Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Up the Creek...

“In Fate's Hands” The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Don't You Fake This, 2006)

I never really put much thought into what goes into making it through a day. I spent a lot of mornings in a mindless routine maintained to get me through the motions until I'm awake. This does include driving to work. For a person who lives on two hours of sleep a night, my mindless routine is what gets me going and keeps one foot in front of another until I wake up enough to bite someone's head off at work. But routine doesn't write in for disasters or little nuisances that pop up unexpectedly. The blown out tire on a two lane road with no shoulders. The down phone lines. The Internet connection that is no longer functioning. The brand new sparkly computer systems that can't seem to operate with the damned network you built. The Admin password that doesn't seem to work. The patient who feels they can be 30 minutes late and are still entitled to take another patient's spot because it's not their fault. A clearinghouse that can't seem to make your format work. The DR who sees it's sunny out and wants to play golf at lunch but needs to do his charts. None of these little disasters are built into a routine, yet as it springs up you take care of it. This is built into your character. You're programmed to head off disaster as it raises it's ugly head.

Now, not all characters are built to handle multitasking situations that arise out of routine. Some characters abhor routine. Each day is a different day filled with something that's not on a list, that's not a usual task to be taken care of and is stimulating to the character. These characters find themselves in more trouble than they can handle because they weren't looking for it. It's just the opposite. Trouble was out looking for them. These characters can look at this misfortune in two different ways. The character can either behave lackadaisical and pretend it's not happening. Or the character might think bad stuff always happens to them and Karma is out to get them. Either way, coping with the disaster is merely another adventure they absorb themselves in. It doesn't really get solved. The disaster somehow becomes a part of their daily life.

Then you have the characters who believe their shit don't stink. There is nothing they can't control. Nothing bad could ever happen to them. And why would it? Obviously, life is exactly what they've made it. When disaster strikes (what am I saying, disaster NEVER strikes these sort of characters! <snicker snort>) the disaster is quickly assessed and dealt with by pawning it off on someone else. But if you never deal with your own disasters as they come up and you let them stock pile in the corner, what do you think will happen? Exactly. The damned pile falls over on top of you and all hell breaks loose.

While I may not think about the never ending pile of stuff that ends up on top of me, I sure as hell give it thought when writing up my story. If only one bad thing is happening to your main character, they are getting off too easy. I can't remember the last time only one situation cropped up on me during the day. Try fifty. In one day. Why should my characters get off easier than me? No way. Don't think while my character is being blackmailed by one bad guy, she's not going to get blackmailed by the hero. And not to mention she's got a stalker and an “accidental” sister who shows up at her office 8 months pregnant and no where to live. And this all happens in one day. Can you imagine waking up to that day? Hell no. But that's why I'm writing it and not waking up to it.

The point is to make your characters live to their breaking point and push them one step past it. If you can't feel the character's frustration and disbelief at the day they are having, then maybe you need to have their roof collapse in on top of them. Or if you're Janet Evanovich, bring a monkey into it. Whatever suits your fancy. I'm an equal opportunity chaos distributor.

Now, what chaos do you like to distribute onto your characters? What pushes you past your breaking point? Have you read any books lately where the disasters seemed to get the best of the character?

166 comments:

2nd Chance said...

Well, I'm big on having my characters think they have it all under control, until they don't. Usually suddenly, shockingly and with extreme prejudice.

It's not that they are arrogant or convinced they know it all, but they do tend to believe they are doing the best they can and they believe in a fairness that says that should be enough.

Then it's not.

I've been speed reading through Simon R. Green's Nightside series and nothing but disasters...wonderful, delightful, mastefully done disasters. Sin, you'd love this series!

Hellion said...

This blog cracks me up. So true. If deaths happen in threes, why shouldn't shitty situations?

And my character--and my characters--always think that it's happening because their karma sucks. Either they did something recently or in a past life to deserve it. (I must have been Catholic or middle ages Lutheran.)

