by Beth AndrewsI'm very proud of myself. You see, I wrote a new partial (for those nonwriters, that's usually the first three chapters and a synopsis). Now, you may ask, why the heck am I so proud - haven't I written partials before? You bet I have. But all of those stories were romance or romantic suspense stories. This partial is for a young adult book. Written in First Person even.
In other words, it's something I've never attempted before. The story may be rough, the tense flip flops back and forth between present and past and I have no idea if any teenager in the world will want to read it - let alone if I can find an editor who'll want to buy it...but I did it.
I tried something new :-)
Yes, trying new things can be frightening but it can also be FUN!! I had so much fun getting into my character's head and plotting out her story that now I HAVE to finish this story - no matter what *g*
In fact, I had so much fun that I decided to try lots of new things! For instance:
I got a new haircut. Okay, this one isn't that big of a deal since I'm constantly changing my hairstyle but I haven't gone this short in years - but I love my new 'do! If you see a Katie Holms look-alike at RWA's national conference...well...that's not me...but I do have a very cute chin length bob now *g*
I started wearing my heartrate monitor every time I work out. And what a difference that has made! Seeing how hard I'm working (or, maybe that should be, how hard I wasn't working) has really pushed me to work out harder.
I made guacamole. Yes, you can make it! I know, I had no idea either ;-) I thought it just came all prepared for me in a jar. But if you buy avocados that are nice and squishy (but not too squishy) you can mash them and add the little packet of seasoning (okay, so I cheated a bit *g*) and voila! Guacamole!
The best part about trying new things and having fun with them is that they made me want to try even MORE new things. So when I'm at the conference in San Francisco I'm going to:
Try new foods. This is very brave of me as there are quite a few foods I will not eat (but that's a whole 'nother blog) But this year, I shall try new dishes and I might even swap my favorite strawberry margarita for something totally new...a pomegranate margarita! Crazy, I know ;-)
Try new foods. This is very brave of me as there are quite a few foods I will not eat (but that's a whole 'nother blog) But this year, I shall try new dishes and I might even swap my favorite strawberry margarita for something totally new...a pomegranate margarita! Crazy, I know ;-)
Dance like no one is watching. Some of the parties have dancing and for once when I get out on the dance floor I'm not going to worry what I look like. I'm just going to have fun *g*Approach people and introduce myself. While I'm not shy, I am an introvert (yes, I do think there's a difference *g*) but this year I'm putting myself out there. Who knows? Maybe I'll make a new friend or two :-)
What about you? What would you like to try that you've never done before? What's the latest "new" thing you've done? 
One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of Stacey Kayne's latest awesome western, THE GUNSLINGER'S UNTAMED BRIDE. So let's hear from you!
90 comments:
I got my hair colored for the first time EVER in preparation for the conference. Does that count?
Oh hey!!! I got Jennifer's boyfriend!! That sounds like a great book title. Maybe I'll try my hand at writing a contemporary for the first time. Think anyone would buy a book about a talented young writer and her Golden Rooster bwakarazzi dodging boyfriend?
Here is the complete list of things I would like to try for the first time. (No Frodo, you cannot eat the big golden bird, not even with barbecue sauce! GR, don't EVEN think about it!)
I have never had a sip of alcohol in my life, so if I win a Golden Heart OR get a book published, whichever comes first, I fully intend to take a hiatus from my tea totaling and have a glass of champagne.
I've never gotten a book published and I would love to try that one on for size.
I've never parachuted out of a plane and I would like to do that one day. My father was a 20 plus year veteran of the Air Force as a jet engine mechanic and he said "I see no reason to jump out of a perfectly good airplane."
I have never joined a gym and had a personal trainer and I would love to do that one day.
I've never learned to speak Welsh and I want to. I want to trace my father's family back to Wales and I want to go and stand in that place and tell all the ones who have gone before that I appreciate the storytelling genes and the musical genes they gave me.
I want to learn to country line dance even if I am not particularly fond of ALL country music.
