Wow, it's been a rather long time since I've posted.  I could look at the gaps in my LJ posting throughout the years and try to analyze the patterns- but um, that's a horrible way to spend a day off.  No offense meant if you'd actually be interested in seeing the results of that, as I'm sure I'd enjoy it as well, providing someone else did the research.

In any case, life sans Harry Potter, Arkansas, 20 lbs of fat, and depression is going really well.  I hate to lump HP in with those three other unfortunate things, but I felt I had to purposefully distance myself from the fandom in order to get away from my old, less awesome self, and usher in a new attitude.  

Moving along... 

The job is still going really well!  As with any activity requiring you to make money for performing certain tasks and being supervised by a higher authority, there are some unfortunate aspects.  I'm still far happier and more satisfied than I've been in the professional portion of my career.  I'm living my dream, which is the dream shared by a lot of other people who would be more than happy to take my job and salary without a peep of complaint, so I'm not looking to screw this up with petulant behaviour. 

Other life bits:  I'm adjusting to the ATL really well, which is another reason for my lack of online presence.  There's always something to do, somewhere to go, cute vintagey things to buy, friends to hang out with, stray animals to feed, and strange men to avoid (note: remind me to tell you all about my horrible encounter with the toothless Cuban chef).  

I still have a presence online, which is only natural since 97% of my job is done on a computer.  I have a football/soccer journal (I hate the word blog, though that's exactly what it is) that I'm growing at the moment, as well as another site where my essays will eventually reside when I FINALLY get around to uploading them in free e-book form.  I'm still something of an insomniac (it's getting better!) so to put my brain to bed, I write reviews for ESPN's Soccernet site.  If I'm not tuckered out by then, I listen to The Bugle- an amazing fake news podcast featuring John Oliver from The Daily Show, and laugh myself to unconciousness.

So yeah, things are going well here.  How're you?  Kelly, I'm outraged that you didn't come to Atlanta.  If any of the rest of you are even THINKING about flying through here (I finally live in a major airport hub!) you must let me know, ASAP.  Those of you in England- I'm coming in May.  Yes, I can cross the "getting my damn passport" off the new year's resolution list.

Oh, I can't stop listening to this song.  I was festering away in Arkansas when this came out, which is why I never got to hear it and am just revelling in the infectious bass beat a year and a half later.   That's another thing- I missed SO MANY THINGS while living out there!  When I came to Atlanta, I realized I had no idea what clothes were fashionable anymore, much less what people in their 20s were wearing, since I'd spent so many hours admiring the sensible pantsuits of the Golden Girls.  I'm happy to report that I'm wearing age-appropriate clothing once more, AND it's a couple sizes smaller now, thanks to Haley's boundless enthusiasm for workouts, and my boundless enthusiasm for herbal teas and complex yoga poses.

This entry is mammoth sized, but you must admit, I had a lot to catch up on.  There's plenty more as well, so I'll try to be a bit better at playing catchup in the future.

No promises, of course.

 

I apologize for the uncouth subject line, but it's rather fitting with the book Quinn and I recently discovered called Sextrology: The Astrology of Sex and the Sexes.  It's basically astrological profiles written along sex and gendered lines, and if you're the right sign- or know yourself really well- it's damn entertaining, yet slightly disturbing. 

Quinn posted his wildly exciting prediction for today in his LJ, and I just wanted to highlight the stark contrasts between ours by posting my own for the day.

Daily Extended Forecast for January 21, 2008
Provided by Astrology.com	Daily Teen Forecast

Nice.  So N-Quinn gets to start the most important relationship of his life today, and I get... English food.   A lifetime of happiness, or a plate of bangers and mash.  Yeah, that's a fair trade! 

Before I go get on Travelocity, I'll post my love horoscope for my Sun sign.

