Thursday, January 22, 2009

Code? Where's My Decoder Ring?

 


* 2nd Chance hauls self out of the watery deep onto the deck, water dripping liberally from her clothes. She shivers and glares at the gathering crew “You have any idea of the water temp of Monterey Bay right now? 51 degrees!”


 - Marnee - “Why is she wet?”


- Terri - “It’s a bit early for swimming…”


- Lisa, - “Chance, you want a towel?”


- 2nd stares at the rest of them - “Wait! I thought I had to go through the initiation swim afore I could start me blog!”


- Cap’n Hellion snorts - “That would be a first!”


- 2nd turns her ire on Sin - “You sneaky, nasty, ninja loving offspring of a sea slug!”


- Sin snickers - “I love ‘em when they’re so gullible…”


* 2nd excuses self, goes below and rings out wet clothing on Sin’s hammock, then returns, rolls out her rum barrel, climbs to the top and begins…


 Appropriate beginning to my topic of the day…the newbie experience. I may look all weather-beaten and experienced. I may sound a learned veteran of the writer’s life. But I’m not. Despite the library of books I’ve read (most forgotten in my life-change memory sinkhole) I am new to writing. I began three years ago and only after my daring dance with death did I step up to the challenge of looking for publishers…or take myself seriously as a writer.


 My first challenge came at the Romantic Times Convention, Pittsburgh. I signed up for the beginning writer’s workshop; I joined the corresponding yahoo group and chatted. I read the RT bulletin board. I flew to Pittsburgh. I made friends, I learned a lot. I came home completely overwhelmed and half-way convinced this wasn’t something I was going to be able to accomplish… (Got over that, but there were some dark days 'fore I shook meself free of the gloominess.)


 I surfaced, scoured the magazines, lurked online…and found the language everyone spoke was about as foreign to me as the heavily laden name badges I found so intimidating at RT! (What does all that jewelry signify? Do they know if they fell of the ship, they’d sink like a rock?) The shorthand, the acronyms… PAN? PRO? H/H? HEA?


 Got worse when I went to the big RWA conference in San Francisco. Talk about intimidation and feeling like an imposter! What the hell was I doing here?


 My head spun. I e-mailed Judi McCoy, who led the beginning workshop in Pittsburgh… “I missed the initiation somewhere, didn’t I? When they handed out the code book…the secret decoder ring? What does it all mean?” She cackled. Re-e-e-al helpful.


 I’m still floundering. But I’m planning…building my own code book of all these secret, enigmatic phrases I hear. I’m sneakin’ a camera to RT, Orlando, and takin’ pics of all those bits of glitter on the badges. I want to know! I got me a cohort. We be determined! (Yes, I could ask. But that is scarier than hell when you’re a fragile newbie…though maybe at Orlando I be braver…)


 So the question/topic of the day… Share your newbie stories and maybe, somewhere, we can figure this all out. And expose the sacred rites of the romance grand-poobahs… Where do they meet? What do they wear during their arcane midnight rituals? What are they drinking? Anyone else find themselves feeling like an imposter? Is there a book of guidelines? If so, share!


  

70 comments:

Hellion said...

I've already failed the poor Loader. I assured her that I scheduled her post for midnight and set it up for 11 am instead or something. She was even hesitant in the email--instead of going: "Dude, you screwed up" she asked if I meant to do that.

Well, of course, I meant to do that. I also meant to fall on my face on Tuesday and nearly flash my panties to the entire two back rows of the musical I was at. Classy and coordinated the whole way, baby.

Marnee Jo said...

Welcome again, Chance! We're so happy to have you here!!

I've only been writing seriously for about a year and a half. So I'm right there with you! :) I joined RWA last fall, on my birthday, as a gift to myself. This year when I renewed, I was reminded how it was the best gift I've ever given myself.

I think I was feeling good about everything until I went to the NJ RWA conference. I'd finished my first book last summer, I finalled in my first contest. Then, I got there and there were sooo many people. So many writers who seemed to know what they were doing and I felt like a giant imposter. Everyone had these pitches that sounded great, like they all had books that were meant to be bestsellers and my little book was just destined to find the underside of my bed where it would be feasted on by rabid dustbunnies.

