And The Oscar Goes To...

Yes, it's time for the Academy Awards! I'm one of those award show junkies, so with the whole writer's strike, I was afraid the Oscars would go the way of the Golden Globe and be a press conference.

A girl needs a red carpet every now and then!

And speaking of red carpets, let me just say that I LOVE to see the dresses, shoes, and jewelry. So much that I'll actually endure the horrible interviews by the E network or TV Guide Network just so I can get a better view of the fashion. At least they've gotten rid of Joan Rivers. (I'm hoping Joey Fatone and Lisa Rinna won't be as annoying, but I won't hold my breath!)

But what I don't understand is those stars who wear completely unflattering gowns. Many, many come to mind from years past. Remember when Gwyneth Paltrow chose a goth inspired look? Or when Uma Thurman wore some kind of crazy Swiss Miss outfit? And don't even get me started on Cher.

I guess I find it hard to believe that they really thought those outfits looked okay. So I'm interested in seeing who made bad choices tonight, and who actually had a little sense. (or at least a good stylist)

As for the awards themselves...there really isn't one I'm too excited about. I'm much more interested in the red carpet this year, although I would love to see Ruby Dee and Hal Holbrook win their categories. Hal Holbrook especially--I remember him as Reese Watson from Designing Women (my all time favorite show, which incidentally is now on TV Land!). And of course, I love Johnny Depp, so I guess I'm pulling for him too.

Speaking of awards and contests, the ACFW Genesis Contest entries are due next week. And I'm still on the fence about entering. I have 2 WIPs that are basically ready for entry, I just have to decide to do it. We'll see. I was a finalist last year. Really just getting the feedback from the judges makes it worth it. So I'm probably going to make my submission in at least one category soon.

Thoughts on a Random Wednesday

Where to start?

First off, this year, my birthday, Super Tuesday, and Mardi Gras all landed on the same day. Then came the devastating storms, and it became a birthday to remember.

Thankfully, we were spared. Our tornado siren went off at least 3 times, but none touched down. My prayers go out to those who weren't so fortunate.

My thoughts on Super Tuesday? Well, I'm a political kind of girl, so I had a lot of opinions, of which I will spare you. It was an exciting night though. And I'm proud of Mike Huckabee.

Mardi Gras...well, since I'm no longer in Mobile, Alabama (which has the oldest Mardi Gras in the United States...even older than the one that happens in New Orleans), there wasn't much hoopla. In Mobile, the parade route went right by my office building. So nearly everyday for 3 weeks, we had an excuse to scoot out early. We were actually off work more days for Mardi Gras than we were for Christmas. Does anyone else find that as odd as I always did?

My birthday...was okay. My family had a little surprise party for me last Saturday, which was nice. No candles though! :) I did get myself an early birthday present. A Nissan XTerra! Yay! I've been driving a Honda Accord Wagon for the past few years. And they stopped making those in 1997 if that tells you anything. Let's just say that a single girl driving a wagon, has to really fight to remain cool. But no more! My XTerra is perfect. It sits up high and there's plenty of room in the back for my dogs or my shopping bags, depending on what kind of trip I'm on.

And in other news...I send off a proposal on Monday for a series I'd discussed with an editor at ACFW conference. It was a s-c-a-r-y one to send, because it's the story I feel like I was born to write. Hopefully the editor will agree!