I think I might need a 12-step program...

Is there a 12-step program for Twilight addiction? Not that I really want to be in recovery. And, I guess that would be a problem. For those of you without the affliction, it's probably hard to understand how full-grown women can be so "gaga" over a book or movie. I could try to explain, but I don't think that I really can. For me, it's much more than just being in love with the story and the characters themselves. Stephenie Meyer has the rare ability to truly bring the characters to life. She does such an incredible job of weaving the story that you feel like you know the characters. Maybe it's that they are so easy to relate to. There are definitely parts of Bella that mirror me and my own life. (More than just my innate ability to trip over flat surfaces. ;) I could get all deep and philosophical, but it's a Monday, and I haven't had nearly enough sugar or caffeine for that. Anyway, it's only 24 days until the premiere...and I CAN'T WAIT!!! Okay, that's all for now.

Not much new here...

...to report. Compared to most of my friends, I feel like my life is pretty boring. Maybe "uneventful" would be a better word. Monday through Friday my typical routine is: get up, go to the office, go to PIT (Pages In Time), go home, watch TV for a couple hours, go to bed. There's some variation from time-to-time (sometimes I even go straight home after work! ;) but not too much. So, when my posts get a little sparse, it's usually because there's not much to say. But, sometimes it's because I'm super busy. It's sporadic. I usually have a list of projects to work on (upcoming classes, design team assignments, gifts, etc.) and try to plug away on those on a consistent basis. I'm already starting to think of December and January class ideas. Including the ever-dreaded Valentine's cards...blech! (I'll talk more about that later.) So, again, there's not much new here. Just looking forward to Twilight on the 21st...28 days and counting!! Yay!!!!!!

just a quick note...

I just wanted to make a quick post to let you know that you can now view the Twilight trailer in HD at http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=44287812. This version also has a much larger screen for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy!! =)

More Twilight...

Summit Entertainment has just released the official movie trailer for Twilight. (You can view the trailer using the widget in my previous post.) I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I watched the trailer 4...okay, maybe 5...times in a row. Now, before you think that I need to be committed for my slight infatuation with a fictional character, please let me explain. I was merely trying to take in all of the details so that I could figure out which part of the book each clip was taken from. The fact that my heart started to beat a little faster was a mere coincidence. Right? Either way, it was great to get a bigger glimse into the final cut of the movie. Now I really can't wait to see it! (Boy, they're good!) The soundtrack is absolutely incredible, too. I'm sure that I'll have it memorized before the movie even opens. (Assuming that they market the soundtrack before releasing the movie.) I can just tell that the next 6 weeks are gonna drag on and on and on and on... Ugh! At least I know that I won't be suffering alone. Right, Tobi? (wink wink)

Twilight...my favorite time of day!

For those of you who have not seen or spoken to me in the last couple of weeks, let me take this moment to share my latest obsession with you. Obsession. There really isn't any other way to put it. My friend, Tobi, told me about this book by Stephenie Meyer called Twilight. She said that the series has been referred to as "the new Harry Potter." So, I borrowed her copy and read it. In less than 48 hours. Now, that may not sound like a big deal. I guess I should mention that the book is 496 pages long. (And, no, there aren't any pictures... ;) Twilight is the first book in the Twilight Saga. Each of the books (including New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn) gets progressively longer, with Breaking Dawn being a little over 700 pages long. I read the entire series in 9 days. It's just that good. If you haven't already read the books, I highly recommend them. Even if you're not an avid reader, I can guarantee that you'll get hooked.

The first novel, Twilight, has been made into a movie and is set to open in theatres on 11-21-08. A lot of my girlfriends and I are planning on being there for the openning. Waiting the next 8 weeks is going to be torture! There's a link to the movie's site at the top of this post. Enjoy! =)

back to normal...

For those of you that I haven't talked to or seen in a while, I have had a pretty crazy couple of weeks. I was in San Francisco, CA for a week for work (more about that later) and got home at 2AM last Friday morning. On Friday, I went to the office to drop off my travel reimbursement packet and drove to Berne for my brother's wedding rehearsal. Saturday was the wedding and reception. Congrats, Eric & Anna! Sunday morning, I drove all of the tuxes back to Men's Warehouse in Fort Wayne and then "raced home" for our family reunion. I had planned ahead and took Monday off to recouperate. Thank heavens!

Last week, I went back to work at the office. My body insisted on staying on westcoast time, but I was finally able to adjust my sleep pattern back to normal, or at least what is normal for me, by the end of the week. Last week was also the monthly deadline for my card class - had to turn everything in to our coordinator by the 15th. Yesterday, I went to Pages In Time to work on my design team projects for the month. I got one done but am waiting on pics to finish the other two. Today, I worked at PIT. I usually work on Saturdays, not Sundays, so that was a little strange. I'm hopeful that things will finally be back to "normal" this week. Hallelujah!

More about the conference in San Francisco...It was held at the San Francisco Marriott Downtown. That is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in. And, it has its own Starbucks - another plus! It was also just a few blocks from Chinatown. But, back to the conference. The conference was held by NCSEA (National Child Support Enforcement Association), and I had the opportunity to attend several sessions on interstate/international child support enforcement. (These are the areas that I am currently focused on in our office.) I am so glad that I had the opportunity to attend this conference. The training was priceless - much more indepth than any training that the State currently offers. We were in sessions until 5 everyday, so there wasn't a lot of time to explore the city at night. However, I was able to do a little sightseeing on Sunday. See some of my pics of Alcatraz, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Chinatown here: http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=31145&l=efe7d&id=682969821. I had a wonderful time but was a little surprised at how cool and breezy it is there. Luckily I had taken my hoodie to wear in the conference rooms. (Conferences are infamous for being rather frigid.) I just never imagined that I would need to wear it out-and-about! =)

a new discovery

Lifetime re-aired a movie last night titled Lovesong. It stars actor Christian Kane and r&b artist Monica. The movie is well-done and addresses issues like interracial relationships and finding the courage to follow your passion. If you get a chance to watch it, do. The acting was good, but I was especially impressed by the vocal talents of Christian Kane. As it turns out, he actually has his own band which is aptly named "Kane," and they have an album coming out this fall. For a sample of their music, click here: http://www.myspace.com/christiankane. Hope you enjoy it! =)