I want to learn to make stained glass and when I find someplace close by to take lessons I am going to do it. My late DH had just started classes when he was killed.
I want to tell Wal-Mart to "Kiss My Grits Goodbye!" and I really, really want to do that.
We call that dancing like nobody is watching "Kitchen Dancing" - the dancing you do in the kitchen when you are listening to the radio and washing dishes and the fridge is your partner.
Congratulations, Louisa! Finally someone wrench the GR away from Jennifer, who is I am sure having a passionate affair with him.
Great blog post, Beth. I must admit that I'm not very adventurous with trying new things. I'm pretty much a chicken!
But when we were in Scotland, I tried haggis and black pudding. Haggis is sheep's liver, heart, and lungs mixed iwth spices, suet, onion, oatmeal and cooked inside the animal's stomach. Okay, I was game. I tried it. It wasn't bad.
But black pudding WAS AWFUL. It's a kind of sausage made by mixing blood with fillers such as bread, oatmeal, suet until it congeals. I understand it's an acquired taste. But not for me!
Beth, congrats on writing your YA partial! Loved your blog.
Snap with Louisa! It wasn't for the conference (it was for a TV appearance) but I had my hair coloured for the first time a few months ago.
This will be the first conference in about 4 years where I haven't been pregnant or half deaf with an ear infection, (touch wood) so I'm REALLY looking forward to having a great time and making the most of the conference. It will be the first time I've traveled overseas on my own and the first time I've met most Banditas face to face. Scary! The travel, I mean, not meeting the Banditas. Although I trust Aunty doesn't bring her crop...
Yay, Louisa! Congrats on the GR!
Hey, Louisa, looks like the rooster is playing away from home for the day! Treat him nice and he might come back.
Jo, I'm with you - haggis perfectly edible, especially if you don't think what it is. It's like a slightly spicy mince. Black pudding? Bleuch! Not fit to feed your worst enemy.
Beth, really enjoyed your post. I'm about to do something on my 'bucket' list - and that's go to San Francisco and Yosemite. I'm EXTREMELY excited about it! I've had to get outside my comfort zone a bit since I've been published. Public speaking was anathema to me but I had to learn how to do it. It actually gives you a deep sense of satisfaction to conquer a fear!
Guacamole in a jar???? I've never seen that. I've bought it in a pouch, but it's pretty fresh. My mom makes GOOD guac...mmmm.
I like Louisa's plan for the champagne ;) Hope you get to pop that cork!
Something new, huh? I'm a bit of a fuddy-duddy, I'm afraid....
Louisa, congratulations!! Now, poor Jennifer will be heartbroken, but I think it's probably for the best... ;-)
Beth, fabulous post! I suspect we will all look a bit different from our avatars, hm, ladies? I know I, for one, do not have shoulder length wavy hair! I have poker straight chin length hair. ;-) So you'll have to try to pick out the Banditas in the crowd. Good luck with that. Snort!
I am going to do something new before conference but I'm NOT TELLING WHAT! VBG!! I will post a pic if all goes well. If not, no one will ever know about it...
Hmm, what other new things should I do...I'll have to think about that and get back to you. :-)
Um...he is not my boyfriend...I was just trying to prevent him from getting too much info on the Banditas and the other Buddies...um...yeah, that's it. LOL Passionate affair? LOLOLOLOLOLOL There is no affair, I swear.
Hey! I got my hair cut recently too...and it's the shortest it has been since I was in second grade...and it kind of looks like Katie Holmes's hair...or at least it is a chin-length bob.
Another recent first was that I made brownies all by myself...yeah, not that impressive, but I am so not a cook so I was pretty proud. LOL
As for trying something new, well, I am about to do something BIG in a little over a week...travel solo. I have never been anywhere by myself and I am getting ready to go to San Francisco on a plane all by myself. Can we say nervous? It will also be my first ever conference (I have only been to signings). I am sure I will embarass myself somehow...if I manage to convince myself to leave the room. LOL
Some other things that I'd love to do include traveling outside the US, meet some of my fave authors without embarassing myself, learn to knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and scrapbook (the post the other day made me want to do this one), cook more, visit every state in the US, write a book...I could go on and on. I like making lists, but have a problem following through because...
