September Writing Challenge- Day 14

Prompt- I was wrongly accused of...

This is kind of a silly one. It was aggravating at the time but I can look back on it now and laugh. I was wrongly accused of picking my nose in public.

Now, listen to the whole story first and you'll see why I find this so funny. At my job, we have a Halloween dress up every year. We host a little indoor trick-or-treat where we have treat stations throughout the store and the kids can go around and get something from all the departments. For some added fun, they allow the workers to dress up as well. So, about 4 or 5 years ago, I was a geisha girl. I had made this costume (with my mom's help because I don't sew) and did my hair and face all up and I loved this costume. I thought I looked pretty cool. The fabric trim and the belt were made from scraps I found that had this incredible dragon print that I loved. And, my hair was long enough to go in a bun and I had hair sticks that my friend gave me.

Only flaw to the costume was the make-up. I bought some really pale concealer in a popular brand and used it to make my face look lighter like I'd seen in the movies. I thought it would be fine. This particular brand was a good quality and it looked good. But, my skin is very sensitive with stuff like that. Maybe because I never wear stuff like that. So, while at work, my face began to itch. I stopped for a moment to scratch an itch that was driving me crazy on the side of my nose. That's when the customer got mad at me. Of course, when someone wants to make the complaint, they do not speak to the person they have an issue with. Oh, no. That would be too easy. Then their complaint would be easily resolved and no drama would be caused. Where's the fun in that?? So, he went to the customer service desk and raised a fuss. My register was nearby but I was just out of earshot. But, I saw a lot of hand gestures and pointing at me. The girl who took his complaint assured him he would have a talk with me and when he stormed out she came over laughing.

"Do you know what he said?" she asked. I shook my head. "He accused you of picking your nose."

"What? Ew! My face was itchy from this make-up and I've been scratching all day. Maybe he somehow interpreted it wrong from his angle in line?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea. But, I thought you'd get a laugh out of it." We both did, I think.

So, that was it. It's still one of my favorite costumes. I kept it for future use when I can't think of something else. It's my go-to last resort like my poodle skirt or Fem 11 that I've kept in a bin in my closet.

There is no shortage of insanity at my day job. Comes with working with the public, I suppose.

Thanks for reading!
Carey

September Writing Challenge- Day 13

Prompt- If you could have dinner with 5 people (alive or dead), who would they be and why?

I've had to think long and hard about this one just to narrow it down to five people!

1) Abraham Lincoln- Our greatest President ever, in my opinion anyway. I've read a number of books about his life and tragic death and often wondered what it would be like to talk to him in person. I have so many questions I would want to ask him about living in that time of the Civil War and what he would have done had he been able to finish his second term. What would he have done differently than his successor? What he thinks of the world today? The good, bad, and indifferent. How would he deal with our idiot politicians? Technology then and now? And the list goes on.

2) Pope Francis- I LOVE this man! From the moment he was announced as the new Pope and he stepped out onto the balcony, I loved him. He is just so humble and great and not afraid to ruffle a few feathers to get his point across. Being the first man from the Americas to become Pope is already an accomplishments. He also is on social media. I love following him on Twitter.
The cartoon on the side is a perfect example of how wonderful and different he is. He is such a wonderful example of faith and love of the Lord and people. It's refreshing to see someone sincere like that. Not that prior Popes weren't. Also love the newly sainted John Paul II. (We had a watch party for his canonization back in April) But, in my lifetime, this is a rare sight.

3) Karen Gillan- Having a little fun now and inviting along one of my favorite actresses. I loved her as Amelia Pond in Doctor Who and might check out her new show later this month. I think she would be so much fun to hang out with. She's gorgeous. I love her accent. And, she seems like that fun to be with, girl next door-type of person.

4) Philippa Gregory- My favorite author of ever! Her Tudor books are fantastic. I'm currently reading the Cousins' War series. (I should get the final in the mail this week) First, I would have her sign all my books I own by her. I would gush and fangirl tell her I hope I write half as good as she does so my books can have the same impact on someone else as she has had on me. She would probably think I was crazy but hopefully she would be understanding and just smile and go with it.

