After two months of editing, revising, editing some more, chopping, cropping, screaming and editing again, I have finalized the content of my book.
And then – if that isn’t exciting enough – I picked up the proof of my book from the publisher on Thursday.
A moment ago, I gave the publisher the green light to start printing 150 copies of Pieces.
I will have them in my hands in approximately a month.
After seven months of work on this project, it is almost complete. I will be able to say that I am officially the author of a book.
I’m so happy I’m losing my mind a little bit.
When I touched the proof for the first time, I couldn’t stop the scream of joy that erupted from my throat. Nor could I stop the epic happy-dance that followed. This is such a huge, huge deal and I can’t express how happy I am with what I have accomplished. If a person is determined and dedicated, the sky really is the limit.
A picture of the cover will follow soon, as well as promotional excerpts and information about my book launch. Stay tuned because it’s going to get crazy...
January 30, 2011
January 29, 2011
Move Your Soul co-ed ringette tournament for Multiple Sclerosis
WINNIPEG, Jan. 2 – Today, starting at 8 a.m., six teams of co-ed ringette players will battle the cold, the snow and each other in an effort to take home the gold and support a fantastic cause.
The Move Your Soul Ringette Tournament will include a full day of activities, and in addition to the tournament there will be a Labatt’s beer garden, a hair-streaking station, and much, much more. All proceeds will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and tournament winners will be presented with their medals at the After Party later in the evening.
Ashton Friesen and Melissa Marlatt – the event coordinators – are both second-year Creative Communications students at Red River College in Winnipeg. They chose to hold a tournament to raise money for MS because they each know someone who is affected by the illness.
For Friesen, it is her childhood best friend.
“Heidi was the best ringette player on our team when we were growing up,” Friesen explained. “We all wished we had her kind of skill. Then one day, with no warning, she skated up to the boards during a game and said ‘I can’t feel my legs mom.’ That was the end of Heidi’s ringette career, but she refused to let it be the end of her life. She is an inspiration, and I’ve known ever since that any fundraiser I would hold would be for MS.”
What is normally a female-only sport has been turned into a co-ed competition, which is quite out of the ordinary. This decision was a result of the urgings of Chris Gaudry, another second-year Creative Communications student.
“I wanted to play ringette,” Gaudy explained excitedly, “and I wanted get involved and raise money for MS. Thankfully, I was able to convince both of the coordinators that allowing men to play would increase their donations, and it already has. They had to add two more teams and extend the tournament to fit everyone in who wanted to play. I am so excited I can be a part of this event, and I know that it will be a success.”
Allowing men to play in the tournament will add an interesting twist, especially since many haven’t played ringette ever before.
“I have no idea what I’m getting myself into,” said Neil Babaluk, a second-year Creative Communications student and ringette virgin. “I still don’t understand how to play. But it’s for a good cause so I don’t mind looking foolish.”
Tournament Details:
Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Silver Heights Community Centre
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (approx. – gold medal game begins at 6 p.m.)
After Party: 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
About multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.
Ashton Friesen
Coordinator, Move Your Soul Ringette Tournament
204.770.6479
Melissa Marlatt
Coordinator, Move Your Soul Ringette Tournament
204.479.7416
Or email: moveyoursoul@live.com
The Move Your Soul Ringette Tournament will include a full day of activities, and in addition to the tournament there will be a Labatt’s beer garden, a hair-streaking station, and much, much more. All proceeds will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, and tournament winners will be presented with their medals at the After Party later in the evening.
Ashton Friesen and Melissa Marlatt – the event coordinators – are both second-year Creative Communications students at Red River College in Winnipeg. They chose to hold a tournament to raise money for MS because they each know someone who is affected by the illness.
For Friesen, it is her childhood best friend.
“Heidi was the best ringette player on our team when we were growing up,” Friesen explained. “We all wished we had her kind of skill. Then one day, with no warning, she skated up to the boards during a game and said ‘I can’t feel my legs mom.’ That was the end of Heidi’s ringette career, but she refused to let it be the end of her life. She is an inspiration, and I’ve known ever since that any fundraiser I would hold would be for MS.”