Sin said...

Hm, I've not heard of that series. What's the general premise of the series, Chanceroo?

I enjoy reading characters who think everything is under control only to see it all fall apart. I can relate to that daily.

Sin said...

Hells, Karma is always after me. That's why I try to build some up and then use it when I feel the need to destroy something. Like other people's happiness. LOL

If I have to read another person's status update on facebook that reads, "Oooh, I love my wonderful husband.. blah blah blah, he's so wonderful and great and I love you so much my little snuggle bear" I'm going to burn the world down.

Sin said...

Not because I want to burn your world down.

Sin said...

I thought about you all weekend Hells.

Hellion said...

I thought about you all weekend Hells.

This rash is not making me good company right now (if I was ever good company to begin with). All I do is scratch, growl, and nap because I haven't been getting quality sleep. Monday I just slept off and on, then did some laundry & shopping. I swear I'm throwing a party when this rash is gone.

Marnee Jo said...

I just read Hard Evidence by Pamela Clare recently and I thought she did a good job of breaking out the chaos over and over. I'm going to pick up the rest of her I-team books. I thought that book was great.

I am currently in the midst of inciting chaos into my plot. It doesn't come naturally to me. I think because chaos is messy. I have to figure out how it all shakes out. And well, I'm a plotter. I need to figure things out.

Hal said...

I love this, Sin. It's a very interesting distinction between characters who can multi-task disasters, and characters who just get caught up in the chaos without solving anything. I don't think one's better than the other, but they would each approach a catastrophe in very different ways.

I definitely have one of each I'm dealing with at the moment. Things work out very differently for them *g*

Bosun said...

Chance talked about that series on her other blog yesterday. Here's the link, Sin.

http://www.castlesandguns.com/2010/09/lost-in-nightside.html

I saw this title and thought, "That's where I live." Huh. Normally, this is where I would freak out that nothing bad happens to my characters. But this time, I'd be wrong. Lots of bad things happen to Emma.

From her HS crush, showing up at her door with her very drunk baby sister in tow to finding out said crush will soon be working with her. Throw in being foist into a job she doesn't want, her boss making an indescent proposal, her falling for said crush, her sister taking out her mailbox, her ex returning for a visit, and you have a couple of really sucky weeks.

Thank goodness I got something right. Or closer to right than usual. LOL! And, Sin, I'm with you on those status updates. I'd almost prefer more whining.

Hellion said...

Lots of bad things happen to Emma.

Of course. You gravitate to angst--you love it, so it makes sense your characters would have it in spades.

Donna said...

Great post, Sin. I like the idea of afflicting characters with chaos, because that can be so different for everyone. Also, since every character reacts to chaos in different ways, it gives you ALL kinds of plot possibilities.

My characters don't usually have a breaking point like you describe though. I think because they deal with it via comedy. I must ponder that a little more. :)

Donna said...

Hellie, hope you're feeling better soon. That sounds miserable. :(

Hellion said...

If I have to read another person’s status update on facebook that reads, “Oooh, I love my wonderful husband.. blah blah blah, he’s so wonderful and great and I love you so much my little snuggle bear” I’m going to burn the world down.

I don't believe 99% of those things. Mainly because the person I know who does the most of these updates is full of crap. Her husband is a sociopath and we all know it. All I think when I read her little updates is: this woman is deluded beyond all recognition.

And even as she's saying all this about her husband, she's trash talking her family on Facebook.

Do people not realize Facebook is a PUBLIC forum? And that most of the people you're saying this to haven't MET you? The modern world confuses me.

Hellion said...

Hellie, hope you’re feeling better soon. That sounds miserable.

Thank you. I hope so too. Sleeping is the worst, honestly. Though people who have to put up with me might beg to differ.

Sin said...

Dear DRD,

I will hire you to do my facebook and twitter crap for me. Do you take payment in eyeless skulls?

Sincerely,

Evil Twin

Sin said...