5) John Barrowman- Now, if my friends read this they're probably wondering this: "She mentioned Karen Gillan but not Matt Smith? Or any of the other Doctor actors?" Well, I would love to meet all of them but I had to be selective for this list so I chose the dashing Captain Jack as my final person. I follow him on social media and seen videos of interviews on YouTube. He seems like a highly entertaining and enthusiastic person, not only while in character. He smiles and laughs and isn't afraid to drop a dirty joke here and there. When he gives interviews, he's open about a lot of topics and, as I said, so enthusiastic. He loves what he does and it shows and I want to emulate that amount of passion in my own work.

So, those are my five. It was a tough list to make. But it was fun. What are your five?

Thanks for reading!

September Writing Challenge- Day 12

Prompt- What do you think people misunderstand most about you?

This is a big one I experience a lot at work and when I was in school. And, I think it applies to many people.

It's a common misconception about quiet people. Quiet = weak/submissive/insert similar adjectives here But we're not. Being quiet, at least for me, means I know how to hold my tongue. Or, I have no other choice but to do so in some cases. Like at my day job, for example. I work with the public. I really have to censor myself. When a customer is nasty with me and thinks because I work at a grocery store, I am stupid and he/she can just disrespect and trash talk me over something trivial, I have to hush until I go on break or go home. Then, I can sit in the car for a few minutes and say everything I wanted to say to the person's face but couldn't because I'd be fired.

This doesn't mean I haven't slipped. There is a coworker I'm always knocking heads with. I've mentioned her before in previous posts. (Enjoying two weeks of her being on vacation. *happy dance*) She has spread rumors about how I fake my health issues just to get out of work or gain sympathy. She has accused me of mouthing off to her when I've said nothing, in an attempt to not scream out that I think she's a fire breathing bitch to her face. But, even the most patient people have a limit of what they can take and I did lose my temper with her once. She snapped at me over something stupid and I was trying to keep quiet. She thought I mumbled something and was getting on my case. I told her I didn't say anything. She wouldn't drop it. She started talking about it to another coworker who 1) is a friend of mine and 2) was still well within earshot. I couldn't take it anymore. Customers were overhearing the names she was calling me and I was being humiliated. I shouted, "I didn't say anything to you so back off. You are acting like an idiot child talking about me five feet away and in front of customers." My friend was a little frightened. She told me later she had never seen me lose my temper before and I said it was really hard to keep myself from completely let loose because I probably would have inserted a few expletives while I was yelling. But, she was already being inappropriate so I didn't want to play her game. Someone had to be the bigger person.

I describe my temper as a volcano. Dormant, quiet, patient usually. But, each time I'm pushed, the pressure builds and it gets harder and harder to stay quiet until BOOM! It's 1980 Mt. St. Helen. I think it was because I stayed quiet for so many years as a kid/teen and it did little to no good for me. About time I learned to stand up for myself.

And, this runs in the family. My mom is the same. And when family is involved, it's even harder for us to keep quiet because we're, for the most part, a close-knit bunch. A few years ago, some family members were insulted and hurt by someone and my mother went off. She had been wanting to say what she said for many years and was finally pushed to the point where she didn't care anymore and got it all out. She always tries to be the peacekeeper of the family. "Let's work it out like civil people." But, when someone you love is hurt, verbally or otherwise, you jump right in and defend them to the moon and back.

Now you know!

Thanks for reading.

Carey

September Writing Challenge- Day 11

Prompt- What was this day in 2001 like for you?

When I was planning these prompts, I came across this one worded slightly differently and I debated it for today. I thought, 9/11, of course. But, would it be cliche? Because a lot of people are probably writing about this day and how it changed their lives. But, then I thought, that's sad that I would even consider it being cliche. Because it's not. It's a day that we should continue to remember, like Pearl Harbor or Oklahoma City. Because, while it is a tragedy, it impacted the world in so many ways and, maybe for a brief moment, brought people together under a cause.

Over the years, some of the details have faded in my memory but I know where I was and what I was doing on that horrible day. I was a senior in high school. I left my first class to set up banners from the day before. The 9th grade retreat was that Monday and there were banners and crafts the freshmen class had created so some of the retreat team were displaying them in the cafeteria for the rest of the school to see. When I returned to my class to get my books, they were airing when the President was informed at the school in Florida. I didn't know what was going on until I got to my second class, which was Web Design. My teacher filled me in and had the news on, as long as we promised to try and get our work done.