What is normally a female-only sport has been turned into a co-ed competition, which is quite out of the ordinary. This decision was a result of the urgings of Chris Gaudry, another second-year Creative Communications student.
“I wanted to play ringette,” Gaudy explained excitedly, “and I wanted get involved and raise money for MS. Thankfully, I was able to convince both of the coordinators that allowing men to play would increase their donations, and it already has. They had to add two more teams and extend the tournament to fit everyone in who wanted to play. I am so excited I can be a part of this event, and I know that it will be a success.”
Allowing men to play in the tournament will add an interesting twist, especially since many haven’t played ringette ever before.
“I have no idea what I’m getting myself into,” said Neil Babaluk, a second-year Creative Communications student and ringette virgin. “I still don’t understand how to play. But it’s for a good cause so I don’t mind looking foolish.”
Tournament Details:
Date: January 29, 2011
Location: Silver Heights Community Centre
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (approx. – gold medal game begins at 6 p.m.)
After Party: 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
About multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.
-30-
For more information, please contact:Ashton Friesen
Coordinator, Move Your Soul Ringette Tournament
204.770.6479
Melissa Marlatt
Coordinator, Move Your Soul Ringette Tournament
204.479.7416
Or email: moveyoursoul@live.com
January 28, 2011
Yup...I was on TV
I will never, ever pass up the opportunity to be interviewed for something if I have an opinion on the subject.
Earlier today, a TV crew from Global News Winnipeg visited our school and asked students questions about money and jobs in the province. I said a few things, looked busy when they were filming B-ROLL, and didn’t really think much more of it.
Well, my interview – along with my friend Alexa’s – made it onto the six o’clock news. I knew the interview techniques I learned in PR class would help me in the future...
If you want to watch my moment of fame, click here. There is a short print story on the page, and the video is on the side. The story starts at minute 10, and is 2.5 minutes long.
I love CreComm...
Earlier today, a TV crew from Global News Winnipeg visited our school and asked students questions about money and jobs in the province. I said a few things, looked busy when they were filming B-ROLL, and didn’t really think much more of it.
Well, my interview – along with my friend Alexa’s – made it onto the six o’clock news. I knew the interview techniques I learned in PR class would help me in the future...
If you want to watch my moment of fame, click here. There is a short print story on the page, and the video is on the side. The story starts at minute 10, and is 2.5 minutes long.
I love CreComm...
January 25, 2011
‘None is too many’
As a historian, I have learned about many disturbing and upsetting events over the years. I have studied wars, famines, genocides, and everything in between in an attempt to understand more about our world and how we fit into it as people.
It was while in high school that I learned about the M.S. St. Louis for the first time.
In 1939, 907 Germans Jews were refugees on the ship. They travelled first to Cuba, then along the Florida coast, and finally headed for Halifax Harbour in an attempt to escape the persecution they faced at home in Europe.
Under pressure from Ottawa, the M.S. St. Louis was denied entrance into Canada. An immigration officer cited what would become an infamous catch phrase as the reason for their dismissal...
“None is too many.”
The ship had no other option but to turn around and cross the Atlantic Ocean a second time. One third of the passengers – 254 innocent Jewish people – died during the Holocaust in the years of war that followed.
It was while in high school that I learned about the M.S. St. Louis for the first time.
In 1939, 907 Germans Jews were refugees on the ship. They travelled first to Cuba, then along the Florida coast, and finally headed for Halifax Harbour in an attempt to escape the persecution they faced at home in Europe.
Under pressure from Ottawa, the M.S. St. Louis was denied entrance into Canada. An immigration officer cited what would become an infamous catch phrase as the reason for their dismissal...
“None is too many.”
The ship had no other option but to turn around and cross the Atlantic Ocean a second time. One third of the passengers – 254 innocent Jewish people – died during the Holocaust in the years of war that followed.
The M.S St. Louis in Havana, Cuba. June 1939.
Now, more than 70 years after the passengers were denied refuge, a memorial has been erected in their honour. The Wheel of Conscience sits at Halifax’s Pier 21, the port where the ship would have docked had its passengers been allowed to disembark.