Daily Love for January 21, 2008
Provided by Astrology.com	Weekly Love

Daily Flirt: You may find that you're in a different space than your friends or housemates, thanks to some freaky energy that is passing through all of you. Let it go unless it lasts longer than a few days. Daily Couples: Your family is one of the most important things in your life, but it's not always easy to integrate your love life and your relatives. Take it slow and don't expect everything to happen at once. Daily Singles: The couch and the TV have served you well, but it's time to pry yourself off the furniture and get out of the house. Clear your head with a walk around the block. You never know: That cute neighbor might be outside watering the plants.

-Secure building
-Hot guys
-Nice gym
-Comfortable work
-Extremely friendly coworkers, regardless of job title
-free university level courses with company (I'm currently taking Spanish I over again)
-Free assortment of Starbucks coffees in every break room
-Fairly clean and very modern workplace
-Free tickets to local sporting events
-discounts on my cellphone bill, and various other services
-Hot guys
-Decent pay
-Flexible Hours
-4 weeks paid vacation

Just wanted to note how much better this is than the gig in Little Rock!!

Amidst all of the sad things in the news lately, there are some things that are making me VERY happy:

I've lost 10 lbs since Christmas! Basically, I'm just counting on discipline, belief in my myself, boundless enthusiasm, and encouragement from my workout buddy, and it's all going really well.   

I've been struggling to finish my knitting project for dramaquinn , so I found him something he'll like even better (and can sell if strapped for cash). Yes, I know Christmas was weeks ago- stop judging.

I just found out that I have FOUR WEEKS of vacation time to use this year, and on a related note, I'm planning a weekend getaway to the West Coast. How amazing will that be?

ALSO: Here are some amazing kitschy/crafty/knitty vintage stores online:
Day-Lab (I love this because everything is so...me)
Night-lab (I love this because it's so...the boy version of me)
Little Paper Airplanes (the name alone is fabulous, most of the stuff is a little overpriced though) 
Minimus.biz (proof the internet has everything you need.  It's a site with nothing but 3 oz sized products.  That means you can take them on airplanes...but only if they're in a sealed plastic bag.)
Poppytalk Handmade (if anything, you can get some sweet crafting ideas from this)
PurlSoho (posh yarns a-go-go!!!)
Remogeneralstore (an odd old timey online five 'n' dime type of store. They have EVERYTHING. It's awesome!)
Yesstyle.com (sweet import sweaters and such for 20 bucks? Whhhaaaattt?)

The best thing EVER:

Net Granny



Need a grandma who knits? Love the Swiss? Enjoy English-as-a-second-Language websites? Then you'll adore NetGranny.ch! It's an amazing site where you can adopt a Swiss grandmother, and she will knit socks and send them to you. Yes, it costs coin of the realm... 45.00, but it's totally worth it, I'm sure.

I love my grandmas -A LOT- but EVERYONE can use another grandmother.




She's waiting...

Ah, now's the appropriate time for an End O' Year Wrapup and New Year's Resolutions list.

Will I actually write about those things?

( Let's just see how this develops. )


Happy Holidays to all, and here's to hoping 2008 is as awesome as I believe it will be!

CNN is amazing, and I'm never going back to local news.

I won't see my family for Christmas, but I've been invited 'round to spend the holidays with a lot of other families here- which makes me feel really good.

I am 50% pretty according to that Facebook ranking tool application thing.

In 5 days I will be 26.

However, this is more important than all of that.



That is Jack, from Project Runway. Clearly, his illness is no longer affecting him!! Yay!

I made it here in one piece. Poor Sam (my cat) was fairly traumatized by the whole flying experience, but he's now recovered and has been happily strutting around our new, empty apartment.

Guys, I live in an amazing place.

After 3 years of living in Augusta, Ga and Little Rock, Arkansas I'd forgotten what a real city looks like! I live in the Vinings area of Atlanta, which features lots of high end shops and restaurants, complete with millionaires and famous people wandering around. Buckhead, one of the trendiest neighborhoods, is adjacent to my community and there is already so much to do and see that my head is spinning. My apartment complex is very pretty, and the apartment itself is beyond adorable and cozy.

