Question of the Day #56

One New Year's Eve, while on a break home from college, I got invited to a party about 45 minutes away from my hometown. My brother and I drove down winding roads through sleet and grumbled the whole way.

"This is gonna suck."

"Where the hell is this place?"

"We're never going to be able to get out of here."

"Who's going anyway?"

We ended up at a farm house, complete with horses, in the middle of nowhere. We rolled our eyes at each other, and on the count of three, jumped out of his Jeep and ran inside.

Cheers greeted us. Every Jersey friend I had was in that house. Homemade food covered the kitchen countertops. Jersey bands blasted through the stereo system and people danced in the living room. We drank way too much, sang way too loud and slept four to a bed, sofa or chair.

It was one of the best New Year's Eves I've ever had. And to think I'd been so pessimistic.

But that's the thing about New Year's Eve. All that build up. The "biggest night of the year." Even when you plan something special, it usually entails long lines, high prices and a battle to get home safely.

And when you think it's going to be a great one, it usually disappoints. Then when you think it's going to suck, like that Jersey party, it just might rock.

The trick is to keep it simple. And to not get wrapped up in crazy expectations. So this year, my friend J is hosting a party at H's. She threw it out wide, just a few days ago. So who knows who will or won't come. But it doesn't really matter. At this point, we could have a fun in a cardboard box.

So...what are your plans for the big night?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #55

I woke up coughing at 4:30 AM. Then my brain started spinning worry. I tossed around. Tried to think happy thoughts. Instead, in my mind, I wrote chapters, cleaned out closets, donated clothes, sold stuff on ebay, searched for work, redesigned my garden, painted my trim, scrubbed my floors, finagled finances, begged the universe for peace, tried to picture calm (whatever that looks like) and eventually gave up and got dressed.

There's got to be a better way to deal. What do you do when you can't sleep?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #54

The Sound of Music aired on television last night and I watched it, start to finish, complete with ads for the "Trapp Family Lodge," starring Maria's actual grandson. (You gotta love Vermont.)

No matter where I am, it's a yearly ritual to forgo the TiVo and pay homage to one of my favorite things.

What movie will you watch on TV - commericals and all?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #53

When in rain, bowl.

The great thing about bowling is that everybody has their own way. Whether you're World Champ or Gutterballer Supreme, it's all about style.

Yesterday, we discovered Tara's 1-2-3 warm up swings.

My brother's fast and furious strikes.

And for the first time, I shared my "slow bowling" technique with my family.

Good or bad, hilarious or admirable, we all have our own bowling techniques. So what about you? How do you bowl? (And you know you do bowl - one way or another.)

xoxo,

Suzanne

Question of the Day #52

Last night we lit a bonfire out in a snowy field, drank mulled wine and sang around it. (To my mother's dismay, we thwarted her attempts at Silent Night for the theme from Greatest American Hero and many other odd 80's TV shows.) As we danced out in the snow, we noticed that every so often, the fire would follow one of us.

Like no matter where my cousin Michael stood, the wind would shift and the fire would blow sparks in his direction.

Which got me thinking, what's following you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #51

It's a winter wonderland here in Vermont. Whether you're walkin' or sleddin' in it.

Quite a departure from LA where I might be heading to the beach right about now.

What kind of winter fun are you having where you live?

xoxo,

Suzanne

Question of the Day #50

It’s like this
Snow falls softly
On this mountain
Mom’s singing floats up from the kitchen
Upstairs, I wrap homemade memories
And wait for Santa and his wife to arrive
We stoke the fire, master puzzles and eat more cookies
Leaving last night’s shrieking winds behind
Along with palm trees and cross continental worries
Because right here
At 1800 feet
Surrounded by green mountains
Everyone is safe
warm
and
loved

How's your day?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #49

I grew up in an illdyllic little historic town called Basking Ridge. Aptly named for the deer that basked in the sunlight on the ridge. And every Christmas Eve for most of my life, my family and I enjoyed a tradition of crowding around the lit Christmas tree in the center of town with hundreds of other Basking Ridge natives and singing Christmas Carols.

Unlike the other idyllic families, before we joined the other carolers, we scoured the attic and delved into closets to find the ugliest hats we could. Cowboy hats, hideous wide brimmed 80's fashion statement gone awry hats, orange hunting caps complete with ear flaps - whatever we could find. Then we'd head down to the event, a little noggy, and sing very loudly.

Our favorite song was "We Three Kings," thanks to Ruthie. One year, after a wee bit of wine, she approached the upswing of "ohOHHH star of wonder, star of night" with such gusto, that we mad hatted hooligans could only join her in uproar. Which in turn, caused the sober town natives to turn around and glare at us.

Therefore creating a tradition within a tradition.

Now, since my parents have retired to Vermont, we've created another tradition in an even more idyllic town. Every Christmas Eve we attend services at a tiny church. (We're talking eight pews here.) My sister and I elbow each other. Giggle over the choir singers. And once mortified our parents by stuffing $2 (We were broke!) in an envelope and writing "From the Pruiksma Children" on it, as if we were 3 and 4 year old girls - not 33 and 34 year old women.

And of course, we still sing very loudly.

So, whatever holiday you might be celebrating, what are some traditions you have?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #48

So I'm sitting at JFK after getting off the redeye from LA, waiting for my flight to Burlington Vermont. Now if any of you have had the pleasure of experiencing delays, cramped quarters, horrible food and the smelly bar at JFK's old Jet Blue terminal during the holidays you'll be pleased to know that the new terminal boasts every convenience one can desire. (Although I would appreciate it if the man next to me would stop whistling sadly off key Christmas Carols.)