...I am a chicken. Hehe...maybe that is why the GR likes me. ROFL
Hm... what would I like to try that I've never done before....
I have a copy of the Kama Sutra somewhere....
I keeeed. (maybe)
This one's easy for me to answer.
Flight. Ever listen to Pink Floyd's Learning to Fly? Yeah, I know the video made it look like the song was about some weirdo spiritual Crow Indian stuff. But if you really LISTEN to the song, it's not. It's literally about learning to fly a plane. More specifically, about that first solo flight.
Into the distance, a ribbon of black
Stretched to the point of no turning back
A flight of fancy on a windswept field
Standing alone my senses reeled
A fatal attraction holding me fast, how
Can I escape this irresistible grasp?
Cant keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I
I can't think of a better summary. God I'd love to fly. Thus far, I've intentionally avoided aviation. I'm absolutely certain that the first time I'm at the controls, I'll be instantly and helplessly addicted. And I'd bankrupt myself to feed an addiction like that one.
p226 you sound like my hubby, his dream is to get his pilots licence but over here in Australia it costs an arm and a leg as well.
I've never bought red stilettos, but once I finish my 12 week challenge and get back to my pre children fitness (I'm a HPE teacher) I;m going to get a pair of red stilettos and a little black cocktail dress and flirt with my hubby...
he's just asked if he would get lucky as well, the man's dreaming, i'm too busy writing to think about sex...
Although I trust Aunty doesn't bring her crop...
Surely you jest, Mme! Of COURSE I'm bringing the crop. How ELSE will I keep any order at the Banditas' General Meeting? Plus, even if I forget to pack one, this is San Francisco! One quick little stroll over to the Tenderloin District and I'll have many more new toys that a crop... OOPS! That's something new I shouldn't discuss here.
But I can tell you that I just had a pedi and my toenails are cherry red! I've NEVER had them painted red before, I always pick a nice demure pink or mauve. But I decided to really go wild for conference. ;-)
AC
YAY Beth on finishing an AWESOME YA partial :-)
Like Mary, I'm baffled that guac comes in a jar. I mean, really? It does? Sweetie, when you're here, I'm going to introduce you to real guac... and that pomegranite margarita LOL.
Leeseeee... something new, huh? Does stripping the wild streaks from my hair so its mellow count? Prolly not *g* since its so conservative I'll be changing it before conference.
hmmm... I like that dance like nobody's watching idea for the Harlequin party. And the get friendly with strangers angle. I'll borrow your ideas, okay?
And maybe go shopping with AC when she replenishes her crop collection lol
Congrats Louisa Jennifer is going to miss him
Great post Beth and big congrats on the writing and trying new things
I am a big chicken the only thing I would dearly love to do is quit my job and stay at home and read and get back into cooking and knitting etc and then travel I would love to see the world and Australia and meet some of my favourite Authors I have been lucky enough to meet Anna Campbell and it was such a thrill I would truly love to meet the rest of the Bandits.
Have Fun
Helen
Margarita's, I want one!
I'll try one of those Pomegranite ones too! (Virtual of course!)
Louisa! the GR is having a corrupting influence on you...enjoy it though...I wish you Champers ASAP.
To Travel somewhere again would be great, I fancy New Zealand for starters!
Oh Anna, can I hitch a ride in your suitcase to Yosemite...don't miss the Sequoia Grove!
Cheers Carol
Great post Beth! And congrats on finishing the partial.
I'm pretty much game for anything new. You only live one life so why not!
Like some others here, I have never colored my hair. And with my two boys, my lovely dark, dark brown hair has this funny gray looking things showing up. So this is definitely on my list for this year.
On my list of things to do is to attend the National conference at least once.
