Furry Friends

Everyday I strive to lessen the overpopulation of cats and dogs in America. Apparently there is about 7,000 animals to every human (may be off on the number but it's something like that). And with that being the case, part of my 9-5 job is to help lessen that amount. With that said, I have nonstop been thinking of ways to make people aware of this issue. But it is definitely easier said than done.

We love our furry friends so much, but sometimes harm them more than we think. For example, I learned that cow's milk is actually kind of deadly to cats and dogs. Many people have seen in movies, cartoons or family give their animals cow's milk and they seemed fine. But what we all need to realize is that many things have changed since way back when. We are now more informed on how to take care of ourselves and our furry friends. It only make sense to evolve with the times.

Spay and Neuter is what I inform people daily. It's a hard tasks in low income areas. It seems like the people who have money don't want puppies, and those who don't have the money want puppies. It baffles me everyday. If people only knew what having puppies/kittens entail. Especially that when you find homes for the little guys, they don't always have a happy ending like you would think. It's pretty sad.

So when I sat down today, I thought about what is on my mind, what do I want to write about? And it was about animals. Something that now consumes my life is animal welfare. I even got to lobby in Albany to speak up about five bills two Mondays ago. It felt good to make an even bigger difference from the beginning. Where regulations begin. It felt good. And in the end of the day, happy lives for our furry friends will bring happy lives for the humans.

*Didn't proofread

The Next Chapter

Thank you Thank you to all those who attended my writing showcase. I know a lot of people were surprised by the result but as we know I'm anything but conventional. So myself and the digital designer of Rc3 collaborated on unique designs for each piece and photographed the event.  BIG SHOUT OUTS TO HIM. He hated me by the end but I think it was worth the hatred. And also big shout out to Elizabeth Library Board Member Eloy Delgado. THANK YOU! There would have been no pieces on the actual table if it weren't for him and he spoke to numerous speculators who were curious about my work. Thank you to my hostess, Harlenny Javier. Thank you to the publicist of the event, Robyn Butler from RobynRyli Concepts. And for the Pesto Spread Chef Anissa sent for us to enjoy while mingling. Delicious!

Now that this monumental event has now passed, its time for me to get to what I REALLY want to do. And we all know that's not in a bar in Union Square. Although its pretty cool. I want to make sure I am constantly and possibly eventually only thinking about my reader audience. All the girls I want to influence to be their best and also their dreams. Its going to be book fairs, school appearances, visits to libraries, distributing at mom and pop book stores, and so much more. For me this is the most nerve wrecking part but I'm in for the ride.

Get ready to be amazed. Good bye business, Hello High School!

FML

I wrote this when I was studying abroad in England. I left out the ending. It's one of my pieces for the showcase. 

Disappointing Morning

“Ow! ” I yelled as I landed on the floor. Leo looked over the bed and said, “Sorry”.
“I told you I didn’t want you to be on top. And why did you even try to kiss me anyway??? There is NO kissing. Strictly in and out, like I told you.” I shouted as I got up.
He apologized some more, but by then the moment was over and I wanted him to leave. So he left and I got ready for class. For once it seemed as if I was going to be on time. I didn’t even know what class I had that day. Psychology? English? History? Theatre? Or Human Biology? Then my cell rang.
“Hey Grandma. Is everything okay? I asked.
She said that she just wanted to ask when I was coming to visit. But I couldn’t really talk because I was still searching for my schedule. “Okay, I’ll talk to you later then,” she finally said. I couldn’t stand when she’d say ‘then’ in that way. It would make me feel so bad.
“I WILL call you,” I reassured her.
“Okay…Bye,” and she hung up.
And as I closed my cell there it was, on the floor of my closet.
“History it is”

History Judgment

“He threw you off the bed? How??” my friend asked in amazement.

“I don’t even know how, so don’t ask.” I said frustrated.

 “You really thought he’d be good too. Damn that sucks.” She went on.

 I just opened my books and ignored her. Boys are just a big disappointment. The one thing they swear or they claim to or you think they’re good at, they aren’t. What good is a guy then, if they can’t do that one thing?

“Maybe he was just off today?” she still went on.

