Happy Valentine's Day...

"There is no greater feeling than doing something you love with someone you love." --Nikki Reed

This blogpost has been brewing for some time in my overactive brain. I wanted to speak of the love story of Nikki Reed (Rosalie of Twilight fame) and her husband, Paul McDonald (The guy from American Idol). Why? Well, I am a fan of Twilight in general, books more so than the movies, although the movies did bring Robert Pattinson (my muse) to the forefront, but I digress. I am a fan of American Idol, and I recall watching Paul McDonald whose voice is a throwback of Rod Stewart/Bob Dylan stylings and folksy rock yumminess in general. I remember watching him in his various stand out suits thinking, I really hope this guy makes it far. My friends agreed that he had great vocals and a killer smile. He didn’t get the AI crown, but he did find his wife, Nikki via the show.


I remember when the contestants attended the Red Riding Hood movie premiere. Paul met Nikki. She gushed over his talent. He was surprised and in awe of how beautiful she was/is. He tells the camera he has no idea who she is exactly. I thought that was awesome. At 0.54 they meet....


By the end of the season, she was in the audience as his supportive girlfriend. Fast forward, they are doing duets for the final Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn 2, as husband and wife. Beautiful.


Nikki indicated that she had always loved to sing, but until she met Paul, she never had the courage to pursue it. I think her voice is gorgeous and they duet beautifully together.

My point is, in your life, whomever you meet—boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, child, sister, friend, co-worker, should bring out the shine in you. I feel blessed with the many valentines in my life and I feel like their presence in my journey makes me want to be the best I can be.

Best wishes to Nikki and Paul. May they continue to make beautiful music together.

Happy Hearts Day everyone.

Nikki’s blog here.

Comic Con 2012/Twilight-Breaking Dawn Thursday Mission Accomplished

I am so tired.

Just a quick post about the fun I had at today's Comic Con 2012 in San Diego. I attended last year and sat in line for 6 hours for the Breaking Dawn 1 Panel. This year was double the time, with my sister-in-law. So being awake for going on 48 hours with a slice of sleep on the grass here and there was well worth it. The final cast panel included Robert Pattinson (my fave), Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Foy, the Cullen family and the many covens. I was also excited to see Stephenie Meyer herself. We were treated to the first seven minutes of Breaking Dawn II as well as an additional scene. The cast was funny and insightful. I'm happy I had a chance to experience this two years in a row, even if we missed the 9PM line visit by most of the cast, the free posters, etc. This Twilight Thursday at Comic Con was exhausting and rewarding all at the same time.

Here are a few of my pics from my experience before I fade to black....

San Diego Convention Center, my view at 4AM.

England shirt, splendor in the grass, ouch my a**!

The cast of Twilight Breaking Dawn II.

Meeting the Covens.

Stephenie Meyer, author with 'Renesme'-Mackenzie Foy.

Shark Boy turn Wolf Man.

Cullen Couples.

Ending with Rob.
Added these videos for posterity sake:

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Electric Boogaloo The Ballad of Ricky Bobby...Day 17 of NaBloPoMo

Sometimes, a blog idea just falls in my lap. This time it happened at the Starbuck’s Drive Thru, and I’m not talking hot coffee on my thighs.

I’ve been meaning to post about my excitement of watching Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Electric Boogaloo The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

I’m headed out with my kinfolk Friday night. Proof below, Nari and Judy, Let’s DO this!

Well, after dropping my son off at school my addictive nature wanted a Starbucks spinach feta wrap. I headed to the drive thru, which is always crowded in the morning, so they usually send out a human to take your order. My daughter and I were enjoying the movie soundtrack, our favorites already are track 1 and 3, but the less played number 4 was on. I lowered the volume, but not enough to cause my mandrake baby in the back seat to complain that she couldn’t hear the music. So, I placed my order and the lovely red haired woman of about forty years old kept repeating my order details. She then apologized and said, “I’m sorry, I’m so distracted by your music. Is this? Is this the Twilight Breaking Dawn soundtrack?” We twittered away about when we were going to see the movie and she finally got my order right.

Is this what it feels like when Trekkies or Star Wars fanatics meet each other? I’m also a Harry Potterhead and that’s a whole other obsession, however, secondary to Twilight.

I was at Comic Con this past summer and did line up for the Twilight panel. Six hours of craziness, being one with the grass and willing myself not to need to eat or pee. I saw the cast and my muse, Robert Pattinson. It was great! But, would I do it again? Under the right conditions, but once was enough.

Anyway, red headed Starbucks lady (aka Victoria) thanked me and told me to enjoy the movie. I know I will. The soundtrack/books/actor have got me excited since ever since.

ESTA LATER!