And, that was when we saw the second tower get hit and then they both fell. It was the most frightening thing I had ever seen in my 17 years of life. I remembered reading a story about a clothing factory in New York that caught fire in the early years of the last century and how the girls trapped inside were leaping from the window because the elevator didn't work. Everyone above where the planes hit, they had no way out and some did jump. And, the people who were still making their way down when the towers fell.  My next thought was, "Oh, dear God, be with all those people trapped inside and now dying!" I couldn't focus on my work. I was fixated to the screen. I prayed harder than I ever prayed in my life. I was scared for all those people. I was scared about what would happen next. When we heard about the Pentagon, I was worried about where something would happen next. And, later that day to find the plane that crashed in PA was in Cleveland!

The day passed by in a blur. My remaining third class, choir, we couldn't watch anything. But, my final class, we watched the news. When the bell rang at 2:30, I went to catch my bus but my mom was there to get me. We picked up my sister and went home. After dinner, we watched the news while doing homework and then we all curled up on the couch together like when we were little. I think I remember my sister asking why this happened and the only explanation my parents could give was that there are some evil people in the world who don't want the rest of us to be happy. They want people to be scared. Makes them feel powerful. It was as good an explanation as any to a 17 and 12 year old, I guess.

But, then, when Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol and sang God Bless America... together, forgetting differences in party and opinion, I remembered that good exists and what we need to work on doing is make sure the good always outweighs the evil.

I know that can be hard when there are organizations of hate like ISIS in the Mid East and the Klan here. When children are committing suicide for being gay or an autistic boy is having human waste dumped on him in a sadistic prank when he thought he was doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. When football athletes, who are viewed as role models for young boys, beat their spouses. Certain organizations who are supposed to follow Christian teachings protest funerals of soldiers and say they are going to hell because they fought for their country. Stories like that seem to flood our headlines and it makes the world into a frightening place to be. I've often caught myself saying, I don't think I want to bring children into a world like this. But, then I see the joy in my best friend's toddler when he's playing with my boyfriend on our occasional visits. I get a hug from a little girl who sees me every day in the store. I see organizations like NOH8, the No Body Shame Campaign, and Eliminate Prejudice all fighting for equality and against bullying based on gender, orientation, body type, race, and religion/beliefs. If only those positive things received more press than the negative.

If we could focus on the good, it would not eliminate the bad but it maybe it would help future generations see there are better ways to spend their time and better causes to fight for.

Thanks for reading.
Carey

September Writing Challenge- Day 6

Prompt- My life would be easier if...

This is a hard one. Do I really have to pick one reason? But, if I do make a list, would this turn readers off because I'm complaining too much? So, I'm just going to pick one.

My life would be easier if... I didn't have rheumatoid arthritis. I hate the fact that I am 30 years old but 5 out of 7 days of the week I feel like a miserable, 90 year old woman. If I go out with my friends and we go walking or dancing, I can't move the next day. To relieve the pain and slow down the damage on my joints, I have to take medication that can cause a bazillion other issues because of side effects. One of them is actually a medication used in higher doses as a chemo therapy. So, my hair is thinning to the point that it only looks decent if I keep it cut super short. And I love long hair. I miss long hair! But, now, I can't even put my hair in a pony tail anymore.

Another medication I'm on is a weekly injection that can destroy my immune system. So, I have to be really careful when I get sick. I even got a flu shot for the first time ever last winter and am getting it again this year. (At least I get it free through work) Bad enough I have a condition where my body is attacking itself. So, give me something that makes my immune system even weaker. What's the point of that? I almost hate to say that it does help me. But, it does. I just wish they could come up with something that didn't have such horrible side effects.

Another thing that drives me crazy is the attitudes I get from people. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an "invisible disease." It's not like getting the chicken pox. Okay, maybe that's a bad example but it's the first thing to pop into my brain. And, there are good days and bad. One thing I think that ruined it for me, at least at work, was a few years ago when I danced like crazy at a work Christmas party and then the next day could not move for almost a week. So, people see me hobble and think I was out partying or something and am just whining.