The wheel is the first of its kind and is a reminder of what atrocities have taken place in the past. It is important to remember the mistakes that have been made in our world so they aren’t repeated. That’s why I’m so passionate about history. I don’t ever want to forget...
If you’re interested, you can read the entire National Post story here. There are also quite a few clips from different news stations across the country. It was a big story that garnered a great deal of media attention.
As it should have.
*Image taken from the National Post.
January 23, 2011
Today in history... I moved to Winnipeg
January 23, 2003, is a day that I will never, ever forget. It was cold, it was miserable, and I truly thought my life was over. Moving from Calgary to Winnipeg halfway through high school was the last thing I wanted to do, and I was determined to make the experience as awful as possible for anyone and everyone I came in contact with.
The first six months were an adjustment. The roads were smaller and in much crappier condition. I didn’t know my way around the city, and finding my school the first few days was a struggle. I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have friends, and damn was it cold. To an unhappy 16-year-old girl, this was hell.
In hindsight, the move was one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I wouldn’t change anything, and over the past eight years, I have grown to love this city. There are, however, a number of reasons why the move has been so great for me, and I’ll share a few of those with you now...
Family, family, family: Moving brought my parents, my brother, and me closer together. We had to work together through the rough times, and we did so successfully as a strong, impenetrable unit. We leaned on each other for support, and my family isn’t simply just my family anymore. They are my closest and dearest friends.
Moving to Winnipeg also provided me with the opportunity to get to know my extended family better. Sure, I knew who they were as I was growing up. Occasionally, we met in person or exchanged phone calls. But I didn’t really know much about their lives. After I moved to Winnipeg, I began to spend more time with my extended family. I discovered how awesome they are. I regret the years that I have missed with them, but at least most of my cousins know who I am now.
The move also provided me with an opportunity to spend more time with my lovely grandmothers. This is something that simply wouldn’t have been possible had I continued to live in Calgary, and I cherished each moment we spent together. I now only have one grandparent left, and I will not – for any reason – waste the opportunity to spend time with her.
Education: I wasn’t headed down a path like the one I currently am when I was living in Calgary. Who knows if I would have chosen to pursue a post-secondary education if I had stayed. Probably not.
Friends: This works both ways. Moving to Winnipeg has allowed me the opportunity to meet some of the most fantastic people. I left behind a lot of great friends, but gradually, I made new ones here. I also realized that the people who mean the most to me from Calgary are still in my life despite the distance. My girlfriend Allie and I, for example, can pick up like no time has passed at all whenever we see each other. Sometimes it’s only been a few months since our last visit, but most of the time, it’s been years.
And yes, moving to Winnipeg introduced me to my boyfriend. I wouldn’t have met him if I had stayed in Calgary, and who knows what type of person I would have ended up with. I’ve also gotten to know and fallen in love with Jeff’s family, who are supportive, kind, fantastic people.
Everything happens for a reason. I might have been miserable in 2003, but I’m truly happy in 2011.
The first six months were an adjustment. The roads were smaller and in much crappier condition. I didn’t know my way around the city, and finding my school the first few days was a struggle. I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have friends, and damn was it cold. To an unhappy 16-year-old girl, this was hell.
In hindsight, the move was one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I wouldn’t change anything, and over the past eight years, I have grown to love this city. There are, however, a number of reasons why the move has been so great for me, and I’ll share a few of those with you now...
Family, family, family: Moving brought my parents, my brother, and me closer together. We had to work together through the rough times, and we did so successfully as a strong, impenetrable unit. We leaned on each other for support, and my family isn’t simply just my family anymore. They are my closest and dearest friends.
Moving to Winnipeg also provided me with the opportunity to get to know my extended family better. Sure, I knew who they were as I was growing up. Occasionally, we met in person or exchanged phone calls. But I didn’t really know much about their lives. After I moved to Winnipeg, I began to spend more time with my extended family. I discovered how awesome they are. I regret the years that I have missed with them, but at least most of my cousins know who I am now.
The move also provided me with an opportunity to spend more time with my lovely grandmothers. This is something that simply wouldn’t have been possible had I continued to live in Calgary, and I cherished each moment we spent together. I now only have one grandparent left, and I will not – for any reason – waste the opportunity to spend time with her.
