Blindsided

I'm going to be honest here: this is pretty much a rant. A much needed one at that.

Dear authors, you do not blindside your readers at the end of the novel. Ever.

If you are going to end the book in a less than favorable way, (and yes, I do actually like those endings) then you need to somehow warn the reader that it's coming.

Here's what you do not do: you do not answer every question, give a perfect solution to everything, package it all in a very happily-ever-after gift bow, and then TAKE IT ALL AWAY ON THE LAST PAGE!! The last page which is really only two paragraphs!

And there is no sequel.

Trust me, I checked.

Moral of the story? Do not promise sunshine and confetti and happy endings and then yank it out from under the poor, unsuspecting reader that used to be in love with the story. Because then your book is in danger of being ripped apart. Or thrown in the fish bowl.

The end.

Moving On

A week ago today, some things kind of fell apart for me. I'm not going to lie, it hurt like you would not believe. The biggest one was a friendship I cared a lot about, but one that constantly confused me. I was never 100% sure where I stood with this person, but I loved them so I just dealt with it. Needless to say, some things happened and no matter how hard we tried, it just couldn't be repaired. It was extremely sad for me to watch it happen.

All I can say is that I gave it my all.

I think, in the end, that is my biggest comfort. I fought for understanding and was the best friend I could be, at least in my eyes. But this post isn't about the heartache and pain.

I've done enough moping about it.

I think this post is just for me to brag. So, really, you don't have to read it, but I'm a bit proud of myself and had to let it out. I woke up this morning just resolved to go on. To still hold on to that love I have for a lost friend, but to not let it stop me from going on with my own life. I feel like saying this makes me sound careless and rude, but that's really not the way it feels. It feels like I've learned to deal with stuff, to take it as a learning experience.

To grow.

Right now, I'm taking joy in the small things: my dog cuddled up beside me, a good book (which is truthfully infuriating me at the moment, so it had to be set aside), some catchy songs that I had a private dance party to, chocolate, the fact that I get to spend time with someone who has become quite dear to my heart tomorrow. And I can hope that maybe one day the friendship will be repaired.

But most of all, I hope that I can hold on to this feeling.

'Cause quite frankly, it's awesome.

I think I'll dance some more.

Day 02 - Where You'd Like to Be in 10 Years

Where do I want to be in ten years?

I don't even know where I want to be tomorrow!!

Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get what I mean.

Ten years seems like such a long time. And with the way my life has been throwing curve balls at me lately, I'm hesitant to say, "I want this." Then I know it would be different in a week.

I have a vague idea: working in a publishing house, maybe a husband and a family? Things could change. But I definitely hope I'm done with school (If I'm still in school in ten years, you all better beat the crap out of me). I hope I'll have gotten to go to Italy, and that I'll be writing something to eventually be published. I hope I will have grown up more. I hope I am more sure of myself. And that I am living my life to the fullest.

I hope I take advantage of all the things these next ten years will bring.

Because after that, I'll be thirty.

Excuse me, I have to go have a mini heart attack now.

Day 01 - Your Current Relationship, If Single Discuss How Single Life Is

Another challenge?

Yep. I'm trying another one. Truthfully, this one sparked my interest much more than the other. I'll still try to complete the last one, but this one is entertaining me more at the moment.

So . . .

Single.

There is something I will never understand about being single. I love being on my own and being able to hang out with tons of different people. A date here or there.

But at heart, I am the biggest hopeless romantic that ever walked the planet.

What does that mean? It means that when I see a happy couple walking down the street, cuddling together, doing happy couple things, it makes me stop and think, "Wouldn't that be nice?" Then I'm back to daydreaming and writing love stories and reading every book I can get my hands on.

So I guess my single life is being caught between loving the independence and wishing for my own love story. Go figure. Trust me, I spend a lot of time laughing at myself.

Single. Right now, it's awesome.