I'm mutual "facebook" friends with this "woman" (and I put that in the most SARCASTIC way) with another really good friend of mine on facebook and asked her if they are like that in public. To which she said, "Remind me to never let you be alone with those two."

Me, "You've got to be kidding me."

Her, "I'm afraid of what you might do. Your violence would hit an all time high."

Donna said...

I read an ad recently somewhere -- some freelance writing place I think -- and it was AMAZING how many people want to hire someone to do their FB and Twitter updates for them. LOL AND, my fave, to email back and forth with people they might be interested in dating, before they have to do that kind of effort themselves.

*shakes head*

At least all of it makes me feel more "normal". LOL

Donna said...

Dear Evil Twin,

You can only imagine how thrilled I am at your offer. Unfortunately I have more than enough eyeless skulls at the moment, so, regretfully, I must decline your very enticing offer.

Sincerely yours,

DRD

Sin said...

Hells, we would've been excellent company for each other this weekend. I was a crabby bitch all weekend and wanted to ice pick someone. Together, we could've ruled the world.

Sin said...

Okay, where was I?

Oh yes, answering comments.

Honestly guys I was going somewhere with this blog yesterday and I had a conference call right in the middle of writing it and when I got back to writing it, it was like my brain turned to mush and I lost my point.

I was worried this blog would turn into an Alpha, Beta, Gamma argument (seeing as how personality determines how you handle situations). What is the consensus? Do you feel how you handle "mini disasters" in your daily operations a part of alpha, gamma or beta? Or just how you are programmed to deal?

Sin said...

Marn, love love love Pam! I think Hard Evidence is a great example of chaos, after chaos, after chaos happening to the main characters. And it's not over done. The disasters just keep snowballing up to the black moment of disaster. It's very controlled but doesn't feel like it when you're reading it.

Sin said...

Yup, it could be fresh.

Sin said...

Hal, you are so devious. I love that about you. You love to dish it out to your characters.

Bosun said...

Is there such a thing as a skull WITH eyes?

Bosun said...

This Yo Gamma Gamma thing is a good question. (That one's for Marn.) I've been told I'm alpha and I'm a master multi-tasker who tends to take over in any chrisis situation. My ex is a total beta and couldn't handle a broken shoe lace let alone a chrisis.

Though a character who would have been total beta in the beginning of a story stepping up and dealing with a chrisis further along would be a great way of showing character growth.

Sin said...

Dear DRD,

How can you deny your own Twin?

I will think this over in the nest.

Sincerely,

Evil Twin

Bosun said...

Why am I spelling crisis wrong? *checks coffee* Ah, only half gone. That explains it.

Bosun said...

Yup, it could be fresh.

But then it's a head, not actually a "skull" just yet. There would still be, well, other matter on the skull. (I watch too much Bones.)

Donna said...

Okay, no more "skull" vs. "fresh head" discussions this early in the morning. LOL I nearly lost my breakfast.

Terri, I kinda liked your "chrisis" spelling -- it had panache.

Donna said...

Dear Evil Twin,

I wasn't actually denying you (although I do tell people you don't exist).

Hope you enjoy your retreat in the nest. I'm sure you won't mind if I claim some items from your quarters that I find intriguing.

Sincerely yours,

DRD

Hellion said...

My ex is a total beta and couldn’t handle a broken shoe lace let alone a chrisis.

Don't insult betas. I'm not a fan of betas and even I am offended on their behalf.

I'm guessing alphas are ones who respond "immediately" and almost instinctively without necessarily thinking through "carefully" every possible solution. (Good and bad qualities to that.)

Betas are ones who think very carefully about all solutions and do the solution that hurts the least amount of people, even if it might not be the best outcome for them. (But the one they can live with.) However their "thinking" makes them look indecisive and they can lose opportunity while thinking about things.

Gammas would be the supposed hybrid, right? Responds almost immediately/instinctively, but has gone through the options, looking for the best one instead of the knee-jerk reaction.

