;-)

I used to have the cutest little non-smart phone.  It was bright pink with little embossed daisies.  Now that I've switched over to the smart phone I could never go back.  There are a few features, however, that this new phone is lacking.

Don't get me wrong, the smart phone is great.  My own little full functioning barbie sized computer.

But it doesn't have the devil face.  I really need the devil face.

Many of you are rolling your eyes, thinking that's just the software.  Uh huh, got that.  I can't get what I want loaded onto my phone.  Just that simple.  Different phones, different companies, and I'm stuck with the strange and limited alien expressions.

Sure, I've got the most used- smile and smile/wink.  I have the occasionally used sad, tear, and tongue sticking out.  But I don't have the devil.

By nature, I am a fairly sarcastic person.  Even at inappropriate times.  Therefore, I desperately need the fitting emoticons/smilies.

I don't have the smiling devil.  Clearly he was my go to for any facetious or mocking comment.  I miss him.

I also don't have the wink/smiling devil.  While less used than the traditional devil, he was pivotal to designate if I'm being sarcastic or using an innuendo.

Ahh... and smile with the uplifted eyebrows?  There was no sarcasm for this guy.  No innuendo.  He was truly giving the face that says, "ya wanna??"  Date nights will never be the same with the eyebrow guy.

Sure I can be confused, an angel, or have my foot in my mouth.  It's just not the same.  Oh-- and what the heck is with money mouth.  I'm so old I don't even know when to use that one.

Finding your voice

There are approximately 12 versions of me that wear different hats.  I am a teacher, kind and soft.  I am an intellectual, with a sarcastic flare for humoring the educated.  I am a sex symbol, using my feminine wiles.  I am vulnerable and sentimental... rarely seen.

Each venue of my life has to be carefully assessed to know which personality, or combination of personalities, can be shown.  It's what you do.  Professionalism is a must.  Audience must be recognized.  Paper trails must be considered.

Sometimes... I feel orange.

I am fully aware that my facebook friends include children.  Apparently, by accepting their friendship, I have taken on the responsibility to monitor what they are exposed to.  Not their parents, it's on me.

Heavy concerns of the job market also force me to curtain my opinions, or at least provide a disclaimer.  These people that are hiring me... they aren't human??

I resent having to delete something I've posted, in an attempt to never offend anyone.  That is why I have a blog.  That is also why I may sometimes talk to myself.  I never judge me.

So when you finally get to the root, find your voice, why does it have to be a secret?  Writing, like all arts, is about expression.  It's fine if it doesn't question, offend, or challenge anyone or anything else.  But really... how deep is your expression if you have to handle every interaction like a job interview?

Must delete frankly honest post now.  Stepford wives crisis response team is on the way.

My Life list

1.  Learn to play chess
2.  Write a children's book
3.  Publish a children's book
4.  Ride Alpengeist
5.  Visit Cedar Point
6.  Visit New York
7.  Live on the east coast
8.  Walk or run a charity event
9.  Volunteer for the homeless
10.  Do something unexpected
11.  Forgive someone when I think I can't
12.  Go Parasailing
13.  Lie topless on a beach in Greece
14.  Visit Alaska
15.  Ride in a helicopter
16.  Make a difference
17.  Be in two places at the same time
18.  See Greenday live
19.  Kiss passionately in the rain
20.  Leave a $100 tip in a restaurant
21.  Zip line
22.  Become a bone marrow donor
23.  Walk through central park
24.  See the northern lights
25.  Help someone complete a life list item
26.  Get my masters
27.  Teach college
28.  Go to Vegas
29.  Get another tattoo
30.  Go skinny dipping
31.  Be part of a flash mob

A-mus-ing

Remember your Greek mythology?  Do you remember the muses?  They were said to bring artistic inspiration.  So without getting all heavy into ancient storytelling, clearly writer's block can be assumed to happen with the absence of a muse.

Several people have asked why I've been writing so much lately.  Writing has always been a big part of my life, dating back to elementary school.  Like most writers, I experience a drought of writer's block from time to time.  It seems the more jaded and cynical older I get, these droughts last longer and longer.  Age brings with it many things.  Two things it does not seem to bring are idealism and a surrealistic view.

But every once in a while, something sparks that fire inside me to create.  It lights my soul and opens a floodgate of ideas begging to get out.  I feel alive and elated.  I never know when my muse will awaken.  I just desperately get everything down on paper, or canvas, or wherever I can as quickly as possible.  There is no telling how long the muse will stay.  

Thank you muse, for lighting the fire and guiding me to the warmth.  Please stay awhile.

FYI :)

I want to write a dissertation on emoticons.  I'm fascinated with them.  Our next generation is growing up with an entirely new way to communicate non-verbally.  Unfortunately, I am not part of that generation.

I've come to discover that when you text, email, or IM someone, you really should have this figured out.  *Apparently IM is now a verb, btw.

I can make a statement, with implications ranging from boredom to flirting, with the simplest choice of an emoticon.

What are you doing?  :(     *I'm disappointed in your choices

What are you doing?  :)     *I genuinely care to know

What are you doing?  :o    *Shock and questioning

What are you doing?  ;)      *Clearly I want you

And of course, let us not forget our ever important friend, the lol.

I love explaining this to you. lol    *I actually don't love it.  I have 1990's NOT'ed you.

I am so excited to see this generation become the future leaders and decision makers in our world.  lol