tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68527625054510605772024-02-21T01:19:33.195-08:00Sophia The WriterSophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-57384544506596202362013-10-22T14:34:00.003-07:002013-10-22T14:34:37.487-07:00sophiachang.com is LIVE! After another madcap SCBWI full of penguin costumes (Random House jokes welcome), I've been full blast building my empire of college admissions, storytelling, and whole new brand:<br />
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I'd love for you to check it out and follow my new blog by signing up for updates <a href="http://sophiachang.com/free-updates/" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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and give <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesophiachang" target="_blank">my Facebook page some lovin'</a> while you're at it - you'll get fun ALWAYS ORIGINAL pictures with inspirational sayings.<br />
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(Happy to exchange Likes!)<br />
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My twitter is now <a href="https://twitter.com/thesophiachang" target="_blank">@thesophiachang</a> - I'll be sending more life, work, love tweets about inspiration, personal development and running a heartfelt business.<br />
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I put my life's work into this new, evolving brand and I am so grateful for all the support you've given Sophia the Writer these last 3 years. See you at sophiachang.com!Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-78911013864420664532013-05-31T13:06:00.001-07:002014-02-24T20:26:50.284-08:00APA Day in the Life: Julie Ju-Yeon Kang<i>We've reached the end of Asian Pacific American Month 2013! To wrap up, I've got <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/p/join-day-in-life-series.html" target="_blank">A Day in the Life</a> from one of my soul sisters, Julie Ju-Yeon Kang, creator of <a href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Geisha School Dropout</a> and an amazing promoter of mental health awareness among Asian Americans. </i><br />
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<i>As a bonus, she also shares her very own Asian hottie: her </i><i>Japanese-Missourian</i><br />
<i>husband :) </i><br />
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Greetings! I am Julie from <a href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Geisha School Dropout</a> and <a href="http://kimchimamas.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Kimchi Mamas</a>, and Sophia has asked me to document a typical day. Even though my life is extremely repetitive and tedious, I just can't say no to a pretty face, so here is what a typical Tuesday looked like for me and my family (we collectively call ourselves The Mangs):<br />
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8829dd970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: left;"><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8829dd970d" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8829dd970d-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /></a>
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6:15 am: Wake up to a wet nose nudging my arm. The wet nose belongs to Margaret Thatcher Moo (Miss Moo if you're nasty), our family corgi. Shuffle over to the glass door to let her out, then shuffle towards the living room to see that my husband (Tim) and son (Isaac) are already dressed for the day and working. Gently wake up my daughter (Emi) and thank the gods, it is a meltdown-free morning. Blearily make breakfast, pack snacks, perform last-second backpack checks.<br />
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7:40: Walk to school. May means jacaranda season in our neighborhood, and they line our streets, fragrant and defiantly lavender. It's really quite a sight.<br />
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8:00-11:30: Run home and feverishly work for my dayjob. I am a clinical programmer for a biotech consulting company in the Bay Area, but I work from home. I've been working remotely for 5 years, and it's pretty sweet not having a commute, but I must confess it has really taken a toll on my grooming habits.<br />
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f48833019102bfeed8970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: left;"><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f48833019102bfeed8970c" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f48833019102bfeed8970c-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /></a>11:40: Pick up Emi from kindergarten. <br />
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11:45-1:00: This is our special just-us-girls time. We eat lunch, draw pictures, read books, have tea parties, sometimes paint each other's nails. I really look forward to this time, and I probably have more fun than Emi does. <br />
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1:00-4:00: My friend Sonya comes over to pick up my son and play with the kids while I again feverishly work for my dayjob for another chunk of time. Sonya is my HAPA Mary Poppins. Every working mom needs a Sonya.<br />
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8844b6970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: left;"><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8844b6970d" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8844b6970d-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /></a>4:00-5:00: Dance lessons. This week was special because the kids got to try on their recital costumes! Here is Emi's mini hip hop group modeling theirs. <br />
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa884e44970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: left;"><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f4883301901cc9eec8970b" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f4883301901cc9eec8970b-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa884e44970d" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa884e44970d-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /></a>
5:00-6:00: Head over to Shoe City to purchase black Converses for aforementioned recital for both Isaac and Emi. Discover that Isaac has graduated to adult shoe sizes! Celebrate that fact with a mini photoshoot and promising never to make him order from the kids' menu again.<br />
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<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8850b1970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: left;"><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8850b1970d" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa8850b1970d-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /></a>
<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa885104970d-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: left;"><img alt="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa885104970d" src="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54fdd46f488330192aa885104970d-200wi" style="margin: 0px 5px 5px 0px; width: 200px;" title="image from geishaschooldropout.typepad.com" /></a>6:00-8:00: Happy birthday to Harabuji (Korean for grandpa)! We celebrated my dad's 64th birthday with Korean BBQ and a bottle of Oban 14 year. The kids made him a plaque to hang on his wall. I swear, the man never ages. I hope I inherited that from him.<br />
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8:30: Bedtime for Bonzos! Then, my writing shift starts after I finish up some dayjob loose ends. <br />
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12:00: Sleep, perchance to dream.<br />
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Bonus hottie HAPA hubs:<br />
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Julie Kang was born in Seoul and traded her Korean language skills for a Valley Girl accent when her family settled in southern CA. Often described as "too big for the room," Julie brings shame upon her ancestors daily with her unconventional humor and potty mouth. She writes for <a href="http://geishaschooldropout.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Geisha School Dropout</a>, her personal blog, and <a href="http://kimchimamas.typepad.com/" target="_blank">the Kimchi Mamas</a>, a consortium of women raising Korean American children. She is a vocal advocate for work-life balance and lives in Long Beach with her husband and two children.Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-28654118305146625082013-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-27T00:00:02.422-07:00How to Be Awesome (Crazy Cat Lady): APA Month Interview with Paula Yoo<i>One of the hazards of being a writer is befriending more crazy cat ladies than I care to count. This one is so cool I went as her for Christmas (photo at end). </i><br />
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<i>I'm sharing her wisdom and enough cat craze to make you sneeze through the rest of <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2013/05/happy-asian-pacific-american-month-2013.html" target="_blank">APA Month</a>. Please welcome my <strike>safety-school graduate</strike> friend, author and TV writer Paula Yoo!</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo credit: Sonya Sones</td></tr>
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<b>Paula Yoo</b> is an award-winning children's book author/novelist and a TV writer/producer. Her YA novel <b>Good Enough</b> (HarperCollins, 2008) was a 2009 Honor Book of the Youth Literature of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Her other books include the IRA Notable non-fiction picture book <b>Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story</b> (Lee & Low Books, 2005) and <b>Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story </b>(Lee & Low Books, 2009), which also won the 2010 Carter G. Woodson Award from the National Council for the Social Studies. Her TV credits range from NBC's The West Wing to FOX's Tru Calling and SyFy's Eureka. She is also an honoree of the 2012 Writers Guild of America Feature Access Project competition in feature writing. Paula is a former journalist for The Seattle Times, The Detroit News, and PEOPLE magazine. She graduated with a B.A. cum laude in English from Yale University, an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, and an MFA in Creative Writing at Warren Wilson College, where she was the recipient of the Larry Levis Fellowship in Fiction. Paula's teaching experience includes teaching composition and English at Glendale Community College, creative writing at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, and she is also a certified K-12 substitute teacher in the Culver City Unified School District. When she’s not writing or playing with her three cats, Paula is a professional classical/rock violinist who has performed and recorded with bands like No Doubt, FUN, and the King Crimson tribute band The Great Deceivers.<br />
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<b>1) So 80% of the time when I think of you, I think, "Why is Paula living such an amazing life?" But 20% of the time, I'm thinking, "Cats. So many cats." What's with the cats, Paula? </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">PAULA</span></b>: I was never an animal person until my first cat, Oreo, started visiting me. It was 2008. I was between TV writing jobs and writing at home. This dirty and clearly abandoned stray black and white cat kept visiting me every day around 10 AM outside my study (I had these sliding glass doors that led to the backyard from my study). It was kind of nice to have someone around to listen to me when I talked out loud about story problems and act beats. :) He visited me every day for about a month. I didn't have any pets, so I just fed him tuna and water. And then one day, he didn't show up. I immediately BURST into tears and walked for two miles around my neighborhood, looking for him. When I got home, he was waiting for me. Turns out he was just late! I immediately realized I had to adopt him, and Oreo has been with me since 2008. Beethoven and Charlotte joined us in 2010 when our cat sitter, who is also a surgery vet tech, called us after she had found these kittens born in a garage who needed a home. I had no idea I would turn into That Person Who Posts Way Too Many Cat Photos on Facebook and Twitter. My proudest achievement is not writing books and TV or playing the violin or graduating from college. My proudest achievement is being Crazy Cat Lady. P.S. Here is the youtube eHowPets "Warm and Fuzzy" series piece about me & my cats! <br />
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<b>2) On <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U82R9cQCzpU&list=UUMvqt48JNrY1ikmJsLuMGkA&index=6" target="_blank">your panel "Taming Tigers" for the Beyond the Bad & the Ugly Conference</a>, we talked about the enormous pressure Asians, particularly from our generation, faced from our families to excel beyond our human capacities. Some of us, *ahem* you, have achieved those, and others of us still suffer the traumatic impact of this pressure (the rest of us). What can we do on a personal level to heal from this? Is there anything we can do on a cultural level?</b><br />
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<span style="color: red;">PAULA</span>: First of all, I think there's nothing wrong with having ambition and lofty goals. Working hard, being ambitious, wanting to be the best you can be… these are all wonderful, positive character traits that should be lauded in our country. BUT… as the saying goes, it's not about the end, it's about the JOURNEY. This needs to be emphasized more, especially in the Asian American community where culturally, a lot of Asian American young people are raised under enormous academic pressure and ridiculously high expectations. Being ambitious and competitive and wanting to "win" is fine, AS LONG AS YOU ALSO ARE GIVEN THE TOOLS TO LEARN HOW TO COPE WHEN YOU DO NOT "REACH" THOSE GOALS. You have to learn to treasure the journey itself. If I had never gotten a book published or never gotten staffed on a TV show, of course I'd be disappointed! I would totally cry and be upset! But after a good pity party, I'd get back on my feet, roll up my sleeves, and apply all that hard work and focus I had developed towards those goals and either try, try, try again OR apply these new work skills in a different direction that would be equally creatively satisfying. Everyone, whether or not we "achieve" our goals, needs to concentrate on also developing our COPING skills and learning how to think outside the box when life hands us lemons instead of lemonade. My favorite example is when one of my favorite Olympic heroes (aside from the great Dr. Sammy Lee), ice-skater Michelle Kwan, graciously and proudly told reporters that she did not "lose" the gold to Tara Lipinski, but that she had WON THE SILVER. So I guess on a personal and cultural level, I would encourage everyone to go for the gold but be grateful when you win the silver, and if you don't place at all, be proud of the journey itself.