Also- tonight I found that I can WALK to a freestanding Banana Republic. That may not be much to you, but it's pure heaven for me.

I'm still exceedingly nervous. My first day at work is tomorrow, and I've laid out my clothes in preparation, and did a "test run" driving different routes to the CNN Center. I love the GPS in my rental car (which is a hideous poo brown Taurus- my first unnattractive rental), because I can drive around, stress free and cheery.

So far, so good.

I'm still nervous as all get out, but I'm not immersed in floods of tears like I was in previous entries. I desperately miss my parents, but Haley lives literally a few doors away from me, and my other ATL friends have all gotten in touch, so I'll be okay.

Thank you so much to the lot of you who offered up kind and comforting words. You don't know how much it means to me, really! This is a terrifying time of life, but I'm going to do my damndest to enjoy it and kick a little ass along the way.

[10:10:09 AM] Kimmers says: The moving men are here. They are so elderly
[10:10:23 AM] Kimmers says: I've always had young strapping characters moving my things before
[10:10:32 AM] Kimmers says: one of the guys is pushing 70
[10:19:40 AM] Kimmers says: now he is on my deck, smoking
[10:19:49 AM] Kimmers says: all he did was tape up two boxes
[10:19:54 AM] Kimmers says: and he needed a smoke break
[10:34:20 AM] Kimmers says: oh God, he smells like rum
[10:34:40 AM] Paul Myers says: oh dear
[10:35:06 AM] Kimmers says: and I had to explain to him why I wasn't comfortable with him packing up my lacy underthings
[10:36:36 AM] Kimmers says: and he asked for my cd player
[10:37:08 AM] Paul Myers says: cheek
[10:37:31 AM] Kimmers says: I feel like my dad should be here for this
[10:38:10 AM] Kimmers says: this is why I need less possessions
[10:46:59 AM] Paul Myers says: throw it all away. Start again
[10:47:24 AM] Kimmers says: I want to, but the dumpster is kind of a long walk

I'm currently on break from hosting the podcast (since I'll be without the internet for like 2 weeks any way), so to satisfy my need for Potter AND shopping, I created a new section for the site...

It's called the "Spinner's Cast Harry Potter Holiday Guide" and it features fandom-made gifts and crafts for the season, as well as some very easy knitting patterns. I don't really want to showcase stuff from the Noble Collection or Warner Bros because I want to give the creative people in the fandom a little boost, and let others know about some gift options they may not have thought of!

http://www.spinnerscast.com/holidayguide

I'd like to put out a call to the lot of you crafty folks on my f-list to share a little of your expertise!

I've already linked to a bit of ofenjen and mudblood428's works (by the way ladies, if you don't want to be included- let me know... you'd posted links to items to be sold in the past, so I just linked to that), but I know a lot of you also have incredible crafts, holiday entertaining know-how, and fanart, or have creative friends who could use a little more exposure.

Crafty idols(Jen, lezlishae,quietish)? C'mon now.

This is an earnest call for fandom artists to show their stuff, and maybe make a few bucks along the way. Some holiday jewelry making tutorials may be nice too. I know there are some scattered around the web, and plenty to be found on Leaky- but who wants to wade through all of that when you have a one stop shop for HolidayPotterdom? So far this has all been really well received, but I don't want to leave a stone unturned when looking for awesome gift ideas.

I myself have stumbled upon some sweet jewelry that I want RIGHT NOW (a golden snitch pendant).

Mmm...

It's a new season of Project Runway, and I am so stoked!



As usual for the first episode of a season, there were some hot messes out on the catwalk, but I think that's why people are in love with shows like "American Idol"- they like to see crazy people fail extravagantly in public.

My favorite designers? Chris March, Christian, and Carmen. Christian's look was something I would NEVER wear, but the kid's got a very youthful vision and meticulous skills. Chris March is a diva and a half, and I LOVE that. Carmen reminds me of the nutty side of myself, and everyone loves self regarding nonsense.