And, the once coworker who always gives me a hard time is just a bitch, which is the most likely scenario. This woman actually accused me (not to my face, of course, but to someone ten feet away) of faking being in pain and exhausted. One of the misconceptions is that people hear "arthritis" and think old people. But, there are other types. Osteoarthritis is, generally, the old people arthritis. Not saying younger people can't get it. If there are underlying causes, it is possible but it's rarer. Rheumatoid can effect anyone. Even children! I'm on a few Facebook groups where I can talk to other people and get their experiences and vent to people who understand and are in my situation or worse. And there are a number of parents who have children with this horrible condition and my heart just goes out to them.

There are ways to keep this condition in check. There is no cure but remission is a possibility. Watching your diet- I've been on a serious low sodium diet for a month now. I should have done it a long time ago but it took a blood clot and doctor's orders to get me to be serious about it. Salt increases inflammation. I can feel it whenever I have pepperoni pizza. Exercise can keep your muscles and joints strong. But, mostly low impact like light walking or swimming. Because heavy duty exercise can do more harm than good. I love swimming, though. After a long day, to go to the rec and jump in the pool feels so refreshing and wonderful. In the winter, I go to the rec after work, sit in the hot tub for ten minutes (the amount of time the jets last) and then jump into the pool. The temperature difference is a nice shock to the system and feels so good. I was able to walk around Key West after doing this last time I was in Florida.

I still miss the days when I could go all day long- shop, swim, walk, eat junk- and not end the day in pain. I never knew what the last half of my 20s was supposed to feel like! And 30 hasn't had an especially spectacular start.

But, I'm working on it. I have my days where I want someone to cut off my legs but my family supports me and keeps me going. I hope there are people out there with the same love and support I do.

September Writing Challenge- Day 2

Prompt- I threw a surprise party for... and this is what happened.

At Mom's party, December 2009
Family photo

A few years ago, I threw a surprise party for my mom's 50th birthday. My dad and my sister helped, of course. One of my aunts made the cake. And, overall, the party was a success.

The problem was keeping the secret from my mother for two whole months. I'm very close to my parents. I tell them just about everything. So, it was very difficult for me to keep this huge thing from my mom. And, as the time drew closer, I was beginning to panic about getting things done and worrying about people who were not replying as to whether or not they were coming which drives me insane. Also, people were asking me what to get Mom as a gift and I had no idea. Whenever I asked her, just casually, she would say things like "world peace" or "a cure for cancer." Totally not helping. And, when I am worried about things, it's hard to keep it contained.

So, the night before the party, my parents and I are eating dinner and I'm mentally going through all the things I have to do the next day to get ready. Mom could tell something was bothering me but every time she asked, I lied and said nothing. Finally, she says, "I know what I want for my birthday."

Without thinking, I blurt, "Oh, now you tell me."

"So you got me something," she says, curious now.

My eyes went wide, I probably went pale and in my head I'm saying, *Shit! Blabber mouth. Now what?* What I said was, "You're gonna have to wait and see."

"I bet you can't keep it til Tuesday," she said. (Her actual birthday was the Tuesday after. The party was on a Friday)

"You're gonna have to wait and see," I said again, thinking this is a vague enough reply. The whole time my dad is laughing and I was worried he was going to blab as well. But, he didn't. When my mom arrived at the party and got over her initial shock, she came over to me and said, "I knew you couldn't keep it til Tuesday."

As I said, overall, the party was a success. The people who meant most attended. We had it at the old catering hall I used to work at so some friends who were former coworkers served the food. Everything was great. I took lots of pictures and memories were made that my mom will never forget.

What about you? What are some of your surprise party experiences? Leave a comment below and share. I'd love to hear.

Thanks for reading!

Carey

September Writing Challenge Day 1

Prompt: A Current Picture and 5 Random Facts

1) I am now terrified of angel statues. I blame Steven Moffatt for this. Because he created the Weeping Angels on Doctor Who, possibly the most terrifying monster ever in the 50+ years of the series, I freak out when I see an angel statue now.

