Thoughts on recent events

[missroserose]

• I've enjoyed Matt Nathanson's albums quite a bit, but heard from several sources that his live shows are an absolute hoot - it certainly seemed to explain the cult following he's amassed. Having now attended one of said shows, I can offer my wholehearted agreement - I think one of my favorite moments was when the guy in front of us (who, I imagine, came on impulse without much familiarity with MN's work) turned around to his friends between sets and went "This guy is crazy!" in a half-surprised, half-admiring tone. Quite the performer, Mr. Nathanson, and I'm glad I got to see his show. (Also, it certainly explains how he manages to stay skinny and hipster-ish looking while on tour - all that dancing around burns a lot of calories.)

• Having recently stayed in a 3.5 star hotel and a 2 star hotel for roughly the same price, I'm surprised to find myself strongly recommending the latter experience. Free (excellent-quality) wi-fi, free parking, very nice breakfast selection, super clean rooms - the Best Western in Tempe pretty much has the Seattle Airport Doubletree beat on all counts, even if the Doubletree wasn't usually half again as much in price. Sure, you don't get the granite countertops and Neutrogena bath products, but the ones provided here are perfectly adequate (and did I mention the free wi-fi?). Plus, check-out time isn't until noon; I guess they realize Tempe's a college district. (Oh! And there's free wifi! Holy crap!)

• On the advice of Lazette Gifford, I'm trying something new for NNWM this year - she calls it "phase outlining", where you write a short synopsis of each scene rather than a formal outline. The idea is to have an idea of the emotional beats of each section so that you don't find your typing speed slowing down because you're not certain where to go next. I've only gotten the first few scenes outlined as of yet, but I managed 1,027 words in less than an hour last night just from the first one. It takes a bit more preparation than the seat-of-your-pants approach, but the results I think I'm going to stick with it.

• I think I have a new favorite shirt. Got it at the concert last night (although I forgot to have MN sign it while I was going through the meet-the-artist line at the end, phooey). It's a line from one of my favorite songs on the album, but I also think it's a nice counterpoint to the distressingly common "Property of My Boyfriend" and "I'm {name}'s girlfriend!" shirts I see a lot of girls (and women who should really know better) wearing. Obviously I don't think there's anything wrong with boyfriends (or husbands), but I mislike the implication of identity based on attachment, especially when said attachment is often to someone who's kind of a dick. Not that I'm stereotyping or anything. :)

• Probably going to go pick up a friend from the hospital in a bit - her life has recently turned into a House episode, with blood clots popping up despite her already being on thinners, and various tests all coming back negative. Good thoughts sent her way would be appreciated - we're not particularly close, but the continuous carousel of symptom-tests-symptom-tests is stressful and frustrating for anyone, especially when you're in the part of your life where you're supposed to be healthiest (and when you're the most broke).

Comments

[sigma7.livejournal.com]

I will never understand the necessity to tie one's own identity inextricably to another's. That's...kinda terrifying, actually, to be that immersed in someone else that your very concept of self breaks down without that other. Affection is fine. Dependence is uncool.

One thing I miss about my last job is that I could actually get NaNo work done in a solitary office. Right now my cubicle entrance is behind me, and I need to be paranoid(er) about the sounds I hear from the rear and be able to ALT-tab like a mutha. That's enough for oodles of idle browsing, but for actual writing involving imagination and creativity, it's just unworkable. (I was hoping I could somehow medicate away the drive to write; apparently all I've done is medicate away my capacity to write well.) Worse, my last NaNo attempt, while successful in terms of word-goal, left me disappointed, but that might be more the medium not fitting the material (and vice-versa) than anything. I dunno. It was unsatisfactory all around, and that's about all I can figure out for sure. I'm willing to beta-read and give quasi-constructive feedback, but given three hours of useful consciousness a night, I'm not going to be able to contribute meaningfully this year. Sad face.

But all the best to your friend. Pity my only diagnostic skill is manifesting and not decoding symptoms, otherwise I'd weigh in (is it vasculitis or DIC?); pity medical knowledge is not transmitted via stubble.

[errant-variable.livejournal.com]

Somewhat belated, but if this is who I think it is please give her my regards.