Education: I wasn’t headed down a path like the one I currently am when I was living in Calgary. Who knows if I would have chosen to pursue a post-secondary education if I had stayed. Probably not.
Friends: This works both ways. Moving to Winnipeg has allowed me the opportunity to meet some of the most fantastic people. I left behind a lot of great friends, but gradually, I made new ones here. I also realized that the people who mean the most to me from Calgary are still in my life despite the distance. My girlfriend Allie and I, for example, can pick up like no time has passed at all whenever we see each other. Sometimes it’s only been a few months since our last visit, but most of the time, it’s been years.
And yes, moving to Winnipeg introduced me to my boyfriend. I wouldn’t have met him if I had stayed in Calgary, and who knows what type of person I would have ended up with. I’ve also gotten to know and fallen in love with Jeff’s family, who are supportive, kind, fantastic people.
Everything happens for a reason. I might have been miserable in 2003, but I’m truly happy in 2011.
January 21, 2011
Observations from the Skywalk
It’s the last day of my work placement. I’ve spent the past three weeks working on the 18th floor of the MTS Tower in downtown Winnipeg, and it has been a fantastic experience. My days were filled with news release writing, proposal compilation, research and a lot of other interesting activities. I feel like I’ve learned so much, and I can’t wait to use my new skills when I return to classes on Monday.
With that being said, I’ve also fallen in love with walking through the Skywalks that connect most buildings along Portage Avenue. It’s a great way to get out of the office for awhile, but it’s also home to one of my favourite downtown attractions…
Buskers.
I wouldn’t be able to end this work placement without giving a shout-out to the buskers that made my days interesting, humorous and just a little bit more fun. Here we go…
Number Three – The flute player
You seemed like you were truly giving it your all every time I walked past you. The fact that it was a metallic blue flute made the experience even better.
Number Two – The accordion playing girl
Not only were you entertaining, you were really, REALLY talented. Obviously I wasn’t the only one who thought so, because you had at least $50 in your hat on the floor. I hope someone discovers you and gives you a job.
Number One – The recorder player
I’m sorry, but no one can top you. It takes a lot of guts to try and make a living playing a recorder in a Skywalk, and you “brought it” with gusto. True, you had zero skill and received no money from passers-by, but I admired your enthusiasm. I will admit, I did lose it and laugh hysterically whenever I passed you, but I would like to think I was laughing with you. Keep it up, sir - you made my day more than once.
I won’t see the characters in the Skywalk when I return to school, but I’m taking quite a few fond memories with me. I wish all three of my favourite buskers the best of luck. It takes guts to perform in front of people, especially when you know everyone is judging you.
Sayonara, buskers. You’re good people.
With that being said, I’ve also fallen in love with walking through the Skywalks that connect most buildings along Portage Avenue. It’s a great way to get out of the office for awhile, but it’s also home to one of my favourite downtown attractions…
Buskers.
I wouldn’t be able to end this work placement without giving a shout-out to the buskers that made my days interesting, humorous and just a little bit more fun. Here we go…
Number Three – The flute player
You seemed like you were truly giving it your all every time I walked past you. The fact that it was a metallic blue flute made the experience even better.
Number Two – The accordion playing girl
Not only were you entertaining, you were really, REALLY talented. Obviously I wasn’t the only one who thought so, because you had at least $50 in your hat on the floor. I hope someone discovers you and gives you a job.
Number One – The recorder player
I’m sorry, but no one can top you. It takes a lot of guts to try and make a living playing a recorder in a Skywalk, and you “brought it” with gusto. True, you had zero skill and received no money from passers-by, but I admired your enthusiasm. I will admit, I did lose it and laugh hysterically whenever I passed you, but I would like to think I was laughing with you. Keep it up, sir - you made my day more than once.
I won’t see the characters in the Skywalk when I return to school, but I’m taking quite a few fond memories with me. I wish all three of my favourite buskers the best of luck. It takes guts to perform in front of people, especially when you know everyone is judging you.
Sayonara, buskers. You’re good people.