July, Full of Life

The busy-ness of my weekends in July made this a memorable summer thus far. Comic Con lived up to my expectations. I was exhausted after each day. I did fulfill the goal of seeing Robert Pattinson in person for the Twilight: Breaking Dawn panel, to include the other major players such as Kristen Stewart & Taylor Lautner. I switched to survival mode, limiting sleep, water and food to endure the seven hour wait in line. Crazy? Yes. Rewarding? Definitely. Has my life magically changed since “seeing” Robert P. from 500 feet away? Not really.


Saturday was great as well at Comic Con, sitting in the Activision panel, listening to Stan Lee, Val Kilmer. Seeing Korean beauty, Jamie Chung and the dude who played Rex Racer in Speedracer wasn’t so terrible either. I got a strong craving to watch Sucker Punch after seeing Jamie C., fulfilled yesterday.


Random celebrity sightings on the exhibition floor was cool too(i.e., the back of Ginnifer Goodwin, "Something Borrowed").



My son got to meet two of the creators of Ben 10. I think I was more excited than he. My cousins stumbled upon and met and chatted with Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons. My daughter wasn’t as afraid of the villains in costume or giant robots. And my hubby got to sit in the Castle panel and laugh at Nathan Fillion.



Two days ago, I was fortunate enough to attend L.A. Rising at the Los Angeles Coliseum. We missed the first two acts (on purpose), but planned our arrival to hear Lauryn Hill (who I found out just had her sixth child last week), Muse (my second concert in a year—I’ve met my quota), and Rage Against the Machine (these 40-somethings still have the fire). Watching Tom Morello work his magic on the guitar was, well, magical! I thought all the screechy DJ like scratch sounds I used to rock to were from a DJ, but realized as I watched the big screens focused on Morello’s hands that he was the Mastermind of all strange and wonderful sounds. To be a part of what I'm guessing to be 80, 000 plus fans (including Val Kilmer)….was AWESOME.

<=Matt Bellamy of MUSE is the Taki! (♥ his voice).
July was hyped up and played out great. I’m looking forward to a nice, warm August with my family as we gear up for more Navy living and school days. It feels great to be exhausted at the end of the day. Exhaustion from exhilaration is never a bad thing.

So, August, focusing on my novels, well one and a half, really. One completed draft is in the hands of two able and willing BETA READERS*, and I'm raking over my hardcopy before handing it over to a wonderful Navy wife who has agreed to check it out. I needed another BETA READER* who was not Chamorro or not familiar with Guam to read with fresh eyes. Goal: Get this novel to the lone agent who agreed to read my first 3 chapters almost 2 years ago…hope she hasn’t forgotten me. If she has…I will do my best to refresh her memory. I reluctantly call myself a Romance writer, but I guess I am, although my books would fall under Women's Lit, comfortably. I'm no harlequin style writer, more chic lit (which has been called derogatory)...I don't like to share story lines (much like an inventor wouldn't post blue prints of works not completed)...but a phoenix is a common theme and another Beta Reader (my best friend) said the first book was "very Bridget Jones's Diary--but with a Chamorro Chick."



I’m also excited because I’ve given two chapters of my new project (half way written) to Carlene Rae Dater, who was my writing mentor two years ago. She helped light a fire under my butt to right (write) until I was done….So, as if I’ve given my work to a professor for editing and a grade, I nervously await her reaction.

Esta Later!

*BETA READER: A beta reader (also spelled betareader, or shortened to beta) is a person who reads a written work, generally fiction, with what has been described[1] as "a critical eye, with the aim of improving grammar, spelling, characterization, and general style of a story prior to its release to the general public." The author or writer, who can be referred to as the alpha reader, may use several "betas" prior to publication. (Source: Wikipedia, because we all know what’s written there is FAKT. )

Comic Con Here I Come!

Comic Con Newbie!

Yes, Comic Con in San Diego is an exciting event. I’m thoroughly excited to the point that I’ve been planning my Thursday visit like a military leader. I’ve reconned the building, twice, Youtubed (this is a verb much like Google has become a verb—not verified) the horrific lines for Hall H and even coerced my wonderful cousins who live less than two miles away to let me and my children sleep over so I can sneak out before “Breaking Dawn” in hopes of lining up for the Twilight: Breaking Dawn panel. If you follow my blog, you know I do admire Robert, so I’m trying not to get too excited in case I don’t make the 6,000 attendee cut off for the infamous Hall H.


I know “real” Comic Convention enthusiasts hate Twi-hards or Twi-tards as we are often referred to, but everyone is entitled to their afflictions. I am definitely making the rounds of the comic book circuit on the proceeding days. I will take pictures of the many characters that will convene by the water. I’m particularly excited to see Wonderwoman or any strong (sexy) female characters. If I see a Harry Potter look-a-like, I’ll be posing with him too.