Bar like areas dotted with flat screen monitors pop up every gate or two. I had no idea what they were, so I touched the screen and discovered that this is where I should order breakfast. After selecting granola and yogurt and swiping a card, I turned on my laptop and discovered free Wifi, which sounds like a given, but it's not. At Burbank you have to pay for it. And at LAX, (at least in United's terminal) they don't even have it. They have little kiosks where you can access emails, but no way to use your own computer to go online and let's say, blog.

Last night, as I boarded the plane, I was handed a "Snooze Pack," including an eye mask and ear plugs. I already had my own, but what a nice treat that would be for a lesser prepared traveler, right?

Anyway, all this got me wondering about what it is that makes holiday travel bearable for other people. Wifi? Earplugs? Ipods? Granola in a flash?

What does it for you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #47

Last night, my friend Nancy invited a bunch of writer friends over for a Winter Solstice party to toast to the fact that our days will be getting brighter and lighter. A brilliant idea, admist all this holiday fuss, to celebrate the fact that change is coming, at the very least, in the form of longer days.

We told ghost stories, talked writing, ate mounds of mac and cheese, drank wine, welcomed warm neighbors who just happened to stop by and laughed until we cried.

It was my favorite event this season so far. What's yours?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #46

I'm stressed. And when I get stressed, the left side of my back gnarls in crazy knots and I have trouble moving my head to the left or right. My shoulder tenses in constant pain. So yesterday, H and I decided to do something about it.

We went to Sunset Foot Massage where they do crazy reflexology on your feet. It's amazing how tapping the end of your toes can increase cognizance. (Supposedly. I have no proof.) But we're not just talking about tapping here. We're talking about rubbing knuckles into the bottom of your feet so hard that there are moments when if you could only loosen your leg from the man's evil grasp, you would.

But 40 minutes of hardcore foot pummeling is worth the pain. I mean, knowing that my feet are free of toxins and super relaxed is serious peace of mind, isn't it?

But because we're "why not go for it all" kind of girls, we went for the "Nirvana" experience. Forty minutes of foot massage and an hour full body massage. Idiots.

So after our feet were flimsied, we followed two men upstairs into a little room and lay down on massage tables. That's when the real pain began.

These men jabbed us with elbows. In our shoulder blades, backs, and butts. I tried to breathe through it and huffed heavily as this man poked, rubbed and prodded my left shoulder blade. I drooled through the face doughnut and prayed.

H grunted.

I yelled, "Ow!"

The man pressed hard on a superball sized knot in my back. My leg flew up in the air. He sat on it. Then he attacked my left arm. My fingers went numb in response. I huffed and puffed. He pressed on.

"Too hard!" I yelled.

H grunted.

The men kept on beating us. I stared at the carpet, tried to think happy thoughts and breathed like an obscene caller. The man shoved his elbow into my butt cheek.

"Uhhh!" I moaned.

He rubbed my tailbone. I don't think anybody has EVER rubbed my tailbone.

I felt violated. Yet I giggled at the insanity. Was this really happening?

He told me to roll over. I thought about running out of the room, but I obediently flipped over. And as that strange man massaged my inner thighs (WHAT?!?!) I wondered if this was legal. Just as I was about object, he shifted to my stomach and began to rearrange my organs. (At least that's what it felt like.)

When it was finally over, H looked like she'd been run over. My hair Chaka Kahned in every direction as we stumbled onto Sunset Boulevard.

We burst out laughing.

"All I could think that whole time was, 'when is this man going to stop hurting me?'" H said.

"I seriously feel like I've been beaten." I moved gingerly toward my car.

"But can you move your head?"

I slowly turned my head, all the way from right to left.

"Why yes, yes I can," I said.

"So was it worth it?"

That's debatable. My right butt cheek is bruised. There are small thumb prints around my left shoulder blade and the toes on my right foot are numb. But, I can move my head.

So people, we want to know, when is the pain worth it?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #45

So last night, H and I threw a margarita party at Brian's - because he said we could.

He's got this cool loft, a margarita machine and mad mixology skills, plus, he's charismatic. See? That's him, the "Beautiful Burnout" on the right. And a couple weeks ago, while consuming margaritas elsewhere, I asked when we were going to have them at his place and he said, "Any time you want."

And the idea of throwing parties at other people's places was born. It was great. Our friends met his friends. His friends met our friends, everybody contributed something to the cause and we all enjoyed a little fiesta.

It was so successful, we've planned another party for New Years Eve where S & P will invite their friends over to H's pad.

So, if you were to incorporate this new party trend into your life, whose house would you throw a party at and why?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #44

Here's the situation:

You're invited to a party. Everyone's bringing something. You bring _____________.

I bring mac and cheese. It's yummy, although it's not my most impressive culinary creation. But the people always ask for it. In fact, this weekend, I'm making it twice, one batch for tonight and another on Sunday. I suppose it's my duty to give the people what they want.

So, once again, you're invited to a party. Everyone's bringing something. What do you bring?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #43

So last night H and her friend, E, discussed the Question of the Day over dinner. They pondered their types and somehow ended up talking about about dealbreakers.

Now, my definition of a dealbreaker is way more serious than theirs. Like one person doesn't want to have children or one person doesn't want to get married or one person won't get married with a prenup and the other refuses to do otherwise.

Their dealbreakers were a little more simplistic, like E's boyfriend doesn't believe he could be with someone who repeatedly replaced the toilet paper so it dispenses from under. Apparently, he's an over kind of guy.