2) One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction. For those who follow my YouTube channel, you will know that I love Philippa Gregory books. She is fantastic at historical fiction, especially her Tudor books. I'm waiting on the final of the Cousins Wars series and then going to have a massive marathon read. And, because the last book is a signed edition makes me all the more excited for it to arrive.
Also, my dad gave me an idea for my own historical fiction story. I'm tossing around some ideas for it but don't want too much of a distraction from my work-in-progress.

3) I have a beautiful, but insane, German Shepherd. A few months ago, we began fostering a dog. She's a 5 year old German Shepherd named Pepper. She's so cute and the biggest sweetie... until a small dog comes along then she goes psycho. As time went on, and we became more and more attached, we realized we couldn't let her go. So, we adopted her in late July. She's fun and sweet and bat crap crazy but we love her anyway.

4) I think I might be a teeny bit addicted to Pinterest. I could spend hours on that site! Looking at everything and anything. Whether it's ideas for when I get my own place, wedding ideas (even though I'm not even engaged yet. But, hey. Who says I can't look now?) tons of recipes and writing inspiration. I have had many a sleepless nights due to Pinterest. So, if you want to see some of the things I have found during the hours I should be sleeping, here's the link to my page.

5) I'm going to Ohio ComicCon next month!! SO excited about this! Now, granted, I'm going to have to be ridiculously stingy. I just got back to work after being on sick leave for over a month and I'm going to need every penny I can for this trip. My boyfriend is being super amazing and said he'd cover the hotel cost which helps a lot but there are two people I want to get autographs from and a meet and greet I want to attend SO badly I could cry. Unlike last year, we are going for the whole weekend. We learned that there is just too much there to see in a day and it was just too exhausting. So, we're going to take our time and look around and enjoy ourselves. This is, I guess, our first vacation together. Also exciting.

30 Day Writing Challenge Day 11

"My Family"

Oh, what to say about my family? Best way to sum us up is we're crazy. I mean, absolutely, batty! But, we're the fun kind of crazy. We're always laughing and giving each other a hard time because that is how we show affection. It throws people off who do not know us that well but they either get used to it or ignore us.

I am the oldest of two. And, somewhere in the middle with my cousins. A good chunk of us are pretty close. Every family has issues so I'm not even going to pretend we're perfect and get along all the time. There are even some people we don't talk to. Either they've cut ties or it was mutual. But, that's depressing so I won't get into that. :)

For the sake of not writing a book, I'll just talk about my immediate family and pet. First, of course, is my parents. They are where I get my crazy from. My sister and I take after them in our own ways. I look like my mom. Brown hair, green eyes, fairer complexion. I think I have the height from my dad's family. Although, my mom's family has a wide range of heights. But, there are stories of ancestors in Europe on my dad's side being over 7 feet tall. My sister looks more like our dad. Big, dark brown eyes and dark, thick, hair with this wonderful natural wave to it that I envy to no end. (Mine is thin and stick straight, partly because of my various health issues) My mom and I are quieter and more passive than Dad and Sis. But, the thing about quiet, passive people is don't mistake the quiet for weakness. Because, if you push us too far, look out. It's Volcano Day in Pompeii. We've both had our incidents where this has happened and we really shock people when it happens. Whereas Dad and Sis will tell you right off if they have an issue with you. Dad is a former police officer and a great natural judge of character.

Both my parents have been tremendously supportive my whole life. They encouraged me to join musical theater when I was a preteen. Mainly because I was very shy. They wanted to help get me out of my shell a bit. I still have my moments when I'm around a new group where I clam up but it helped and I have a love of music and theater that will be lifelong. They also helped me so much during my rough days where I was being bullied in junior high. And, they have encouraged my writing my whole life. I changed my major several times while going to college. Mom knew that I always kept going back to writing in some form or another.