I want to parasail sometime in my life. I love the feeling of wind in my hair and looking at everything from a bird's point of view.
I really want to get a mani and a pedi. I know, I know. I am one of the last women on earth who have never stepped a foot into a spa. Guess I should add massage and facial to that list too.
Gee there are just too many things I want to do!
Oh, and to take a note from p226, I need to get a copy of the kama sutra *VBG*
Some great stuff listed here. What a daring bunch we are!!
Buffie I have been parasailing and hang gliding. It is the most amazing experience - especially when you don't swim a lick and both activities involved oceans.
p226, I would love to learn to fly! My Dad's favorite poem was High Flight and it is a gorgeous tribute to the gift the Wright brothers gave us.
I think the GR snuck out last night and visited my neighbors up the hill. He smells of liquor and is sitting in the corner on a dog pillow muttering something about GRennifer or Jooster or something.
Hey all! I'm loving all the posts but have to zip out for church. Will return shortly though :-)
New things are so fun!
Congrats on writing in a new genre. It's tough, I know. I thought I'd never write anything but paranormal. But I've found a great groove writing historical, and they are sooo much better than my paras...
I'm very picky with food. Haggis, blecht, at least I've tried it! Never again. Most of my pickiness stems from trying new meat and I no eaty pork [shivers]... I love trying all kinds of cultural foods and then making them.
I want to go to nationals next year :) I couldn't this year, but I am doing NJ in October--that'll be a first. And I'm going learn to talk to people even if I have to bloody well stutter through a decent convo.
Red stilettos, I've never had those either... I love pretty and hot shoes...
A good goal for first is selling a story. I'm working on making that one happen... :) That'll be the bestest ever first!
Louisa, it must have been that new color GR wanted to see. Congrats!
Beth, I'm chuckling over the new hairdo because a week ago I just cut my hair to a chin length bob. Of course with my hair as curly as it is, you might not realize it's a bob.
buffie, get that spa day. There is nothing better than a pedicure to ease the tension and make your feet baby-soft. It's great.
Beth, I totally forgot to say that I can't wait to see your sassy haircut at National. I'm sure it looks BETTER than Katie's LOL.
Anna, my thoughts about the black pudding -- anything whose major ingredient is blood? Uh, Count Dracula comes to mind.
Ah, I tried a new pie recipe.
Yay - Louisa on snatching the GR.
Beth - what a fun post! Can't wait to see the new do.
Kirsten - I'm guessing tattoo. That's something I've never done (not sure I'm game enough to try either).
I'm doing something new connected to National as well. I'm flying first class for the first time in my life. My dh upgraded the five hour portion of the trip. I can't wait!
I love trying new foods, esp. cultural specialities - hence my lack of a waistline *g*. But I think I'd draw the line at blood pudding. I did try a new drink last night - a white berry martini. Yum...
Oh I'm getting my first pedicure this week - my daughter is getting married Saturday and the bridal party (sans men) are doing all the girly things. I'm getting nails too which I did once before but like 30 years ago lol.
White berry martini....sounds goooooood! (And yes, I realize it's Sunday morning, but sounds goooood!)
Attending National last year for the first time took courage from me. I liked haggis and black pudding when we tried them in Scotland, as well as the snails and frog's legs in France (two separate trips).
I'm going to not be obsessive about attending every workshop, but will network more. My courageous thing is going to be this one pair of 3.5" hells I'm going to be tottering in.
Oh, and I have plans for a tat party in SF.
Louisa, coloring your hair for the first time definitely counts!
Oh, I love your list! Champagne is a perfect way to celebrate a GH win or book sale *g*
Although I personally have to agree with your dad about jumping out of a perfectly good airplane
;-)
A personal trainer is also a great first! I had one years ago and I plan to go back to her as soon as time and money allow *g*
Congrats on grabbing the GR!