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<b>3) Okay seriously, how did your life get so good? Writing for TV - how did that even happen?</b><br />
<b><br /></b><span style="color: red;">PAULA</span>: I love how you think my life is so good when I'm still between TV writing staff jobs and haven't sold another book yet and am dealing with a leaky roof. :) The problem with being a writer is that you constantly have to hustle. You can't rest on your laurels. Especially if you are writing professionally and it is your only source of income. BUT… even if you have a full-time NON-writing job and you are a Weekend Warrior Writer working feverishly on that novel or script in progress, you still have to keep writing because writing is like wine - it gets better and deeper and more complex over time. :) As for TV, I originally only wanted to be a novelist. That's all I ever did. I majored in English in college and got my M.S. in Journalism and my MFA in Creative Writing. I thought I would either be a journalist and novelist or a teacher and novelist. I accidentally fell into TV when a friend suggested I try out for the Warner Bros. TV Drama Writing Workshop. For fun, I wrote an ANGEL spec script and to my shock, I was accepted into the program in 2002. I was immediately hired on THE WEST WING (NBC) after the workshop ended, and it's been a crazy roller coaster adventure ever since. The learning curve was harder for me than other folks because I knew NOTHING about the TV industry and how it worked, so it took me a little longer to figure out the business as an outsider/civilian, but again, the journey has been worth it. I think writing for TV has helped me immensely when it comes to plot and structure for novels, and I think my novel writing geared me towards being a very strong character-driven screenwriter. It's like mixing peanut butter and chocolate together. :)<br />
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<b>4) PLAYING VIOLIN FOR GRAMMY-DARLINGS fun. WTH!!!! Please enclose a photo. Where's my signed poster?
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<b><br /></b><span style="color: red;">PAULA</span>: When I'm not writing books or TV or playing with my three cats, I am a professional freelance musician. I've been playing the violin since kindergarten. Although I'm classically trained, I also play with a lot of rock, jazz, country and even bluegrass/Celtic fiddle bands. I've gone on tour with Arthur Lee of Love and Spiritualized and done gigs with everyone from No Doubt to Fun. And I'm in a King Crimson prog rock tribute band called The Great Deceivers.<br />
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As for FUN, I was contracted by a good friend to play in a string quartet for their November 2011 gig at the Troubadour. This was right before they blew up big! It was such a fun gig. We then were invited to record an all acoustic version of their biggest hits, plus a Van Morrison cover, for an iTunes Session at Capitol Records in September 2012. I wish I could have gotten you a signed poster but the recording session was a really intense 12-hour day. To compensate, I'm enclosing a couple pictures instead. :)<br />
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<b>5) Help us fellow yellow sisters out. What are the top 3 Paula Yoo Tips for Yellow Sisters Who Want to Live a Fabulous Life?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b><span style="color: red;">PAULA</span>: I too would like those tips because I love my life but I don't think it's fabulous yet. Remember, I have a leaky roof. Plus, despite my accessorized outfits and trademark red cat-eye glasses, I'm surprisingly messy and unorganized and our house looks like a college frat dorm on a Sunday morning. Seriously.<br />
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But as I too still strive for the Fabulous Life, my three tips are:<br />
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<li> Work your ass off. </li>
<li>Remember to take breaks and relax/rest/recharge your batteries, otherwise you will burn out and won't be able to work your ass off. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.</li>
<li>Corollary: When things fail and blow up in your face, you are allowed to cry and have a pity party before you repeat Steps 1 & 2.
I know it sounds harsh and Spartan and draconian, but when I look back at my life, that's pretty much how I got here. Getting a book published or writing for a TV show is a privilege and an honor I do NOT take lightly. I take these jobs and books very seriously and treat them no differently than if I was a med school graduate trying to become a surgeon. Being a writer takes a lot of hard work and comes with a lot of heartbreak. Wow, this sounds really depressing. I sound like a Tiger Mom. Hmmmm…. :) </li>
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So to end on a happier note, I would include Step No. 4 to a Fabulous Life.<br />
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Step 4: Have fun. Seriously!<br />
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<i>And now...me as Paula Yoo:</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-8262289806417356072013-05-22T21:20:00.000-07:002013-05-22T21:20:23.320-07:00APA Month Blog Award(Asian) Kristy Shen of the always fun (and Asian) <a href="http://twonerdsonedream.blogspot.ca/2013/04/yay-blog-award.html" target="_blank">Two Nerds. One Dream.</a> has gifted (Asian) me with the Liebster award - thank you!!<br />
<ol>
<li><b>What's the dream? </b></li>
the 7-figure book deal
<li><b>How are you going to make that dream happen? </b></li>
Write my a** off<br />
<li><b>What crazy awesome thing are you going to do when that dream comes true? </b></li>
fly first-class to Taiwan to see <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2013/05/asian-grandmother-power-campaign.html" target="_blank">Granny </a>and stay at the Hyatt by 101<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/asia/taiwan/grand-hyatt-taipei-taipei-taiwan/_jcr_content/par/cn_contentwell/par-main/cn_colctrl/par-col1/cn_features_containe/cn_manual_feature_0/cn_image_0.size.grand-hyatt-taipei-taipei-taiwan-109104-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/asia/taiwan/grand-hyatt-taipei-taipei-taiwan/_jcr_content/par/cn_contentwell/par-main/cn_colctrl/par-col1/cn_features_containe/cn_manual_feature_0/cn_image_0.size.grand-hyatt-taipei-taipei-taiwan-109104-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/hotels/asia/taiwan/grand-hyatt-taipei-taipei-taiwan" target="_blank">photo credit</a></td></tr>
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<li><b>Who is your favorite hero? </b></li>
Babs Bunny
<li><b>Who is your favorite villain? </b></li>
It's a Euro evil-off between Fassbender's Magneto and Cumberbatch's Khan, although my cult fav is, of course, Sheen's Aro<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.nj.com/entertainment_impact_tv/photo/michael-sheen-aro-twilight-new-moonjpg-90695b75e3c4f590_large.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://media.nj.com/entertainment_impact_tv/photo/michael-sheen-aro-twilight-new-moonjpg-90695b75e3c4f590_large.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2009/11/twilight_new_moon_michael_shee.html" target="_blank">photo credit</a></td></tr>
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<li><b>Which one would you rather be? </b></li>
hero - Asians have been the villains too long the history of entertainment. Plus I can't handle the pressure of being bad.
<li><b>What turns you on? </b></li>
tattoos and a shaved head every. single. time.
<li><b>What turns you off? </b></li>
screaming children and cigarette smoke
<li><b>What is your favorite curse word? </b></li>
Only one? I'm a NYer for #!%^'s sake.
<li><b>If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? </b></li>
"You did it exactly the way I planned."
