I ain't high class, but I ain't white trash...

This post might end up as a rant, so I do apologize in advance. The first part of the bulk of this post was written in class in an effort to not say something to offend. This aside, I am so happy to be right where I am, despite a stuffy nose and sore throat. Our house is clean, I have to watch movies for homework and then make up stories. It's the best excuse for popcorn (well, after the throat feels better) that I know. So, without further ado, the rant that began at a guest lecture and will finish here...

Let me be the first to say that I can be snobby about many things. But if any of you ever see me act and speak with the same pomposity as our speaker on Thursday, hit me in the face. No, really. Break something even. Maybe I'm just feisty this week but give me a break. Not an inspiring Thursday to say the least. On the bright side, it's Oscar season. I have 4 out of the 10 best picture nominees left to see and two of them are waiting for me on iTunes rentals. I am a happy girl indeed. I won't be if I have to listen to this man much longer. I know I'm going to say something smart and not in a good way (maybe question and answer sessions aren't always good ideas). When I grow up and start my own literary salon/circle, we're gonna be so much cooler than this Dr. Phil lookalike. Another thing: we won't use the term postmodern as if it's going out of style (hint: it already has) and yeah, another thing, "overwhelmingly saccharine and sentimental" is overwhelmingly obnoxious.
That's as far as I got before the question section of the evening started. From there he told us that to write within the accepted forms and boundaries of writing is the equivalent of a sell out (which is apparently different than a cop out), and that nothing being printed now is worth anything. It's okay though, not only did we get a free drink out of it, the response we're required to turn in every week was just an argument against what he said using...his own words. HA! That will teach you to contradict yourself and use big words. At the very least, it makes me feel better for just a moment.

Now that the first rant is out of the way, I must say I had a great weekend with friends. I started volunteering again this week and think I've mastered the bus route to that location, so yay public transportation! Life is pretty great, and now for the second, lesser rant.

I am not Taylor Swift. Yes, most of my stories have a foundation from real life, but that's as far as it goes. Nothing is ever entirely true in my stories, so you can come out with me without fear that I'll turn you into a hit song or, in my case, poem. I can count on one hand the times I've written specifically about a person, so stop asking me if I'm going to put you in a story. From now on, my response will be 'Don't flatter yourself' or better yet, 'Go ahead and flatter yourself, because I won't do it for you'. Now, this rant really has nothing to do with anyone who reads this blog, but just in case, it's here. For now, I'm off to listen to Taylor Swift sing about Joe Jonas and do a little writing. :)

So Many Airports, So Little Time

After a long hiatus, I'm back: both blogging and abroad. Sometimes I think my favorite things to blog about are my flights. This most recent trip has, as ever, proved entertaining. Some highlights:

- Always the in-flight movies. Though the selection was limited this go round, quality makes up for it. Yes, I finally saw "The Social Network",but "Never Let Me Go" was fantastic. Carey Mulligan is officially my new favorite actress. Keira Knightley didn't ruin a film for once. Also, Andrew Garfield?! Despite looking nothing like leading man material (seriously, he looks scary in photos) he's really great in both films, looks dreamy in a black suit and threatens to hit Justin Timberlake. LOVE.

-unexpected upgrade to Economy Plus means more leg room and a happy Allison.

-People keep wanting to adopt me? Most recent on the wannabe parent list is the lady from Denver sitting beside me on the way to London. She refs soccer, I don't even know the rules. But her husband likes moviesand her 27 year old nephew likes books, writes and is working on his PhD. Apparently, she thinks I'm just lovely. New project: Write my own guide to taking over the world.

-Heathrow is alot nicer when you don't have to run through it. In fact, despite the random stalking episode with a boy in a flannel shirt, I like it best so far (yeah, I hate you too, JFK International)

-I still love the English accent, no matter how long I spend in Ireland. Everything they say just sounds funnier.

Most of you know my Christmas experience, so suffice to say, it was really great to get home and see everyone. Also, I got a new camera for Christmas, so pictures should follow, if I manage not to break this one. For now, I'm going to work on poetry for submission, and then decide what classes to take this semester. Why is it always so difficult?! I have it narrowed down to Screenwriting, Non-Fiction and North American Literature. I may just end up reading the required reading but not taking the literature class, though I do love discussions. AH. Until next time...