I voted, did you? If you're over 18 and you live in the USA, VOTE! No ifs, ands, or buts. There's way too much at stake for you not to vote.

So go vote!

in the middle of summer. Yep, that sounds like me. In case you hadn't noticed, I've deleted about half of my gallery. I took down almost everything I didn't like (which means bye-bye to most of the poetry), but I left a few things that irritate me...because apparently other people like them? Whatever.

If you have a spare moment (or seven), cruise on over to youtube and listen to Randy Harrison being freaking fantastic as Lucky in the Berkshire Theatre Festival's production of Waiting for Godot. Even people who didn't think much of BTF's take on the play thought that Randy's monologue was amazing, so go listen. Seriously.

That's all for the moment. I'll update again when I get around to it. Ciao!

New avatar. Paddies over at lj made it (She's a goddess. Yes. Yes, she is).

Nothing much going on, writing-wise, or at least nothing I can/will post. Maybe I'll dig something out of one of my folders. We'll see. I make no promises.

Felt like doing this for story purposes. So. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it
1. Choose a few of your own characters. Five at the most.
2. Make them answer the following questions.
3. Then tag three people. (not doing this part)

Characters Chosen:
Brian
Aidan
Lily
Tiernan
Cait

1) How old are you?
Brian: *eyes uncertainly* 24
Aidan: I'm almost 18! See if Brigid can treat me like a little kid then!
Lily: *glares* That's not very polite. And anyway, where have you been? There was an enormous party for my twenty-second birthday.
Tiernan: Don't mind her. She's a bit rude if she feels you're asking stupid questions. Anyway, I'm 25.
Cait: *smiles* I'm two days older than Brian.

2) Height?
Brian: *chuckles* As tall as that guy. It's a little strange actually, I've never met anyone my height.
Tiernan: *glances at Brian* We're both about 6'3
Lily: You two are so obnoxious. I'm 5'5
Cait: I'm a shocking 5'8
Aidan: Thank my sweet goddess, I'm 6' and taller than the women. *head in hands*

3) You got any bad habits?
Brian: *smirks*
Aidan: *looks at Brian from under eyelashes* Nothing I'm going to tell you about.
Cait: *smiles at Brian and Aidan* Everyone has bad habits. I yell at my best friend sometimes, when he's trying his best not to mess things up. I just get so frustrated.
Lily: Of course not. I have to set a good example for my brothers and sisters, never mind all the people I'm responsible for.
Tiernan: *shakes head* You would not believe the list I've got, and this one's bad habits *points at Lily* include lying.

4) You a virgin?
Aidan: *blushes*
Brian: *laughs* Not since I was 14. *smiles a little too knowingly at Aidan* He won't answer, but go ahead and mark him down in the non-virgin category.
Cait: Ask Brian. He'll be happy to give you all the details.
Lily: *blushes* I cannot believe you have the gall to ask me that.
Tiernan: No. And give Lily some time. Eventually she'll be able to admit it.

5) Who's your mate/spouse?
Aidan: ...um. I'm not sure if I can...
Brian: *slings an arm around Aidan's shoulders* Figure it out for yourself.
Cait: I don't have one. I'm not sure I would want one either.
Lily: Well, I don't really -- I mean, Tiernan and I are sort of -- I think we're going to get married and --
Tiernan: *interrupts* Oh, for fuck's sake. Yes, Lily and I are going to get married. Eventually.

6) Have any kids?
Brian: Hell no.
Aidan: *stares* I'm 17.
Cait: I agree with Brian.
Lily: Honestly. Of course I don't. I'm not even married!
Tiernan: *sighs* Not yet. Do try to relax, won't you, Lily?

7) Favorite food?
Brian: Aidan's --
Aidan: *claps hand over Brian's mouth* If I'm bored, sometimes I make this really delicious pasta that we both love.
Cait: *snorts* Anyway. I like salad. And the pasta's not half bad, either.
Tiernan: Steak. I love steak.
Lily: I think I have to say bacon.

