The Month of Living Dangerously

The National November Writing Month Contest begins tomorrow.  I have never done it before. 50,000 words to be completed by the end of November.  Why not? It's just a rough draft. Vomiting on paper.

I am choosing to write about the easiest thing. I turn 40 this month. Let the countdown begin!

Trying to also to understand how widgets work:

It's Thursday

Alright.

I am realizing I need to have more than one blog and break them up into categories. I am not quite there yet. So this will continue to be home to "All Thoughts Theresa".

I tried joining "blogger communities", but they want me to have a central theme, a "schtick" , a "gimmick", if you will. Perhaps this will force me to organize my thoughts more.

But what's the fun of that?

In the mean time, I continue to vomit on paper.

*Orange and Black ATTACK!



Sooo happy the Giants won yesterday, but I continue to avoid watching the games because it stresses me out to much. I will be at the gym again, tonight, while a friend texts me the latest scores.

John Stewart vs. President Obama

John came in at #1 as Most Influential Among Men and Obama was like number 80 or something.

John Stewart had Obama on his show last night. I was impressed with John Stewart in that he didn't just pander to the left (as media tends to do), but asked Obama tough questions. I thought it was a responsible interview.

I have to say, I feel bad for the President though because I can't believe in only two years that his approval ratings have slipped so much. I think that's crazy. Even in my small exposure to government culture (I work for the State of California), even I know that change takes time. If it takes a month just to order a pencil, how much longer does it take to order "real change".

Stewart implied that he felt that the President campaigned with bells and whistles verses a more pragmatic message. I do understand that. I remember thinking two years ago that Obama needed to sober up his words more and say that he would work towards change, verses just saying "I will change", because the process of change takes so freakin long in government!!

But I know that kind of speech is not exciting when you are trying to get votes.

But it's the truth.

Okay that's it for now.

Go Giants!

The San Francisco Giants - The Little Team That Could

I admit I don't follow sports much.  I can't tell you who plays for what team or stats or anything like that, but I do like a good story.

 

From what I have been hearing from sports commentators is that the Giants team this year was formed from a bunch of players that nobody else wanted.  They were written off as this season's Bad News Bears, so when this underdog team came up from behind and started beating other teams by the hair of their chins, a lot of people were left shaking their heads.

 

 

I admit I had low expectations myself.  With each victory I was more and more surprised.  How is this happening?  I couldn't get used to it.  I was ready to bury my head in the sand along with the 49ers (don't get me started).

 

But the Bay Area has turned into a fanatic frenzy and the buzz in the air is too big to ignore.

 

When the Giants beat the Braves, I thought, okay, that may be so, but they won't get passed the Phillies.  Don't ask me why I thought this, I don't follow sports.

 

Last week one of our student interns borrowed my radio so he could listen to the game 4 against the Phillies in one cubicle away from me. Within an ear shot I heard everything,  I was now emotionally involved in the game. They won.

 

During game 5, I went to my normal hip hop class at the gym, but had another co-worker text me score updates.  While I danced I also checked my phone.

 

During game 6, with the Giants down 2 runs in the first inning, I got depressed and changed the channel. I had no faith.  I couldn't take the suspense.  I watched a documentary on Fidel Castro instead as I checked the Giants score online periodically.  During the 9th inning, I refreshed the score page for the last time and saw the 3-2 victory over the Phillies, sending the Giants to the World Series.

 

Right after that my co-worker texted me: Giants just won.

 

After their victory, when Giants pitcher (Wilson?) was interviewed in their locker room about being down by 2 points so early in the game and he said something like this:

 

"We have been down by 2 plenty of times.  That stuff just doesn't phase us."

 

That right there is why I think I became inspired.

 

It's one thing to be a team that's used to winning yet falls apart when they fall behind.  It's another thing all together when a team can rise up and claim a victory even though they are behind score-wise, momentum-wise and far away from home.

 

I subconciously wore a orange zip up sweatshirt today underneath a long black tank top.   I was accused of having team spirit.  I didn't even realize what I did.  I just like the color orange. Yet I haven't worn this sweatshirt in over a year until this week.  I was labeled a Giants fan.

 

Sports fans say that the Giants have never won a World Series.  Wouldn't it be a great ending to a great story if the little team that could were the ones that finally brought San Francisco their first World Series victory?

 

Watch it if you dare: (I will be in dance class, but text me score updates if you have my cell number!)