January 19, 2011
Bodies: I'm still not sure...
After much deliberation and foot-dragging I finally decided to view the Bodies exhibit last weekend.
Everyone I know has been divided on the subject of whether or not to pay to see it, and up until a week ago, I was in agreement with the latter. But, after reading this article in the Winnipeg Free Press, I realized there was a good chance I might not have an opportunity to see a Bodies exhibit again.
And I’m all about taking advantage of every possible opportunity.
So I went.
I have to say that my initial impressions about the exhibit were exactly what I thought they would be. I was taken aback and quieted as I looked at the first displays. A skull with blood vessels. An arm, a foot, a hand. I tried to pay attention to what I was staring at, but my mind wouldn’t let me stop thinking about what I was about to see when I turned the corner.
Bodies. Real bodies.
I’ve always been afraid of being near dead people. I know that sounds like something stupid to say, but it’s true. And as I walked through the gallery towards a man with his skeleton ripped out of his body, I was afraid.
It wasn’t that I thought he would suddenly come alive, turn his head and look at me. I felt like I was doing something wrong and someone would tap me on the shoulder and take me away for staring.
Weird things to think about, I know.
Everyone I know has been divided on the subject of whether or not to pay to see it, and up until a week ago, I was in agreement with the latter. But, after reading this article in the Winnipeg Free Press, I realized there was a good chance I might not have an opportunity to see a Bodies exhibit again.
And I’m all about taking advantage of every possible opportunity.
So I went.
I have to say that my initial impressions about the exhibit were exactly what I thought they would be. I was taken aback and quieted as I looked at the first displays. A skull with blood vessels. An arm, a foot, a hand. I tried to pay attention to what I was staring at, but my mind wouldn’t let me stop thinking about what I was about to see when I turned the corner.
Bodies. Real bodies.
I’ve always been afraid of being near dead people. I know that sounds like something stupid to say, but it’s true. And as I walked through the gallery towards a man with his skeleton ripped out of his body, I was afraid.
It wasn’t that I thought he would suddenly come alive, turn his head and look at me. I felt like I was doing something wrong and someone would tap me on the shoulder and take me away for staring.
Weird things to think about, I know.
The jury is still out on how I feel about Bodies. As I walked through each room, I couldn’t turn off the thought that each body used to be a person. They loved, they smiled, they cried and they laughed. I would be devastated if someone I know turned into an exhibit after they died and that isn’t a fate I would want for myself.
But, on the other hand, I do understand the need to know more about our bodies and how they work. It was educational and I know the science-lovers in the city were delighted.
I’m glad that I went to see Bodies while it was still here. I just wish I could decide how I feel about it...
*Photo taken from the Bodies Exhibit website.
January 16, 2011
The Novel Files: Sue Grafton
Over the years, I have become acquainted with many authors. Some have written classics in the 18th and 19th centuries; others have begun their careers more recently. One author that I have loved and read in earnest since I was a little girl is Sue Grafton, and her most recent novel – U is for Undertow – is one of her best yet.
Grafton cleverly decided to name each book in her “Alphabet Mystery” series after a letter of the alphabet. She began with A is for Alibi in 1982, and is still going strong. The main character and heroine in the series is Kinsey Millhone, a twice-divorced self proclaimed loner who owns her own private investigation firm in Santa Teresa, a fictionalized town based on Santa Barbara, California.
Grafton cleverly decided to name each book in her “Alphabet Mystery” series after a letter of the alphabet. She began with A is for Alibi in 1982, and is still going strong. The main character and heroine in the series is Kinsey Millhone, a twice-divorced self proclaimed loner who owns her own private investigation firm in Santa Teresa, a fictionalized town based on Santa Barbara, California.
If only I had come up with the idea to name books after letters of the alphabet. Brilliant...
The novels are set in the 1980s, which is something that I really like. Instead of trying to infuse modern technology into each novel as time progresses – like many authors try to do – Grafton cleverly and craftily chooses to stay behind the times. When investigating cases, Millhone is forced to conduct research at the public library, instead of online. She doesn’t have a cell phone, which is terrifying when there is a potential killer hunting her down (which happens quite frequently). And, she doesn’t have the luxury of checking people out on Facebook or MySpace. It’s bare-boned investigation at its best, and I love it.