It wasn't really as bad as all of that. LOL!

I just applied to join PRO, so that's fun. And honestly, I feel like we all feel like this (if not, please don't tell me!).

The acronyms were rough for me too, initially. I just asked though. I have no shame.

Maggie Robinson said...

Firing off a 21-gun salute in celebration!

I will forever feel like a newbie/imposter, although I've been writing over 5 years. (the first three really don't count, LOL. You would agree if you read the stuff.). I have as yet to brave any conferences/meetings, partly out of financial-geographical-psychological limitations. I do have pins I can wear, though, if I ever get out of the house. :)

terrio said...

HUZZAH!!!! I love when we add new members to the crew. They have that adorable new pirate smell. LOL!

I'm a total imposter. To be honest, I wonder daily how I got past the bouncer to get into this party. And I'm sure they're going to figure out I don't belong and throw me out on my arse any minute. But for some reason, I still feed money into this endeavor. In fact, if I spent as much time writing as I spend money playing, I'd have a couple books by now. LOL!

I remember going to my first RWA chapter meeting almost two years ago. (Holy crap! Has it been that long?! *ducks head in shame*) I was so scared. But I had a secret weapon. I'm not the best writer, but I can talk to anyone. Comes from spending years talking to thousands over the airwaves. If RWA ever requests a workshop on bullshitting, I'm their girl. LOL!

I've done the NJ conference and Nationals last summer. (Got me lots of flair but none of the cool contest or pro/pan stuff.) Still felt like I didn't belong but had a freaking awesome time. I still can't believe we were both in San Fran and in Pittsburgh and we've never met. We MUST rectify that! LOL!

Sin said...

*g*

Good morn' Chance. I trust you had a nice swim.

*bigger grin*

Intially, I started writing fan fiction where the jump into the ocean isn't as deep as original. I compare it to cliff jumping as opposed to walking the plank.

The acronyms are hard for everyone when you first start out. (At least I would imagine, considering we're all not born with them in our capacity) but there is always one that I run into and I just make up my own meaning for it. More fun that way.

Besides, writing is stressful and relaxing all at the same time. You gotta throw some fun in there when you can.

My first conference was last year to the Spring Fling in Chicago. I've not been to any other conferences but I will be going to this one every two years. I liked it. It was small enough I didn't feel WAY overwhelmed and big enough that there were a few of authors I knew and loved. I went with Hellie, so I cheated. I didn't have to be on my own. Because let's face it, if I have to socialize on my own, it's just not going to happen.

Now, would you like a welcoming hug or are you going to try to throw me in?

Sin said...

Ter, I think we started writing about the same time. I've been writing since March 2006. I can't believe it's been that long.

OMGosh, I just realized that I've been writing for almost three years.

And I still haven't finished an original.

*lowering head and slinking off into the shadows* I'm pathetic.

Lisa said...

Huzzah! Chance is here!

Awesome topic. When you find yourself in posession of a decoder ring, please beam me the answers:) I struggle with the appropriate terms, and as all the crew can tell you, I've asked many questions about terminology. "Hey wait guys, newbie on deck!" It's great to know what the abbreviations mean, but even greater when you realize if it wasn't abbreviated you would have understood the long hand version:) I've faked "it" a couple of times in my life, so I have the imposter stuff down pat:)

I think if you get your personal process down so it works for you, what's the big deal if you mess up a few terms? *belly up to the bar* It's Friday. I'm ready for some more rum now.

terrio said...

Sin - I think this current WIP started taking shape at the end of '06 and I put actual words on paper early '07. I totally blame it on Fanlit. LOL!

And I have yet to reach the middle so don't beat yourself up. I have finished a 13K word Erotic Romance short story, but it was rejected and I have yet to fix it and send it back out.

But none of that matters. THIS is OUR year, Sin. We're not only going to finish these damn WIPs, we're going to do it in style. LOL! No idea what that means, but it sounded good in my head....