“Let it go! He was bad! He threw me off the bed! — Who does that? It’s not sexy at all!” I shouted, and everyone in the lecture room looked over at us.

“Does anyone have an answer?” I asked them, “No? Then mind your business.”

And they all went back to what they were doing. “That was rude.” she said. I just gave her a look and rolled my eyes. She seemed a little ticked off that I did that and turned around to the front of the room. She’s so annoying.

                I usually just let the day pass me by and dread a new one beginning. My days are long, as well as my nights because I have school all day and I party all night. While sitting in class I wondered and planned what I would do and who I would do that night. Which may sound slutty to you but I like it, so don’t judge me. I laughed out loud in class thinking about that very thing.

“Don’t judge me?” I said to myself.

If you think about it, everyone is being judged and it’s never going to stop. Then again, people ask to be judged so that they can “climb the ladder”; be perceived as better than the rest. How can we perceive if we can’t judge? So I guess I want people to judge me, but not to wrongly perceive me.

                “What are you giggling about Miss Goldman?” the professor said. I smiled, “About last night” and winked at him. The whole classroom flooded with a bunch of “Oooo’s” and “Ahhh’s”. The professor blushed and shrugged me off. Now everyone is judging him because they know he wouldn’t have been the first professor I’ve spent the night with.

Break Free

“I’m okay with either one.” Cara said. I nodded and took a sip of my water.
“What time is your next class?” she asked. “I don’t know, maybe 12.” I laughed.
She laughed too. My cell phone rang. Once again, it was my grandmother. I got up and answered the call.
“What’s wrong, Grams?” I picked up.
There was nothing on the other line. No one was there and the call ended. I called her back.
 “Hello?” she answered.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah…just called by accident.” She laughed.
 I laughed but was kind of annoyed. But only she could get away with something like that.
 “Do you need anything? You know I’ll come right over,” I offered. 
“Oh no, don’t do that. Go about your day. I’ll see you this weekend.” Grams said.
We finished talking and I sat back down with Cara.
“Who was that?” she asked. “
None of your business” is what I wanted to say, but I said, “Some guy I might meet up with tonight.” Cara laughed a little and shrugged it off.

Psych your Mind

                Sitting in this classroom is a waste of time and I wish I could leave. Why did I even show up? “Write about your parents for five minutes, saying how they make you feel.” The professor said.

What a lame assignment.

I have nothing to say about my parents. They don’t like me, I don’t like them. Me and Grams do fine without them. So all I need to write is “Nothing”, cause they are nothing to me, non-existent.

                “Anyone want to share? Or do I have to pick on a defenseless soul?” The professor asked.
No one raised their hand. He laughed to himself and pointed to the guy behind me.
He grunted a little, “I look at my mom as someone loving and warm. My dad… a scumbag.”
“Okay… why is that?” the professor asked.
“I don’t know. Just cause.” The guy answered.
I laughed a little too loudly.
 “What’s so funny Miss Goldman?” the professor called me out.
“I was just thinking about how true the saying is about the apple not falling far from the tree.” I laughed even louder.
 “What’s that supposed to mean?” the guy said.
“You ARE a scumbag. Don’t be surprised.” I answered.
 Instead he got angry.
“Sit down, “the professor said, “Now Miss Goldman, what did you write down? You were the first one to put your pen down.”
“Nothing… literally.” I said and showed him my blank page.
“Nothing? Why?” he asked, trying to get into my brain.
“Cause they are nothing to me. So they aren’t worthy of an emotion.” I replied.
“Well I say you’re lying. You do feel something about your parents. We can all see it in the way you speak about them and hear it in your tone of voice. Does anyone want to comment?” he asked the class. There were hands raised. He picked his pet.
“I think her parents may have made her feel as if she was nothing and that is why she perceives them as nothing as well. But she does care and have an emotion. – She’s angry,” she analyzed.
“Hmm nice observation.” The professor complimented her.
“Oh my God, this is so dumb.” I sighed.
“You ARE nothing. You slut.” The guy behind me shouted.
 “What?!” I yelled and turned around.
“Okay guys lets calm down. That was out of line,” the professor said.
“Professor, it’s true. A lot of guys have had their ride on that.” Another guy shouted.
 “Well you haven’t,” I shouted back.
 “Okay let’s calm down. This was an exercise to see the connection between your parents and who you are today. Not so that you can attack each other, “the professor shouted.
Wow, REAL productive class.

