I met Jenny Lawson

I met The Bloggess, in person... and barely said a word, damn social awkwardness. I wrote this the next day, but am just now gathering the strength to post it. Jenny, if you somehow stumble upon this, Thank you for being you in public, that is an admirable trait.

8/16/2012

I was so very excited to meet Jenny last night. I was nervous for a week thinking in short bursts about ramble after ramble to spout at her. Then I promptly lost more an more of those words as I stood in line waiting to meet her.

It wasn't as though I was scared of her, really, but the prospect of this moment being the only impression I could ever make on her. That if I didn't make an impact I would have failed at properly meeting someone I find inspiring, because this would probably be my only chance. (Below is what I wanted to portray, so it addresses Jenny Lawson directly.)

The book store was crowded, and I was alone, spineless. I felt rushed to express something about why your book and your blog meant so much to me. What I got out was the gist of the most important point I had. That you, Jenny Lawson, are an inspiration to all us weird girls out here. It wasn't the most poignant delivery. And by weird I meant every shy, anxiety ridden, different and honest woman trying to be herself and be successful at the same time. For each one of us that doesn't fit society's mold you are a testament to the possibilities.

You inspire me through the pain of not fitting in. Your journey makes me think, maybe I can contribute and live the honest life I've dreamed of for years. Maybe I do have something interesting enough to share. Maybe my honesty will encourage others. This is what you have given me, not only in your blog and book but also your strength to do appearances despite your anxiety. Here in Oregon you were so funny and still so genuine towering over the fear of being surrounded by so many strangers. Possibly because you knew a lot of us were facing the fear of the crowd just to meet you, to thank you, for being you in public and encouraging us all to do the same.

And now for everyone, the lists:

Things that are awesome about meeting The Bloggess:
1. She understands.
2. She said thank you and my squeaking compliments brought tears to her eyes, meaning even if she's heard it from every other fan we are all important to her.
3. She is Hi-Larious
4. You get to be in a room full of people who are "fucked-up in the best possible way."

Not So?:
1. The manager who promised she knew how to use my camera failed to get a picture of me with Jenny, and I didn't know until I got home.
2. I forgot all the words! Then I cried, happy for remembering the most important thing, that it touched her, but also because I was so mad that I let myself feel scared and rushed.

What I wanted to say to The Bloggess:
1. I DID buy your book! Just the audio version, and that is why I only had a picture, not a book, for signing. I am going to frame it and make people jealous, all the people will be jealous!
2. You should totally be able to pick up BITCH Magazine at Book People in Austin, but you have to ask for it.
3. You are awesome. Your insights about writing, through pain, anxiety, and depression give me a weapon to beat my current career depressions and insecurities with.

One day maybe I will be on tour and Jenny will come to see me. We will laugh at the circular nature of life, the tragedies that made us who we are, and how great it all ends up.

Top Ten Spring TBR List!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

1. Born Wicked: Witch sisters in a town that reviles witches. This debut has excited more than all the others I have heard of this year and the reviews have been very good.
2. Scorpio Races: A magical and dangerous horse race. I wanted to read something by Maggie because I love her blog and I decided to start with what everyone agrees is her best.
3. Delirium: A dystopian everyone won't stop raving about. Am I the only person who hasn't read this?
4. The Book Thief: I love the idea  the narration by death. AND the things people say about this book, it makes me feel like I'm a blasphemer against the world of great literature. I must read this... hmm.. I seem to be in a dramatic mood, but that's how I feel...
5. Youth In Revolt: A boys epic journal, sounds fun and different.
6. Tithe: It seems most of my favorite writers are crazy about this story and it is a faerie story which is a former obsession of mine. This one somehow has never jumped to the top of my TBR and so I am changing that.
7. The Sky Is Everywhere: Too many people love this emotional roller coaster for me to pass it up.
8. Secrets of Simplicity: I have a dream of a simple life and bought this on a whim. I hope it helps.
9. This Book Will Save Your Life: I love this writer's short stories about the secrets of suburbianism and this story about corporate living-dead sounds just as good.
10. How I Became a Famous Novelist: My honey bought this for me and this "careful what you wish for" story sounds perfect for me (I might sometimes romanticize the life of famous writers).

Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey**

Published: April 5th 2011
Pages: 277 (5 hours 31 minutes)
Part of a Series: No
Read For a Challenge: No
Rating: 4 Goodreads stars
GoodReads Description:
Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV.

She has seen both these dreams come true.

Genre: Comedy/Memoir
Writing Style: I was drawn in by Tina Fey's writing. Her stories were amusing and interesting portraying her messages smoothly.
Her Point: This was a memoir of sorts but the recurring theme that tied a story together was women being themselves and abandoning the image of what society says we are supposed to be, and not "giving a fuck if they like it". ("they" being those who perpetuate this stereotypical girly barbie-like image of woman and try to stand in the way of our differences being celebrated.)
Voice:  Witty, Snarky, Funny, Genuine, and Caring.
Flow: Like a nice gift: a strong message snuck in without disturbing the quick easy fun.

Audio Performance: Well fitted. I am so glad Tina read this herself, it doesn't seem like any other would have been as good, especially as extra content was added that pertained only to the audio book format.
Complaints: The message isn't a new one, that's for sure, but Tina approached this from her own experience making the message feel genuine. This is worth reading (or listening to) even though you learn nothing new about the message.
Bonus: Pictures! (included as a PDF with audible audiobook.)

**After trying to do my review for this book by the criteria I set up I realize it doesn't apply to non-fiction books well. I will set up a criteria for non-fiction soon.**