8) Favorite ice cream flavor?
Brian: *smirks* I don't eat ice cream unless it's on --
Aidan: Thank you, Brian, for your input. Vanilla is definitely our favorite.
Cait: Strawberry is delicious.
Lily: *shrugs* I like the kinds with candy in. Or cookie dough.
Tiernan: I'm not terribly picky. Generally I just get vanilla, though.

9) Killed anyone?
Brian: Nope.
Aidan: No. My sister has, though.
Cait: *glares at Aidan* You're not supposed to talk about that. And no, I haven't.
Lily: Of course not.
Tiernan: Yeah, but can we not talk about that? I didn't enjoy it.

10) Hate anyone?
Brian: All the fucking idiots who insist on gossiping about me. Oh, and my parents.
Aidan: Not in particular, no.
Cait: I'm not really fond of Brian's parents, either.
Lily: My mother. She's so annoying.
Tiernan: There are a few people. Mostly that creep who -- well, actually, I shouldn't really be talking about him that way. Could get me in a hell of a lot of trouble.

11) Any secrets?
Brian: You didn't think I told everyone everything, did you?
Aidan: *blushes* Yes.
Cait: Nothing mind-blowing. Brian knows most of it, anyway.
Lily: Not really.
Tiernan: Yeah, sure. Lily could tell you pretty much everything about me, though.

12) Love anyone?
Brian: *smiles just a little*
Aidan: *grins* Yeah, definitely.
Cait: I'm not in love with anyone, if that's what you're asking.
Lily: I think so.
Tiernan: Yes.

13) TACOS?
Brian: What are you smoking? Can I have some of it?
Aidan: *elbows Brian* Sure, I'll take some.
Cait: *rolls eyes* Do you ever stop eating, Aidan? Honestly. I like tacos. Not hungry right now, though. Maybe in an hour?
Lily: What?
Tiernan: Sounds good to me.

14) Ever slept in all day?
Brian: Frequently.
Aidan: *surreptitiously glances at Brian* Yes.
Cait: I do, sometimes.
Lily: Not usually, no. Tess likes to be up not long after the sun.
Tiernan: I wish.

15) Favorite show?
Brian: What are you talking about?
Aidan: What?
Cait: Yeah, what?
Lily: *arches eyebrow* I'm starting to wonder if you are at all sane.
Tiernan: You've lost us entirely.

16) Favorite movie?
Brian: Do we need to go over this again?

17) Favorite band?
Aidan: I like to waltz. So, anyone who plays waltzes.
Brian: *raises eyebrows* Surprisingly, I agree with the blond.
Cait: I like dancing, and I'm not very picky about what I dance to, so...
Lily: I hate to dance. Hate it.
Tiernan: Dancing's not really my cup of tea, but I like all types of music.

18) Eye Colours?
Brian: Are you blind?
Aidan: *rolls eyes* His are this amazing green-hazel and mine are blue.
Brian: Don't sell yourself short! They're a very bright blue, like --
Cait: Shut up, Brian. Mine are green.
Lily: *sighs* Blue, thanks for asking.
Tiernan: Grey.

19) Skin?
Aidan: I'm really pale.
Brian: Who isn't?
Tiernan: I'm not. They are all rather disturbingly white. I feel like I'm in a room full of ghosts.
Cait: *tosses hair* I'm a redhead. It's practically against the laws of nature for me to be anything but pale.
Lily: Do you know how much work it takes to keep freckles from showing up on my skin?

20) Fat/Average/Slim?
Aidan: Um, average?
Brian: Skinny.
Cait: Would you knock that shit off? You're slim, Brian. Slim. Not skinny.
Brian: You keep telling yourself that.
Lily: I prefer the term slender.
Tiernan: Of course you do. I'm average.