 

World Series- Game 1

San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers

Wednesday, October 27th

AT&T Park, San Francisco

 

First pitch - 4:30pm PST

 

 

 

Diary of an 80's Teen - Boy Crazy

(Real excerpts taken from my diary when I was in high school that I now find hilarious)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 20, 1986

Diary,

I’m excited. This is the first page of the first diary I’ve ever owned. This book is really nice!

My b-day (16) was so great yesterday.   My friends kidnapped and blindfolded me and took me to breakfast before school.

The whole day people said happy birthday to me- it was pretty neat. I hugged Todd and gave him a kiss. I was so happy!  He also made me a surprise birthday cake with orange frosting!

After school we said goodbye (kiss) and I went home happy. He’s so great! He also made for me in computers class, a print out that said Todd + Theresa – isn’t he sweet?

The only thing that kinda dampered my day was that Dave Zaro spit on my slipper! And Jim Leary just laughed! I was soooo mad. I mean, come on now folks, let’s grow up! I’m fine now.

I don’t know. I’m still sorta unsure how I feel about Todd. Sometimes I feel real happy and sometimes I don’t feel anything- it’s like rollercoaster city! All I know is when he kisses me I feel great- I enjoy being his girlfriend. It’s really nice. Time will tell!

No, I totally hate Ms. Martin! She gave me a D minus instead of a C minus? Wait a minute, excuse me! Get your figures straight b*tch! My parents probably won’t let me celebrate my b-day now! I must be going some rounds tomorrow!

See ya later as I end my first passage of my first diary!

-me

Theresa Ann Donahoe

Loves

Steven Todd Davis

T – 3  L-1
R - 1  O-4
U  -0  V-2
E - 6   E-6
---------------------------
113% True Love! Yea!

----------------------------------------------------------
2 Days Later.....

November 22, 1986

Diary,

I’m really upset. Todd didn’t invite me to anything tonite. What’s his problem? It doesn’t matter if it’s just watching the movies with the guys. The important thing is I want to be with him.

I waited for him to call me only to be let down. I don’t think he realizes he’s hurting me. Well, he is gonna realize it one way or the other, I guarantee you.

I feel like I’m just one of the guys and I hate it. I should be a little more special than that!

Last night at Kim’s, Todd and I were totally together and I loved it! Why is it ever once in awhile I need his attention? I feel like he’s not really paying attention to me. That’s not right. I’m sick of making the moves. It’s his turn now! Now I’m stuck home on a Sat. nite! I know, I shouldn’t depend on him, I can’t go out with him all the time- I just wish he would have said something to me earlier so I could make plans. I have all this make-up on my face that I have to wash off.

I’m totally gonna try to put Todd on a guilt trip! I’m serious! I know relationships take time though. Sh*t like this makes me just wanna run back to Mark. Mark called me-he’s so sweet. I love him! He wants to take me to get my birthday present. My mom told me if me and Mark aren’t together, I shouldn’t accept anything from him. I really want a sweater though. I miss Mark- he was so good to me. It makes me wonder, does he want to get back together with me ever? I think I would if he asked me back.

No diary, I feel stupid now! Todd came over right after I wrote “asked me back”. We went to Burger King. I had to pay for my food! I’m sure! Well anyway, me and Todd stayed in his car and listened to some tapes and then he walked me to the garage door. We stayed there for so long!  Todd’s slowly learning. It’s cool.

Well, I’m tired. Gonna sleep now – 1:05am.

- me

-------
Ah, young love...

(That's me in high school on the right)

Confessions of a White Mexican

“Habla Espanol?” I was asked the other day.

I always give the same answer.

“Un poquito.” (“a little”)

It still surprises me when I get this question, because you see, to most people, they only see my fair skin. Only those of Mexican descent seem to sniff me out.

“You are Hispanic, aren’t you?” A young woman asked me.

Shocked, I nodded. “Yes, how did you know?”

“I know my people,” she said confidently.

I was born a Carlos Murphy. I am part Mexican, part Irish and other things white. But all this really means is that I can celebrate Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick’s Day. With genes like mine I should be a devoted Catholic with a drinking problem. But I’m not.

As far as showing any true signs of “mex-nicity”, I cannot tell a lie. You see I wasn’t really raised en el barrio. I was raised in a two-story house with a swimming pool.

I’ve never been to a quinceanera, I didn’t grow up eating mole, and, much to my boss’s, (Senorita Torres) horror, I have never had a tres leche cake before. She learned this soon after she hired me.

“You have never had a tres leche cake?” She gasped.