I get that this could be annoying. I once went out with a guy who was peeved because I never choose over or under, I just put the darn toilet paper on the holder.

"But to actually end a relationship because someone's toilet paper replacement process doesn't please you seems irrational, doesn't it?" I asked.

"I don't know, I guess it just depends on what drives you crazy. Like if I was totally into a guy and then one night he just started clipping his toenails all willy-nilly in the living room, I'd have to dump him," said H.

"Eww," I said. "But I get what you mean, I could never be with someone who has to sleep with the TV on. I'd never sleep again."

And there we had it, the birth of the "Irrational Dealbreaker." What's yours?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #42

Last night, H and I went to Taco Tuesday with two of our buddies, Ryan and Brian. All you can eat tacos and two for one drinks. Muy bueno!

Of course, all we talked about was men and women and how we'll never even remotely understand each other. Then someone asked, "What's your type?"

"I don't have a type," I said.

"You have to have a type," Ryan said.

"Helen, do I have a type?" I pointed my Tecate Light at her.

"No, she doesn't have a type."

Brian and Ryan rolled their eyes.

"No, seriously, none of my exes look remotely alike. If you lined them all up you'd think I'm a very confused person."

And this is true. My tall, young, handsome dark haired last ex had NOTHING in common with the short, slightly rotund, spectacle wearing divorcee ex that came before him.

"It's all about their brains. And whether or not we connect."

Helen nodded.

Brian cleared his throat. Loudly.

"Okay, think Terminator. You've got the goggles on. You're scanning the room for the right target. You zoom in and boom! There it is. What are you focusing on?"

"Huh?" I said with a mouth full of taco.

"Let's do it now. Everybody look around this room. The gun's to your head. If you had to go home with someone, who would it be?"

All four of us scan the bar.

I glaze over the tall blond guy in the baseball hat. Barely notice Dude and Dude-r, the goatee twins, staring up at the basketball game. Then I lock in on the bald guy with the nice eyes and perfect teeth.

So much for connecting.

So, what's your type?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #41

So last night I caught the last third of Reality Bites on TV. You remember, uber cool 90's grungers Troy and Leiliana are roommates but are really madly in love with each other and too scared or maybe too dumb to admit it until the end, when in a flash they realize that maybe reality doesn't bite so much because they're actually meant to be together forever.

Yes, you remember.

Well, it got me thinking about happy endings and how Hollywood has created an entire genre of romantic comedies with happy endings.

As novelists, we try hard not too wrap things up too nicely. God forbid we pull a Stephenie Meyer and evoke thousands of book returns from customers who are irate that everything turned out so peachy.

But with movies, we love happy endings. Reality Bites does not stand alone. There's Love Actually, The Holiday, Knotting Hill, and a zillion others. Even a bumbling klutz like Bridget Jones gets to find true love in Hollywood.

And we, as viewers, cheer for her, cry for her and maybe for a second even wish to be like her.

So, I ask, what's your favorite happy ending?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #40

Okay, this one's for Brian.

I often discover little pieces of paper crumpled up in my purse and pockets. On them, I find quotes, ideas and questions. Today, I smoothed out a piece of pub bar tab feed on which I'd scrawled, "What is your irrational fear?"

Mine is that I will never have money again. What's yours?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #39

It’s like this
I shiver even though it’s warmer than the 106 mile per hour winds I’m scheduled for
Flecks of last night appear
Scattered
I see the band
Dancing
And a 4:00 AM Muppet Show
I wake wrapped up in arms
But not the right ones
My wing girl and I recap the scenes over eggs
I pack up my belongings
And head home
To prepare for something
So many things
Christmas
Which looms more than merries
Cleaning
Clearing
Weeding
Preparing
Selling
Revising
Pitching
Interviewing
Wishing
For it all
To stop

What are you wishing for?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #38

Okay, so I took 7,500 milligrams of Vitamin C and consumed seven cloves of garlic yesterday. I also used a little Zicam and as a friend suggested, wore a hat. My sore throat is gone, but I am still teetering on the edge of illness.

I did not make my caesar salad. Who wants to eat salad when they're sick? Instead, I started my garlic attack with spinach sauteed with two garlic cloves mid afternoon.

Then for dinner I made some spaghetti, sauteed five garlic cloves in olive oil with a tin of anchovies, a splash of wine, some lemon and red hot pepper flakes. I sprinkled it with parmesan cheese and enjoyed.

I'm aware that some people might read that and gag. But I happen to love anchovies and garlic. So, the question is, what foods do you love that other people might think are completely disgusting?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #37

I have a porcupine in my throat. He needs to leave.

My usual path to porcupine eviction entails tons and tons of vitamin C. I mean like 2,000 milligrams every couple hours. It almost always works. Unfortunately, I am out of vitamin C. And since I'm still in pajamas, going to the store seems extremely ambitious.

I am in need of aternative strategies. What you do when you have a cold?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #36

Karaoke. Some people's nightmare. My guilty pleasure.

So last night, my friend and roommate from college, Michelle, was in town visiting from New York. And since we went to school in Boston we thought it fitting to go to my favorite Boston bar. Wednesday is karoake night.

As my friends chattered, a girl began to squeak out Heart's "All I Wanna Do is Make Love to You." She pitched and belted as her friends danced around her. I giggled, squirmed and couldn't focus on the conversation. I had to focus on the worst song in the world.

Don't get me wrong, early Heart is genius. Songs like "Allies" and "Magic Man" are indeed magical. But "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You" is a cheese laden, musical jumping the shark.