Lunch

                “I always thought he was a jerk,” Cara said attempting to comfort me.
“Whatever. I’m over it.” I said and took a bite of my sandwich.
“You’re not bothered by that?” she asked. I sipped my soda and shook my head.
“I would be bothered about the thought of guys viewing me that way,” she continued.
“Well maybe it’s good you’re not me then.” I answered.
 Cara just looked at me, kind of like I insulted her.
“Why do you do that?” she asked.
“Do what?” I said looking at her like she was an idiot.
“You’re always so rude to people. I thought we were finally becoming friends but I guess not. You never let me know you, “she explained.
“Oh, well sorry. I just don’t.” I said simply.
“Why not?” she imposed some more. 
“I just don’t. That’s all there is to it. So drop it.” I answered.
“It doesn’t seem like that’s it because you’re getting defensive.”
“Well maybe because you’re asking all these dumb questions and getting into my business.”
“I just want to be a good friend. And obviously there’s something wrong.”
“Nope, there isn’t,” I said as I packed my lunch.
“So you’re going to avoid whatever it is and run?” Cara asked. 
I just stopped moving for a second. She just waited, obviously waiting for me to all of a sudden have a breakthrough and cry on her shoulder. I wasn’t going to do that.
 “Yes, that’s what I’m going to do.” I answered and left her sitting alone.

                I don’t understand what the world’s obsession with curing everyone is. Unless I am harming others, there is no need to cure me.  I like who I am, more importantly, I am used to being the person I am. I don’t want to be cured. Kind of like how some mutants in the X-Men movies don’t see themselves as people who need a cure. I don’t need one either, I’m not sick. The world having a problem with my life is irrelevant because I am the only one living it, unfortunately. I have a conflict with the world. Cause the only person who is going to take care of me is me.  No one else has ever given a damn. 

Next Judy Blume

The copy I read

Ah Judy Blume. That woman is the most monumental part of every woman's teenhood. Including mine. My book of choice was Deenie, once I left middle school. I was a victim of scoliosis and was plagued with this thick plastic back brace which I stabbed with scissors and knives many times. Yes, I am a little psychotic. Do not judge until you wear one for three years, in middle school and especially during the summer. It was a terrible time.

Judy Blume

My mother and I were talking this morning about what I plan to happen at the showcase. More importantly talked about after. "I could see you as the next Judy Blume" My mom said in response to my worry over the riskay parts of Samantha's promiscuous life. Then we got to talking about how Judy Blume had some of those. The book your parents frowned upon because it talked about S-E-X. Of course this made the girls want to read it even more. Then I remember my mother not wanting me to read Forever when I was in the 6th grade. I ended up reading it, I think. And my mom made a good point about those books ending up being read the fastest because you don't want to get caught. Sounds good to me from the author perspective.

Reading about the life of a young girl who has everything you want or is hoping for them too is thrilling in a way. You vicariously live through the character. I can't tell you how many times I have with Samantha. As the author and the reader. Then I think about all the screwed up things that have happened to her and rethink it. Even so, sometimes imagination is better than reality. No matter how bad things get. Why is that? I'm thinking it's cause you know you can get up and stop reading versus not living your life anymore.

"Life problems" seem so great when we're young. I remember how badly I wanted to have a boyfriend when I was in middle school. Oh man, it was bad. Crushes every week. Doodling names (Yes, I did that. Selena Cabrera haha) and talking with my friends about how he brushed beside me. It was invigorating and brought many of us to life. A little sad but true. Now, I'm like "Eh whatever". I don't need that to brighten my world. Still every once in a while a good dose of imagination helps me come back to my youth a bit.