<li><b>What are you doing tomorrow, and more importantly, how are you planning on making it more awesome than what you're doing today?</b></li>
</ol>
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I'm working and then FINALLY going to the weekly Lindy hop dance in town that I've missed all month due to random engagements and ailments (swollen toe, sore throat, writing workshop). Any day I get to dance is automatically more awesome.<br />
<br />
Since I already <strike>bugged </strike>tagged more people than cared to answer in my last Liebster award, I'll just link you <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2126714672"></span>TO THAT POST<span id="goog_2126714673"></span></a>.</div>
Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-39109758961898622582013-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-13T00:00:04.207-07:00APA Bachelor 2013: Nam Ho, Real-Life Water for ElephantsIt's the feature I wait for all year: our bachelor for <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2013/05/happy-asian-pacific-american-month-2013.html" target="_blank">APA Month</a>! Ladies get your hats ready to throw into the ring for your very own future animal-healer.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwoTlLExAGg/UYtfJvPX9hI/AAAAAAAABc4/ZGAHpVOWA9E/s1600/photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TwoTlLExAGg/UYtfJvPX9hI/AAAAAAAABc4/ZGAHpVOWA9E/s400/photo3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ol><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Name<b>:</b> <b>Nam Kim Ho</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Nickname<b>:</b> <b>If food is involved, I’m guaranteed to get a “Nom Nom”</b></span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b> thrown in my direction at least once.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Age: <b>25</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Height:<b> 5’10”</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Profession: <b>Zoology student/Aspiring veterinarian</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Guys, girls, both, something in between? <b>Girls</b>. </span></li>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUmSPOnITXU/UYtfycRnZqI/AAAAAAAABdI/qD2tH7rmm8M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUmSPOnITXU/UYtfycRnZqI/AAAAAAAABdI/qD2tH7rmm8M/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Do you cry at movies? <b>Armageddon. When the boy sees the </b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">“salesman” on the television and is told that the salesman is in fact</span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> his dad</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Security blanket you sleep with at night: <b>Laptop with the brightness</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> dimmed playing a podcast that I didn’t get a chance to finish the night </span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">before</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Boxers or Briefs:<b> Boxer briefs, preferably something that comes in a</b></span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b> 5-pack in the clearance section</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Instant turn-on: <b>Sarcastic to a fault and/or a strong jawline</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Dealbreaker: <b>Close-mindedness and lying</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Karaoke song of choice: <b>Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">On a </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1116064828" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> night you'd prefer to: <b>Sit around with some of my closest</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> friends filling each other in on <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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the past week’s events (Laughter, food,</span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> and drinks may be included)</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Last Friday you actually: <b>Had the opportunity to meet some people</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> that I’m going to spend my summer working alongside. Introducing</span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> myself to a group of strangers is something that I’ll never get used to, </span><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">but will always enjoy</span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Boba flavor of choice: <b>Jasmine milk tea. Hot. No boba.</b></span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, future wife.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Message to your future wife:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b>Hey. I want you to know that you’re my best friend. I think you’re fantastic. You have my unwavering trust, but please do not mistake that with gullibility. And I love you.</b></span></div>
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Bonus question!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">What animal are you most like? Why? </span></div>
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<b>A turtle. I’m a very social creature, but I like having a shell to draw back into every once in awhile. </b></div>
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<i>You heard it here first, ladies! Nam is available for non-boba boba and animal stories. (He also has a cool tattoo he failed to mention, in MORSE CODE.) Drop me a line or leave some comment love for Nam below!</i>Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-40189923182110496082013-05-07T12:13:00.002-07:002013-05-07T12:15:48.128-07:00Asian Grandmother Power Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.taramohr.com/join-grandmother-power-blogging-campaign/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="150" src="http://taramohr.com/wp-content/themes/gone-fishing/images/grandmother/banner_GPC_150x150.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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As part of Tara Sophia Mohr's <a href="http://www.taramohr.com/join-grandmother-power-blogging-campaign/" target="_blank">Grandmother Power Campaign</a> I proudly bring you the bombest grandmother ever:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X582uSV2aHc/UYlRSc7lbpI/AAAAAAAABcQ/cjeFo72CrEM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X582uSV2aHc/UYlRSc7lbpI/AAAAAAAABcQ/cjeFo72CrEM/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why she makes me bow down crying "I'm not worthy":<br />
<ul>
<li>Granny had 5 kids. </li>
<li>Her husband had a stroke while my mom, the oldest, was still in high school, leaving them with only one functioning parent. The younger ones were still in elementary.</li>
<li>Grandpa died while mom was in college.</li>
<li>After singlehandedly raising all 5 of that generation, she came to America to raise my mom's kid. Me! Then went back to Taiwan to raise the other grandchildren. Omg I'm exhausted just thinking about it.</li>
<li>The funny thing is, when I asked her 2 years ago if she wanted that many kids she said, "Nope. Your grandfather did." </li>
<li>Granny was a teenager during the Sino-Japan War and had to escape two times. When I asked her how long she walked - that's ON FOOT for you whippersnappers - she said, "One week."</li>
<li>SHE WALKED ON FOOT FOR SEVEN DAYS TO SURVIVE!!!!</li>
<li>One of those times she was hiding from the Japanese, tucked into a closet or some cramped space, and they snatched the guy in front of her. She was so small they missed her. So here I am today.</li>
<li>THEY GOT THE GUY IN FRONT OF HER!! SHE ALMOST DIED!!!! BUT SHE DIDN'T!!!</li>
<li>Years later, she stayed up late to alter a vest for my pubescent self who was convinced I had to look JUST RIGHT for school the next day. She was tired from cooking all day and could have said, "I walked for 7 days to survive and almost died; stop being a brat, you look fine." But she just quietly altered the vest. (Yes, I'm a horrible person. I still feel guilty about this, which is probably why I'm writing my penitence for the world to see.)</li>
<li>4 years ago I got to see her again for the first time in over a decade and I told her the Mandarin equivalent of "I love you to death!" The Chinese of that generation don't say affectionate things too much. Her eyes filled with tears and she said, "That makes me very happy." It was my redemption.</li>
</ul>
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Thank you grandma. I love you to death!<br />
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<i>P.S. There's still time to join the campaign! Click the button above.</i></div>
Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-39154628004584922562013-05-02T10:24:00.001-07:002013-05-02T10:38:23.081-07:00Happy Asian Pacific American Month 2013!<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/05/01/180312136/on-celebrating-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month" target="_blank">APA Month</a> sneaked up on me this year, like a ninja. Sooo sneaky.<br />
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:)<br />
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It's been a good year for us - we came a long way from ninja jokes to <a href="http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/07/2012-election-ushers-in-historic-wins-for-asian-american-candidates-2/" target="_blank">a record number of Asian Pacific Islanders in national office</a>, including the <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/11/08/2012-election-brings-stunning-array-of-firsts-for-women-in-congress.html" target="_blank">first Hindu-American in Congress</a>.<br />
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Of course, I woke up today to another email from my mom criticizing my life choices and calling me a middle-aged woman, so in other ways, status quo.<br />
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Once again, this blog will go yellow for May, with Asian-Am hotties, recaps of conferences, interviews with writer-bloggers, and <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/apa-bachelor-of-month-kevin-kim-rock.html" target="_blank">another bachelor</a> to auction off (for free). This one's got a heart for animals, so get ready, ladies!<br />
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For now, here's a photo of the Asian that runs this blog:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svy-N2PN4rs/UYKgCojTE9I/AAAAAAAABb8/fC_lSrSkLFU/s1600/amelie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svy-N2PN4rs/UYKgCojTE9I/AAAAAAAABb8/fC_lSrSkLFU/s400/amelie.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with my current Amelie haircut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-68421450354045746532013-04-16T18:18:00.001-07:002013-04-16T18:18:27.374-07:00A Day in the Life: Kelley Nicole from the Yardbirds<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">It's my fellow mezzo-soprano! Kelley performs in the Yardbirds with me and we actually lived in the same House at Harvard (house like Gryffindor.) She shares a <strike>Day </strike>Weekend in the Life touring the Bay Area with her show.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9Krub99nog/UW306Vom6jI/AAAAAAAABbs/7PXIsjQtNb8/s1600/Kelley+Nicole_Sept11_smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9Krub99nog/UW306Vom6jI/AAAAAAAABbs/7PXIsjQtNb8/s320/Kelley+Nicole_Sept11_smile.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Citing the dynamic performing and songwriting influences of Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Nikka Costa and Erykah Badu, just to name a few, you’ll find Kelley Nicole at the charming intersection of a spunky funky attitude and an alluring R&B acoustic vulnerability. New Jersey born and Harvard educated, this singer/songwriter was formerly one of the lead vocalists for the critically-acclaimed Afro-funk band, Soulfège, (nominated for multiple Boston Music Awards, Independent Music Awards, and Boston Urban Music Awards, as well as a featured performer at the NACA National Convention). She has performed around the world, from Europe to Africa and in venues and colleges across the United States, and has also been blessed to share the stage with such renowned artists as Bobby McFerrin and El Debarge. In a vein similar to great front women before her, a la Lauryn Hill and Gwen Stefani, Kelley Nicole has come into her own, using her unique musical talent to impart lessons of love, empowerment, and divine transcendence over all circumstance as she learns them, one by one. A passionate advocate for the arts in education, she is the Executive Director of Harvardwood, a global nonprofit organization of Harvard alumni & students working to strengthen ties among the arts, media, entertainment, and education. She currently serves as one of the praise and worship leaders at Covenant Blessing Fellowship in Wilmington, CA and is repped by Wally’s World of Entertainment. Learn more about Kelley Nicole at <a href="http://www.thekelleynicole.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.thekelleynicole.com</a>.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">A Day in the Life On The Road</span></h4>