As I walked by my friend Stacie, she squealed, "Oh my GOD Suzanne, you HAVE to sing this song!!!" (Read that with Fran Drescher's version of a Rhode Island accent.)

I said, "I hate this song."

She said, "I LOVE this song!"

I said,"Of course you do."

And we burst out laughing.

So the question is, what song makes you cringe?

xoxo,

Suzanne

Question of the Day #35

I know it's late and that you're all eagerly anticipating today's question. (Humor me, okay?) But I have a great excuse. I went hiking with two very funny former co-workers.

We went to Will Rogers park. It was 72 degrees and sunny. A peaceful, sunny So Cal day. Perfect for catching up. That is, until we caught up with the field trip.



But when the kids took a break, we ran past them, earning this amazing view. Appropriately, this overlook is called "Inspiration Point."

And it was, at the very least, inspiring. Enough to evoke this question - what inspired you today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #34

It’s like this
I head north
But the on-ramp is closed
Just like the next one
The next one
And the next one
So I revise
Searching for back roads
But the connection is down
And I feel stranded
Again
Too tired
And a little slighted
But I start over
Revise again
In hopes that this time
I’ll get what I want

That about covers how I'm feeling today. How are YOU feeling?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #33

So, my friend Margie, one of the original founders of this question game we're playing, just emailed me, asking how the heck she can comment on the blog. She is not the first person to ask me that. So here are some instructions.

First, you need one of the following accounts:

Google
Live Journal
WordPress
TypePad
AIM

So, let's say you want to use a google account.

1. Go to www.google.com

2. Click on "sign in" in the upper right hand corner

3. Click on "create one for free"

4. Type in your email address and a password

5. After you confirm your google account, go back to http://suzannecasamento.blogspot.com

6. Click "sign in" at the top of the page

7. Sign in with your email address and password

8. When you see a post you'd like to comment on, click on "5 comments" or however many comments there are at the bottom of my post

9. Write your fabulous comment in the box

10. Select "google account" as what you're commenting as

11. Click post comment

Hopefully, that should do it.

Meanwhile, I'd like to thank Margie for reminding me to post a question. I FORGOT. Completely. I got all into critiquing manuscripts for tonight's meeting and completely forgot that the world is waiting for the Question of the Day. Please accept my apology.

So, thanks to Margie, the question is, what did you forget to do today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #32

This year, my family has decided to keep the spending to a minimum when it comes to holiday gifts. So I'm trying to think up creative ways to make cool prezzies that don't cost much money. I have a few genius plans, but I'm also drawing some series blanks.

(I know I'm being vague, but there are family eyes all over this blog and I don't want to spoil any surprises.)

But here are a couple ideas I saw on an Oprahsode that I am not using:

1. Create memory boxes for your kids. Find or decorate a cool box and fill it with school projects, drawings, pictures, awards, and keepsakes for your kids to keep forever. Now that I think about it, this could probably also be a great gift for a mate. Then keep it out somewhere, on a shelf or mantel, so it's easily accessible.

2. Have a toy swap with friends. It's amazing how much stuff we have that's barely used. Bring toys to a friend's house and then trade. Get cool gifts for free!

3. Place a small box in front of each guest's dinner plate. Then as your family or guests arrive, hand out notecards. Have each person write down one thing they love about everyone else. Fill each person's box with notecards to take home and enjoy forever.

Anyway, I know we are not the only family in the financially pinched boat. So, I'm thinking that this is a great forum for everyone to brainstorm. What are your super cheap great gift ideas?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #31

While we're in the teenage zone, let me introduce to you to my past. And luckily enough, my last night.

I met these guys when Michael Jackson was cool, pegged jeans were a must and I slaved to feather my curly hair. (Not pretty.) And yesterday, 20 years later, after receiving a text about a little martini party, I slid into the car, hit the 5 and headed to San Diego to see my Jersey Boys.

We talked about sneaking out when were kids, throwing parties when our parents were away, playing questions in the middle of the night. We talked about why I consider myself a recovering Catholic, starting new businesses, and Hanson. Yes, Hanson.

We played air guitar, sang our guts out, got reprimanded by the security in Jimmy's apartment complex and giggled as we shut the door in their faces.

We were, for a Friday night, 16 again.

They're solid. Ridiculously funny. Insanely loyal and pretty darn smart. When I lost my job, I drove straight to San Diego. When I got dumped, I cried on them. When I need advice or think I might have a genius idea, I call them to find out what they think.

So the question is, who do you go to when you need a friend? (Or a martini.)

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #30

Okay! I think we've found our highschool/teenage groove. I'm very relieved. I thought our round of questions was close to being extinguished.

So, might as well leap - what was your most embarrassing teenage moment?

Mine occured during Freshman year in my Core Algebra class. (Yes, that's Algebra for dummies. If I were a math genius, I'd have serious doubts about whether or not I could truly write.) I sat in the back row, between K.V., my crush since 5th grade, and E.M., my newly discovered, hot, older crush. (Scary, because if I was in "core" Algebra as a Freshman and he was in "core" Algebra as a junior, well, you do the math.)

Something whizzed by my head. Not a bug. A white zippy thing. I turned to older hot crush guy and saw him rubbing paper between his lips. I looked towards 5th grade crush guy as he pulled a massive wad of paper from his mouth.

K.V. was about to launch the motherlode spitball at E.M. and I sat right in it's path.

Panicked, I pushed back my chair/desk combo. The legs snagged in the rug and I flipped up on my back, feet in the air, desk in my lap, book smacked in the face.

Laughter thundered as I lay there, wishing I could disappear rather than having to stand and brush myself off after the first of many "smooth moves."