My folks are also great to party with! I had a small backyard party one year for my birthday and a girl I used to go to school with gave me a hard time about them being there. Well, first, I was using Dad's DJ equipment so he wasn't going to go anywhere in order to prevent something from happening to it. And, my parents are fun! New Years Eve is the highlight of the year. We invite a bunch of friends, Dad makes a ton of food, and we just hang out until 3 AM or later. He has one rule. If you're going to drink, unless you came with someone, he takes your keys. Driving with my mom is fun because she'll sing along with the radio with my sister and I and we'll pretend we were in a mother/daughter music group. She taught us how to car dance! When I was a teenager, my dad and I would wake up before the crack of dawn to go fishing. We'd drive out to "Our Spot" and stay there until lunchtime or we ran out of bait, talking about everything we could think of. That was just our time. Mom would go with us sometimes but she wasn't that into fishing. And Sis would set the worms free. But, they also took no crap from us girls, either. Dad's favorite line is "I've done everything you've done, thought about doing, or will do. We just called it something else."

Some people, especially those who know how snarky my father is, find it hard to believe he is a deacon of the Catholic Church. But, he is wonderful in his ministry and I think his no-sugarcoating way of speaking is more effective with people. He has even managed to bring people back to the Church. When he preaches, he relates Scripture to real life, either present day events or events in his life which connects to people really well.

My sister is my best friend. She is 5 years younger than me. We are pretty opposite in temperament and personality. And, we didn't always get along. When we were younger, we would fight like a pair of alley cats. Sometimes there was even bloodshed. Like the time I tried to prevent her from entering our room and I lost my grip on the door and fell into the nightstand. I still have a scar on my back where I cut myself on the corner of it. There was only one ER trip. We were playing ball in the front yard and she nailed me in the forehead with a line drive. (Girl's got a hell of an arm. She definitely got the athletics gene that skipped me) But, usually, after a couple hours of to cool off, we're back to giggles and being the best of friends again.

We are also very protective of each other. When I was going through a bad breakup a few years back, she had my back all the way. She wouldn't let me hide in my room. She called two of our mutual friends and we had a girls night. She helped me pick myself up and helped me learn to live for ME. She hasn't gone through anything as rough, but when I caught an acquaintance during my community college days checking her out (while she was still in high school) I made my displeasure quite clear. We laugh and cry together, although I cry more because I'm much more emotional. We give each other advice about a variety of issues. We tease and torment because that's what sisters do. We have mutual friends we spend time with when we can. Both our work schedules can be quite hectic but we make it work. She's great at doing hair. She comes up with great ideas and is usually able to pull it off. She's also a wonderful artist.

And, we can't forget her Highness, Princess Seige. (Pronounced Sage. Sis picked it) She is our 11 year old grumpy cat. She was my sister's cat but since she went off to college and has since moved out, the cat has latched on to Dad. She cries when he leaves or goes to bed. She has to be his shadow everywhere. She even squeezes between my parents while they're sitting on the couch watching TV at night. She doesn't like to be pet by anyone else. Unless she feels like it. If someone touches her when she's not in the mood, she'll go off and wash herself. When we had our dog, she would wait by the door for us to let him back in and then jump up and slap him in the face. She couldn't stand my cat, Sabrina, and so we had to keep them separate. No matter what we did in the 11 years they were together, they never got along. She is declawed, thankfully. But she has learned to compensate with her teeth. She doesn't like the boyfriends, but that's because they both tease her so it's a justified dislike.

So, that's my immediate family in a nutshell. I'll probably be talking more about them in the future as I continue with this challenge and general writing.

Have a good night!
Carey

30 Day Writing Challenge Day 10

"Music Shuffle"

The prompt says put your music player on shuffle and list the first 10 songs. But, my laptop is currently not working and I can't find my iPod so I am using what comes on one of my Pandora stations. This is supposed to be my Little Bit of Everything station. I'm still adjusting it.

1. Nobody's Fool- Miranda Lambert
2. Stay- Sugarland
3. A Little Bit Stronger- Sara Evans
4. Chainsaw- Band Perry
5. I'll Be- Edwin McCain
6. Everybody (Backstreet's Back)- Backstreet Boys (Actually, on Pandora it said NKOTBSB)
7. It's Gonna Be Me- N'Sync
8. As Long As You Love Me- Backstreet Boys
9. I Like It, I Love It- Tim McGraw
10. Love Like Crazy- Lee Brice

Here you go. Just a small snippet of the music I listen to.

Tomorrow's prompt is "My Family."