Summer is coming if you haven't noticed. And something that kind of became a tradition on it's own for me is a Summer Reading list. As we all know, I am a VERY slow reader. Just ask author Rachel Resnick. But over the Summer I really try hard to read once a day. I guess all those Summer reading lists from when I was a kid in New York City rubbed off. We used to have to read 25 books, and would kick-start in the Summer to get ahead. It never quite worked for me. It's when I became a professional skimmer. Haha. I'm so bad. I do like reading secretly, it just takes me a long time because I take in every word and every sentence. Am I the only one? Either way, I challenge everyone to pick a couple of books that are in your house and you haven't finished. We all have bookcases full of books we haven't even read the first chapter of. Pick one of those. Maybe 3. And as a treat, maybe buy a 4th one you really want to read. However you want to do it is fine. Just pick out some books and challenge yourself to read them. Maybe one can be mine *wink wink*.

You are YOUR brand

Yay I am inspired to write and am grasping the moment to write down my thoughts. Maybe I will even proof read. :)

As many of you have seen, this gal is venturing into new territory in 2013. In 2012, I was gasping for air and running a marathon trying to make a name for myself and make some change so I could eat. Well at least I lost about 20lbs. Small victories I tell you. I also gained that attention I wanted in; which is very satisfying. What sucks is that I am still gasping for air because of these damn student loans. I HATE YOU SALLIE MAE! But in the end... I was the one who said, "Eh, I'll worry about that later". Yeah, the girl who didn't want to go to college. I was a very smart teenager. Didn't want to college cause HELLO, I already knew how to write and didn't need a piece of paper to tell me I could. Or debt for the rest of my life. Definitely should have listened to myself. Then again, who says I would have been where I am today. Things really could be worst. Above all things, I am grateful.

Branding yourself. A very confusing topic. Rules and procedures change versus if you owned a company. For example, I owned Alpak Station. It was incorporated and filed it's own taxes. SAE aka my initials does not. It's me. That's it. Therefore my books, social media management, and whatever else I do is all under my name. Therefore, to brand myself is very important. For example, Ms. Lauren Conrad is in fact a household name among teeny boppers. She was a reality tv star, fashion icon, author of several books, and who knows what else. Am I jealous? Quite honestly, I'm in awe. Where's my reality tv show to make me famous? But back to the topic. Branding yourself. Conrad has definitely accomplished this well and flawlessly in my eyes. I'm currently looking for domain names for my website (woot woot!) and went to check out hers. It's perfect on so many levels. It's not about her at all but subliminally is. It's about her target audience. Things they want to talk about. Things they want to learn. It's about girls.

As I think about my own website and stare at Conrad's some more, I realize I need to get out of my comfort zone. Secretly, I enjoy being the person in the background. I push my friends to do bigger and better things so that I can ride on their tailcoats and be the behind the scenes mastermind. Hmm...I think there is a name for that but not sure what. Possibly a coward and more importantly, a scaredy cat. I'm scared to put myself out there. I know what you're thinking, "Really?" (no pun intended). Yes, really. It sounds silly since I am constantly putting myself on the web and welcoming strangers into my inner thoughts, but I don't think I am FULLY putting myself out there.

Why am I writing this? I want us all to be our brands. Whether you work for someone else or are a freelancer/entrepreneur. Make your name worth something and known among your peers or other business professionals. Make them respect you not just because but because you definitely have something to offer. I was reading this article and it said to ask yourself, "What is it that my product or service does that makes it different?" Answer in 15 words or less and then read it outloud. Also read the rest of this article. It's long but if you're a good skimmer, you'll be inspired.

By the way, this girl is putting herself out there in 2013. Saying in the mirror, "You are capable of doing impossible things."

*Definitely didn't proof. And I'm not even sorry

www.saewritingshowcase.eventbrite.com

Designed by RC3

SAE Writing Showcase - April 27

This is what I have been working on for the past month. I'm sad I haven't been posting blogs but it's been so crazy from all areas. I've even had to cut down my PR/Marketing services to strictly Social Media. Big changes in 2013. New clients, new gigs and more writing. I love my books and pieces, and they all deserve attention. Writing is therapeutic and my contribution to the world, I believe.

Come see me at my Writing Showcase April 27 from 6pm-8pm. Location is in Manhattan but the exact venue will be sent out in the invitation.

Hope to see you there!

*Nope. Didn't proofread.