I'll cut down the characters a bit later on. Right now, I'm just thrilled that the show is back, back, back!!

One Quick Note: In my opinion, Michael Kors' time has passed as a "Top American Designer". Dude, bring back Zac Posen.

You are ALL The Weapon.

But Uncle Carl is truly made of win.



Wrockstock was amazing. I won't do a full recap right now, because I'm deathly ill due to working too much, very long drives there and back, making the terrible decision to drink and smoke (donzo with that), and freezing temperatures in Missouri. For now, just understand that we raised a lot of money for a great cause, I met a lot of new friends, re-connected with old wonderful friends, and discovered some new wrock to share with the masses.

Overall, it was fantastic. Thanks to everyone for making it so special! :)

Wrockstock is about 3 days away, and here's what I still have to do:

-PACK
-Find all of my HP or Wrock tees
-Locate my dress for my Bellatrix costume
-Buy alchiehols.
-Give myself a mani-pedi
-Do some banking 'n' stuff

In other news, I'm on a desperate hunt for an HP fan artist who takes commissions. I am in LOVE with the drawing of sue_tlc, and I want one for myself- no matter what the price! Well... that's not true, but I am a woman on a mission.

I'm in the midst of also working on a nice way to not only celebrate the 50th episode of Spinner'sCast, Halloween, and my last episode for a couple of months-- all in one episode. We were going to record it on location in Missouri at Wrockstock, but I'm thinking that may end up being a special old skool style "MinSpin" devoted to wrock, then include the full cast in the official 50th show. Hmmm... *strokes chin thoughtfully and peers over glasses* We'll see.

Anyhow, I've started seriously working out again, and overall- I've felt better and non-depressed for the past couple of days. I still had a panic attack last night, but I got over it a lot quicker than usual.

So weight training > medication... at least for me!

SELF REMINDER: Within next the next few days, write an editorial about the varying reactions to the "Dumbledore is Gay" news within the fandom. What does it say about our idea of being "politically correct"? What does it say about how we value our characters? What does it say when the majority of the negative comments on Leaky and Mugglenet are either "LOL. He spent all that time with Harry, ew." or, "SO DID HE HOOK UP WITH STUDENTS" or, "I H8 THESES BOOKZ n0w." Why wasn't Dumbledore outed in the literary text? Was it to make the book more marketable? Why are some people so happy? Why are some so angry? Why don't I care much either way?

In other news, I really like the vast majority of our listeners- who are truly like us: quietly interested in the news, but more excited about backing up the various claims from JKR with textual evidence and then speculating on the character's actions.

Yes, I'm happy that DD's been outed. Yes, it's important to the storyline because love and romantic relationships are an integral part of the entire series. Yes, it explains why he let Grindlewald escape, and why he understands romantic love so well though we never saw him experience it firsthand. Yes, there will be some complete idiots who believe this will "ruin" the series.

No, I don't give two damns because J.K. Rowling is a rich, rich woman who gave me a world that I love.

I reallllly can't read the comments on Leaky, and I wish I hadn't tried. It's as if some people completely missed the entire point of the books and just thought it was about a poor kid who could fly. It's a shame when people who don't like books, love, or fellow human beings decide to infiltrate a happy community.

That is all.

New hair for new life outlook.

Got rid of increasingly bad looking extensions, and went au natural yet again. I'd forgotten how insanely thick my hair was until it came out of the braids and I was presented with an ENORMOUS GINGER AFRO. To my horror, I'd left my cellphone at home, so I couldn't take a picture of it. Obviously, my hair grew a lot over a short period of time- but about 4 inches of old, nappy hair had to be cut off the ends- leaving only shiny, happy tresses.

Also:

I've been accused with being an Anglophile recently. Normally I'd say, "If the shoe fits...", but I don't think that's the case. I just happen to really love football/soccer, my team is doing incredibly well, and I've always identified with a British sense of humor. I'm not TRYING to adopt the culture, am I?