“No.”

“You are such a white Mexican!” She declared.

“Do you subscribe to Latina magazine?” She prodded.

“No.”

“You are such a white Mexican!” She repeated.

“Do you want my latest copy of Latina magazine?” She tried again.

I paused.

“No.” I decided.

“Theresa, you are such a white Mexican!”

What can I say? It was my great grandparents that came to this country from Mexico. Mi familia has been in the Estados Unidos for quite some time.

And it shows.

My grandmother was born in Southern California and learned English in elementary school. Her family moved to the Bay Area where she met my grandfather, also of Mexican descent. They got married and then did something totally illegal and against Mexican law.

They only had one child. My mother.

I am surprised they didn’t get kicked out of the Catholic Church for their sin.

Even though, growing up, I was told I was half Mexican, I didn’t really know what that meant. I even told my mother, “but you don’t look Mexican.” She replied, “that’s because I am your mother.”

I think I thought the term “Mexican” meant “different” and to me, having a mom with a darker complexion than myself was normal. It was all that I knew.

One time she brought home two dolls for my sister and me to play with. One was white and the other one was brown. I grabbed the brown doll because she reminded me of my mother. I named the doll Heidi.

Not “Conchita”, or “Rosa”, or “Consuelo”. But Heidi.

My grandparents didn’t teach my mother Spanish and the only reason why I know any Spanish at all is because I took two years of it in high school. But I can do the best Nacho Libre accent around. I can say the following sentence in perfect dialect:

“My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

My only true “Mexican” memory I have growing up is of my great grandma Ortensia making tortillas from scratch. They were sooooo good. I do remember my other great grandma Lupe, sitting in a wheel chair and speaking no English. But they both died when I was quite young.

My sister and I had ponchos when were little. Does that count as Mexican? But it was also the 70’s and I think everybody had ponchos back then.

Why do people give me grief for not being Mexican enough? What about the rest of me? How come no one has ever asked me, “Theresa, you don’t play darts and drink whiskey? I thought you were Irish!”

Now, what’s that all about?

It is what it is. I will not apologize for not liking spicy food that burns my tongue and upsets my stomach. Or that I converted from the Catholic Church to a non-denominational Christian one. Or for the fact that when I use the word “cousin,” I really only mean “my first cousin on my father’s Irish side.”

My name is Theresa Ann Donahoe.

And I am a white Mexican.

Birth Order Predictor Quiz

I took a Birth Order Predictor Quiz and these were my results.  Although, not entirely accurate, I was tickled that they got me on my first try:

You Are Likely A Fourth Born

At your darkest moments, you feel angry. At work and school, you do best when your analyzing. When you love someone, you tend to be very giving. In friendship, you don't take the initiative in reaching out. Your ideal jobs are: factory jobs, comedy, and dentistry. You will leave your mark on the world with your own personal philosophy.

The Birth Order Predictor

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

You Had Me at 5th Grade

“I never let my schooling interfere with my education” – Mark Twain

A friend of mine told me recently that Mark Twain didn’t have more than a 5th grade education.

Mark Twain- author of such novels as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”.

Mark Twain- creator of books that are required reading in school.

Mark Twain- elementary school dropout!

The minute I was told this revelation, three documentaries on the man landed in my Netflix queue.  As a budding writer who has not finished college yet, Mark Twain has become my new hero.

Lyrics to the Whitney Houston song “Greatest Love of All” dance in my head.

“Everybody’s looking for a hero. People need someone to look up to…”

MT-

You had me at “5th grade”.

Affectionately yours,

Theresa

It's That Time of Year Again!

The best television reality show of all, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, is having auditions right here in Oaktown!

This is me outside the Paramount Theater while others are on the inside getting their groove on!

Why don't I audition? Cuz I'm too old and even when I was in my prime, I couldn't do all the fancy tricks the youngsters are doin these days!

DANCE!

Last Will and Testament

When I was in my early twenties, I asked a 50-something co-worker the question, "at what age do people stop describing you as being young?"

This question did not sit well with her and she refused to answer.

But another middle-aged co-worker overheard our conversation and leaned over and whispered to me:

"When you turn 40."

As my thirties come to a close next month, I feel the need to mourn the death of my "youth". How will I do this? Will I wear sackcloth and ashes as they did in biblical times? Will I give away any clothes left in my closet deemed "too inappropriate" for my more mature age group?

I know. I will start the mourning process by writing a will.