The SHATTERED GLASS trip to Cal State Monterey Bay last week was nothing short of amazing. I'll do my best to give you guys a taste of how it all went down, it was truly life changing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwpiyVm69TOiC4rUOtaHqQ0DEWBxrCQCOCDDjRx9Wso8rZrGHNk38W4VkSio1n3KMdBqD8y0cGbCRaF2qTPD7fvAdoGGx6jcuUIOufzZOm7I3ed3Ao2yxYIvHUKHjBT7rxWE_LSO6elo/s1600/Road+Trip_Csumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwpiyVm69TOiC4rUOtaHqQ0DEWBxrCQCOCDDjRx9Wso8rZrGHNk38W4VkSio1n3KMdBqD8y0cGbCRaF2qTPD7fvAdoGGx6jcuUIOufzZOm7I3ed3Ao2yxYIvHUKHjBT7rxWE_LSO6elo/s200/Road+Trip_Csumb.jpg" width="150" /></a>Shaunelle and I started off the adventure as all adventures should start off - with a ROAD TRIP!!! (We were just a little excited as you can probably tell. ; ) I know, I know, two road trips in two months, what a life I lead eh? The trip to Monterey was quite scenic. I didn't realize how picturesque it would be until our awesome tax lady, Susan, told me how jealous she was that I was going to Monterey. I soon found out it's a special place indeed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSBOXzAWyA3juDkWYuXdq01AXodNjRBWoSYLtdQ8KrU5gxuM7N2QV3OR5TR7GFxg4Ikpr_N2PAvJVFHLwZ6KND6_WkPc5HNZ3dRmjGegMt2I9KoNnDQLDaRfy9hk7AAE2VFQdIH5zTcI/s1600/IMAG0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSBOXzAWyA3juDkWYuXdq01AXodNjRBWoSYLtdQ8KrU5gxuM7N2QV3OR5TR7GFxg4Ikpr_N2PAvJVFHLwZ6KND6_WkPc5HNZ3dRmjGegMt2I9KoNnDQLDaRfy9hk7AAE2VFQdIH5zTcI/s200/IMAG0361.jpg" width="111" /></a><span id="goog_2105103352"></span><span id="goog_2105103353"></span>We woke up on Thursday morning at the Travelodge, and this was the view from our window. LOL, we're not fancy on this trip folks. What's an adventure without the hospitality of your local motel? But seriously the Travelodge was actually quaint, the people were friendly, and yes, they had free breakfast. I don't need much more. <br />
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The first item on our agenda for the day was our workshop with select students at CSUMB. Well, first and foremost, Shaunelle and I always get our prayer on. Nothing is impossible with God, He shows up and shows out if you let Him! We're but mere vessels for His work, so we must acknowledge Him first.<br />
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In the classroom, Shaunelle and I took the students through the SHATTERED GLASS workshop materials, empowering them to take charge of their lives and to let go of a victim mindset. We gave them a taste of what to expect at the performance that evening, and took them through some really fun exercises where we danced, shouted, cheered, and in general had a jolly time. The participants really seemed to enjoy it, and Shaunelle and I were in our element.<br />
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Pre-Workshop (set-up):<br />
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Did I mention there was food, highly important:<br />
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During the workshop, engaging with the students:<br />
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Post-workshop, smiles for a job well done!<br />
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The SHATTERED GLASS workshop and performance series was honored to be a part of CSUMB's "Womyn, Gender, and Justice" month. We were the last of a month-long series of programs on campus.<br />
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Our next stop, back to the motel to rest up for the evening's performance! <br />
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Honestly, I couldn't really rest all that much. I was a little anxious! This would be our first time in a black box theatre -- our very dream for SHATTERED GLASS coming true! We could only get in as early as 5pm. If it were up to me we would be there promptly after our workshop, making sure all was set up right. But alas, probably better that we got a little bit of rest anyway and I had to remind myself that God is in control!<br />
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We arrived at the theater at 5pm sharp, where the team awaited us. Our wonderful administrator, Rita (the woman who has been advocating for us since we first spoke to her about SHATTERED GLASS last summer) was there to greet us and to make sure we had all we needed. We told Rita she was our angel from heaven. She worked over time to make sure everything ran smoothly. She introduced us to the team at the theater and we got right to work. This would be the first time that I had support with the AV aspects of our show, so we had to do a dry run to make sure the team understood all of the cues and everything worked properly.<br />
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Here's Rita and one of our great crew members!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_DRA9lf_w70bopPFq75HVa3Vn7pK3l5n3LE3HFSGiaeiCXSUVkLx3qYx1eLTgU-CFoO8dB8IWR2FjSgmn5FdY_qeaxVOW4MfKIvLK9SkAV3v-_IeNEC_v5bvXllugsx36CGuEW_a6Tw/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_DRA9lf_w70bopPFq75HVa3Vn7pK3l5n3LE3HFSGiaeiCXSUVkLx3qYx1eLTgU-CFoO8dB8IWR2FjSgmn5FdY_qeaxVOW4MfKIvLK9SkAV3v-_IeNEC_v5bvXllugsx36CGuEW_a6Tw/s320/IMAG0363.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaUP-vybp-oWhz9vlC1TDc4hNeqoXZhm_FRbVm4bA4AwPIK3Qo8AssysyiGD80gEQppqyv0q5O5K3bGRqKzrOHGG0CsQywLjkRcpAXOJ8sbEHHZIZ7rHwVgW0vQbgoQAxd8RB38GVBeM/s1600/IMAG0364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaUP-vybp-oWhz9vlC1TDc4hNeqoXZhm_FRbVm4bA4AwPIK3Qo8AssysyiGD80gEQppqyv0q5O5K3bGRqKzrOHGG0CsQywLjkRcpAXOJ8sbEHHZIZ7rHwVgW0vQbgoQAxd8RB38GVBeM/s320/IMAG0364.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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Pre-show set-up:<br />
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Did you guys see my tweet!? I was so nervous about not having any
mics in this brand new space for SHATTERED GLASS. <span style="background-color: yellow;">TWEET: <span class="userContent">Black Box Cabaret theatre, here we come!!! Pray for our projection y'all! :) Thanks @csumb team! @Shatteredglassshow</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQW851WVJjLcsmfTfi7Qum-V_hcV4QWKwOU-9CS0OcU4MUvDZRoaWvMqbKxv5tCoIcK2NjqX6xfljNsR1kr4xWz2Y3TQ6IyraOMQyFcJ3iR3L6ZC2opaWQItDrDi8ZAe9_DBz9xgyXcc/s1600/IMG_3370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQW851WVJjLcsmfTfi7Qum-V_hcV4QWKwOU-9CS0OcU4MUvDZRoaWvMqbKxv5tCoIcK2NjqX6xfljNsR1kr4xWz2Y3TQ6IyraOMQyFcJ3iR3L6ZC2opaWQItDrDi8ZAe9_DBz9xgyXcc/s320/IMG_3370.jpg" width="320" /></a>BIG UPS to the students that work at the Black Box Cabaret!! They were professional, friendly, problem solvers, and best of all, they really got what SHATTERED GLASS was all about. They were there for us every step of the way, and the performance was executed flawlessly! Being on that stage was like stepping into an alternate dimension. I forgot what it was like to lose yourself in the darkness of a theater, to fully step into a world and a character you've created, and to experience the unique yet dynamic contrast of feeling immersed in your world but at the same time knowing that you have the full attention of the audience -- that they have accepted your invitation into this other space.<br />
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Afterwards we were greeted with hugs, smiles, pictures, autograph requests, and more by the wonderful students that were in attendance. From what the students told us, it seemed that the show really touched people, leaving them with images they'll never forget, and an understanding that if Shairi can rise, they can too, and that's what it's all about.<br />
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More of our awesome crew that night!<br />
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We went to bed that night feeling alive. This is where we're meant to be, what we're meant to do. Life doesn't get much better than that. Couldn't stop tweeting about it. <span style="background-color: yellow;">TWEET: </span><span class="userContent"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Great, GREAT show at @csumb, tonight. We are humbled and honored by their graciousness and professionalism.</span> </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">On Friday, April 5th we brought SHATTERED GLASS to a nearby women's shelter, in partnership with <a href="http://icanwecan.awbw.org/" target="_blank">A Window Between Worlds</a>, an organization for which we serve as artistic ambassadors. We did not take pictures or video there, for obvious reasons, but the magic was just as palpable. </span>One comment that touched a nerve for us was one of the women
explaining that these shelters can often feel like prisons because
you're surrounded by the acute pain of its inhabitants. The
participants expressed true gratefulness for the air of love, joy, and
hope that was swept in by our work that afternoon, and they hoped we
would not only return, but were also eager to know if we would be
visiting other shelters in the future. <br />
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Both
shows truly deepened our understanding of the power of art to heal and
change lives -- the core of the mission of SHATTERED GLASS. <span style="background-color: yellow;">TWEET: <span class="userContent">April 4th & 5th, days to remember. Very humbled and honored to serve today with God's gifts. #shatteredglassshow</span></span><br />
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<span class="userContent"> </span> Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-82113929594036738802013-04-12T13:13:00.001-07:002013-04-12T13:13:33.668-07:00Photo Update and Watch This Space......for a special Day in the Life coming next week by a fellow Yardbirds singer who shares a day on the road touring with her show!<br />
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As for me, in the last two months I've:<br />
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<ul>
<li>moved in a hurry to escape a harassing landlord - this was gray-hair stressful and still waiting for this to be completely over</li>
<li>started making green smoothies every single day - delicious photos coming</li>
<li>started a meditation practice - life-changing</li>
<li>signed up for an extremely pricey online business course that I promptly had zero time to work on (this constantly nags on the back of my mind)</li>
<li>kept up my <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2013/02/where-i-am.html" target="_blank">sekret blog</a> where I spill the details of the big changes in my personal life and talk about minimalism, spirituality and finances</li>
<li>joined a Harvard TV writing group</li>
<li>entered the query trenches</li>
<li>Facebooked and Instagrammed endless photos of the food I eat, like this:</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">afternoon tea with ginger scones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And no, I haven't done my taxes yet (!!!) </div>
Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-54085046422118734942013-03-08T00:00:00.000-08:002013-03-08T00:00:04.378-08:00International Women's Day 2013: What Does Masculine/Feminine Mean To You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ah2XrCBEUQ8/UTlXZMxKl9I/AAAAAAAABbM/czUIPaHygGc/s1600/iwd_long.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="53" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ah2XrCBEUQ8/UTlXZMxKl9I/AAAAAAAABbM/czUIPaHygGc/s320/iwd_long.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank">International Women's Day 2013!</a><br />