That's something I should put on my list since the Golden Guy has never come home with me yet ;-)
Jo, good for you on trying something new! There's no way I would ever try black pudding. One of the shows we like to watch here is Bizarre Foods and the host Andrew Something Or Other (I'll have to google him *g*) eats the weirdest foods ever. Anyway, one show they made blood pudding and it didn't look very appetizing to me *g*
I'll stick with good old fashioned chocolate pudding ;-)
Christine, sounds like you're going to have lots of amazing firsts! The first time I went to a National conference was back in when it was in Denver. It was the first time I'd ever flown by myself and only the second I've flown period. I didn't know a soul so it was very nervewracking but I ended up making some fabulous friends that year :-)
Now, I have to ask you and Louisa both: Are you happy with your hair color? Is it quite different from your natural color? I actually like my dark brown hair but must cover those greys *g*
I've tried everything from pitch black to sandy highlights to auburn. I keep thinking I should go blonde just because I've never done it before ;-)
Anna, yay for you on being able to check off a few items on your bucket list!
I so agree with you about public speaking - I've found it's not as horrible as I thought it would be and you're so right about the sense of satisfaction after doing something new (and to some, scary *g*)
I spoke at my neighbor's Red Hat Club last Monday and honestly had the best time! The ladies were so great and so much fun! Although it was a bit weird to think my kindergarten teacher would be reading my book ;-)
Hi Mary! Actually, I think the gauc came in a plastic tub *g* It was in the refrigerated section and not very good so I'm thrilled I've discovered how easy it is to make my own!
I don't think not wanting to try something new makes you a fuddy duddy - just content (and there's nothing wrong with that!)
:-)
Kirsten, I never knew you were such a terrible tease. Hmm...now of course I'm DYING to know what you're going to try (I'm nosy that way *g*)
Yes, I suspect we all look slightly different than our pictures. The one I use is over two years old and I never keep the same hairstyle for longer than a year :-)
Jennifer, we can be twin Katie Holmes look-alikes! Actually, my sister has a very similiar hairstyle to mine but when I asked her if she wanted to wear matching outfits to our niece's graduation party yesterday, she refused.
As my daughter would say, she's harshing my mellow ;-)
I predict you'll have a grand time at the conference! They really are tons of fun.
Love your list of things you'd like to try! I've tried all of the crafty ones to some extent and my husband and I both dream of traveling throughout the US.
As for you and the GR...methinks you might be protesting just a bit too much ;-)
LOL, p226!
You know, I think I'd like to learn to fly as well which is really weird since I get so motion sick I have to wear a patch when I fly *g* But I love to drive (always have) and there's just something about being in that pilot's seat that would be so...well...freeing, I guess. And exciting *g*
But you're right, I think it would be quite addicting. For now, I'll have to stick much cheaper hobbies like collecting rocks ;-)
ROFL, Natalie! Those husbands...always want something, don't they?
;-)
New red stilettos sound fabulous and a wonderful way to celebrate getting back your pre-children fitness *g*
AC, I can't wait to see your whip...er...I mean, your red nails *vbg*
I've never had a pedicure. Isn't that shameful? I won't be able to fit one in before conference but perhaps I'll schedule one for when the kids go back to school. I do so like to celebrate the good times in life :-)
Thanks, Tawny, on saying my YA partial is awesome. Could it be that you're just a teeny, tiny bit biased? *g*
I can't wait to try your homemade gauc and those margaritas!
Have I mentioned how excited I am about the conference??
We'll dance the night away and make tons of new friends! I can't wait :-)
Thanks, Helen! I know we'd love to meet you too - and all of our Bandit Buddies!
And when you cook and knit, I'm sure you'll try new recipes and new patterns - there's always something new to try :-)
Carol, New Zealand looks gorgeous! I'd love to travel there too.
And I've never been to Yosemite. Perhaps you and I could both fit in Anna's suitcase? I'll hold my breath to make more room *g*
Okay, I'm off again. This time shopping in the hopes of getting all those last minute items I'll need before I leave next week.
See you all in a bit!