Mortifying. And you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #29

Wowee! Did I strike a chord with yesterday's post! Your responses, and lack thereof, resounded "suckage."

I was at a Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's (SCBWI) conference a while back, when the speaker asked, "Who hated high school?"

Picture a GIANT room, filled with about 1,000 writers and Illustrators. About 75% of them waved their hands in the air.

And I sat there thinking, "Huh? If you hated high school that much, why would you want to write about it?"

Maybe for a second chance? Maybe to rewrite what really happened? To undergo self therapy? Who knows. But the point is, even though they hated it, they were going to face it.

And you, you flock of YA writers (and normal people too) who were too scared to answer yesterday's post, I dare you to name one thing you loved about high school.

Dig down deep. You don't need to get all philosophical and explain how it affected you. (Perhaps I bit off more suckage than we could chew with my first question.) Just name one thing you loved. Because whoever you are, you know it's there somewhere.

You can't convince me that those 750 SCBWI members had 100% horror 100% of the whole time. Just like you can't convince me that your entire teenage experience was 100% suckage.

I'll go first.

I loved playing Questions in Margie's room by candlelight and then sneaking out her window to meet boys.

What about you?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #28

So before I headed out for the holidays, I had a girls night with Helen & Lauren. Lauren had asked to borrow some books and I readily supplied her with Alyson Noel's SAVING ZOE and Sarah Dessen's KEEPING THE MOON, plus my own manuscript.

We got to talking about why I write for teenagers and I said it's because almost everything that happens during that time somehow impacts the person you become. Because emotions and wants and needs are magnified during that period. And the smallest occurance can mean the biggest thing.

For example, in eighth grade, I got kicked out of my clique. That might seem trivial, but when your world is only as big as the people around you, and suddenly they ignore you at the lunch table and you have no idea why, it's heartbreaking. My self esteem plummeted. But worse than that, I lost trust. Because if my best friends could hurt me like that, what could my enemies do?

Now, not all teenage incidents breed sadness and insecurity. And I am by no means one of those people who hated high school and is still mad about it. Once I got past the clique dumping, I actually loved high school. Stealing the mic at the prom and belting out Pat Benatar to the screaming crowd felt better than anything I'd ever felt. Getting roses from the hottest guy in my class gave me ultra-confidence during senior year. And crazy late nights with friends gave me experiences and highs that I still sometimes long for now.

It's those moments who make up who I am. Good and bad. Right and wrong. Smart and not-so-smart.

What are some moments that helped mold who you are today?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #27

Rejection. As writers, we have to deal with a lot of it. At first it hurts. It's offensive, insulting, disappointing, ego-bruising, and sometimes, heartbreaking. Some people give up. Others trudge on and after a while it all becomes part of the game, the business of it.

It's probably like that in any business. Imagine sitting in a conference room full of co-workers, offering up an idea only to get shot down by the boss. Or what about musicians who are told their songs are contrite? Floral designers whose clients say their work is ugly?

Or there's the moment you go to hug a spouse and they brush you off. That pang in your belly rises. Then there's the hurt of pursuing a romantic interest who's just clearly not interested in return.

How do you realign yourself in the face of rejection?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #26

All good things must come to end. (But really? Must they? Or is that a whole other subject?) So it's time to head back to Cali. And I am one lucky girl because Dad took me to the bookstore yesterday. (Don't worry, I didn't freak Dad out with my lust for books. I controlled myself and only picked out two.)

The first of which I am seriously sucked into. BECOMING CHLOE by Catherine Ryan Hyde is like a like journey to "Beautiful" with Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl. Sort of. Anyway, I'm about halfway through and I can't wait to get on the plane and burn through the rest. (I'll probably finish before we fly over Texas.)

The second half of my trip will be dedicated to BURNED by the fabulous Ellen Hopkins. Last year, I was fortunate enough to attend the Big Sur Children's Writing Workshop and I had a one on one with Ellen Hopkins. She had read and written out comments on the first 15 pages of my novel and I have to admit, I was a bit starstruck. Simply amazed that I was sitting there, chatting with this amazing storyteller. Plus, she taught me a lot.

So that's what's on my reading list for today. What are you reading? And must all good things really come to an end?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #25

There's a tornado watch in central Florida. So the shuttle won't be able to land here. I'm pretty bummed about missing my tentative once in a lifer. But I'm also hoping I don't experience a tornado. (That's a once in a lifer I'd like to avoid.)

I'm going to make a segue now so we don't dedicate another post to natural disasters.

Anyhoo, on to other things. Like food. It's Sunday morning and oh, how I enjoy a good Sunday breakfast. I'm a traditional girl (Well, half of me is. The other half deems me a walking contradiction.) so my fave Sunday feast is two eggs over medium, hash browns (Always shredded. None of those lame mushy breakfast potatoes for me.) and delicious, crisp bacon.

Although, I do have a friend who makes a mean bacon, egg and cheese sandwich and somehow manages to scramble all the gooey bacony cheesy goodness inside the eggs. When you bite into it, it explodes decadence. So, I've kind of been cheating on tradition lately. (See what I mean about being a walking contradiction?)

So what's your favorite Sunday breakfast?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #24

Florida fun continues! The Space Shuttle is scheduled to land here tomorrow. (Unless the predicted thunderstorms roll in. Then it will detour to New Mexico.) So we've decided to head out to the Kennedy Space Center to witness the landing. I think it's a once-in-a-lifer.

What once in a lifetime events have you been fortunate enough to enjoy?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #23

My dad and I LOVE rollercoasters. We want to bolt like lightning and scream down a track so steep that we can’t see it beneath us.

It all started when I was 11 years old. Dad took me and my brother to Six Flags outside Chicago. An old white wooden coaster stood center stage at that park and I remember pointing to it many times that day, asking, “Hey Dad, do you think it’s scary?”

After we buckled in and the cars began to crank up, up and up, I clutched the bar, braced my feet and waited for the first free fall. The train soared, my feet rose off the floor and my stomach felt like I'd left it on the platform.

I was in love.

So today, we’re determined to find the ultimate coaster in central Florida. (No loops please. They make Dad loopy.) We’re open to suggestions.

How do you feel about roller coasters?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #22

It’s like this
I cuddle underneath a blanket mountain and listen to the clamor of pots and pans
In somebody else’s kitchen
Savory scents wake my belly
And I shake off the dream I just woke from
In which I struggled past hundreds of people to get what I want
only to be stopped
again
It’s Thanksgiving
The day we purposely choose to think positively
And really look at the good around us
So I close my eyes and give thanks for
The family around me
The steppeople
H
My cheerleader, who told me to turn it into a “10”
A swept garage, an unstopped sink and steaks on Sunday nights
Tally’s story
The invitation for gray potatoes
The friend who asked to read my novel
My home and my garden, budding with promise
Answered prayers
Lives growing
And Hope
because although she’s been hiding
I know she’s still there

What are you thankful for?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #21

I'm heading to Florida for all things family.

How will you get your Thankful on?

xoxo
Suzanne

Question of the Day #20

Yesterday's question certainly revealed some interesting information. We've got a fantasy shoe designer/forensic obsessive, a chef, mom/architect, a couple serious do gooders, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and a whole lotta singers and/or rock stars.

Which of course, begs the obvious question - who's your favorite rock star?

Mine is Bono. It all began the first time I heard The Unforgettable Fire and wrote the lyrics to "Bad" all over my bedroom wall.

Mom loved it.

xoxo,
Suzanne
PS - Regarding Lisa D's question about why we don't have a female Santana yet, I must say I have no idea and I think she should get on it.

Question of the Day #19

If you could have any other career than your current one, what would it be?

I, of course, would be a rock star.

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day # 18

I went to a wedding last night. I love weddings. I cried at the first peek at the bride and that proud look glowing on the groom's face. We clapped, danced and sang out our "Amens" with the slammin' gospel choir. The bride and groom floated during their charming first dance.

I was in cohoots with the people at the "party table," who pretended that Barbara (whose seat was empty) had actually showed up and ordered tons of food and cocktails for her. Then we collectvely consumed all of it. All the while asking the empty chair if it would like some more champagne.

Ohhhh Barbara.

Every wedding has its moments. Like when after recently breaking his foot, my brother began the first dance with his wife clutching a cane. Then after the first few frustrated measures, he tossed it across the dance floor and grabbed his bride. The crowd roared.

At my friend Krista's wedding this summer, she brought in a photo booth. The pictures are hilarious. People packed in there in crazy poses. And the favorite question of the night was, "Did you get in the photo booth yet?"

And at a lot of weddings I've attended, I've crashed the band and sang. The guests go crazy cheering for one of their own.

What are some of your favorite wedding moments?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #17

The one benefit of not feeling well is that you get to lie on the couch and watch bad TV all day and not feel guilty about it. Yesterday, I cuddled up under my fuzzy red blanket, watched a couple TiVoed Oprahsodes and then accidentally came across Fried Green Tomatoes.

I cried when Buddy got hit by the train. I blubbered when Ruth died. I cheered when they killed Ruth's batterer husband. I sobbed at the end when Iggy's house was gone and the town was just a crumbling memory.

When it was over, I felt crappier than when I laid down in the first place.

Next came Atonement. I know, I know. But I didn't know what it was about. I just heard my father's voice in my head, "Great movie. You should see Atonement."

I thought I'd blubbered at Fried Green Tomatoes. As the credits rolled, I clutched my soaked pillow and realized that love was impossible. A fairy tale. It would never happen.

And then, the most amazing thing happened. A yellow legal pad filled the screeen and a pencil scratched out the words "Almost Famous."

Thank god for movies that don't evoke suicidal thoughts. Thank god for Almost Famous, one of my favorite pick me up movies ever.

Not to be confused with my number one favorite - that's Beautiful Girls. There's nothing better than the ridiculous familiarity of returning home to your high school buds after years of living in the big city and falling right back into your native banter without even thinking about it.

Okay, so I told you mine. What are your favorites?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #16

What do you think it means if it's 80 degrees and I'm freezing?

Question of the Day #15

Lisa D's mention of her well-loved brown jacket yesterday reminded me of my favorite red puffy coat. I got it at Jet Rag for a buck, stitched up the slash in the sleeve and began relying on it to get me through porch talk on late chilly nights.

Other people relied on it too. So much that when I came across a white puffy with a faux fur hood on clearance at Macys for $11, I picked that one up too.

Then on a trip to Jersey when I showed up somehow thinking the weather would be just like Cali, I purchased my final puffy in desperation - at full price.

But the insulation is totally worth it. Like the other night, I stayed all toasty in the gray puffy while Helen snuggled in the red one.

Above are some of my fine friends sporting their fave puffies on my deck. So, I ask you, what's your puffy style? And why? Is it white fluffy faux fur? Steady red? Or steely gray? You can vote on the left, leave a comment or do both.

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #14

For the last couple weeks, a bunch of glass tabletops have been sitting out by the garbage at one of the houses I pass on my walks. And yesterday, after seeing them yet again, my couch surfer, Todd, and I drove back up there to get them.

Once he saw them propped up just inside this person's gate, behind the garbage cans, Todd said, "We can't take those. That's stealing."

"What do you mean 'it's stealing'? They've been out by the garbage for weeks."

"But they're inside the gate." He pointed. Like five times.

"Would you leave them here if you wanted to keep them?" I asked.

"I don't know." He shrugged, then sighed loudly. "I don't think this is right."

I laughed. If you knew Todd, you'd laugh too.

"Then let's ask them." I rang the doorbell.

He shook his head.

Nobody answered. Then I noticed the lockbox on the gate and pointed at it.

Todd instantly grabbed the table tops and stashed them in the car. As we unloaded them at home, we brainstormed about how we'll use them to make the perfect coffee tables for my deck. All we need are some supercool bases.

What are some treasures you've found in somebody's else's junk?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #13

Good morning! Okay, it's barely morning for me, which means it's definitely not morning for most of you. My apologies for my tardiness. And here's my lame excuse: I couldn't think of a good question.

Dumb stuff came to mind. Like, "What's your favorite color?" (Not kidding. That was before I drank my Diet Coke.) Then my brain starting swarming with all sorts of questions about men, but let's face it, they might be better answered on a different blog.

So just like I do whenever I have to figure something out, I headed up the hill. I waved to George as he tiled his house. I chatted with David about finding film work. I stopped at Felicia's and discussed the best way to keep critters out of her garden.

I love my neighborhood. I love the fact that I don't need to join a gym because these hills kick my butt better than any treadmill ever has. I love the banana trees, the giant hills, and the contrast of a Bavarian house with turrets next to a Mediterranean style home.

The smoke has cleared. (At least here. I send many prayers to the people who have lost their homes.) And I stopped to enjoy the view and realized that today's question was obvious:

What do you love about where you live?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #12

The leaves are falling off my money tree. What do you think that means?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #11

When I logged onto my computer just now, I had seven friend requests on Facebook. Now, I like the idea of connecting. I found my dear friend, Helena, in Sweden. I haven't seen or talked to her in almost 20 years and with just one message, we were 17 and (virtually) Vogue-ing again. Then after being thrilled to find her, I was contacted by an old high school boyfriend who, sometimes, when I think about him, can still make my stomach flip.

But some other friend requests have made me think, "Really? Don't you remember that time you accused me of stealing your boyfriend?" Or "You never talked to me once in high school and you want to buddy up now?"

And then there are the people I don't even know. I know I'm supposed to know them, but I can't figure out who the heck they are. I look them up in yearbooks, study their pictures and still don't recognize them. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings, but the truth is, my memory bank is on overdraft. And that makes me feel crappy.

So I'm torn. How much connection is too much connection?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #10

Last night, after going out with friends and arriving home at 2:00 AM, I practically ran upstairs, snuggled into my favorite reading chair and devoured the last 50 pages of Alyson Noel's SAVING ZOE.

Fourteen year old Echo, a year after her sister's violent murder, unravels the truth of what led up to her sister's death by reading Zoe's diary. Alyson Noel nailed both sister's voices. Echo's in real time and Zoe's through diary entries. (So hard to do!) The voices are funny while dealing with a tough subject. And I definitely teared up in spots, because they were totally real.

Of course I stayed up until well after 3:00 AM and have quite the little sting in my head this morning as a result, but what a great read.

So what was your last great read?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #9

My friend, Beck, does a happy dance in the middle of her office every Friday. She's broken out the Sprinkler, the always popular Moonwalk, and a vertical version of the Worm. (I think I need a pic of that one!) She has also attempted the Cabbage Patch, but admits that some dances are better left to people with more rhythm.

Anyway, the whole point of the Friday dance ritual is to feel the "happy."

My version of a happy Friday ritual might just be plain and simply, happy hour.

What about you? What are your Friday rituals?

xoxo,
Suzanne
PS - Beck reports that today's dance is The Hustle.

Question of the Day #8

All right. I'll admit it. I'm a closeted karaoke freak. Okay, maybe not that closeted. There usually are other people in the bar.

Some of you may say it's hokey, but when my friend Tom and I get to be Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow and belt out "Picture" for four minutes, we're really rockstars in our minds.

Or like last night, when Billy and I killed Bon Jovi and Sugarland's "Who Says You Can't Go Home?" Every harmony was pitch perfect. The crowd cheered, and for those fleeting moments, this Jersey Girl felt like she was center stage at the Meadowlands.

It's my guilty pleasure. What's yours?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #7

My friend Todd needs a place to crash for a while. He is an excellent carpenter who installed a fabulous, non-leaky, not squeaky front door for me a couple years back. And yes, he does look good in a tool belt. ; )

Since we can all use a little help from our friends right about now, we cooked up an exchange:

Suzanne gets an outdoor coffee table for her lower deck, a little molding around the sliding door in the kitchen and the securing of some boards on the upper deck.

Todd gets an aero bed and a roof over his head.

And everyone's happy.

What fabulous tips can you share to conserve cash and still get what you want?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #6

The other night, I was out with my friends, Helen, Kristine and her little people, O and Z, who are 6 and 3 respectively. We ate pizza while the girls wiggled all over us and our booth. Then they chased after our friend Stacie, who happened to be that night's waitress. All this before Mommy played "Barbie Girl" on the jukebox and the dance party started.

Their energy was adorable, electrifying and exhausting. They made the Energizer Bunny look like a slow poke. As I silently said prayers for Mommy Kristine, we discussed the fact that those girls can stay up all night.

"Maybe it's because they were born in the middle of the night. I was born at night too. And I can stay up all night," Kristine said.

"You think that has anything to do with it?" I asked.

"Well, when we were you born?" Kristine asked.

"I was born the morning. Maybe that's why I can't stay up past 10:00."

Helen elbowed me.

"That is," I cleared my throat, "When I'm not out with Helen."

"What about you, Helen?" Kristine asked.

"Morning."

"Well, that explains your cheerful morning sunshineyness." I grinned, fully knowing that although we both do our best work in the morning, the cheerful sunshineyness only revs up after breakfast.

"Explains yours too."

So, does it? We want to know. Before we launch an official scientific experiment, we figure we should do a little survey. Are people who were born at night "night owls"? And are people who are born in the morning, morning people?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #5

I'm hungry. I'm about to blend an organic blueberry/strawberry smoothie, complete with raw wheat germ and ground flax meal.

What I really want are two eggs over medium, crisp bacon, shredded hashbrowns and free flowing fountain Diet Cokes.

If you could have ANYTHING to eat right now, what would it be?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #4

Sunday. Twenty four hours of freedom before you're forced to be productive again. Time to curl up with a book, go on a hike, simmer a big pot of Granny Stew, work in the garden, hang out with friends, hit the beach, watch lifetime movies or simply nap.

Clearly, Sunday is my favorite day of the week. What's yours? And why?

xoxo,
Suzanne

Question of the Day #3

November in Southern California is weird. Some years, everything's on fire and it sprinkles ash in your backyard. Other years, it rains so much that you realize you've needed a new roof for years but never got the heads up. And once in a while, you're blessed with an 80 degree, crystal ball-clear beach day.

Today was one of those days. So my wing-girl, Helen, and I started up the car, took the top down and headed to Malibu. Waves crashed sky blue, surfers stripped out of wetsuits highway-side and dolphins dotted the waters.

It looked a little like this:

As we drove, we grooved in our seats to Modest Mouse. Howled out Kings of Leon. Belted Pat Benatar and giggled over Rehab, MGMT, and Everclear.

Then, as we drove through a residential neighborhood, in search of a good view of Point Dume, we stopped to support the future enterprisers of the world and bought lemonade from a lemonade stand.

Now, we're aware that we chose to purchase refreshments in Malibu, but they cost $2 a glass. Maybe it was the fresh strawberry garnish?

Finally, we headed out to El Matador State Beach. So Cal's hidden treasure. And took it all in.

All in all, it was an amazing day. But it wouldn't have been quite as enjoyable without the music. So, we ask you, what's on your playlist?

xoxo,
Suzanne and Helen

Question of the Day #2

The vote is in! Based on all your blogtastic responses, you STILL love to play Questions! Yay for some things never getting old.

Although I must admit that there was part of me that freaked out when I read all your responses. That meant I really had to come up with a good question - every day. It's as much a challenge to me to think one up as it is for you to respond to them.

And of course every question I thought of this morning sounded dumb to me. So I stared at my computer screen. Did the dishes. Put my laundry away and finally did what I always do whenever I need to mull something over. I went for a walk.

Whenever I need to twist a plot, figure out why a character does what she does or come up with another verb to write a character from point a to point b, (walk? trot? dash? scramble? saunter? bolt?) I head up the hills.

I trudge up, up and up until I reach my favorite perch. It's an empty lot snuggled between celeb dwellings. Not a lot like you east coasters are used to, it's probably eight feet deep on a sheer drop to Mulholland below. But the right architect and the right kook could build a home there on stilts and enjoy the best view in LA.

So I slid out on my favorite rock, braced my heels in a crevice and saw all the way out to Catalina Island. To give you some perspective, my perch is about 18 miles from the ocean. A brownish filmy wall usually looms halfway through Hollywood, almost making it look like LA ends there. But today the ocean sparkled blue and clear. Beyond that, Catalina island is another 20 miles out. I have never seen it from here before.

I thought about how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. To have the ability to walk, enjoy the landscape and let ideas simmer in my head. I wondered about other people and what they do when they need inspiration. Sure, I know some of your tricks. My friend, Helen, cranks music and drives up the PCH. My mother works garden soil with her bare hands. My father prunes fruit trees.

So here it is, the question of the day: What do you do when you need to get inspired?

xoxo,
Suzanne

The First Question of the Day

So when I was in high school, my Jersey Girls and I used to get together and play Questions. On scraps of paper, we'd scrawl things like, "If you could order a pizza with anything on it right now, what would you get?" Or "Who's your ultimate prom date?" Then we'd crumple them up and toss them in a pile. One by one, we'd answer them, usually in Margie's bedroom, late at night by candlelight.

Night after night after night.

Then, when I moved to Hollywood and lived with 10 girls between two houses, (Melrose Place minus the murders and explosions) we played questions poolside. Instead of focusing on boys and late munchies, our questions shifted to things like, "What will you do if you don't make it as an author/actor/singer?"

And just recently, my sister in-law, Hurricane, (her name is worth a whole other posting) included me in a daily email blast among her co-workers called, "The Question of the Day." That round of questions dissected all things politics and world news.

The game is obviously timeless. So, in an effort to write daily and exercise my right to poke at your brains, I've decided to borrow shamelessly and create this blog, "The Question of the Day."

I think it's only right to start on a positive note, so here's my question: "What's the best thing that happened to you (or that you made happen) today?"

My answer is this blog.

Now who wants to go first?

xoxo,
Suzanne