Hmm. I think I do a more beta approach--most of the time--I tend to overthink something and lose opportunity. If I do an alpha reaction, it's because you asked me to lunch and I can always eat. I don't think I'm very gamma.

Bosun said...

You know I love Betas, I'd never insult them. My ex can't handle a crisis because he's a twit. But he's not a twit because he's a Beta. That's just a coincidence. :)

I don't think half of what I was thinking showed up in that comment. I was really questioning whether one had anything to do with the other. Really, my brain is only half working today.

Donna said...

Gamma gamma gamma gamma gamma chameleon. . .

Sorry. It's been a while since I did an annoying song. LOL

Hellie, you're a better Alpha than I am when it comes to lunch invitations -- even then I'm pondering all the choices and situations. LOL

Julie said...

it was AMAZING how many people want to hire someone to do their FB and Twitter updates for them.

Hey, I want that job!


"... Meth lab blew up today. Am making a koi pond out of the crater."

Bosun said...

Donna - I still have that. On vinyl.

Bosun said...

Julie - I hate Twitter but I have an account. Gems like that are exactly what I need!

Julie said...

Chrisis? Makes sense to me.

Cuz Terri, when you spelled crisis like chrisis, I figured that you meant the kind of crisis that brings someone to their knees while they wail “Why the chris-is this happening to me?”

Julie said...

Terri , I think that I have a twitter account too. But I've never used the thing.
In fact you might be my only friend!

Julie said...

Oooh heck, there I go again. Wandering off on my own tangent. Must … focus….
*much throat clearing*
Okay.

These characters find themselves in more trouble than they can handle because they weren’t looking for it.

My answer is … focus … umm focus foe-cuss … Why the HELL didn’t someone tell me this thirty years ago?

Donna said...

LOL, Julie -- love the koi pond update. Hey, maybe you've got a book there: "From Chrisis to Landscape in One Easy Step". LOL

Julie said...

Donna, you really do crack me up.
Speaking of crack, did you hear about my meth lab? LOL

Sin said...

I love the meth twitter update. Jules, your little treasures of wit crack me up.

hahaha

Julie said...

Sorry, SIN. But I really am trying to stay focused upon the Blog subject. The last bit of Prattling was a lovely example of

What pushes you past your breaking point?

My answer: Annoying little people ( such as me or is that I?) who have a laugh at someone else's expense.

Julie said...

Now, what chaos do you like to distribute onto your characters?

Group Hugs?!

LOL

Sin said...

You mean it's ME who pushes you to your breaking point.

Though, I'm not a little person. I'm like the giant of impeding disasters.

Julie said...

But oooohh "I’m like the giant of impeding disasters." is what I like the most about you!

Group Hug!

Julie said...

*wicked laugh*

Sin said...

I'll group hug you.

2nd Chance said...

Morning! I'll take my skull without eyeballs, please. One eyeless skull, coming right up!

*sip

That ought to clear the sinus up all nice and proper!

Since I tend to write 'end of the world' books, crisis is simply part of the gameplan. And thanks for the link to yesterday's blog, Bo'sun! Have an eyeless skull!

Really, Sin, the Nightside is made for you. It's always 3am, sin is just the appetizer and kicking ass, dead/alive/partway/future/past/human/once human ... it's all part of the package.

Sin said...

Damnit I need some time to do creative things like read and write. What is this world coming to where I just have to constantly work?

Sin said...

Now, while I was busy thinking up evil things to do to the world today, I missed some comments.

PS. Even though I'm not a member of the RWA, I convinced someone to join. I think I've done my good deed of the year.

Julie said...

*wicked Wicked laugh*

What is Really funny is that she Really knows what that sounds like!

*wicked Wicked WICKED laugh*

Sin said...

I just have one comment about head to skull ratio. What if I skinned it? Could it then be considered a fresh skull?

Sin said...

Jules, there are several things I adore about you and that laugh of yours tops the list.