Beth, I can't wait to hear more about the YA partial, BTW! Not that I'm partial to YA or anything. *g* It's such a fun genre. I write in first person in my Delcroix series as well, and it presents some challenges, but is also very freeing in its own way...
Donna, I am SOOO not telling what it is. Might not even work out. But if will be cool if it does! :-)
Keira, 3.5" sounds like hells rather than heels, if you ask me. LOL. But I want to hear more about your tat party...
Buffie, we will definitely have to get you out to Nationals next year. It's such a fun party!! :-) I mean, er, educational experience!
Natalie, WTG on the 12 week fitness plan. I'm on the 12-week slide into sloth. Does that count?
Jennifer, we sooo have your back at RWA. No need to worry. Any gal that can hang with the GR can hang with us! You've got nothing to worry about. :-)
Beth, I LOVE my own dark brown hair color as well and fortunately the hairdresser did a fantastic job of matching it. I just wanted the gray gone and a little warmth added to my hair and she did exactly as I asked. Tammy at The Book Basket treated me to the cut and color in return for sitting for her five divine cats while she and her DH were out of town. They are all such sweeties - the cats, Tammy and the hubby. AND they have a new addition to their family - the single male cat, a little tuxedo kitten named, Romeo. Her DH said he needed some backup. Tammy and I did the entire girls' day and ended it shopping at Ulta for makeup? Ever been? OMG Makeup Heaven!! You will all get to meet Tammy as she is coming to Nationals with me to make sure I don't get into any trouble. SNORK!
Actually, Beth, I thought I might want to learn how to jump OUT of the plane before I learn to fly one. Just in case! :)
I've never made pie from scratch. I don't know how/why. I don't make pastries. I make cookies, cakes, brownies from scratch... (even biscuits) - but never a pie.
Also... [hahaha the first few comments- Louisa is hilarious!]I might actually go on a blind date/meet and greet thing Friday. I've been avoiding it [actually have managed to avoid blind dates forever.]
Its been a long time since I have tried something new. As we get older we tend to just keep doing the same old thing all the time. I think I need a change, try something different. Get my hair cut off, got to Irland and Scotland wouldn't that be grand. Always wanted to go there.
Carol, it's a guided tour in a small bus - they reckon they can get into more parts of the park that way. And they also have longer in the park than the other tours I looked at. It's a long, long day, though. I'm assuming they're going to show me the highlights so sequoia grove here I come. And sadly, my suitcase is chock full of chocolate so there's no room for a hitchhiker!
And Beth, the no hitchhikers thing goes for you too, bud!
I've never been to NZ. I'd love to go, though. It looks beautiful. They have a romance writers conference ever year a week after the Aussie one and one day, I'll go and do a bit of touring as well.
Hi Beth, to answer your question, I'm happy with the hair colour. I went chestnut, which is pretty close to my natural colour anyway, but the slight copper tint brings out my eyes a bit (I hope). I tried a 'cool' brown but it drained the colour from my face. In summer I'll probably get some foils done so I have a few highlights.
I'm sure you always look pretty but I can't imagine you blonde. Maybe a honey brown colour like JLO. Hey, there are still a few days to the conference. Go wild! *VBG*
Kirsten, more on the tat party offline. Would you please e-mail me? Firstname@firstnamelastname.com.
Foanna: Yay, TimTams. Ahem.
For my something new, I'm posting a comment on the Bandita Blog. No, wait, I've done that before...I think...never mind....
I think I'll try getting drunk on tequila some morning when I come home from work and then stay up all day and crash that night. Been having trouble sleeping at night. That might fix it.
Another thing I'd like to do is to actually do what they tell you in Cosmo and make eye contact with a really hot guy for the prescribed three seconds. Of course to do that, I have to find a really hot guy....
Hey, Cheryl, task one was pretty easy, huh? Come and talk to us again!
Hey Beth, I love your blog! And I'll just bet that haircut will make you look like Katie Holmes!