21) Rain, sunshine?
Brian: *smirks* Sunshine. *runs hand through Aidan's blond curls*
Aidan: *mutters* Fuck off, Brian. *returns to normal voice* I like them both. It really depends on my mood.
Cait: I think I prefer the rain, you know? I loved playing inside when I was little, and we only ever got to do it when it was raining.
Lily: *gives Cait a skeptical look* I prefer to be in the sun.
Tiernan: I'm like Aidan. It changes depending on my mood.

22) Pool, beach?
Aidan: What is with these questions? You might as well ask Brian what his favorite place to have sex is or what position --
Brian: I prefer the pool.
Aidan: *deadpan* No shit. I like the pool, too. I get a sunburn in about half an hour, and we have indoor pools.
Cait: Pool, definitely. I hate having to clean sand out of every orifice.
Lily: *blushes* The beach.
Tiernan: *smirks* Definitely the beach. Pools are nice, but the beach holds a special place in my heart.

23) Camping, staying home?
Brian: As long as I'm fairly well out of the sun, I don't care.
Aidan: Camping is fun.
Cait: I prefer being at home.
Lily: Home, I think.
Tiernan: I'm fine anywhere.

24) Dog, cat?
Brian: I prefer my horse, thanks.
Aidan: I love cats. Dogs are just a little too needy.
Cait: I adore dogs! Not to say that I don't love cats as well, but dogs are just so loving...
Lily: Cats. I have two.
Tiernan: Both. I've been meaning to get a dog to balance out the insolence of the cats.
Brian: *laughs*

25) Believe in aliens?
Brian: Yeah, and I have this oceanfront property in Colorado, if you're interested.
Aidan: *slaps Brian* No, that's silly.
Cait: No, not really.
Lily: Only the illegal kind.
Tiernan: Lily, must you be so -- Hell. And the answer is no.

26) Natural born, or clone?
Aidan: What?
Brian: If I were a clone --
Cait: The world would be in trouble *grins*
Lily: I am natural born. What's a clone, anyway?
Tiernan: Does having a twin sister count?

27) Car or ship?
Brian: What the fuck's a car?
Aidan: What he means is, ship. Is a car like a carriage? Carriage, then.
Cait: This conversation is so weird.
Lily: You said it. I hate ships. I get sea-sick.
Tiernan: I adapt to all forms of transportation.

28) Ever destroyed something out of blind rage?
Brian: Heh.
Aidan: No. *glances at Brian* No, I can't say that I have.
Lily: Am I missing something here? You two seem awfully --
Tiernan: Thank you, Lily. And yes, she and I have both destroyed things when we're angry. What about you, my lady?
Cait: Nothing irreparable.

29)Any unusual things about you?
Brian: I've got a 9-inch --
Aidan: *claps hand over Brian's mouth again and glares at him* Try for child-appropriate language, would you? His height is unusual. So's his brain.
Cait: *laughs* Aside from being the prince's lover's lover? Or the red hair and green eyes? And let's not forget being a 24-year-old unmarried woman.
Aidan: Is that really that unusual? I'm the prince, by the way.
Brian: *rolls eyes* You figure out who his boy-toy is.
Tiernan: *grins at them* Like that's difficult.
Lily: Please mind your manners.
Tiernan: Of course. Unusual things about me? I'm an assassin. And I'm sleeping with --
Lily: Tiernan!
Brian *laughs* You really think we haven't worked it out by now? We're not stupid.
Aidan: Can we please move on to the next question?
Cait: I think we've shown we're unusual.

30) How much food/drink do you need a day?
Brian: I eat like a mouse. The fuck do you think?
Aidan: Really, Brian. We eat the same amount as anyone else. Three meals a day, with maybe some snacks.
Brian: *raises eyebrows* Maybe? You eat the equivalent of five meals a day, easy.
Cait: He does eat like a horse, doesn't he?
Lily: I eat three meals.
Tiernan: She thinks I eat like a horse, but then again, she doesn't usually spend an hour outside swinging a sword around, so.