<br />
I've been celebrating all month by signing up for this email summit called I Heart My Moon Cycle (about exactly what it sounds like).<br />
<br />
President <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/08/10/progress-toward-world-without-violence-against-women-and-girls" target="_blank">Obama just signed an expansion on the Violence Against Women Act</a> that aims to implement global strategies.<br />
<br />
In my personal life I've been working hard as a woman on all levels - signing up for an online business course, joining a virtual meditation summit, slowly but surely querying my novel, delving into what it means to be feminine.<br />
<br />
This last one is an interesting topic. I was raised as the "only son" of the only son, which in Chinese culture is a big deal. I had to be the one to go to Harvard; I was supposed to be the one to go into law or i-banking. Couple that with being a New Yorker and a Leo, and you get a girl used to living in the doing, action-oriented, goal-achieving mode. Or as the relationship coaches define it, the "masculine".<br />
<br />
Only in the last few years have I received the knowledge and taken the space and time to explore the receptive, self-loving "feminine". I'll never discard my Type A personality - it's not even possible. But I do love embracing the feminine and the kind of peace it brings me.<br />
<br />
This might be a triggering topic to some, but I'm curious what you make of the feminine/masculine. <b>Do you live your life in a particular mode? Have a strong sense of what masculinity or femininity means?</b> Conceptions of the feminine and masculine fascinate me, so please share!Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-79172453862797350902013-02-23T14:44:00.000-08:002013-02-23T14:44:19.567-08:00Where I AmI miss you guys a lot!<br />
<br />
I cut down on social networking in the last 2 months to focus on IN REAL LIFE time, but there are still 2 places I (over)frequent: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sophiathewriter" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and Instagram. (I'm a photo junkie, both posting and Liking).<br />
<br />
And...<br />
<br />
I started a new blog.<br />
<br />
It's about aspects of life important to me but too personal for this blog: budgeting, spirituality, and my 2013 journey into simplicity.<br />
<br />
I have to blog somewhat-anonymously because I talk about too many personal things, but if any of you are interested in taking a gander, let me know by pushing one of the contact buttons to the right (email, twitter, facebook, etc.) and I'll privately send you the link. Just promise not to say my real name if you comment :D<br />
<br />
I'll continue posting here at least 3x a month, but right now I'm a little obsessed with my new blog and the accompanying relief of being able to express myself openly. In the meantime, feel free to connect with me on Facebook and <a href="https://twitter.com/sophthewriter" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-66966455676399899202013-02-13T14:27:00.003-08:002013-02-13T14:28:01.451-08:00Wordless Wednesday: Warrior PrincessHappy Belated Chinese New Year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWLQGiI2EVI/URwTOrh91BI/AAAAAAAABak/fcxxrpFQm6Y/s1600/Photo+Feb+09,+8+12+13+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cWLQGiI2EVI/URwTOrh91BI/AAAAAAAABak/fcxxrpFQm6Y/s320/Photo+Feb+09,+8+12+13+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my cousin's sweet daughter in her Year of Snake getup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-55427165496679522022013-01-18T16:09:00.001-08:002013-01-18T16:11:08.695-08:00Gratitude Friday<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/4925880814286344/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/32932640997026491_4OqjHofU_c.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://pinterest.com/winningpath/inspire/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">pinterest.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/thatsthinkin/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Linda</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Enough with the stress! I recently moved and felt so burdened by some previous and current roommate issues, that I had to kick myself out of mopey into thankful with a gratitude list. Here is a handful of what I'm blessed with:<br />
<br />
1) I had so much help moving in <br />
<br />
2) the California sun is back<br />
<br />
3) my roommate is gone all weekend :)<br />
<br />
4) I'm healthy<br />
<br />
5) I get to live with my dog again<br />
<br />
6) life goes on and is a blessing<br />
<br />
7) wonderful people have given their time to reading my WIP<br />
<br />
8) there exists such a thing as boba milk tea floats<br />
<br />
9) I took an actual day off yesterday (I rarely do that!)<br />
<br />
10) I just picked lemons from the tree in my backyard<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd-1rZqXVxA/UPnjXTn_9eI/AAAAAAAABZU/FyOU1SUOZRY/s1600/photo%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd-1rZqXVxA/UPnjXTn_9eI/AAAAAAAABZU/FyOU1SUOZRY/s400/photo%284%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">life gives the sweetest lemons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Post your lists below for an instant shot of happy!<br />
<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-30267274988546512842013-01-02T19:44:00.000-08:002013-01-02T19:44:04.682-08:002012 Blog in Review and Reading Wrap-up<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Welcome 2013!!! I look forward to this time of year so I can do my favorite meme:<br />
<br />
Take the first line from the first post of each month last year (make sure to link to it!)</div>
<br />
<h3>
2012 Blog in Review</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>January</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-2012-around-world-in-under-5.html" target="_blank">Happy 2012: Around the World in Under 5 Minutes</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"You know that guy who quits his finance job and travels around the world photographing amazing places all year?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b>February</b><br />
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/blogging-booboos-revisited-and-great.html" target="_blank">Blogging Booboos Revisited and Great Comments Award</a><br />
"Remember <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/top-3-things-well-meaning-bloggers-do.html" target="_blank">Top 3 Things Well-Meaning Bloggers Do That Drive Readers Nuts</a>?"<br />
<br />
<b>March</b><br />
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/03/day-in-life-and-giveaway-jenna.html" target="_blank">A Day in the Life and GIVEAWAY: Jenna Gustafson</a><br />
"<span style="text-align: center;">Our third Day in the Life profile will probably be our youngest ever - 15-year-old published MG author, Jenna Gustafson from Montana."</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>April</b></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/04/reality-bites.html" target="_blank">Reality Bites</a></span><br />
"Last week:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7h47rtiZn8/T3pb4yZQDoI/AAAAAAAAAyc/pv__vdYrxS0/s600/Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7h47rtiZn8/T3pb4yZQDoI/AAAAAAAAAyc/pv__vdYrxS0/s320/Collages.jpg" width="320" /></a>"</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>May</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/05/happy-apa-month.html" target="_blank">Happy APA Month!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month!<br />
<br />
<b>June</b><br />
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/06/wordless-wednesday-optimism.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday: Optimism</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4UN0TgBS58s/T87XHutYBkI/AAAAAAAABFQ/muTYqb8uaJQ/s400/Photo+May+31%252C+1+06+04+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4UN0TgBS58s/T87XHutYBkI/AAAAAAAABFQ/muTYqb8uaJQ/s320/Photo+May+31%252C+1+06+04+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>July</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/07/wordless-wednesday-shady-saloon.html" target="_blank">Wordless Wednesday: Shady Saloon</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"I'm actually at work today, but I hope the rest of you are enjoying your Fourth!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>August</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/08/tiger-tea-tent-debuts-at-camp-nanowrimo.html" target="_blank">Tiger Tea Tent Debuts at Camp NaNoWriMo!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"<span style="text-align: center;">Greetings from CampNaNoWriMo!"</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>September - </b>no posts, swamped with work</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><b>October</b></span><br />
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/so-you-think-you-can-dance-wrap-up-and.html" target="_blank">So You Think You Can Dance Wrap-up and Check In</a><br />
"I'm not back!"<br />
<br />
<b>November</b><br />
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/11/rough.html" target="_blank">Rough</a><br />
"My NaNoRevMo post was going to go up on Friday but something traumatic happened."<br />
<br />
<b>December</b><br />
<a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/12/nanorevmo-wrap-up.html" target="_blank">NaNoRevMo Wrap Up</a><br />
"We survived!!!!!"<br />
<br />
<br />
I only completed one of my reading challenges:<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.booksatruestory.com/index.php/2011/11/28/sign-up-for-the-dusty-bookshelf-challenge-2012/trackback/" target="_blank"> <img alt="Dusty Bookshelf Challenge" src="http://www.booksatruestory.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/dusty-bookshelf-2012.jpg" width="150" /> </a></div>
<br />
25 books I own that have been growing dusty, now finished! See the montage <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/01/dusty-bookshelf-challenge-2012.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-89557703355966250412012-12-20T15:36:00.001-08:002012-12-20T15:37:53.585-08:002012 YA Superlative Blogfest: Best in ShowI just have to join the fun on Day 4!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://thewordsonpaper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ExAkEiJCuw/UJf2nKOwr2I/AAAAAAAABCE/KmlpI9b-2tk/s1600/Button+Trial2B.png" /></a></div>
<br />
This year I focused on my Dusty Bookshelf challenge (books I already own) so I didn't get to many 2012 Debuts. But the following ones <i>killed</i>...<br />
<br />
<b>Favorite Cover:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333289403l/7766027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333289403l/7766027.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
This cover creeps me out, especially underneath:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMdf_Ma7qEc/UNOVkIcwhmI/AAAAAAAABYQ/WCrTMRYF_rw/s1600/Photo+Dec+20,+2+46+03+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMdf_Ma7qEc/UNOVkIcwhmI/AAAAAAAABYQ/WCrTMRYF_rw/s320/Photo+Dec+20,+2+46+03+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But it's so iconic I can't get it out of my head, just like the book.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cutest Couple:</b><br />
<br />