Last Will and Testament

I, THERESA DONAHOE, residing at OAKLAND, CA, being of sound mind, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament and do revoke any and all other Wills and Codicils heretofore made by me.

1.1 - I leave my "how to have youthful skin" secrets to my female friends that are still in their thirties. In the wise words of my Mexican Grandmother: "moisturize, moisturize, moisturize." And don't forget to moisturize your neck.

2.1 - I leave my "dance all night at the club" energy to Brandileigha Stracner, who, at age 25, still has a lot of good clubbin years left in her. Stay out as late as you want and don't come home till 3am for as long as you can. Don't believe you have to work a 9 to 5 in order to be a grown up. You don't.

3.1 - I leave all of my cute shoes that absolutely have no arch support to Christine Beitsch. That woman can walk in anything. Of course I only maybe have one pair of cute shoes left.

4.1 - I leave all of my size four pants to Goodwill. Come, take them away before I try to pathetically muffin-top my way back into them!

5.1 - I leave my "I don't have to worry about anything because I am too young to be in charge" attitude to my 19 year old niece, Brittany. How I envy you.

6.1 - I leave my "I don't have to worry about anything cuz I'm the baby of the family" attitude to.......well,....no one. That one's a keeper and continues to serve me well. Muuhaahaaa. Maybe I will leave that one behind when I turn 50.

OMG. Am I really gonna turn 50 in 10 years??

WHY GOD WHY??

Carrots Are The New Black

You Know Theresa Isn't Feeling Like Herself When She Craves Carrots.

What is happening to me??

No, I'm Not Pregnant!

Budget Blues, Vandalism, and Mick Jagger Dreams

I am feeling sort of blah.

As a State employee, news just came in that our Governator-imposed furloughs were legal (even though we are a fee-based department and not general funded) and therefore the furloughs, stay in effect. State employees are furloughed the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Fridays of the month.

The 15% pay cut is really starting to affect me now. For awhile, I had some side work on the tv show "Trauma", before it got canceled. That was really making up the difference in my paycheck. Also I had a pretty steady cat-sitting gig, which has now too, gone away.

I know, I know, I can hear people say, "at least you have a job", but it still sucks. I am at the bottom of the pay scale in Government jobs. I do not make a median salary of "$60,000 a year" as the newspapers misleadingly report. Why they would merge what an engineer employed by the State makes, with a file clerk who works at the DMV makes, just amazes me. Both are Government jobs, but completely different worlds.

And I live in the San Francisco Bay Area- one of the most expensive places to live in the country.

I don't have internet at home.

I don't have cable.

I don't have a car payment.

I don't travel.

I rarely shop for clothes.

Even with my frugal sort of living, it is still difficult to get by.

"This too shall pass..."

In other news....

Meg Whitman's Oakland Office Headquarters are walking distance from my apartment. On my way to getting frozen yogurt last night, I saw that someone had taken a little creative liberty with her office windows:

Moving on...

I know, It's Only Rock and Roll....

But I must like it because I had a dream last night that The Stones were playing in a bar and Mick Jagger was literally singing on top of the bar counter and I was sitting on a bar stool...smoking of all things.

I don't smoke when I'm awake, so in my dream, I was very awkward at it. I was smoking either a bong, or some sort of contraption that was supposed to be a hands-free ear piece that had a wire came around my mouth (like a neck gear for braces) and the cigarettes (yes i was smoking two at a time) were attached at the end of wires. It looked like I was smoking a hands-free harmonica. I "sucked" at it, so I opted to take off the piece and grab a regular cigarette. As I left my bar stool to find a cigarette, (for just a second) some other chick stole my seat. I was mad, but was able to find another stool and watch Mick Jagger who was singing, right there in front of me.

Oh, and also, the MC of the night who introduced the Stones, was either Glenn Fry or Don Henley of the Eagles.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

It's A Scream Baby!

Starting a long blog (or a short story) about my work on the movie Scream (the first one). 

I was pretty new to the movie biz back in 1996 and Scream was the first movie I worked on from beginning to end as a stand-in for Neve Campbell.

But as I start my blog, I think about the wise words of screenwriter William Goldman: "Will anyone care?"

So now, I just need to find an audience who will take the time to read my story. I have strolled Scream Fan sites- hoping to pick up some readers there.

Fortunately, with Scream 4 in the can and ready for wide release in months to come, the buzz is up for another movie in the Scream Trilogy.

And perhaps then, some people will care.

Alright- gotta get back to writing..... or in other words...

"I'll be right back!"