Sin said...

Gimme some more rum and I'll tell you that it sounds great said aloud too. LOL

Sin said...

*round of shots for the pirates*

I gotta get away from the bar before Chance gets back. She'd have my hide for going behind the bar.

Sin said...

Sadie's story started to shape about November 06, by that time I'd already finished one full length fan fic, and I think a half-dozen shorts. Now I couldn't finish anything to save my little black soul from hell.

terrio said...

We just have some other pirate obligations to take care of first, Sin. That doesn't mean we won't get this done. You're my anchor, Babe. Stay with me.

Lisa said...

Sin and T,

You'll finish your WIP's and I'll still be struggling. The crew will all be on deck and I'll be below writing in my hammock. The Captain will look to the west and say... "I need my spy glass, those are huge birds in the sky." You'll all say..."What is that flying low?" Captain: "I do believe it's pigs flying this way." Sin: "Well I'll be damn, I knew she could do it. Powder Monkey finished her WIP!"

Lady Jane said...

"Well, Well royal Kitties looky here!" Lady Jane exclaims stroking the soft fur of her favorite feline. "2nd Chance invited to board this lovely ship and she is not even here to greet us. Well! I never! The crew here most certainly looks friendly enough. What though is this secret code thing?" pondering she lays a finger on her cheek. "We must help 2nd chance find it for sure , for if we dont her Captain may throw us overboard! Hmmm a bar, now that looks like fun lets have a toast to 2nd chance and all our new pirate friends!"

Thanks for the invite to your blog!! looks like fun! The royal kitties and I will check in with you later for sure!

terrio said...

Welcome Lady Jane! 2nd Chance is our lone West Coast member. Which means we be up much earlier than herself. But by my calculations, she should be above decks anytime now. :)

Royal Kitties is an awesome name, btw. LOL!

2nd Chance said...

Huzzah! I'm up! No, wait, that should be avast! I'm up! *bows to the world in general before stumbling to the bar and shoving Sin outta the way.

No dunking today, Sin. Maybe later...I want to check yer pockets afore I let ya hug me...

So, Maggie's got some pins ta wear...but be they the mysterious ones that will inspire awe and wonderment on the rest... Or ya got a good story to make up 'bout them? Ya know, like...I got this for describin' me hero's hair in 20 words or less?

Cap'n - I weren't goin' ta point a finger! Thought maybe I'd communicated wrong when I figured ta post. No recriminations, now! I be honored ya invited me, whenever I made it up!

Marnie - Ya asked 'bout the acronyms? Got a list? Share? Honestly, we need a cheat sheet...

2nd Chance said...

Terrio - Ya were at both Pittsburgh and San Fran? Well, how could I miss ya? Especially in the crushing crowds at RWA... Ya couldna' miss me, I was the one sliding along the walls, big open eyes, fear all over me face...

And Lisa, ya know how to fake it... Alas, I do know that one to. Ask the crew I was playin' with and they'll say I was brave. HA! Tremblin' like a child inside...

We obviously be a group of sound imposters. I say we find the ritual lair and raid it, seize the code book and hand it out at the door to anyone who wants it.

Yes, I know...it's all out there. In books, etc. But we be pirates and raidin' jus' sounds better than diggin' through the educational tomes...

2nd Chance said...

Lady Jane and her pussy cats be me cohort in my plan ta unmask those responsible for all the secrecy. She's the talky one at the conferences, I be lurkin' takin' notes.

Welcome ta the Revenge Jane-o. (She hates it when I call her that!)

See, Jane and I, we got a plan. We be searching out likely lookin' bits a' flash to add to our badges, so we'll look the part. Now we need some good names fer our sparkly... Like...The Shield of Honor, fer creatin' a hero that best embodies the heroic ideal. Or, Keys to the Kingdom, fer best description of a castle... And some arcane and distant writing group that sponsored these contests... The RWA chapter of Tortuga...

Any other brilliant ideas, crew?

Sin? Where's the pinapple rum gone?

Sin said...