CELAENA and DORIAN from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599906953/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wc333-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1599906953">Throne of Glass</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wc333-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1599906953" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Yup, I ship the player prince on this one. They just had way more chemistry. Call 2012 my Year of the Bad Boy.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Most Likely to Make You Miss Your Bedtime:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316125849/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wc333-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316125849">I Hunt Killers</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wc333-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316125849" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> again. I stayed up til dawn finishing it.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Romance Most Worthy of an Ice Bath:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Our favorite assassin and royalty combo again. I WAITED for that kiss. And every makeout session after.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760l/7896527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760l/7896527.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Breakout Novel:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375866566/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wc333-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375866566" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1325528367l/12394100.jpg" width="211" /></a><span id="goog_2111661335"></span><span id="goog_2111661336"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Old-Timer (Your favorite read of the year, published BEFORE 2012):</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wc333-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0545274249" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328836001l/10626639.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Not since <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0778327116/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wc333-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0778327116">Poison Study</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wc333-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0778327116" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, my favorite book ever created, has a novel been so completely perfect as Icefall. My first tears came on page 50 and I spent the last five chapters blinking wetly. There's something about MG that heals the deep child heart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sleeper Hit (Book you found so awesome you wish it had been hyped more):</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333289403l/7766027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333289403l/7766027.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
This was on my top 3 favorite books read in 2012. I even read it while I ate, which is not the easiest thing to do during some of the scenes. My <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/312151469" target="_blank">GOODREADS REVIEW HERE</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite Outlier (Your favorite middle grade or adult 2012 book):</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350413822l/13426097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350413822l/13426097.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Snatched the ARC at ALA as soon as I saw Katherine Chancellor's iconic face. My mom watched <i>The Young and the Restless</i> since I was 1 so I grew up in Genoa City. I'm a sucker for Hollywood memoirs and this funny broad surprised me with her progressive life.<br />
<br />
<br />
and my pick your own category is...<br />
<br />
<b>Best Not for Kids Debut:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I don't get to talk about shmexy books nearly as much as I'd like because I'm a YA writer, but I have to give a shout out to my girl <a href="http://www.roniloren.com/blog/" target="_blank">Roni Loren</a>, one of the most helpful debut authors in the blogosphere - and a former YA writer :). Link to my <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/189580886" target="_blank">GOODREADS REVIEW</a> - discusses adult content.<span id="goog_2111661356"></span><span id="goog_2111661357"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=52face-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0425245241" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1308767844l/11459153.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-88798082045525994732012-12-01T01:41:00.001-08:002012-12-01T13:24:47.171-08:00NaNoRevMo Wrap UpWe survived!!!!!! This month I edited <b>70,000+ words</b> and entirely rewrote 16,677 of those. (A very NaNoWriMo number for those of you die-hards...) <i>Added: </i>And I'm not done yet! I'll be RevMoing til we die.<br />
<br />
To get me through, I had laptop parties with Krispy:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4H1RrPL4058/ULnMGWh0HiI/AAAAAAAABXY/TvSiSq0ms9w/s1600/NaNo+Party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4H1RrPL4058/ULnMGWh0HiI/AAAAAAAABXY/TvSiSq0ms9w/s320/NaNo+Party.JPG" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo from <a href="http://instagram.com/p/SMmw5PwyiW/" target="_blank">Krispy's instagram</a></td></tr>
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<strike>Heated fisticuffs</strike> Gentle discussions with Alz about plot, and of course boba:<br />
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This last week my butt didn't leave my chair as I got my students through their deadlines as well. I was either editing my own work or someone else's. There's a stack of microwave dinner boxes and a very patient roommate who hasn't complained about my increasing piles of crap in the living room.<br />
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I ended with a high-octane zumba class so I could work off the extra ass I grew in the last 30 days. (If an extra ass is what's needed to be published, I'll grow 8 of them.)<br />
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How did you all fare? More importantly - how are you celebrating??Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-7308671839688803362012-11-26T15:12:00.001-08:002012-11-26T15:13:05.635-08:00A Day in the Life: Ghenet MyrthilYou know what I had to do to convince the astonishingly adorable Ghenet Myrthil to give me a <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/p/join-day-in-life-series.html" target="_blank">Day in the Life</a>? I went all the way to New York City this summer and forced her to eat lunch with me. Trufax.<br />
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I'm so excited to participate in Sophia's Day in the Life series! I work full-time in book publishing in New York City, and the rest of the time, I write young adult novels. It can sometimes be tough to balance everything, but I always find time throughout the day to squeeze in reading and writing. Here's what a day this past summer looked like:<br />
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<strong>6:30 am:</strong> My first alarm goes off. I turn it off and fall back asleep.<br />
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<strong>6:45 am:</strong> My second alarm goes off. I reluctantly open my eyes and grab my iPhone. Yes, I'm one of those people who checks her email first thing in the morning. And Instagram. And my RSS reader app. And Pinterest. Obsessed, much? I admit it!<br />
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<strong>7:00 am:</strong> I get out of bed, hop in the shower, and get dressed. <em>CBS This Morning</em> plays in the background. I also get my breakfast and lunch together to bring to work.<br />
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<strong>8:15 am:</strong> If I'm lucky, my husband can drive me to the train station. If not, I either take the shuttle bus or walk. Today, I'm lucky! I hop in the car with him and we drive for 5 minutes to the station.
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<strong>8:25 am:</strong> I wait for my train and marvel at the pretty view of the Hudson River. While I wait, I listen to a <em><a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/">This American Life</a> </em>podcast episode on my iPhone.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/22f74dc4c4a411e1b2fe1231380205bf_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1423 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/22f74dc4c4a411e1b2fe1231380205bf_7.jpg" title="Hudson River" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>8:30 am:</strong> Train's here. Off to the city I go! I usually use this time to read. Today, it's an ARC of <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11958583-skinny"><em>Skinny</em> by Donna Cooner</a>.
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/61438732c4a411e19c6622000a1e89ba_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1424 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/61438732c4a411e19c6622000a1e89ba_7.jpg" title="Train" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>9:00 am:</strong> I arrive at Grand Central and walk a few blocks to work.
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/9cfe7c28c4a411e1ba8122000a1d0135_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1425 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/9cfe7c28c4a411e1ba8122000a1d0135_7.jpg" title="S&S" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>9:15 am:</strong> Before I go inside, I make a pit stop at Au Bon Pain, where I get my usual coffee - French vanilla, soy milk, two sugars.
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/df950f66c4a411e1bef722000a1e8bb5_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1426 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/df950f66c4a411e1bef722000a1e8bb5_7.jpg" title="coffee" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>9:20 am:</strong> I settle in at my desk, have my coffee and breakfast (fruit and a cereal bar), and answer emails. Working in book publishing is awesome, but my workday is pretty typical of any office job. Lots of emails with meetings sprinkled in between. The best part is being surrounded by so. many. books.
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/0bb68f02c4a511e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1427 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/0bb68f02c4a511e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg" title="desk" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>1:00 pm:</strong> I take my lunch break. Since it's nice out, I bring my lunch outside. I find a seat on a bench and balance my salad on my lap as I read more of <em>Skinny</em>. This time of day, midtown Manhattan is packed with people eating lunch outside. The pigeons join us.
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/37f43038c4a511e1aee522000a1e8a5f_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1428 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/37f43038c4a511e1aee522000a1e8a5f_7.jpg" title="Lunch" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>2:00 pm:</strong> I'm back in my office for the next few hours, answering more emails, and taking a break or two to chat with my coworkers. At one point, I stare out my office window at the huge super-weed that's been growing like crazy on the roof outside. A little greenery in this concrete jungle!
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/52a98f7cc4a511e1aaec22000a1e88af_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1437 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/52a98f7cc4a511e1aaec22000a1e88af_7.jpg" title="Plant" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>5:30 pm:</strong> Work day's over! Now it's time for my favorite part of the week - Write Nite! Once a week, a few writer friends and I meet at a nearby Manhattan cafe to write. We don't critique each other's work. We just break out our laptops/notebooks and spend 2+ hours focusing on our WIPs. We are surprisingly productive when we're together. I walk the 10 blocks to the cafe to meet the girls, while listening to another podcast. (Another favorite is <em><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/this-creative-life-sara-zarr/id519592811">This Creative Life by Sara Zarr</a></em>.) On the way, I pass through Rockefeller Center.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/8ad404eac4a511e1ba8122000a1d0135_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1429 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/8ad404eac4a511e1ba8122000a1d0135_7.jpg" title="Rock Center" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>6:00 pm:</strong> I arrive at the cafe, grab a beverage and chat with the girls for a few minutes about how our writing is going.
<strong>6:10 pm:</strong> Enough chit chat. Time to get down to work. I work on revising my manuscript, based on feedback I received from beta readers and an SCBWI conference critique.
