry.

I read someone's tweet today that said the Greeks believe what you do on the first day of the year you will do all year long (or something like that--I'm poor at paraphrasing). So, I will be writing poetry until and slightly after midnight, because I don't want this sudden surge of creativity to stop in 2013. 

For those who are venturing out to have fun, be happy and be safe. And let's hope everyone finds their success in 2013.

Distractions

I have probably let distractions get the best of me over the past week. I did get the car back, working like new again but spent the equivalent of two new smartphones to have it all done. I decided not to give up on Nanowrimo like I wanted to last week, but as far as actually writing more, it's been tough. The worst part about it is that I'm not suffering from any sort of writer's block--every time I sit down to write, there are plenty of ideas sitting at my fingertips to take the story to the next level. It's getting my butt in the chair that is the hard part.

I'm also distracted by all the news. I have said before that I'm a certified news junkie, and it's true. I've been that way since I was 12 and even though I bowed out of the journalism program in college, the need to know is still there. With all of the conflict in the Middle East, I cannot take my eyes off of the TV. It also doesn't help that I tend to keep CNN or MSNBC on in the background while I work. It's these big stories that make me want to get back into journalism in some fashion, but that's unlikely to happen. So all this passion for news is and will continue to be a distraction. It's so easy to turn off the television, but it's nearly impossible to not open a new tab in Firefox to stay informed.

I finally have the answer!!

...sort of.

I watched Nightly News tonight, as is my usual evening routine, and they had David Gregory explain what exactly takes place in the caucuses. Now I have at least a brief understanding of the process. And it's so stupid!! I'm all for keeping with traditions, but this seems to be an antiquated system that's not really needed.

I'm sure having CNN would benefit my knowledge of the political process even more, since there is constant coverage on that channel I'm sure, but as you know my "cable" company pulled it. Along with Animal Planet, I just found out. My roommate will not be happy about that when she comes back. And there's dish network ads playing on two channels. Hmm... so that I quit complaining on my blog, I think the "cable" company is getting a phone call from me tomorrow. And I promise, unless something drastically horrible happens with that, I will not blog about my television stations anymore. Scouts honor.

How did you celebrate your New Year's Eve? I rang in the New Year in front of the TV set in the living room, watching the 20 minute New Year's Eve with Carson Daly. I would have preferred to watch CNN's New Year (do I have to keep capitalizing it? Hmmm..) celebrations, but the "cable" company pulled CNN from my lineup two weeks ago. at least I still have my podcasts.

I'll admit it though--at 12:00:15, I cried a little. I do every year. I still haven't figured out what I cry for though: am I crying because 2007 is gone or because 2008 is here?

I didn't make any resolutions this year. There's no point. Like 99% of those who do, I don't keep them. I'm lucky to stick to whatever I promised myself I would do after the first week when it's time to go back to school and get caught up. Only difference this year is that I'm not going back to school. I'm hitting the pavement and getting a job... well, maybe the cyber pavement, but it's still hard work. I don't have a comfortable computer chair.