The most recent novel – U is for Undertow – is fantastic. It is about a crime committed twenty years earlier (in the 1960s). There is also a secondary plot line that deals with Millhone’s family – something readers are rarely privy to. And contrary to what you may think, it isn’t necessary to have previously read any of the other Alphabet Mystery books. Grafton introduces you to the story in the proper place, and explains back stories when necessary.
She seems like a cool lady...
Grafton is a gifted writer. Her style is simple and easy to follow, and it’s free of unnecessary adjectives or too much description. It’s exactly the type of novel you would want to have on hand when spending a relaxing afternoon curled up in front of the fire with a blanket and glass of wine, and I recommend it to everyone.
*Photos are courtesy of Google.
January 11, 2011
Writer's Block
So here is what’s up…
I’ve finally decided on a publisher for my first book. I contacted them, received a quote, accepted the quote, and arranged to send them my material. I have until January 18th to submit all documents, and the publication process will begin.
I’m going to publish my book – Pieces – under my own name. I like my name. I’ve already been published under my own name. Why I even considered using a pseudonym is beyond me, but people think about crazy things when they’re under extreme pressure.
My writer’s insomnia – which reappeared when I started editing my book – has almost completely disappeared. I’m still only averaging about five hours of sleep a night, but I know that will change as soon as classes resume.
Thoughts of how I’m going to present my book at the IPP Presentations have already started to dance around in my brain. I’m determined to come up with an idea for some sort of promotional video, but it’s difficult to create one for a book.
I’ve planned a book reading for Second-year CreComm at Aqua Books in February. It will provide us with practice reading our work in front of an audience, as well as provide some marketing exposure. (Details about the event will follow).
This all brings me to my next point …
For some stupid, frustrating, ridiculous reason I can’t seem to write the back cover of my book. I wrote 100,000 words just fine this summer, but a few small paragraphs about the plot seems an almost impossible task. People will chose to purchase or NOT purchase my book based on what they read on the back cover, so as you can imagine, I’m slightly losing my mind over this problem.
If I don’t write it well, my book might not sell…
Maybe I’m being a little too dramatic, but it’s frustrating because this is the LAST STEP in the writing process. After I submit everything, it’s up to the publishing company. I know I still have time, but as the days disappear I’m becoming increasingly worried I won’t meet my deadline.
January 9, 2011
My corporate life
As part of my school program I am required to complete two, 3-week work placements.
I have just finished my first week, and I was sent to MTS Allstream in downtown Winnipeg. I am working on the 18th floor of a lovely high-rise building at the corner of Portage Avenue and Main Street, and I couldn’t be happier.
I’ve had a number of jobs throughout my life, but never one in a professional environment like this one. I’ve never had an office or cubicle and I’ve never had to dress up to go to work.
Watching my co-workers happily go about their business is quite inspirational. I picture myself in their shoes, and I hope that one day I will have a job somewhere like MTS.
I have just finished my first week, and I was sent to MTS Allstream in downtown Winnipeg. I am working on the 18th floor of a lovely high-rise building at the corner of Portage Avenue and Main Street, and I couldn’t be happier.
I’ve had a number of jobs throughout my life, but never one in a professional environment like this one. I’ve never had an office or cubicle and I’ve never had to dress up to go to work.
Watching my co-workers happily go about their business is quite inspirational. I picture myself in their shoes, and I hope that one day I will have a job somewhere like MTS.
January 6, 2011
How do you reboot your system?
My book is finally written, and now two friends of mine are conducting a final edit to ensure I don’t publish this thing with spelling errors.
Thank you, ladies. I truly appreciate your help.
One of my editors sends me an email this morning. On top to stating that she loves my book so far she made the following remark: “You really love commas, don’t you?”
Yes, I really, really do.
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this statement. Throughout my CreComm career, people have constantly commented on the fact that I use a lot of commas when I write anything. This is a habit that I picked up in university, and it has stuck with me. For four years I was responsible for writing 10-20 page essays. When you have five due within the same week, you begin to use lots of commas – as well as many, many adjectives – to make the paragraphs stretch.
