I spent a little time painting in Photoshop and listening to music on the plane. 12.5 hours is a long time in the air. Copyright 2011 Totsymae

I totally forgot to celebrate or acknowledge one year of blogging. Two days ago, that is. So, what have I accomplished besides running my mouth here? Well, let me see:

I spent six weeks in Taiwan. Got real tired of the dirt and pollution and took my ass back to the states. Since I’d never been there, I figure me seeing some other part of the world is an accomplishment, don’t you?

I finally got me a Nook. It was a gift, so it’s not like I accomplished getting it myself but if you wanna count the fact that I hinted around a million times that I wanted one, well, I must’ve run it in the ground and my son and now, daughter-in law, whom I’ll call Mr and Mrs Soldier Boy, got it for me.

I’ve finished a book of flash fiction. I’m a little unsettled right now, which I won’t go into, but I’m wanting to put the work out there once I get the cover design done up. If I’m able, I’ll try to upload and let you vote on which is the best look for me. Maybe I’ll pick a name from a hat and the lucky winner will get an abaya sent off to them to sport around. (wink, wink)

I’m halfway done with my book of short stories. I don’t know if that’s an accomplishment or not. I’ve had so many interruptions but I aim to finish it within a couple of months. Shit, I’m getting on my own nerves in not finishing yet.

I got to travel to Saudi Arabia. I know it’s strict over here and all but I get to see it all for myself. I feel lucky and unlucky at the same time. Though, for the sake of mental health, I’ll focus on the lucky.

I figured out how to restructure my novel. I’d been having some major issues with backstory stuff and now that I’ve figured it out, I can settle down to write, once I’m settled down, that is. Shit does happen in life and right now, I’m dealing with a hunka shit, folks. That’s just the way it is. In the end though, I know it’s gonna be all good.

I learned how to say my head is hurting in Arabic and thank you in Chinese. Not that my head is hurting. Though it’s big, it feels just fine. Because I’m starting a little newsletter/journal over here, I asked one of the Sudanese ladies to give folk like me Arabic lessons in the newsletter. And, because I’m a graphic designer, the newsletter will be interactive with audio and videos. Anyhow, I asked her to teach me that ’cause folk need basic communication skills in Arabic when they go to a doctor. Not that I plan to be going to no doctor over here. Please, pray that I don’t get sick over here, folks. Lordy, mercy! And too, I won’t be saying thank you in Chinese over here but I know how to say it in case I need to.

I got myself a tan. Not that I needed one but I got it over here in this hot place. It’s getting hotter too and I ain’t figured out a hiding place yet.

I explored new ways to express myself artistically. Well, I don’t sing and dance but you know what I’m saying if you’ve been hanging out with me for a good while.

I met the U.S. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and got in arms length with the prince. Being at that little brunch made me kinda homesick but I’m all good now. At least, as all good as can be expected being over this way.

And I have to thank all you good folks for sticking around. Much appreciation to you.

Read Full Post »