Chance, does that mean you're going to try to feel me up later? :{ I have to ditch the stars if you're going to be lookin' in me pockets fer stuff.

*eye twinkle* But that doesn't mean I can't hide them somewhere else. *g*

2nd Chance said...

Sin - let me pop out ta the doctors for me shots and then I'll feel ya up. If'n that what ya be needin'.

I always be willin' ta help out me mates...

Sin said...

*sneaking off*

I dunno, Chance. I haven't seen it today.

Sin said...

Welcome Lady Jane to the ship! We love when fresh blood boards. *g*

Sin said...

Lis, "It's a bird. It's a plane! Oh hell no, it's a flying pig!"

Babe, please. You're gonna finish. It's that whole transition from fan fic to original that's a bitch.

2nd Chance said...

*snort*

Like I believe that! It was fer sharin', ya nasty little ninja!

*rummages about behind the bar, unearthing hidden stash.

Ah! Here be more, I knew ya'd be messin' about at me bar.

*holds bottle in the air

Who be wantin' some faux fruit in yer mornin' ... er, afternoon fer most of ye... cocktails!

2nd Chance said...

I be curious 'bout the fanfic stuff. Me pirate novels started out as fanfic, but I've deliberately gone inta the MS and worked ta remove the obvious... Sigh. I need one a' the pirates to read and say if'n I done enough...

Volunteers?

Mayhap we could devise an award pin fer workin' the longest on a MS...

I be in mind a' buying a mini tape recorder for the Orlando job, ta get the explanations down fer later transcribing... Aye, Lady Jane and I are thinkin' 'bout a beginner book...

Sin said...

I'm touched that you're going out to get yer rabies shot to get near me. Truly, I feel blessed.

Lady Jane said...

Good morning 2nd chance! Um, why are you, um all wet? Were you um in the water, brrrrrr! your friends or shall I say crew have made me feel so welcome in your absence. Really now 2nd chance you must do something with that wet hair,its positively a mess! And how many times do I have to tell you its Lady Jane, not Jane-O. Thats what I get for having a pirate for a critique partner!

I think I shall try one of those what is it called now "glittering hoohas" this afternoon. LOL!

Sin said...

LMAO. I quite possibly could win the award of working on the same manuscript for decades. It's a very sad and pathetic realization I've come to, but at least I can embrace my procrastinationess.

Sin said...

Lisa and I met in a yahoo group for fan fiction for a specific series. And if you know us both, you know what series. LOL For me, the difference between writing fan fiction and writing an original is that guidelines are already in place. I know that's the advantage of writing an original- making up your own rules- but I have issues.

I've always got issues. *sigh*

I know other people have started originals based off writing fan fiction. You write whatcha know babe.

2nd Chance said...

Ah, Jan...er, Lady Jane. I be makin' ya a nice strong one, with extra hoo. If'n Sin didn't drink it all already!

Rabies? Sin, I was thinking cooties... Yer no more mad than the rest of us...

Maybe. ;)

Sin said...

You have pirate cooties whereas I have ninja pirate cooties. There isn't a shot for that. Unless it involves lots of tequila and naked men.

Sin said...

Ahh *drinking and weaving* the glittery hooha. *hiccup* Everyone loves the hooha, especially with *hiccup* extra hoo.

terrio said...

Great choice of drink, Lady Jane. Though I also recommend the Bo'sun Burner. A personal favorite. Think of it as lemonade with a kick.

I love the RWA chapter of Tortuga. We have to put that on a pin. Wonder if they'd let us form that chapter and put it online? Wouldn't that be awesome?!

I only have pins that say things about Bon Bons, Lemons, Vagabonds, and promoting me friend Tessa Dare's book Goddess of the Hunt (in stores this summer!). We must have Revenge pins before July.

Oh, and if you volunteer, they give you a pretty ribbon to put on your name badge. So I recommend doing that. Just not selling raffle tix at the signing as I missed out on meeting a ton of authors last year.

terrio said...

You might want to cut back on the ha, Chance. Sin just dropped a star pert close to me toe.

terrio said...