I'm doing new things in San Francisco, too. This year I'm going out early to do a little sight seeing with some friends. I've never been to California, much less San Fran, so this should be a great trip!
Unlike you, I won't ever make guacamole. Uh, it's the hives from avocados that keeps me from attempting it.
I want to get my passport, don't have one and go somewhere far from my home by myself, like London or Scotland, as I have no problem talking to strangers and making new friends. :)
I'm afraid of heights and have thought of doing a bungee jump or parachuting out of a plane, but I don't have the guts, so I'd settle for a helicopter ride. I am not comfortable about it either really, since you're seat in by the door.....
Buffie, you're a woman after my own heart! I do love trying new things *g*
And never fear, you're not the only one never to have had a pedi. I'm in the same boat. I've had manicures but only because I went to cosmetology school :-)
Hope you get to go parasailing! Sounds like a lot of fun :-)
LOL, Louise! Sounds like our GR is missing one of his favorite ladies ;-)
Tiffany, I love your goals of new things! NJ is a great conference! I'm hoping to attend but right now it's looking iffy. But never fear, I know lots of people going and they're all very friendly. You'll have a great time!
Congrats on trying historicals after writing only paranormals. Was it difficult for you to switch genre gears (so to speak *g*)
Christie, another twin *g* My hair is curly too but not so curly that I can't straighten it or just go wavy. Which I love because as I mentioned, I get bored easily so I like to be able to do different things with my 'do ;-)
Jo, thank you so much! Wish I had Katie's wardrobe *g*
Hi, Minna! What kind of pie did you make? I like pie but my crusts aren't that pretty. My mom makes the best pies. I don't have the patience *g*) But once our blueberries ripen and we can get some fresh peaches, I'm going to make a blueberry/peach pie. Yummy!
Donna, first class sounds lovely! What a wonderful husband you have *g* I can't figure out what would be in a white berry martini. Wanna give me a clue?
Catslady, congrats on your daughter's wedding! Pedis for everyone sounds like so much fun! Maybe I'll treat my girls to a day of shopping, lunch and manis/pedis before school starts again :-)
Those red stilettos sound great, I've
never had a pair! But I guess I will
have to give them a pass! I can just see me trying to walk in them and landing on my 71 y/o backside!!
I guess the newest thing for me would
have to be blogging! I first came to
visit in the Lair some 6 or 7 months ago. Is that new enough?
Pat Cochran
Keira, you don't happen to know Andrew What's His Name (I still have to google him) from Bizarre foods, do you? I like trying new things but I draw the line at frog legs and snails :-)
Although I'd gladly try the 3 1/2" heels!
And if you want to network more and workshop less, hang with Tawny ;-)
Kirsten I love the YA genre (and I can't wait to read your Delacroix Academy and Trish's Heartbreak River!)
I'm getting used to writing in first person. Of course, now that I'm getting used to it, I'll be switching back to my latest Supers story in a few weeks :-)
Louisa, your day sounds fabulous! I've never heard of Ulta but I'll definitely look it up! I adore makeup and all fun girly stuff *g* Can't wait to meet you and Tammy at Nationals!!
Limecello, my biscuits are awful but my 11 yr old daughter makes wonderful biscuits! And I usually leave the pie making to my mom *g*
Good luck on your blind date/meet and greet! My parents met on a blind date and have been married for 51 years :-)
I made chocolate pie. I think the book where I got the recipe is called "I Want Chocolate". I had the Finnish translation, so I'm not entirely certain of the original title.
Oh, yeah, I also visited a zoo in Kitee. Never been there before, even though it has been there for few years now and it's quite close.
Great blog, Beth! And congrats on trying all those new things! Can't wait to see your new hair. It sounds so cute!
I've done the mani/pedi plenty of times but I finally tried getting my eyebrows waxed yesterday. Ouch!! But it only hurts for a second, I swear. :-)
Can't wait to meet everyone in San Francisco! I'll be looking for all the fabulous hairstyles!
Louisa, I don't know how you lured him away from his main squeeze but congratulations!!