When I handed my first journalism story in during the second week of CreComm, my instructor immediately zoned in on the fact that I was a long-winded university essay writer. He told me to cut the adjectives out, leave in only what was necessary, and STOP WRITING when I had nothing left to say. I followed his advice closely, and it’s served me well thus far in my program.
The only problem is that I can’t seem to stop using commas when I write. It is a habit that is so engrained in my mind that it’s simply second-nature. And this leads me to the question that is the title of this post: how do you reboot your system?
Thank you, ladies. I truly appreciate your help.
One of my editors sends me an email this morning. On top to stating that she loves my book so far she made the following remark: “You really love commas, don’t you?”
Yes, I really, really do.
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this statement. Throughout my CreComm career, people have constantly commented on the fact that I use a lot of commas when I write anything. This is a habit that I picked up in university, and it has stuck with me. For four years I was responsible for writing 10-20 page essays. When you have five due within the same week, you begin to use lots of commas – as well as many, many adjectives – to make the paragraphs stretch.
When I handed my first journalism story in during the second week of CreComm, my instructor immediately zoned in on the fact that I was a long-winded university essay writer. He told me to cut the adjectives out, leave in only what was necessary, and STOP WRITING when I had nothing left to say. I followed his advice closely, and it’s served me well thus far in my program.
The only problem is that I can’t seem to stop using commas when I write. It is a habit that is so engrained in my mind that it’s simply second-nature. And this leads me to the question that is the title of this post: how do you reboot your system?
How do I successfully teach myself to stop writing with so many commas? How do I undo my entire university career? This is something that has been bothering me for years, and I’ve honestly tried everything to make this habit go away.
Maybe it’s just my style, and I should continue to do what I do?
Or maybe I should try to forget everything I’ve learned, and start over?
I don’t know. It’s a problem.
January 3, 2011
If the shoe fits...
Tomorrow is the first day of my first work placement, and I am having a minor wardrobe malfunction.
Well, it’s not so much a wardrobe malfunction as a serious shoe malfunction. Over Christmas, mom and I went shopping and purchased as much business attire as our combined budgets would allow. I feel I’m fine in the clothing department, but as always, I’ve managed to overlook shoes.
I feel that I should make one fact very clear before continuing with this post: I HATE SHOES.
In elementary school and junior high, I stood at least a full foot taller than most boys I went to school with. I was always one of the girls forced to stand in the middle of the back row for school photographs because that’s where the tall people always were stuck. I’ve been called “Bigfoot,” “Tree,” “Gigantor,” and a host of other names that only bring back painful memories. Simply put, my height was my nemesis and I developed a complex.
So here’s the dilemma...
I have one pair of black high heels, one pair of black flats, three pairs of boots and I can’t figure out what to choose. I’m wearing a black pantsuit that is simply begging to be worn with heels. I tried on my black ones, and they actually look pretty good, BUT, I don’t know how long my feet will last in them. The longest I’ve ever worn a pair of heels comfortably is three hours, and even that was a stretch.
What if I fall on my face? What if I fall down the stairs? I can’t decide if this is a situation where I should look good or be comfortable. I’m leaning toward the latter, but this is uncharted waters and I’m a little confused.
Help. Gah.
Well, it’s not so much a wardrobe malfunction as a serious shoe malfunction. Over Christmas, mom and I went shopping and purchased as much business attire as our combined budgets would allow. I feel I’m fine in the clothing department, but as always, I’ve managed to overlook shoes.
I feel that I should make one fact very clear before continuing with this post: I HATE SHOES.
In elementary school and junior high, I stood at least a full foot taller than most boys I went to school with. I was always one of the girls forced to stand in the middle of the back row for school photographs because that’s where the tall people always were stuck. I’ve been called “Bigfoot,” “Tree,” “Gigantor,” and a host of other names that only bring back painful memories. Simply put, my height was my nemesis and I developed a complex.
Sure they LOOK innocent. But man do they cause a lot of panic...
So here’s the dilemma...