Hopefully, I can report back that I indeed saw the cast of Twilight: Breaking Dawn in person, even if they are microscopic. Wish me luck as I ride the teen/mom/grandma wave of estrogen into Hall H. Robward, here I come.

I ♥ Alison Rae!

Fasten your seatbelts, this literary train is chugging along with or without you.

The ball is rolling and now I just need to keep up with the momentum. I’ve always worked better with looming deadlines and pressure. I’m feeling it again now with the promotion of my children’s book and short story collection. This book writing project has a life of its own and Alison and I are super passionate about perfecting and maintaining what we’ve started. I feel as giddy as I did when I was planning my wedding. We even created a brand logo--making it all the more real. Details, creativity, commitment—just like a marriage.

This past week we decided (after much research) on a web hosting company. We sat together making the deal and pounding the guy on the phone with questions. When the representative verified that GuamBooksAndBeads.com was indeed available, we shrieked like crazed teenagers. You would have thought Robert Pattinson entered the room (shameless cougar plug). We had to apologize to the very quiet man on the phone. He must be used to people being excited or we stunned him paralyzed with our banshee-like shrieks. So, for the past week we have been building our website. It should launch early September with awesome details. It definitely makes me feel more validated as a writer. I actually introduced myself as a mom / writer today at a NEA Grant workshop. It felt great.

We are looking forward to bringing more literary products to the masses with emphasis on our Chamorro heritage. I am excited to be carrying out my late father’s desire to share the beauty of our culture and having my kid brother and his talents along for the ride is quite comforting.

I feel my father’s presence in these last few months and the synergy of what I decided is carrying me on a wave from the Guam newspaper phone interview (thanks, Lenika), to the purchase of supplies for our festival appearances, to family and friends asking me to autograph their books and being invited to UCLA to speak on a panel. It’s all raining down gloriously and I’m jumping in puddles and acting the fool.

My family keeps me elevated like the great latte stones. My professional and personal relationship with my mali’ and business partner, Alison gives me purpose. Who would have thought that meeting this stranger for the first time at her wedding in 2008 would lead to all this. So, to Alison…you are awesome. Thanks for being a friend. ZINGA!

Esta later!

And so it begins....YATAA!

That’s me. Each day is a struggle, another chance to do right. I’ve been happily married for the last six years and I have enjoyed motherhood. Still, there is something missing. I’ve been feeling out of balance. I’m very into yin and yang and if you know me, I’m at times more yang than anything else. One thing is certain, I am a writer. Writing is my soul. When my fingers tap along, the words come out and help me make sense of my world.

At 36 (I’ve never been ashamed of my age), I still feel like I live in a cocoon. I have certain life accomplishments checked off my list, but I want more. Is it wrong to want more? I feel like I should be wailing the lyrics to Radiohead’s song, Creep—“I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul.”

What is the role of my blog? How much of my private life do I want to expose? Just enough.

I would be happy if no one read my blog, because I am first and foremost doing this for ME. My thoughts and realizations and confusions need an outlet. My writing, my quips, my poetry, my short stories, my novels---heck, even my Facebook posts are outlets.

So, for today, after watching Oprah and her show with Geneen Roth, WOMEN FOOD and GOD, I bought the book. Something I don’t usually do. I’m cheap (let’s call me frugal)—I check eBay and Craigslist first. Of course, happy to find that it was 30% off…I just read the prologue and I want to continue. I need to figure out why I beat myself up with food. Why I blame hormones, why when my energy wanes I get grumpy. I don’t want to be this way. I want to understand why I sometimes clutch onto my defeatist, victim attitude. I have even been “training” for an upcoming marathon team relay (which equates to about 6 miles—not the entire 26.2) for the last six months and have ended up gaining weight. Things that make you go, hmmmm?

So, like the blog title conveys. I am a GODDESS in training. I want to achieve that magic aura or enlightenment, like in the movie, The Last Dragon (by the way, Taimak still looks good for his age). I want ZEN. In the meantime, I am writing like crazy (as much as possible with two awesome children under the age of 4) and keeping in touch with my Chamorro side, with my connection with CHE’LU, Inc., (shameless self-promotion here).

I am working on self-publishing a compilation of 13 short stories (Attitude 13) by October and a children’s book based on a retelling of a Guam legend.

This is the Year of the Tiger, (that’s me and birthday boy) and I am feeling powerful and productive again. By the way, Happy 24th birthday to Robert Pattinson, the muse of my novel and the man my husband allows in my cougar fantasies. Esta later!