31) Favorite place?
Brian: In my bedroom, buried inside his --
Aidan: Brian! Please, please behave.
Cait: Really, Brian. I would have to say, in the palace library. It's like a dream come true.
Lily: On my balcony. It's beautiful. You can see for forever.
Tiernan: Yeah, her balcony is pretty amazing.
Brian: I'm serious about what I said earlier.
Aidan: Really? Brian, I -- Um, never mind. I like my bed. My sister helped me design it when I was five.

32) What is your job?
Brian: Advisor and accountant for our fair prince.
Aidan: As briefly as possible, I'm running the country.
Cait: I'm something of a messenger-girl between the queen and her brother. And I help him run the country, because Goddess knows he's not quite experienced enough to handle it all by himself.
Brian: Fuck that, Cait. He's perfectly capable.
Cait: Whatever you say, Brian.
Tiernan: Okay, then...I'm pretty much Lily's bodyguard. Considering how her family members have been dropping like flies, her mother figured she might need one.
Lily: I'm the morale person, I suppose. I tour around the country and convince people my mother is a good queen. Well, it's more complex than that, and that's hardly my only job but --
Tiernan: I think they get the idea.

33) What do you do to relax?
Brian: *chuckles*
Aidan: *blushes* Brian gives me massages sometimes.
Cait: Is that what they're calling it these days? *laughs* I read, mostly. If I'm really stressed, I'll go riding or even spend some time in the courtyard beating the living daylights out of some poor teenage boy with a practice sword.
Lily: I swim, I ride, I practice my archery.
Tiernan: I pick up a sword, generally speaking.

34) What species are you exactly?
Brian: What species do you think?
Aidan: Ask a stupid question...
Cait: Get a stupid answer.
Tiernan: They're right. What kind of question is that?
Lily: I ought to have you beheaded for insinuating that I am not of pure royal blood.
Tiernan: She wouldn't.

35) Have you regretted anything in your life?
Brian: No.
Aidan: It wouldn't kill you to be honest, you know. I'm sure there are things, but right now nothing particular is coming to mind.
Cait: For the most part, no.
Lily: Yes. I've said some things...yes.
Tiernan: Of course I have.

36) Are you a fangirl/boy of anything?:
Aidan: *sighs* What?

37) How do you like your drink?:
Brian: I don't 'like' it any way. I drink wine. It's not like you do anything special to it.
Aidan: My mother won't let me drink alcohol.
Brian: *eyes Aidan* She's not listening.
Aidan: Okay, so I usually like whatever Brian's having.
Cait: Do I want to know? I stick with water, usually.
Lily: I drink wine, but I like orange juice best.
Tiernan: I only drink wine on special occasions. Water is better for your health.

38) Alright, so tell me, what do you think of your creator?:
Aidan: She's a bit strange, and she loves us a little too much, but overall I think I'd be her friend. If she were in my story, obviously.
Brian: *smiles* You don't really want to know my opinion.
Cait: Why, because it's too adult or because -- oh, never mind. I think she's very sweet. She's got a bit of an attitude problem sometimes, and she's young to have such a mouth...She reminds me of Brigid, in some ways. That's a good thing.
Lily: She reminds me of me.
Tiernan: Everyone reminds you of you. Anyway, I have to wonder about her sanity sometimes, because she certainly puts us through our paces. Really, though, I think we're lucky to have someone who cares so much about us.

So. It's been just under a year since the last time I updated on here. Needless to say, I don't think much of DA's new TOS, which is why I haven't posted anything even though I've been writing like a maniac for the better part of the year. You know, when I wasn't doing homework or taking care of Logan or carting my brother around wherever he needed to go >_<

At any rate, life's just peachy. Might post a few drabbles I did when I was bored one day. Definitely not going to post any of the other stuff I've been working on. Three guesses why. Finally did NaNoWriMo this November. Been meaning to do it for-freaking-ever, but I never had the time. Ended up with 50,123 words or something like that. Up to 56,000 or thereabouts now. Yeah, I'm a slacker. On the other hand, 50,000 words didn't even get me halfway through the plot, so. I've got a ways to go. Yes, I'm insane, I realize this. On the plus side, I love writing these particular characters, even if one of them has a penchant for being a total asshole, especially where his not-my-boyfriend-it's-just-sex is concerned (he has issues, can you tell?).

