Meh weekend and a meme

I finally took my computer out of the box and got it most of the way set up. Since many of my files didn't or won't transfer, notibly the Access files, I have ALOT of work ahead of me. And, since I can't afford QuickBooks, the program that the business guys at the Mac store recommended, I will have to come up with a way to track my inventory and sales the old fashioned way. You know, with Excel. Dangit.

Meanwhile, the event on Saturday cost me more in parking than I made, but I had a good time and ran into an old aquaintance. Yesterday I worked most of the day and then went to dinner with Biker Bob and his friend/new roomate and girlfriend. They were interesting and fun people and invited me to jacuzzi with them that night, but I politely refused since I didn't have my bathing suit and going home to get it was going to be 30 minutes to an hour round trip. Once I'm hoe at night, I like to stay there.

I stole this from NWJR

1. Is your blogging persona more serious than your real life persona?
No. If we are not the same, then I would have to say that what you read here is far more outgoing and brave than I am in Real Life. There are things I say here that I wouldn't say out loud because I do this for me and I don't worry that you won't like me for it.

2. Do you think the only safe way to write honestly is to write anonymously?
Nope. The warning is there that these are my thoughts. And I try to be honest at all times. I'll tell you that your butt looks big in those jeans if you ask me.

3. Do you think that your blog could ruin your career?
Only in so much as I should be working right now. I do my best not to discuss my place of employment or my coworers, and when I do, I try to make sure it's a positive or funny story and nothing that could be used against me. I'd gladly invite you all to visit my place of employment, it's lovely. But I wouldn't want to jepordize my position here in case someone did a search on it.

4. Do you use a pseudonym out of fear?
No. I use a psudonym because it's more fun. Like Rich, it would not be difficult to find me if you did a little digging. There aren't a lot of Ginamonsters on the web, most of them are me, and then there is my online business.

5. What is the biggest drawback to writing pseudonymously?
I'm not really all the anonymous, so I just try not to discuss anything too personal like my relations with Biker Bob or events which might adversely affect my family.

6. Has anyone stumbled on your blog and found it accidentally?
Oh gosh yes! I have several friends and family members that read it, and I kinda feel bad because they often hear stories twice. The worst one was when an ex with whom I am still friends happened accross it. I thought I was going to fall over with dread when I read in his email that he had read my blog, but it turned out to be the best thing for our friendship. I have been able to open up with him and allow him to be more a part of my life. We have been able to rebuild part of the closeness that we once shared but was destroyed as part of the break up. I had missed that closeness and am glad to be able to rekindle the friendship, only in a different way because we aren't dating this time.

7. Have you outed yourself to any other bloggers?
Outed myself? Like coming out of the closet? Like Hey everybody! I'm Ginamonster!!um, everyone already knows that. Sometimes, people meet me then find my blog. so...

8. Has your blog allowed you to experiment with writing?
Huh? I have always experimented with writing. I love it. It's just the first time I have had my work read by more than a few people, with the exception of that poem I sent to poetry.com. I only wish that other people in the book I am published in would have submitted better than "Roses are read, My shoes are black, I love my boyfriend, his name is Jack" stuff. I'm a snob that way. Bad poetry is a major turn off.

9. Why do you use a pseudonym?
Ginamonster describes me better than just plain Gina. I have always found the nickname particularly funny.

10. How did you choose your pseudonym?
11 years ago, I applied for and was accepted into a wonderful government program called Americorps*NCCC. When we weren't out doing good things for the community, we were on the Navy Base here in SD living it up 18-24 year old style. At that time, we were allowed to drink beer in the bowling ally on base. Ok, we weren't really allowed, but we did because no one really stopped us. But on base, you could technically drink beer. So one night, we were bowling. I don't remember much more than a lot of falling on my newly pierced nose and giggling and popcorn chasers because I didn't like beer. (This night stopped any budding beer habit. ugh) so at some point in the evening Tex turned to me and said, "HinaMonster!!" I can still hear his voice. I loved it immedietly and have used it ever since. I don't generally introduce myself as such, but it will always get a smile from me and I do answer to it.