Don't be bringing up cooties in me earshot. I'm having issues with that topic this week. As in feeling like I have them. And not in the cute, funny way. LOL!

Hello, I'm Bo'sun and I'm vanilla and I have cooties....

2nd Chance said...

It would be the ArrrrrrWA Tortuga Chapter. Right? What awards would be givin'? And what would they be lookin' like...

I not be makin' the DC party, if'n we come up with a pin, can I get one fer April? And I'll be askin' fer the postcards ta scatter 'bout the RT halls, advertisin' our blog.

Ooooh! I said OUR blog! *quickly ducks head, hoping she didn't overreach herself...

Volunteer? Oh, man! Do I have to? *whine, whine

OK, I'll ask. Bon Bons, Lemons and Vagabonds. Romance Vagabonds, I get. But...bon bons and lemonade?

2nd Chance said...

Sorry 'bout the star, ain't me fault. I swwear, she got 'er own stash of hoo!

terrio said...

The Bon Bons are a bunch of us chickies from the Eloisa James Bulletin Board. Julia Quinn is on there now the Bon Bons started before the lovely Ms. Quinn hopped on.

The Lemons one (which I think says when life gives you lemons, throw them at people) was sort of an inside joke from another loop I'm on. And you're right about the Romance Vagabonds.

I'm loveing the ArrrrWA Tortuga Chapter. The award really should be a cool looking coin, don'tcha think? Or an undead monkey.

It is OUR blog including YOU. I'm afraid you're stuck with us now. LOL!

2nd Chance said...

I'm so thankful the Cap'n didn't ask me ta be the keeper of the undead monkey... 'E bites!

2nd Chance said...

A coin, I vote fer a coin...some flash and sparkle ta dazzle the other writers... With crossed pens sted a' cutlass...es. Cutli? Cutlassesess? Any English majors out there know what the plural of cutlass is?

terrio said...

Which is why he hangs with Sin and hence...the shots.

Quantum said...

I dunno!
I can't keep track of all this time switching. :?

So Chance
You ignore my 'reader's request' to be introduced to the witch who uses magic to recharge her sex.

Bah!!
Stomps off to find another witch. One with a glittery broomstick.

Just kidding...great debut! :D

terrio said...

The Glittery Broomstick. That must be added to the menu. LOL!

Q - If anyone should be able to handle time travel, wouldn't it be you? LOL!

Elyssa Papa said...

Welcome, Chance! I think a lot of the acronyms are a learn as you go type of thing. The one I always forget is IIRC. Always. My memory refuses to hold onto that acronym; maybe it's because I hardly ever use it on a constant basis.

There are many other things I've learned over the past years. Many of them are life lessons. You learn fast who your true friends are and who aren't in this business. My advice is always to surround yourself with those who know you, love you, and support you, and the others don't matter as much. And when you think you WILL never become a writer, go to them and eat copious amounts of chocolate.

Hellion said...

No, the undead monkey belongs to Sin. Mattycakes being his name. Plus she's the only one who can get him to remotely behave; the rest of us just shoot him.

The plural of cutlass is: swords.

terrio said...

Ely is right, having a support system to serve as a buffer against the storms is great advice. And the chocolate, of course.

Nice one Captain. I never would have thought of that. LOL!

Lady Jane said...

I so agree with you all on finding a good support system and actually using your support system, that was the hardest part for me! But I didnt feel intimiated at the convention, I merely had the attitude of everyone starts somewhere and I have just as much right to try this crazy writing idea as they did. So it was hard for me to understand 2nd chances feelings at first about being so intimidated and nervous. So I talk and ask a million questions, she takes notes and actually keeps me focused! So began my friendship with a bar tending pirate! LOL!! I think I am a little tipsy from all these drinks, I am going to nap a bit before she comes back!

Janga said...

Congrats on joining the crew, Chance. I look forward to your blogs.

And I can put some hard-earned letters after my name, but I still feel like a kid on the sidelines in some conversations. I always try to find a spot close to an exit in case someone starts asking for fanlit credentials. :)

And nobody sent me lemon or Tessa buttons with all the San Fran goodies. I feel deprived. :(

2nd Chance said...