What else? I'm trilingual now. Sort of. Hablo español. Je parle français. And I speak English. Joy to the world. It's actually kind of awesome...I keep running into people speaking Spanish all over the effing place. Like at Belk the other day, where some lady was telling her friend that these socks were "Feo, feo, feo" and I was standing there trying not to crack up because, you know, they really were ugly. And then she started complaining about los colores. *sigh* I get such a kick out of the things people say. Then there's my Spanish teacher, who will call her friend Lupita and watch me watch her, and then ask me how much I understood, once she gets off the phone. That's fun.

Logan recognizes about half of the alphabet. Keep in mind, he's only 27 months, and he can read the letters. And he's totally potty-trained (thank God). He is speaking almost fluently (close to what you would expect from a four-year-old, except in pronunciation), and I can't see him without him making some comment about what a cool color my shirt is or something like that. His favorite saying: Good gravy. Yes, he actually says that, and who knows where he picked that up. Morgan, our resident 2nd grader, is reading at about the 7th grade level. Matthew, the 4th grader, is learning to play the violin, plus he's playing soccer and he wants to play basketball. Blowing his teacher away in math, testing consistently above grade level (now if he'd just memorize his mult. tables).

In other news, the main English professor here is a frigging idiot. For some reason he allows us to choose our own topics for research papers and lets us be as creative as we want. You get to the higher-level classes, where the actual creative papers are supposed to come, and what does he do? Gives us the most boring, narrow topics ever and wants us to write on just that, no deviations. It drives me insane. Dr. Lokrantz, on the other hand, was a big believer in, "Here's a general topic, knock my socks off with your brilliance." That's what higher-level English classes are supposed to be about, but apparently Mr. English Teacher doesn't get that.

Then there's the "Oh, well, I love Wordworth, so we're gonna spend two weeks on him and screw all the other poets and authors," attitude, which really pisses me off. Wordsworth is tedious. As is Frost, the other poet Mr. English Teacher worships. He doesn't like Dickinson and he totally shorted her because of it, and that kind of crap makes me want to rip hearts out and sacrifice them to the poetry gods. It's totally unfair to skip over an author or poet just because the teacher doesn't like them. I hate Frost and Wordsworth, but my complaint is not that we had to read them (and watch a video, in Frost's case) but that we had to spend two weeks on them when Dickinson didn't even get two hours' worth of attention. When we did read her, he couldn't interpret what was going on in half the poems, even the ones that were obvious. Argh.

Let's see...my cousin Kev is home from Iraq, thank God, and my cousin Chad is home from Korea. At least until they ship him out to Iraq again, which they're almost certainly gonna do. Helicopter mechanics are a wee bit handy out there. Cousin Jenn's home from Romania. Mom's dad died on February 28th. Dad's step-dad is now stuck in a wheelchair and permanently on oxygen. Apparently I'll be lucky if I make it to the end of the year with one grandfather. Um. Cousin Danielle is pregnant with her second little one. Had doubts about her parenting abilities to begin with, but Andrea is well-behaved, despite a bit of attitude (totally expected in this family). Little Meeka is six years old -- how on earth did that happen? -- and giving Miranda fits, which everyone agrees she deserves because Miranda was a bitch to deal with when she was little, according to everyone. As a note for future reference, having two big dogs, three small children and twelve adults in a 1000 sq. ft. home makes things a bit cramped, no matter how much you love the people. On the other hand, you'll love every minute of it ^___^

If there's anything else, I'm sure I'll be back in a year or so to write it. Now that I've written enough words to almost hit my word goal for the day (if only they were part of my story), I'm gonna go find something else to do. Hope you're enjoying yourselves, my dears. Later.