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/photo-11.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1432 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/photo-11.jpg" title="laptop" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>8:00 pm:</strong> Our writing session is over. While I was writing, my husband texted me to say he could swing by the cafe on his way home from work so I don't have to take the train. Score! On the ride home, I snap pics of the gorgeous NYC sunset. Moments like this make me love this city.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/40fc6852c4a611e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg"><img alt="" class="wp-image-1433 aligncenter" height="353" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/40fc6852c4a611e181bd12313817987b_7.jpg" title="Sunset" width="353" /></a></div>
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<strong>8:45 pm:</strong> My husband and I get home and eat dinner. On many nights, I work on my novel or write a blog post, but since I just came from Write Nite, I spend some quality time with my husband instead. We watch some TV (<a href="http://www.fox.com/dance/"><em>So You Think You Can Dance</em></a> FTW!) and then around<br />
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<strong>11:00 pm</strong>, I go to bed. Gotta get my 7-8 hours of sleep! Thanks for having me, Sophia! <strong></strong> <br />
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<a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/me.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/me.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-506 alignleft" height="217" src="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/me.jpg" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Ghenet Myrthil" width="145" /></a></div>
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<strong>Ghenet Myrthil</strong> is a young adult writer with an MFA in Writing for Children from The New School. She’s currently seeking representation for her first novel. You can find her blogging at <a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/">www.ghenetmyrthil.com</a>, tweeting @<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ghenet">ghenet</a>, and on <a href="http://instagram.com/ghenetmyrthil">Instagram</a>.<br />
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Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-25345772309708297582012-11-19T23:25:00.000-08:002012-11-19T23:30:52.891-08:00Sunshine Blog Award - Duckfaces WelcomeThank you Kristy from <a href="http://twonerdsonedream.blogspot.com/2012/11/sunshine-blog-award.html?showComment=1353312406841#c4606497262162527616" target="_blank">Two Nerds. One Dream. Zero Results.</a> for giving me <strike>something to blog about</strike> this award!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9GZhEwYnxyPxVqDijqRGxOGJGY0bB9ByKvKbvsZPAnWpOsiJmXumuyldBQMOqhoBJV876KBZ6XtLaZsS6lpRTRXwHI4ybscfbvDbfAZS9L8jnUZv5HhyiTrbRcExJII3h5nXGf2MDEU/s1600/sunshine-award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9GZhEwYnxyPxVqDijqRGxOGJGY0bB9ByKvKbvsZPAnWpOsiJmXumuyldBQMOqhoBJV876KBZ6XtLaZsS6lpRTRXwHI4ybscfbvDbfAZS9L8jnUZv5HhyiTrbRcExJII3h5nXGf2MDEU/s1600/sunshine-award.jpg" /></a></div>
There's something wrong with the questions, you say? Yes there is! I've swapped most of them out for a set I found on Tumblr, the hipster's Facebook.<br />
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<b>1: Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? </b><br />
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The doors are sliding mirrors and I keep the side facing the bed open because I 1) don't want to wake up and give myself a heart attack thinking there's some ghost girl rising from my bed 2) read something about feng shui somewhere once.<br />
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<b>2: Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? </b><br />
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No, I'm pretty particular about the type of shampoo and conditioner I use (must be wave-enhancing for the latter because I love curly hair).<br />
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<b>3: Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? </b><br />
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Who in the world sleeps with sheets tucked in?? Do you like your toes being in permanent Barbie position?<br />
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<b>4: Have you ever stolen a street sign before? </b><br />
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I wish! My friends once cut down my iPod ad plastered on some construction site. There were like months of other posters stuck behind it. Those things are also surprisingly large.<br />
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<b style="color: #343333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 20px;">5. What is your Favorite Time of Year?</b><br />
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Summer, hands down. If it could be summer all year long I would make it so.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #343333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 20px;"><b>6. What is your Favorite Time of Day?</b></span><br />
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Late night when traffic dies down and the creepy crawlies come out to play.<br />
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<b>7. Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
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Lincoln logs. I spent all my Monopoly money on an incomplete set of them in 1st grade during a school auction. I didn't really know how to count money so I just held up everything I had. All in, baby.<br />
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<b>8. Do you always smile for pictures? </b><br />
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I try to MySpace duck face as much as possible. Like this:<br />
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(this shot is probably going to end up all over the internet and be my downfall - the lengths I go to to entertain my readers)<br />
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I tag the ladies of <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/08/tiger-tea-tent-debuts-at-camp-nanowrimo.html" target="_blank">Tiger Tea Tent</a> from Camp NaNoWriMo 2012:<br />
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<a href="http://juleswrites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Julie Dao</a><br />
<a href="http://wistfullylinda.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wistfully Linda</a><br />
<a href="http://a-nudge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Krispy and Alz</a><br />
<a href="http://emyshin.com/blog/" target="_blank">Emy Shin</a><br />
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and<br />
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<a href="http://lydiakang.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lydia Kang</a> cuz she's an awesome Azn Lady tooSophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-78125380933709588692012-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:002012-11-09T14:49:54.812-08:00Jon Klassen Signing and Halloween with Krispy and Alz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hat-lovers gathered at an art gallery in L.A. last weekend for an exhibit and book signing with Jon Klassen, author and illustrator of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763655996/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0763655996&linkCode=as2&tag=wc333-20">This Is Not My Hat</a>, which is currently up for the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-picture-books-2012#73850-Best-Picture-Books" target="_blank">2012 Goodreads Best Picture Book Nominations</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BPZwN-BnHA/UJw82LDDquI/AAAAAAAABUw/8sAAgCAdrR8/s1600/Photo+Nov+04,+11+59+11+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BPZwN-BnHA/UJw82LDDquI/AAAAAAAABUw/8sAAgCAdrR8/s400/Photo+Nov+04,+11+59+11+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Guess who else likes hats: our favorite blogging duo Krispy & Alz! I have a rare photo of Alz's full form - recognize her from her signature single long braid.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alz, Krispy and I meeting under a shady parking lot lamp</td></tr>
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And in case you missed <a href="http://a-nudge.blogspot.com/2012/11/randomosity-on-fridays-halloween-pics.html" target="_blank">Krispy's Halloween post</a>, Glinda the Good Witch and Taylor Swift had some "Boo"-ba last week:<br />
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<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-30124260950647460772012-11-07T12:26:00.001-08:002012-11-07T12:26:45.198-08:00NaNoRevMo 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you everyone who sent me emotional support and hugs after <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/11/rough.html" target="_blank">the rough weekend</a>. I'm moving on and diving into writing - my anchor.</div>
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Like last year, I'm doing <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2011/11/nanorevmo-and-wrimo.html" target="_blank">NaNoRevMo</a> - a month of revision. <br />
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I'd still love for you to <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/yellowtypingfiend" target="_blank">friend me on NaNoWriMo</a>, though I may only log words for the chapters/scenes I rewrite entirely.<br />
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No more procrastinating now.Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-46480768910941814342012-11-04T12:27:00.003-08:002012-11-04T13:14:53.281-08:00RoughMy <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2011/11/nanorevmo-and-wrimo.html" target="_blank">NaNoRevMo</a> post was going to go up on Friday but something traumatic happened.<br />
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I woke up to police tape cordoning off the driveways and cars. There was a bullet-riddled car outside and blood splattering the sidewalk. A neighbor's friends were involved in a gang shooting and someone died out on the street that night before.<br />
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I've chosen not to post a photo of this, but I can't get the images out of my head. I see the bloody sneakers and pile of clothes and I do not have a strong stomach.<br />
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I am not returning to that house where this took place and am safe where I am living right now; I'm just shaken. I've tried to continue life as usual, working and talking to friends. Revising my novel has been a big help. I've been crying a bit and my jaw hurts when I wake in the morning, but I know that will pass.<br />
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I just needed to clear this; thanks for listening and thank you to my Facebook friends who've given their emotional support.<br />
<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-64846440270614474262012-10-31T00:00:00.000-07:002012-10-31T00:00:03.292-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Purple Wedding Party<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQpG5mMUaKU/UJCGAcDR5bI/AAAAAAAABTQ/eNrK3Q8eeRw/s400/bridesmaids.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridesmaids</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycPIXlc0r_A/UJCGHcFuaLI/AAAAAAAABTY/Q8Cnig7pgG4/s400/wedding+party.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">who knew the Burger King was a groomsman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjRtv91bxPE/UJCGUV4MhjI/AAAAAAAABTg/56di0ABIYQo/s400/Lona.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">flower girl and maid-of-honor have fallen in love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-714998693051103842012-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:002012-10-24T00:00:01.205-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Sisters BachelorettingI'm off to Nashville to maid-of-honor for my <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2011/05/grand-ol-south-tour-nashville.html" target="_blank">"sister"</a>'s wedding! Any last minute toastmaster tips?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iY3aHwH1q8g/UIeDI-uvTaI/AAAAAAAABSg/OCcCYoFf_e0/s1600/SisandMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iY3aHwH1q8g/UIeDI-uvTaI/AAAAAAAABSg/OCcCYoFf_e0/s400/SisandMe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacheloretting her up earlier this year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-17188153742255554832012-10-17T17:03:00.000-07:002012-10-17T17:03:14.950-07:00A Day in the Life: Nutschell Anne WindsorAs I recover from food poisoning and a cold, busy Nutschell graces my blog with her packed <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/p/join-day-in-life-series.html" target="_blank">Day in the Life</a> (cat lovers will rejoice at her photos)!<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
A Day in the Life: Nutschell Anne Windsor</h2>
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7654" rel="attachment wp-att-7654" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-7654 alignleft" height="320" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_3152-modified.jpg" title="IMG_3152 modified" width="252" /></a><i>Nutschell (pronounced new-shell and not nut-shell) is a middle grade/ young adult fantasy writer who hails from the Philippines and now lives in sunny Los Angeles. She is an SCBWI-LA Board member, and the founder of <a href="http://www.meetup.com/CBW-LA/">CBW-LA</a> (Children’s Book Writers of Los Angeles). A Jane-of-all-Trades, Nutschell’s interests include photography and travel. She enjoys sketching, playing the guitar and drums, playing basketball, badminton, billiards, and singing in the shower. She also practices the Filipino martial art of Escrima, and bakes yummy desserts.</i><br />