Q? Ya want ta read me MS? Ah, bless ya! We'll figure it out and ya can be the first. Outside a Jane-O. (Since she's napping, I can call 'er that.)
Didn't mean ta ignore ya...don' stomp off, now!

Thanks, Ely...now I have to figure out what IIRC means! That 'ill haunt me! I be findin' me support system as I go along. And I learnt how ta ignore those that set themselves agin' me. (They have no idea what they're missin'! So there!)

Swords!? Brilliant! Tho cutli has a flair ta it...

Jane-O is the confident one. She's already finagled a luncheon invitation with Emily Bryan while we're at RT! And she's stuck in a camper in the backcountry of W.Virg right now! She's fearless!

I'm all fer Sin keepin' the monkey...

Crew, I be off fer awhile, headin' ta see me dear ol' Mum. Be checkin' in later.

Anybody know what IIRC stands for?

2nd Chance said...

Janga! Welcome! I look fer buttons while at RT fer ya, OK?

*scurrying off ta the cutter, anxious ta see Mum

terrio said...

IIRC = If I Recall Correctly.

Janga - I have your Tessa button! I found it the other day. The one for you and the one for Diana. I need to get those out. But I'm afraid you'll have to see the Pixie for the Lemon Drop. LOL!

I'm thinking I'm going to like Lady Jane. We sound like long lost sisters. LOL! Actually, since I have family in W.Va, we could be related. LOL!

Lady Jane said...

Terrio! NOOOOOO I am not from WV I am STRANDED here! YES! in a camper with my husband the two royal kitties and I am here for a year!My husband is working here and since I am a princess of leisure or as I like to say a retired mom(cause all my kids are gone from home!)I am traveling with him now. Seriously this is culture shock at its finest! I am from, born and raised and still calling home Minnesota! Where its actually colder than.... well you know! But I have internet an cell service what more does a lady need? Hmm well maybe.........

terrio said...

Lady Jane - Please take no offense. I (thank all that is holy) am NOT from WV either. LOL! Even if I grew up a stones throw across the river from it. My grandfather owned a hollar in the middle of the state and I never went there until I was 20. Talk about culture shock. I had an uncle who asked me about "those rotatin' stairs y'all got up there." who'd a thunk escalators would have been an anomoly? LOL!

terrio said...

And I could never live in Minnesota. I can't stand cold. I moved to below the Mason Dixon Line over 14 years ago and you can't make me move back up!

Lady Jane said...

Laughing hysterically! No offense taken at all by the way. I would repeat what my husband calls it here, but a lady never spews insults when invited to be a guest on such a fine ship as this! LOL!!

I so am ready to move far south, I am extremely envious of anyone who has warmth an sunshine right now! Plus its pretty hard to sail when the water is a foot thick in ice. Do you think since 2nd chance is gone we can raid the bar??? I usually dont enjoy drinking this much!

terrio said...

*passes Lady a Hell's Fire*

Just blow out the fire, there'll be plenty a rum left ta warm ya up.

(I do think I'm starting to pick up 2nd's accent...LOL!)

ReneeLynnScott said...

Hey, Chance! Awesome way to debut, with a bit of drama and what not.

I have yet to attend my first RWA meeting, there are no locals here. I'm scared to death of going to D.C. I had a dream the other night that I was not cut out to hang with the pubbed gals, or anyone else who writes for that matter.

Someone needs to throw me a damn floatation device. I swear my dog paddling isn't getting me any closer to where ever it might be I need to be going.

What the hell do I need Algebra for? Huh? I haven't used it since I left high school. I'm pretty sure, I didn't use it then. grrr

;)I'm trying to find my groove. I miss you all!!!

mwwwwaaaahhhh

Renee

Julie said...