2nd Chance said...

It's comments like that which cause people to run away from our blog.

head to skull ratio???

Bosun said...

I think it should be flesh to bone ratio. As in how much bone is showing through the flesh.

Really, no more Bones for me.

Julie said...

One eyeless skull, coming right up!

Eww ... what about One Aye-less Skull? Sounds more Piratey, no?

Sin said...

Ter, I think working in an office environment just nurtures disasters. Not only do you have interaction with people above you in the pay scale but you have to deal with interactions of your team members. There is conflict waiting at every corner. All those different personalities with different coping skills makes up a menagerie of shit waiting to happen.

2nd Chance said...

Nah, ya grasp the drink through the empty eyeball sockets...needs ta be an Eyeless Skull...

Julie said...

And Hellion ...
I'm so sorry about your rash. I hope that you feel better soon!

Sin said...

Ayyyyyyyeeeee less. Very piratey.

Bosun said...

Sin - Do you have a hidden camera in my office? LOL! It's like you're right here with me. I have this team of guys, some of whom don't like each other. And so they go through me to either get answers or get the other into trouble. So petty. When they finally sit down to hash shit out, I call it a meeting of the cranky pants. :)

Then there's the VP and owner and managers who can't get shit without going through me. Aaahhhh, ain't office life grand?

Sin said...

DRD just because you deal with your chaos differently among your characters doesn't make it less effective. I tend to deal with disasters by dictating exactly how things need to be dealt with to stomp them out quickly. The Undead Monkey tends to deal with a lot screeching. Chest thumping. You know, all those things I tend to block out being the more intelligent species.

Sin said...

I don't think I've missed anyone. Speak up now or forever hold your peace.

Well, not forever. Maybe like five seconds. I know that's difficult for Jules.

*grin*

Sin said...

Ter, working in an office is almost like being in high school. You need a social map to guide you through it.

Janga said...

Ve-rry interesting!

This is just a shout out, pirates, to say I did read the posts. Sin scared me, but I braved her wrath to post three variations of the same thoughts, only to be defeated by CAPTCHA. I surrender and wait to fight again another day.

Julie said...

:P

Bosun said...

Sorry, Janga! We didn't put that on and have no idea how to get it off. Though being signed in, I never see it. I only remember it's there because it gets mentioned in comments so often. LOL!

Sin said...

Ooooh that danged CAPTCHA code! It always gets me too! Grrrr! I will decapitate it for you Janga!

Sometime I would still love to hear these three variations!

Sin said...

It's some kind of anti-spam measure that was put on with the last update we got. Lemme go take a look at it.

Sin said...

Okay, I need someone not signed in to see if the CAPTCHA is still functioning.

Julie said...

Its not, as far as I can tell.

Bosun said...

Oh, did you make it go away? Cool!

Bosun said...

No more captcha, but now it's telling me to slow down. LOL! I think that's why we had it on there, to make the site happy and not think everyone was posting too fast.

Bosun said...

Let me see.

Julie said...

But since we are talking about chaos & disasters just waiting to get the best of the characters I'm a bit Leary. Is Captcha just waiting around the corner to cause chaos? Or has he truly been sent packing?

Sin said...

I always get the damned message that I'm posting too fast. Of course I'm posting fast. I type fast you asshole.

Sin said...

I drowned the CAPTCHA code and let the Kraken munch on it a bit. But it gave the Kraken an upset stomach and I hate to report that the muses that had been fed to it, have been regurgitated back up.

Julie said...

Slow Down? A foreboding foreshadowing of characters being pushed past the breaking point!

Sin said...

Well this character did break down and kill the CAPTCHA.

Julie said...

the muses that had been fed to it, have been regurgitated back up.


See? I KNEW it! The foreboding foreshadowing of characters being pushed past the breaking point has brought forth fruit!

Sin said...

I don't think the Kraken qualifies.

Julie said...

Ssssshhhh! He has feelings yah know!

Sin said...