<br />
You can find Nutschell at the following sites:<br />
<br />
Blog: <a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/">www.thewritingnut.com </a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/nutschell">http://twitter.com/#!/nutschell</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/the_writing_nut">http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/the_writing_nut</a><br />
CBW-LA: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/CBW-LA/">http://www.meetup.com/CBW-LA/</a><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
TUESDAY</h2>
<b> 6:50 AM</b><br />
<br />
My alarm goes off and I automatically snooze. Muffin, alerted by the sound now knows I’m awake. She hops on my chest and headbutts me, demanding scratches. Still sticky with sleep, I oblige.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7620" rel="attachment wp-att-7620"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7620" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/muffin.jpg" title="muffin" width="400" /></a><b>Muffin all stretched out</b></div>
<b>7:00 AM</b><br />
<br />
My alarm goes off for the second time. I have no choice but to get up. Muffin refuses to leave her warm spot.<br />
<br />
<b>7:05 AM</b><br />
<br />
I finally get Muffin of my chest. Millie sees me get up and starts demanding food. She knows I’m about to stagger downstairs and tries to hurry me onward.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7609" rel="attachment wp-att-7609"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7609" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/millie.jpg" title="millie" width="400" /></a><b>Millie waiting for food</b></div>
I switch on the TV and listen to the news while I wait for my brain to function.<br />
<br />
The latest news feature gives me a story idea. I jot it down on a post-it I find nearby. Millie, hungry and annoyed, decides to chew on the paper.<br />
<br />
<b>7:05 – 7:30 AM</b><br />
<br />
I finally head downstairs, much to Millie's delight. I cram a breakfast bar into my mouth and down it with warm water. I'm making a mental checklist of all the things I have to do for day.<br />
<br />
While I try to prepare today’s lunch, Millie stalks me. After tripping over her for the tenth time, I give in and refill the cats’ bowls. I finish packing lunch and do some quick chores. I head outside to water the plants, or clean the litterbox, or put away dishes. Sometimes I do all three.<br />
<br />
<b>7:30– 7:40 AM</b><br />
<br />
I shower, dress and iron my shirt for the day. I go downstairs, pick up my lunch bag, lock the house and get in the car.<br />
<br />
As I’m driving out the garage, I begin to doubt whether I’ve unplugged the iron. I inch out the driveway, trying to convince myself that the iron is unplugged.<br />
<br />
The overwhelming need to check if I’ve unplugged the iron builds to a crescendo when I'm halfway to the freeway entrance.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7621" rel="attachment wp-att-7621"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7621" height="307" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ironproof.jpg" title="ironproof" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>image from <a href="http://www.claybaboons.com/2012/05/fanning-flames.html">claybaboons.com</a></b></div>
I turn the car around and make a mad dash back to the house. I run upstairs and, for the 3<sup>rd</sup> time, check that the iron is standing and unplugged. I run back downstairs, lock all the doors and leave. For real.<br />
<br />
<b>7:45 AM – 8:45 AM</b><br />
<br />
I commute to work on the 405. To keep from going insane, I listen to an audiobook.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7643" rel="attachment wp-att-7643"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7643" height="267" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/40-freeway-5-modified.jpg" title="_40 freeway 5 modified" width="400" /></a><b>Traffic on the 405, photo from <a href="http://townhall.mednet.ucla.edu/hs_news/jul2011/1107p1.html">townhall.mednet</a></b></div>
<b>8:45 AM – 9:05 AM</b><br />
<br />
I wait outside the office for one of the managers to arrive and open the shop doors. While waiting, I read a book.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7645" rel="attachment wp-att-7645"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7645" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/book-modified.jpg" title="book modified" width="288" /></a><b>Reading while waiting</b></div>
<b>9:05 – 9:30 AM</b><br />
<br />
<b>The manager finally arrives ten minutes later. I rush upstairs to my work station and begin my morning ritua</b><b>l</b><b>.</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7610" rel="attachment wp-att-7610"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7610" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/caravan-desk.jpg" title="caravan desk" width="400" /></a>My work desk</b></div>
I make myself some tea and munch on a 100 calorie snack bar.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7646" rel="attachment wp-att-7646"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7646" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tea-and-snack.jpg" title="tea and snack" width="180" /></a><b>Breakfast/snack</b></div>
Like any other modern day writer, I defer writing in favor of logging on to my various social networks.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7651" rel="attachment wp-att-7651"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7651" height="335" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/social-media-marketing2.jpg" title="social-media-marketing2" width="210" /></a><b>image from <a href="http://www.unrealstudio.com/seo/social-media-social-network">unrealstudio.com</a></b></div>
I check my email, spend a few minutes on facebook, check my blog for comments and surf the web for some interesting news to share on twitter.<br />
<br />
Finding nothing of value, I finally get to work.<br />
<br />
<b>9:30 AM – 11:00 AM</b><br />
<br />
I write my blog posts for the next few days and schedule them, or I work on my assigned CBW-LA/ SCBWI tasks. If I’m lucky, I don’t have anything else to do but write.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7667" rel="attachment wp-att-7667"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7667" height="168" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cbw-scbw-twn-logos.jpg" title="cbw scbw twn logos" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>11:00 AM – 12:30 PM</b><br />
<br />
I file, I calculate, I process, I calculate some more, I photocopy.<br />
<br />
I check when the next holiday is.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7647" rel="attachment wp-att-7647"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7647" height="180" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/calculator.jpg" title="calculator" width="300" /></a><b>My trusty calculator</b></div>
<b>12:30 PM</b><br />
<br />
I eat my lunch while watching Futurama or some other 30 minute sitcom on my smartphone.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7611" rel="attachment wp-att-7611"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7611" height="280" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/futurama-modified.jpg" title="futurama modified" width="274" /></a></div>
<b>1PM – 5PM</b><br />
<br />
I alternate between working and writing.<br />
<br />
I usually finish my daily work assignments in two hours, but occasionally the bosses will dump more work on my desk. I set aside my writing of course, as work always comes first.<br />
<br />
<b>5PM</b><br />
<br />
I relish the fact that it’s Tuesday and I get to go home an hour early. I hop in my car, plug in my phone, and continue listening to my audiobook on my way home.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7644" rel="attachment wp-att-7644"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7644" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/audiobook-modified.jpg" title="audiobook modified" width="271" /></a><b>Listening to Audible on my phone</b></div>
<b>6:30PM</b><br />
<br />
I have only enough time to get the mail, grab a quick bite, change into my martial arts uniform, play with the cats and rest before I’m off again.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">7:10 PM</span><br />
<br />
I spend five minutes using the lint remover. Getting cat hair off black clothes is always a chore.<br />
<br />
More audiobook listening as I drive to my martial arts class. The story is getting so good and giving me tons of ideas, I almost miss my stop.<br />
<br />
<b>7:30 – 9:00PM</b><br />
<br />
I have fun training in the Filipino Martial Art of Escrima. While I train, I visualize how my character will use the various moves I'm learning.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7616" rel="attachment wp-att-7616"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7616" height="300" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/escrima.jpg" title="escrima" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>8:30 PM</b><br />
<br />
I accidentally whack myself with the stick and suffer a big bruise. I decide one of my characters will experience the same fate.<br />
<br />
<b>9:05 – 9:20 PM</b><br />
<br />
I drive home, eager for a shower.<br />
<br />
<b>9:20PM</b><br />
<br />
I delay my shower in favor of watching the latest show I’ve recorded on DVR.<br />
<br />
My inner critic makes me guilty for watching TV instead of writing or reading. I ignore her and continue to watch anyway.<br />
<br />
<b>10:30 – 10:45 PM</b><br />
<br />
I finally shower and get ready for bed.<br />
<br />
<b>11:00 PM</b><br />
<br />
Muffin and Millie refuse to let me sleep. I pick up a book and try to chip away at my teetering to be read pile.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7632" rel="attachment wp-att-7632"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7632" height="400" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tbr-pile.jpg" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Soon I’m reading the same line ten times. It's a sign that my brain has overheated.<br />
<br />
<b>11:50 PM</b><br />
<br />
It's quiet now. The cats have worn themselves out and now they're sleeping at the foot of the bed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7617" rel="attachment wp-att-7617"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7617" height="195" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/muff-and-mille-modified.jpg" title="muff and mille modified" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I switch off the lights, and turn on my side.<br />
<br />
Just when I’m drifting off to lalaland, I hear a loud purring and feel cat feet walking all over me. Millie finds her favorite spot and drapes herself over my thigh.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thewritingnut.com/?attachment_id=7648" rel="attachment wp-att-7648"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7648" height="225" src="http://www.thewritingnut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snuggle-cat.jpg" title="snuggle cat" width="400" /></a><b>Millie, the snuggle kitty</b></div>
I smile, give her soft head a scratch, and finally fall asleep.Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6852762505451060577.post-60369640694405755752012-10-09T21:50:00.000-07:002012-10-14T19:15:32.849-07:00So You Think You Can Dance Wrap-up and Check InI'm not back! It's admissions and SAT season so I've been working 7 days a week and am pretty stressed out. But I wanted to wrap up <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/2012/07/happy-so-you-think-you-can-dance-summer.html" target="_blank">So You Think You Can Dance Summer</a> and bring you your Sophia Hangs with a Celebrity photo of the month.<br />
<br />
I was very pleased that Team Ballet won 2012 SYTYCD! <br />
<br />
But here in L.A. animation stole the show. Dragon House, home of finalist Cyrus, was in town for their SYTYCD performance and I got to dance with Brian "Chibi" Gaynor.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et1dyYUOBnc/UHT69sm4T6I/AAAAAAAABSA/g6U_YrkYUls/s1600/Chibi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et1dyYUOBnc/UHT69sm4T6I/AAAAAAAABSA/g6U_YrkYUls/s400/Chibi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chibi tears it up at a Hollywood club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then the same day Chibi performed on the SYTYCD finale, my buddy's band <a href="http://www.facebook.com/monsterscallinghome?fref=ts" target="_blank">Monsters Calling Home</a> played the Jimmy Kimmel show! It was a friendly night on TV last month.<br />
<br />
Here's <a href="http://elloecho.blogspot.com/2012/09/monsters-calling-home.html" target="_blank">Ellen Oh's fangirl post on Monsters Calling Home</a>, who are an all-Asian-American folk band.<br />
<br />
Back to my revision and work cave now!<br />
<br />
More <a href="http://sophiathewriter.blogspot.com/p/join-day-in-life-series.html" target="_blank">Day in the Life</a> to come, plus an account of the 2012 Los Angeles Pie Tour I've been hosting. To keep up to date, find me on facebook where the latest controversy is my Am I A Hipster? photo album. (Friends say yes.)<br />
<br />
<br />Sophia Changhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.com0