Well done Chance. I gotta say that you're a natural at this Pirate Bloggin' stuff. You take to it like a duck takes to water .... or should I say like A Pirate takes to water!
All that secret code stuff used to confuse me too. I thought that CRS stood for Criminal Reform Society. And that NaNo was an IPOD.
But I’ve learned.
Which is proof I suppose that Anyone can learn the lingo.
Do I ever feel like an imposter? Of Course I do. I’m a Non-writer hanging out with Writers. I'm just really, really Good at fakin' it! It being "writing". But honestly, I’m about the biggest imposter that you'll ever meet.

terrio said...

Renee - I do hope you'll come to DC. I promise to hold your hand the entire time. By the end of day one, you'll know all kinds of new people and feel right at home. And after 30 minutes laughing in our room, your cheeks will hurt. LOL!

Julie - I don't care if you write or not, you fit right in and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Lady Jane said...

Well my friends, the time has come (before 2nd chance returns and finds all her rum gone!) that I and my royal kitties must leave this fine ship.

I would like to thank the Captain and her fine crew for the wonderful hospitality. A special thank you to 2nd chance for the gracious invitation to join you all for a day of frolic an fun.

Although, I am not sure if we unlocked the "secret code". We most certainly enjoyed ourselves. Most important lesson learned today... Believe in yourself, surround yourself with those who believe in you, never give up your passion and go easy on the hoohaa's and Hells fire!!!

May the Lord grant you fair winds and following seas! Until we meet again!

2nd Chance said...

*2nd stumbled over to the bar, on it's side and surrounded by empty bottles.

Ah, well. A good time were had by all, even if'n I was stuck in me car fer a good part a' the afternoon. It's fer me Mum, I won't complain.

I offer a grand salute ta all who visited today and thank ya graciously fer the warm welcome to the responsibilities of bloggin'. Me mind was spinnin' as I drove, with future topics ta raise...

*rubbing hands gleefully, stifling cackle

I'll see 'bout lurin' Jane-O on board agin'...and look forward to commentin' again, come Sunday. (Last Sunday's hottie had Lady Jane fergettin' she was a lady!)

It be early here on the left coast and I'll check in agin afore I crawl inta bed. Mum don't have hi-speed, so it's modem and slow goin'. But I'll do it, fer the Revenge!

ReneeLynnScott said...

Oh Terr, after spending so much damn time on Algebra, you better believe I'm going to D.C. You don't think I took a full semester for nothing do you?

Renee

terrio said...

Whoohoo!! Is it July yet?

As I'll be finished with school (COMPLETELY!) less than a month before, you better believe I'll be ready for some fun.

2nd Chance said...

Alegra...the eternal question. Will we really ever use it in our 'real' life? I don't know 'bout you, but I never did need to find the height of a flag pole. Not sure why anyone would need to know that...

I had to take TWO alegra classes to get me Language and Literature degree. Why? I don't know! But I stumbled on a good teacher and it made all the difference. I even waited two semesters to take him for the second one. I even got two A's! Something I couldn't do in high school...the only thing that kept me from a perfect 4.0. Blast!

*whine

I want to go to DC! I needs me some treasure...

ReneeLynnScott said...

Yeah, algebra makes no sense, at all. Now geometry-I can handle that one.

Renee

2nd Chance said...

Julie - I spent quite some time wondering why everybody kept referring to their husbands as designated hitters...

We all be imposters. I tol' me therapist I hesitated ta tell people I was a writer. Fer fear Nora Roberts would drop outta the sky and pummel me.

*snort

Like Nora ain't got better things ta do!

But the vision helped me laugh about it and learn to claim meself as a writer. I practice in a mirror... No Nora yet!

2nd Chance said...

Was it geometry that talked 'bout the flag pole? I blathered at that, too!

Irisheyes said...

Great blog, Chance! I was outta commission yesterday and missed the big debut! You're a natural. And anything you don't know just wing it - no one will know the difference! LOL

2nd Chance said...

Gracious me, thank ye, Irisheyes! I be fairly adept at wingin' it...

And Q? I finally saw the blip on the earlier blog...sorry I didn't write extensively about Miranda, my sexual witch. You randy man! Maybe next time, sweetie!

Quantum said...

No probs Chance.
The magic will work better with a slow build up! :wink: