Monday, February 2, 2009

Brain Dead

I cannot think of anything to write about today, so I'll open it up to you. Anything you want to ask me? I can't promise I'll answer everything, but I'll do my best.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't have any questions, so I will just stop by and make a funny face. *makes a funny face*

Melanie Hooyenga said...

*moons Turkey*

Nadine said...

I don't have any questions, but wanted to say hi! I got some beta feedback yesterday, which was good. Still waiting on the other betas.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Nadine, that's great! Your comment reminded me that I still needed to resubmit my flash fiction piece, so I just did that.

Jenna said...

Give us a status report on the query and WIP...is it still a WIP or is it ready to go?

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Jenna, my third draft is with two readers (one of whom is my aunt). I assume I'll need at least one more draft once I get those comments, and I'm hoping it'll be ready to send out after that. My mom promised to proofread for me once it's ready and I'm already working on my query and synopsis, although they both still need lots of work.

I'm getting closer!

Anonymous said...

Gee, try and turn on the juices with web stuff that might be so boring it will make your mind wonder, Oh read my blog, I have the book

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Did you have a breakfast michelada?

Amy Mullis said...

We know some of the things you miss about the U.S. Eventually you'll have a chance to miss some things about Mexico. What are they? Not the workers that end up painting your car when they're there, I'll bet!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Amy, I actually did a post about this at the end of December, just not on my blog.

Here's the link:

http://spyscribbler.blogspot.com/2008/12/guest-blog-living-la-vida-mexico.html

Anonymous said...

How do you get your exercise in Mexico? Do you belong to a gym? Or do you run/walk during a certain time in the day?

ac

Anonymous said...

Hi Melanie! I've been reading your blog for a couple of months, after finding it through Nothing But Bonfires, and I have a question for you. I'm trying to learn to speak Spanish. I don't have the opportunity to use it in everyday conversation, and I can't afford an expensive Spanish course. Can you recommend the best way to learn?

Gracias.
Pam

Anonymous said...

Hi Pam -

I'm sure Mel will have some ideas, and I hope you don't mind if I share mine.

Go to youtube, and there you will find videos on learning Spanish.

Here's a link to get you started: http://www.youtube.com/user/esaudio

Also, if you have iTunes conduct a search for learning spanish podcasts. I found one for learning Italian. It's free and a nice way to learn.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

AC - exercise? lol. Lately I've been really bad. I hate running but that was my main exercise up until November. I haven't been getting much cardio lately but I do a lot of squats, leg lifts, etc, plus I use hand weights. Mainly walking I guess. You have to do things first thing in the morning or it's just too hot.

We play volleyball & soccer whenever Ibis has a day off (just hitting back & forth) so that helps too.

I belonged to a gym in the US, plus we did a lot outdoors, but I think I'll be happy with an eliptical. Better on my knees.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Welcome Pam! I love that blog. :)

AC has better ideas than I do. I studied Spanish in high school, then it was my minor in college, so I really haven't had to learn here.

We keep a spanish/english dictionary on the back of the toilet & I have a lot of phrasebooks and a good grammar book.

I also picked up one of the Dummies books, which gives a lot of options on where to learn as well.

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Melanie & ac: Thanks for your input. I've got a Dummies book, and Spanish/English dictionary, but that's about it. I will follow up on your recommendations. Thanks again!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

You're welcome. I hope that works for you. I forgot to mention it also helps having a Spanish-speaking husband. :P

Allen said...

Sorry so late commenting on this.

You talk about the hotel Ibis where Ibis works, but never seem to put up a picture of mention the name.

I picture it as a large hotel with bustling desk and a few dancers near the door, Clint Eastwood drinking at the bar, and a large Mongo-looking guy standing in the doorway waiting for his CandyGram.

Am I right?

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Ha! No... I don't mention the name so we have a teensy bit of privacy here. I don't need stalkers showing up at the hotel!

The hotel is a ten-room place built into the side of the hill, so there are lots of stairs and the rooms are stacked on top of each other. The reception desk is a small office midway down. No lobby, bar or dancers, but they do have thatch-roofed umbrellas on the beach. :)