And they aren't gonna be spared by me.

Julie said...

SIN, like every good writer, distributes her chaos without discrimination!
Personall?
I think that the poor ol' thing has a crush on you. I've sensed this weird Fatal Attraction kinda vibe going on between the two of you. Ever since? Well … ever since you had calamari for lunch!

Julie said...

PersonallY

Jeez

2nd Chance said...

Wow, Sin glared and the CAPTCHA code is gone. There goes our last chance to communicate with the cosmic spacemuffins and decipher their secret codes...

Nothing really gives the Kraken indigestion. He just likes to let food spoil a bit more before finishing it off. I'm sure he'll tackle the remains after it's floated a bit. Sorry about the smell...

Listening to office tales makes me so glad I'm not having to manage all of that... I found customers annoying enough to consider packing the cutlass to work... Now, it's just the twits in front of me at Starbucks.

Marnee Jo said...

This Yo Gamma Gamma thing is a good question. (That one’s for Marn.) That gave me a chuckle. :)

I have a twitter account too but I don't do that much fun stuff. I fear my updates would be like "Having nervous breakdown at the mall." Not that interesting.

Bosun said...

Marn - You got to the mall?!

I just can't imagine anyone would care to know everytime I make a copy. Or answer the phone. Or take a piss...

Marnee Jo said...

Did you miss the nervous breakdown part? I pretty much made it home, panting, and locked myself in. I won't make that mistake again. That's why they invented online shopping.

I'm with you though. Some people have exciting lives or have enough time to think up witty things. I don't have either of those things.

There's an article in RWR this month (I just got my copy yesterday) about the importance of Twitter for writers. I figure when I get closer to publication I'll worry about it. Right now I'm having a hard enough time finding time to write.

Julie said...

“Having nervous breakdown at the mall.”

"Don't worry, Marn, it does get better as they get older. At least ... that's what i've heard!" said the woman whose oldest will be 29.

LOL

Julie said...

Did you miss the nervous breakdown part?

Simply post that you are having a classic literary moment. ala F. Scott Fitzgerald

http://www.esquire.com/features/the-crack-up

Julie said...

Need a drink?
Post that you are channeling Hemmingway. And so on & so on ....

Sin said...

Jules is gonna make the best hired twit of all time. *wg*

Julie said...

"I must hold in balance the sense of futility of effort and the sense of the necessity to struggle; the conviction of the inevitability of failure and still the determination to “succeed” -- and, more than these, the contradiction between the dead hand of the past and the high intentions of the future. If I could do this through the common ills -- domestic, professional, and personal -- then the ego would continue as an arrow shot from nothingness to nothingness with such force that only gravity would bring it to earth at last."

Sigh. Oooh Fizt, you give me fits! The man even whines with elegant eloquence!

Marnee Jo said...

Jules is gonna make the best hired twit of all time. *wg*

lmao

Julie said...

"it was his nervous reflexes that were giving way -- too much anger and too many tears."

*Gasp*

Oh Fitzy, I am besotted! Bedazzled! BEWILDERED!

I swear, the man is channeling mothers of toddelers! And teens andddddd ....

Sin said...

Better than vagazzled.. I suppose.

Bosun said...

Ha! They vajazzled the news chick on the radio this morning. Cracked me up. Of course, they also bedazzled the sports guy's bald head.

And since we failed to mention this yesterday, Happy one day late birthday, Marn!!!!

Sin said...

AWWWHHHH! Marn! Happy birthday you wonderful awesome woman! I hope the hubs did something freaking fantastical for you. Like watched the kiddos so you could take a nice long wonderful soak in the tub and a crying free nap.

2nd Chance said...

Ah, Marn! Sorry to hear about the mall crisis. They can do that to a lot of people... I take Last Chance into malls only in the early morning and we slip into the stores we want and then slip out. Or she'll do the panic thing.

And congrats on the b-day! Hope the trip to the mall wasn't the birthday treat!

Julie said...

Oohhh Happy birthday, Marn!

Donna said...

Happy Birthday, Marn. :) I always advocate celebrating a Birthday Month, because one day isn't enough. (It will be when my birthday becomes a national holiday. LOL)

Hellie said...

There was a Pirate Birthday and we didn't throw a party? WTF is up with that? You know what this means, right? More rum and cake, damnit! All around!

Happy Birthday, Marn!!!

Donna said...

And cake soaked in rum.

Bosun said...

Oh no. I had flaming babaloo once. Horrible! But I will take one of those drinks that comes with a Twinkee.

Julie said...

But I will take one of those drinks that comes with a Twinkee.

Never heard of that. What do they call it ... a Drwinkee?

Donna said...

Might as well deep fry it too. That seems to be all the rage. LOL I saw a deep-fried Margarita listed somewhere and can't figure out you're supposed to eat and/or drink it!

Julie said...

Sounds like something that would be served in a sippeee-cup. Perfect for a stressed out mom!

Sin said...

Deep fried margarita? Does that mean it includes the worm?

2nd Chance said...

Julie! Did you miss the double stuffed flaming twinkie bar snack? It goes with the Captain's Cocoa Puff...or whatever you want it to go with.

I'll get a plate out right away!

A deep fried margarita stymies me, I admit.

Sin said...

LOL, never give up no matter if you run out of things to deep fry?

Hellie said...

Ewwww. No worms.

I saw a "deep fried beer" one too. You'd think they'd run out of things to deepfry, but they don't. True inspiration to writers right there. *LOL*

Marnee Jo said...

Oh... the flaming twinkee drink. That sounds awesome right now.

Marnee Jo said...

Awh, thanks guys! :) Extra rum and cake for everyone!

It was, in fact, a lovely day. The whole house is invested with some random late summer cold (WTF) so I spent the day patting and walking the youngest, wiping the oldest's nose, and generally trying to sanitize everything everyone touched.

We vetoed a dinner out in favor of Chipolte (YUMMMMMM) and they sang me happy birthday over my favorite cake. The oldest blew out the candles, further infecting us all, but looked pretty darn pleased that he got them out in one huff.

I felt very blessed. :)

I'm going to make the hubby take me out for sushi this weekend.

Donna said...

But what part do they deep fry? I mean, I'm no cook or anything, but I can't figure out how you deep fry a liquid! Do you deep fry it in the glass? LOL

2nd Chance said...

Chipotle...drool.

Julie said...

Thanks , chance!

And here's a toast to Inspiration.

Speaking of inspiration, HEY SIN tell me ...
Jules is gonna make the best hired twit of all time. *wg*
Isn't ...

2nd Chance said...

All this talk of twinkies has made me hungry...off to eat!

Sin said...

Love Chipotle!!

Sin said...

Jules, don't worry. We'll both make profit.

Bosun said...

LOL!

I'm with Donna, how the hell do you fry a liquid? Though I've never understood fried ice cream either. I think the people at Chi-Chi's were on crack.

Sin said...

And my spell check kept telling me that Chipotle should be Chippendale.

Marnee Jo said...

Chippendale. LOL!

Awh, Bo'sun, the fried ice cream.... YUMMM.... Man, I'm starving. I need to go eat something.

Donna said...

I just went to Chipotle the other day -- LOVE it -- plus there's always leftovers so I can have it again. LOL

Although I wouldn't mind if Chipotle had Chippendales too. . .

Okay, so I'll order a deep-fried Margarita, BUT, hold the deep-fry. LOL

Sin said...

I want a margarita. Hold the mix, gimme the tequila bottle.

Sin said...

People at Chi-Chi's were hitting the bong a little too hard in the research lab.

Donna said...

I want a margarita. Hold the mix, gimme the tequila bottle.

*squirts lime juice at Sin*

You don't want to get scurvy, do you?

Donna said...