That said, if I had the chance to live in London right now- I'd go. Immediately. No questions asked.

Now, a YouTube moment...

You all wouldn't be interested in most of what's on my playlist; it's all old football moments, and hilarious comedy/quiz show bits- but here's something that I need help with.

Is this funny, or not? I can't really tell. I'm leaning towards "no".

Hey guys,

We rarely do Public Service Announcements on Spinner's Cast (though we should), but hear me out this once. I promise not to get preachy or become a buzzkill. :)

What's the message of the Harry Potter books? Good v. Evil? Well, you may think there's no way for you to fight evil on your own- but I'm just reminding you of a way to do so.

Nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer: either having lost a family member, or watched a friend or coworker struggle with the disease. Love the women in your life? Love yourself? Show it.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So wear pink sometime this week, read up on breast cancer, and mention to your mum, sister, or grandma that getting checked may be a good idea. It's quick, it's painless, and it's an easy and proactive way to do something to help someone RIGHT NOW.

We here at SPC promote HP Alliance and their mission to help the citizens of Darfur pretty often, but this is a serious issue right here at home, and you can do something to help- without spending a dime.

Make and Wear Your Own Pink Ribbon
Join the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Group on Facebook
Donate to the American Cancer Society

There, you did something good for someone else today. Harry Potter would be proud. ...well, at least we think he would. Luna would approve for sure. ;)

Thanks a lot guys!
Kim:)

My friends have been full of angst for the past couple of days- but I'm oddly completely untouched by it all! I care about their woes of course (some MUCH more than others), but I've been remarkably light on my feet and I don't know why.

Also inexplicably content.

My two best friends have been struggling with serious issues lately, one of my PA's just found out she's preggers, and people are falling out of love with the HP fandom at an alarming rate. Again, I care very much about the first couple of instances- but I'm incredibly upbeat and optimistic about all of it! As for the online fandom, if people can so easily give up on it just a few months after having the book in their hands- then they were just along for the ride anyway (and I don't think there's anything wrong with that, to be clear).

Or they wanted D-Rad. And his T.

Mmm... Enough of that rubbish.

In other news, I've gotten many people in the newsroom addicted to Perezhilton.com (dramaquinn loves it too, he just won't admit it). I know it's wrong and dirty, but where else am I supposed to see the new Britney video before it premieres? How am I supposed to figure out if black nail polish is still hot? WHERE WILL I GET WEEKLY PICTURES OF ZAC EFRON AND CRISTIANO RONALDO? (...and why would I care about any of this? Why?)

The power of Perez? On Friday morning, one of my news anchors came running down the stairs to the studio, stilettos clicking like mad, only to sit on the set 4 seconds before the 8:55 news cut-in. Why had she been so tardy for the party? She was trying to watch the "Gimme More" video on PerezHilton, and the video was taking a long time to load.

Hard nosed journalists indeed!

I've got the #1 single! No time for rehab!

I do kind of like the single "Gimme More" by B. Spears. I know Britney had nothing to do with it at all(hell, get me a sound booth and an amazing producer, and I'll sound the same way), so I don't feel guilty about it.

Ooh, need to wrap this up to fit in some Premiere league football before college (oval shaped) football coverage begins...

Let's see, had to renew lease on apartment and hated myself for it, looking to enter the world of literary publicity, developed a tendency to blush prettily and giggle loudly while talking to a radio sports producer each morning for a segment on my show, have a very slight crush on a British stage actor, getting quite good at knitting lace, not ready at all for Wrockstock, done with anti-social/immature types in the fandom (purged my site of that rubbish), loving my fellow podders, going to be presenting at Terminus, planning to cut off hair and wear glasses constantly.

Whew.

*pop*
Quick post!

If you're doing NaNoWriMo this year, add me as a writing buddy as I'll desperately need motivation to even get halfway through. My name on there is "kimothie".

*pop*