And I finished fingerless gloves yestereday. Can't remember that I would have made a pair of those until now. Now I need to find someone who would trade them for something...
Hey, Pat, it's your list, you call the shots! No list Nazis here at the lair! ;-)
Guess I'll have to give up and have
a list of two! I can't think of any
other things to add to my "list."
Pat Cochran
Wow, lots of great ideas for "firsts"!
Hmmmmm.....
I am going to stick my foot in the Pacific Ocean.
I'm going to actually go into the store in Chinatown that has the dead duck hanging in it :-)
I'm thinking a new cut too and maybe mix up the color a bit. My appt. is not until this Friday and I highly recommend mani's and pedi's.
And actually SOME day I am going to get a tattoo...a small one...a symbolic one...er, someday.
I've got the "spot" all picked out.
Joan, a Golden Rooster perhaps?
Or a D for that special gladiator?
Hi, Virginia! Going to Ireland and Scotland would be grand, wouldn't it? Since Anna won't let me stowaway in her suitcase, maybe I could fit in yours? *g* Of course, with all those extra luggage fees the airlines are charging you probably won't let me :-)
And Beth, the no hitchhikers thing goes for you too, bud!
Oh, but Anna, if I ate the chocolate then there'd be plenty of room for me!
I'm sure you always look pretty but I can't imagine you blonde. Maybe a honey brown colour like JLO. Hey, there are still a few days to the conference. Go wild! *VBG*
LOL - Christine, that's really nice of you to say but although I do think I should go blonde at least once in my life, I'm afraid I'd look pretty horrible. The lightest I've gone is a caramel (or honey brown *g*) highlights.
Thankfully, I love being a brunette!
Cheryl, so glad we were part of your something new *g*
And tequila seems to solve many of life's problems so I don't see why it wouldn't help you sleep as well ;-)
Suz, sightseeing with friends before the conference sounds like such fun! I'm actually staying a few days later than usual so that I can hang out with Tawny longer but we plan on lazing around, plotting our next stories, making goals and eating :-)
Do you like avocados? I'm just wondering if you feel like you're missing out by not being able to eat them *g* I'm allergic to apples (of all things) which I love but can only have if they're cooked or if I'm feeling brave (and take an allergy pill *g*)
Dina, helicopters amaze me. I think I'd fee safer in a plane for some reason. Maybe because there's more to most planes?
And I envy you your ability to talk to strangers. But I am getting better at making conversation with people I just met :-)
Of course that's new enough, Pat! And we're so glad you found us! Having you all here is what makes the lair so special :-)
I made chocolate pie. I think the book where I got the recipe is called "I Want Chocolate".
LOL - sounds like my kind of book, Minna! I bet the pie was yummy!
And isn't it funny how sometimes we never see touristy type sights in our own backyards? (Or at least, close to our backyards)
Yay, Kate, on your first eyebrow wax! I actually do my own (it's that training from when I was in cosmetology school *g*) and you're right, it only stings for a minute but the results are worth it!
Guess I'll have to give up and have a list of two! I can't think of any other things to add to my "list."
Pat, you can have a list of how ever many you want! I tend to go way overboard with any type of lists - especially goals (which means I write a ton of goals and only accomplish a few *g*)
Hey, Joan! Love your list of firsts! And you'll get to accomplish the first two in just over a week *g*
Can't wait to see what you decide to do with your hair color!
I would love to go out with my friends to a karoeke bar. Never have done that but would love to try.
Beth, remember when we were younger and our parents said to not talk to strangers, when you think about it, we do it all the time. Mostly everyone we come in contact with, we've not met before. :) I'm usually shy, but it's easier I think, because I need to see that person again.
Kimmyl, I think karoke would be a blast!! You'll have to let us know if you go and how much fun you have *g*
LOL, Dina. Good point! I actually spoke to strangers more when I was younger (little kid to early teens) I need to get that ease with strangers back.
Thank you all so much for sharing your lists of things you'd like to try!
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