How about Taco Bell? It seems like they take whatever their last special item was, rewrap it in another tortilla, deep fry it, and then call it something else, like El Grande Gordita Chalupa Burrito. LOL

Julie said...

Donna. Always thinking of others!

Sin said...

Dear DRD,

You don't want glass in your hair do you?

Sincerely,

Evil Twin

Julie said...

Less fillers. More meat.

El Grande Chippendale Horndogita Chalupa BoyToyurrito SupremeOh.

Julie said...

Can I AlternaTwit & Name food?

Donna said...

Dear Evil Twin,

You don't want my foot in your. . .glass, do you?

Most sincerely yours,

DRD

Julie said...

CuuuCuuuCat Fight! So sweet how those two dote upon each other.

Donna said...

LOL, Julie. I hope I can just order that with something like "I'll have Hottie Meal #3 please".

Julie said...

I see Taco bell stock rising ... or something at TB rising . Hmm ...
Note to self: Add stock annalist to resume.

Bosun said...

I want what Julie said. Hold the lemon juice.

Sin said...

Dear DRD,

*wg*

Sincerely,

Evil Twin

Donna said...

Julie, those are some awesome Happy Hottie Meals!

Donna said...

*squirts lime juice in Sin's eyes to get rid of that wg she's flashing around*

Julie said...

El Grande Chippendale Horndogita Chalupa BoyToyurrito. SupremeOhMyGuadalupe QuesoHeSoHot!

Sin said...

I do hope the happy hottie meals come with their own hottie to play with.

Sin said...

That's okay. I put something real nice in your hammock for later.

Donna said...

Sin, you have a choice of a life-sized "action figure" or a smex toy.

Julie said...

Of course-o they come with a QuesoHeSoHot!

Sin said...

I'm not choosing anything from you. You'll try to trick me.

Sin said...

Jules you are a genius.

Julie said...

Jules you are a genius.


Ooooh I'm somethin', SIN. At least that's what the DH says.
"Julie, you are really somethin' ..."

LOL

Sin said...

That's when you pat him on the top of his head and say, "Yes. Yes I am."

Julie said...

But gosh, Sin, its soooo Hard to pat him on the head when he is shaking it so vigorously in utter disbelief!

Sin said...

I'm surprised that he would ever be in disbelief. He knows you, right?

Julie said...

The Shell Shock wears off now & then.

Julie said...

“Wait tuuhh minute here … Vigorous shaking ? Utter disbelief? Hard to pat? Holy Mole` do you guys just realize what happened?
I gave an example of what chaos do you like to distribute onto your characters . It feels so empowering to be Focused. Pertinent. Full of … of … myself! I wanna gold star & a Donna Dude Doll & my own Reality Show & a-uuuhhhh …”

*splash*

“…. uuhh a rope. And not the one with the noose on the end of it!”

Donna said...

Where's my Happy Hottie Meal? I've been waiting for like an hour!

Julie said...

"Where’s my Happy Hottie Meal? I’ve been waiting for like an hour!"


SIN took off with him. Its part of her "how do you like to distribute chaos onto your characters" distribution stategy.

Julie said...

I have a hunch that tossing me over board was part of her “how do you like to distribute chaos onto your characters” distribution stategy too.

Julie said...

*sigh*

HEY, See IF I'm ever Pertinent again!

Pirates ... they'll probable keep my gold star!

Donna said...

Maybe it's because everyone likes when you are IMpertinent. :)

Julie said...

Donna, I think that you might be right.
And I suspect that they like it when I go Over Board too!

2nd Chance said...

*note to self

1. more shamwows
2. dump the deep fat fryer
3. next hottie month, look for muy smexicans

Julie said...

Good Idea, Chance. I Like It.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9_n8jakvWU

Julie said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9_n8jakvWU&ob=av2n

Ack! Try this one!

Marnee Jo said...

That Enrique. I like that.

Julie said...

Now both https work? WhatTheHeck! They didn't before.
I blame CAPTCHA!