The year of Jack!

This year, for me, entertainment wise, it's all been about Jack.

Which Jack? I shall tell you.

Jack Reacher (Lee Child Novels) -I started reading the Reacher books this year and totally fell in love. Reacher is a loner, something I often feel like myself. He wanders the US, learning about a country he's tied to by his parent’s citizenship. A former MP in the Army, he was downsized during the 90's and basically had no where to go. So, he drifts. From town to town, helping out people in need or getting tangled up in something he shouldn't be involved in.

Jack Bauer (24) -I really shouldn't have to say much about him, but I will, because he's THE Jack. Tormented family man-special agent ass kicker. Yeah, that's Jack. Once again, he saved America this time from a shitty ass president. Too bad he's just on television.

Jack Bristow (Alias) -Another tormented family man. He gave the big screw to Sloan at the end of Alias this year. His story is so sad and touching that it makes me want to invite him over for tea and talk to him all night.

Jack Sparrow(Pirates) -Anyone who doesn't laugh when Jack Sparrow is running away from the bad guys doesn't appreciate good humor. I laughed my ass off every time! Sparrow is funny, self-motivated, sometimes conceited and self-centered, but then again who isn't on occasion. In the end, he does the right thing...sort of.

Jack Shepard (Lost) -This doctor really found his balls this year. Not only does he have Evil Ben under the scalpel, he's trying to save Kate and Sawyer so they can sleep together again! LOL Wow, all these Jack's are tortured in some aspect of their life....maybe it's the name.

Jack Black-Okay, so he's the only real Jack on the list, but he makes it. He made me believe that he could act in King Kong and had me peeing in my pants with Tenacious D--the funniest movie I've seen in a very long time.

Other minor Jack's this year: Jack Twist from Brokeback. (I watched the movie early this year) Jack the Monkey from Pirates. Jack Skellington (had a reprieve in IMAX or 3D or something) Jack "Just Jack" McFarland. And of course Jackass...which is waiting for me in the living room to watch.

So, that's the year in Jack. If I can take the fictional Jack's and roll them up into one man...*swoon* I'd never leave the bedroom.

Because I do care...

I got a check from my insurance company earlier this week and decided to donate half of it. So this is where some of my money went:

https://www.habitat.org/ -Mostly for those people rebuilding in New Orleans.

http://www.nmfa.org/ -Because I have military in my family and want to help those serving now anyway I can.

http://www.savedarfur.org -This one, I actually do feel strongly about--desipte the (hot) man dedicating his time to get attention. I won't go into my exact stand on this, but I think it's horrific that our government along with others are not doing ANYTHING about this situation. We can't keep ignoring Africa and hope it'll go away or fix itself. It won't without help. Every other country that has a firm hold of their society now has had help from another party at one time during its history...

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org -Last year I donated to the Red Cross, so they get some money this year.

Peace on Earth.
Good will toward all.

Snow for Xmas?

Just a little dusting will do it for me, I know how much normal people hate the snow.

Every year I make an excel spread sheet to keep track of what I buy and how much I spend. Last year I spent $750 dollars on about 26 people. This year, so far, I'm at $550 for 16 people. Inflation is a bitch isn't it?

I have to write an essay to get into this online English Bachelor's program. I have the rough draft done, but do you realize it's been oh...I dunno...fifteen years since I wrote a college essay? Bleh. Ah well, I'm either meant to get in or I'm not. Guess I'll find out in March.

In other news, I saw Tenacious D...it was HILARIOUS. But I think it's a certain kind of humor and most people probably won't like it. I watched Pirates2 again, still love the way Jack Sparrow runs. I also outlined seven books with this new character I'm working with. All I have to do now is get back to writing. I just can't seem to find my motivation.

The new job is going well, had a good chat with the boss man today.

I'm planning on going to the movies once or twice this week since there's nothing new on television.

Since I know I won't get what I really want for xmas this year, I might not do my annual letter to Santa. Instead, I think I'll write a letter to 2006. I started thinking that it would be all negative, but as I recounted what happened month by month, it didn't turn out so bad.

Howdy

I haven’t had much to say recently, mostly because I’ve been a bit down. It doesn’t really matter why, no one needs to hear about my problems…that’s not why I keep a blog. I have a diary for that.

Xmas is right around the corner and I have one gift purchased. One. Bleh. I’d be done already if I had the money. That’ll change soon, so I’m not worried. I just feel bad for the UPS man when he has to come to my house every day from now until xmas deliver packages. LOL.

A friend of mine is coming down this weekend, I might take him to a movie. That could be fun. I still want to see Stranger than Fiction, Borat, Déjà vu and The Pick of Destiny. I think that’s about all I’d watch right now. I’ll check out Eragon when it comes out, then maybe I’ll read the book.

There are a few winter movies I’m waiting for, but nothing OMGish until next year’s Harry Potter. Yeah, I’m a potterhead. Not sure what I’ll do first, read the new book or watch the movie…hmm, that should be an interesting day.

Roomie and I had a long discussion on the fate of Harry. It’s quite amusing going back and forth with someone about how a fictional character’s story should end. Honestly though, I hope JK comes up with something that neither of us thought of, though, that would be tough, we kinda covered everything.

That leads to another topic of sorts: my own characters. I can sit and watch a movie or TV show and basically say the lines before the characters do. Nine times out of ten it’s a traditional response, sometimes cliché, and usually nothing extraordinary. I’d like to think my characters aren’t like that. I know Tiva’s unlike any normal human I’ve written about, but she’s a special case. I learned her personality by role-playing with her. My other characters have mostly been bits and pieces of other people thrown together. While some might say it’s a risky thing to do, I happen to have odd and eclectic friends. It makes for an interesting mix of life like characters.

Of course, the character I’m working with right now is being a pain in the ass. I know the type of person I want her to be, but she keeps messing with me and doing whatever the heck she wants—mainly sleeping with some guy. Love and sex is part of any life story whether you have it or not, it’s there. I think if there is a balance of real life issues, you have a better chance of giving the reader someone they can relate to, no matter what the setting or time period. With this current chic…she’s turning my thriller into a romantic thriller and I really don’t want to do that. I’d like to keep the love interest side story, but for some reason, every time they get together I head toward writing a hot sex scene with the professing of feelings afterwards. Not that it would be bad, but I DON’T WANT TO WRITE ROMANCE.

Maybe I should just give up and really try writing a good romance novel. I know, I know, I can put a plethora of sub-genres along with the romance…but I want to write books both men and women will read. How many guys out there browse the romance section? Yeah, exactly.

Ah well, we’ll see what happens with Tiva. I’m certain guys will at least pick it up because it’s sci-fi…and if the cover is banging, all the more reason they’ll take a look.

I have too many ideas, not enough time, and no idea what genre to stick with…bleh.

Why should you vote?

Because if you don't, you can't complain.

Now matter who you are voting for...PLEASE VOTE! It'll only take a half an hour or so out of your day to make your voice heard. These are the elections where every vote really does count (provided the e-voting machines don't fuck up). If you happen to have digital cable with on demand, you might be able to learn about the people running. Or you could go to www.dontvote.com an AARP site with infor from each state.

Mid-terms might not seem as important as presidential elections, but it is, especially this year. Be heard! Make a difference. It's your country too.