I have one pair of black high heels, one pair of black flats, three pairs of boots and I can’t figure out what to choose. I’m wearing a black pantsuit that is simply begging to be worn with heels. I tried on my black ones, and they actually look pretty good, BUT, I don’t know how long my feet will last in them. The longest I’ve ever worn a pair of heels comfortably is three hours, and even that was a stretch.
What if I fall on my face? What if I fall down the stairs? I can’t decide if this is a situation where I should look good or be comfortable. I’m leaning toward the latter, but this is uncharted waters and I’m a little confused.
Help. Gah.
January 2, 2011
Feng Shui?
Every person who visits my apartment uses one of two words to describe it: homey or cozy.
At first, I didn’t know how to take this. Are those good words? Does a person want to have a homey apartment? True, we have every single nook and cranny filled with stuff, but I try to keep the place as neat as possible.
After asking a few friends to explain their word choice, I was reassured that homey and cozy are good things. Apparently the apartment looks as if Jeff and I enjoy living there and actually use our space. Which we do. All of it.
The downside to living in a cozy apartment is that it’s difficult to be creative with the arrangement of large pieces of furniture. It only makes sense to have our television in one of two places, and we have to make sure the couches are far enough apart to allow space to walk between them.
And in addition to furniture, Jeff and I also own an army of musical equipment. You can’t place a guitar just anywhere, and my piano has to be against a wall. Therefore, our floor plan has remained exactly the same over the past nine months.
But last night, on a whim, we decided to change the setup of our table and our music corner. This switch was initiated by the removal of our Christmas tree. We picked everything up, moved it all around, and came up with an imaginative way to reorganize the space. I’m currently sitting at my desk typing this blog while facing the window, which is something we should have thought of a long time ago.
Our new design doesn’t look particularly glamorous, and I’m sure that it doesn’t meet any feng shui requirement. But we like it, and I doubt our place will be called homey the next time someone walks in.
At first, I didn’t know how to take this. Are those good words? Does a person want to have a homey apartment? True, we have every single nook and cranny filled with stuff, but I try to keep the place as neat as possible.
After asking a few friends to explain their word choice, I was reassured that homey and cozy are good things. Apparently the apartment looks as if Jeff and I enjoy living there and actually use our space. Which we do. All of it.
The downside to living in a cozy apartment is that it’s difficult to be creative with the arrangement of large pieces of furniture. It only makes sense to have our television in one of two places, and we have to make sure the couches are far enough apart to allow space to walk between them.
And in addition to furniture, Jeff and I also own an army of musical equipment. You can’t place a guitar just anywhere, and my piano has to be against a wall. Therefore, our floor plan has remained exactly the same over the past nine months.
But last night, on a whim, we decided to change the setup of our table and our music corner. This switch was initiated by the removal of our Christmas tree. We picked everything up, moved it all around, and came up with an imaginative way to reorganize the space. I’m currently sitting at my desk typing this blog while facing the window, which is something we should have thought of a long time ago.
Our new design doesn’t look particularly glamorous, and I’m sure that it doesn’t meet any feng shui requirement. But we like it, and I doubt our place will be called homey the next time someone walks in.
January 1, 2011
2011 horoscope right on course
The Winnipeg Free Press did a huge horoscope spread in the December 31 edition of the paper. I read it, and there were some worthwhile details in it, but the part that I found the most interesting was my supposed "mantra" for 2011.
Here's what it is:
I like it. In school, we are told that our reputation is everything. Who we are and what we are known for determines if, when and how we find work. Networking and making connections are the keys to success, and without a good name, it would be impossible to succeed.
It seems that both the universe and my education are on track for the new year. Good to know.
Here's what it is:
"I welcome every chance to promote my good name."
I like it. In school, we are told that our reputation is everything. Who we are and what we are known for determines if, when and how we find work. Networking and making connections are the keys to success, and without a good name, it would be impossible to succeed.
It seems that both the universe and my education are on track for the new year. Good to know.
Happy New Year!
The most important resolution I can think of = continue to be a non-smoker.
That's it, that's all, and that's enough.
Cheers!
That's it, that's all, and that's enough.
Cheers!
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