(10373,1,'2012-04-11 09:55:38','2012-04-11 16:55:38','&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/shardsofblue/7066410885/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10366\" title=\"7066410885_f0f9e5ee5d\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/7066410885_f0f9e5ee5d-300x224.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" /></a>Do we honestly need any more social media time vacuums?  DO WE???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>My First Pinterest \"Invitation\" from Valori:</strong>  July 2nd, 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>My Second Pinterest \"Invitation\" from Yovani:</strong>  December 6th, 2011.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Day I Joined Pinterest:</strong>  March 20th, 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>First Pin:</strong>  April 7th, 2012.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>And that\'s when all hell broke loose.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Saturday morning, I came across a John Lennon quote.  Me Lifetime Beatles Fan.  Me Love Beatles Wisdom.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI did what came naturally.  I posted on facebook.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then I remembered, \"Oh, yeah!  I created a Pinterest account a few weeks back.  Maybe I could actually <em>pin</em> something.  Because I need another social media time vacuum like I need this blasted sinus infection that is about to make my head explode.\"\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHumbug.  The Pinterest Scrooge had spoken.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI pinned John.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div style=\"padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;\"><a href=\"http://pinterest.com/pin/109493834660614126/\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https://a248.e.akamai.net/media.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/upload/109493834660614126_VUTB8klm_c.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"515\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;\">\r\n<p style=\"font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;\">Source: <a style=\"text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;\" href=\"http://theclothspring.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/john-lennon-quote-happy.jpg/\">theclothspring.com</a> via <a style=\"text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;\" href=\"http://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/\" target=\"_blank\">Michelle</a> on <a style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;\" href=\"http://pinterest.com\" target=\"_blank\">Pinterest</a></p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Pinterest floodgates opened.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWithin what seemed like a nanosecond, 15-20 people \"repinned\" me, and 5 more \"liked\" me.  They really liked me.  (Note to self:  See if Sally Field Pins.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #008000;\"><strong>In another nanosecond, I was overcome with self-imposed Pinterest Peer Pressure.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>What will people think if I\'ve only posted one pin?  How lame is that?  My blog address is up there on my profile!  I need to represent!  Everyone else is doing it!  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDo I havta?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Yes!  You havta!  Be social!</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I\'m social in Real Life!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>That doesn\'t count.  This is 2012.  Look how long you fought facebook, and now it\'s like brushing your teeth, but more entertaining.  As with anything, you will adapt.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDoes this mean I have to sign up for Google+ as well?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Hell, no!  <a href=\"http://createasfolk.com/how-to-manage-your-time-with-social-media-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Laura Simms</strong></a> already told you that you don\'t havta.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell . . . . your offers sounds tempting, but I can\'t this weekend.  I have <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\">24 days left to finish my screenplay,</a></strong> and I need to figure out a playdate that will be kind and gentle to my sinuses.  Woe is me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>That\'s easy.  Play with yourself.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYo!  The Parental Unit reads this blog!  Watch it!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Yo!  Get your mind out of the gutter!  I meant that Pinterest is a low-key playdate with yourself.  Sheesh!</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  Sorry.  I watched <em>Eat Pray Love</em> with Javier Bardem last night, and I\'m a bit . . . . distracted.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd this is how I came to I create My Online Vision Board via the site we know and love and hate as Pinterest.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nSince many people refer to Pinterest as an Online Vision Board, and since <a href=\"http://christinekane.com/how-to-make-a-vision-board/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vision Boards</strong> </a>are said to manifest into Real Life,  AND since I was \"distracted\", I slapped Javier up there faster than you can say, <strong><a href=\"http://www.sodahead.com/fun/better-actor-javier-bardem-or-jeremy-renner/question-2482187/comment-78538551/\" target=\"_blank\">\"It\'s time, darling.\"</a></strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLadies, do you know the scene  of which I speak?  Be still, my heart.  (Be still, my groins!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>Javier, if you or your clone</strong></span> </span>(Listen, I\'m the last person in the world that wants to break up you and Penelope)<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"> <span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>entered into my Real Life via my Online Vision Board, it would <em>always</em> be time, darling.</strong></span></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t expect much from my <a href=\"https://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Pinterest page,</strong></a> my friends.  My boards and pins are growing slowly.  Although I promise that you won\'t be disappointed <a href=\"https://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/el-caramelo-de-ojo/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>here.</strong> </a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCan I let you in on my latest dirty little secret?  Pinterest is the best peer pressure to which I have ever succumbed.  Shhhhh.....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow . . . . Back to that screenplay!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you a Pinterest Aficionado?  Do tell!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #14:  Pinterest Peer Pressure','','inherit','open','open','','10338-revision-32','','','2012-04-11 09:55:38','2012-04-11 16:55:38','',10338,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/11/10338-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(10374,1,'2012-04-18 01:11:51','2012-04-18 08:11:51','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\",\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nor . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my talented friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong> Ode to Bunnies by Bella</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','publish','open','open','','playdate-15-instapoem','','http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoem/','2012-04-17 19:43:47','2012-04-18 02:43:47','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=10374',0,'post','',4),(10375,1,'2012-04-14 14:58:48','2012-04-14 21:58:48','','Playdate #15:  instapoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision','','','2012-04-14 14:58:48','2012-04-14 21:58:48','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/14/10374-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(10376,1,'2012-04-14 14:58:51','2012-04-14 21:58:51','http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo','Playdate #15:  instapoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-2','','','2012-04-14 14:58:51','2012-04-14 21:58:51','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/14/10374-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(10377,1,'2012-04-14 15:08:46','2012-04-14 22:08:46','http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  instapoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-3','','','2012-04-14 15:08:46','2012-04-14 22:08:46','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/14/10374-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(10378,1,'2012-04-17 12:50:54','2012-04-17 19:50:54','','instapoem','','inherit','open','open','','instapoem','','','2012-04-17 12:50:54','2012-04-17 19:50:54','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(10379,1,'2012-04-17 12:54:36','2012-04-17 19:54:36','<a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend, Sam, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that was resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\nvoila!  I am officially a poet!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:  script frenzy article\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-4','','','2012-04-17 12:54:36','2012-04-17 19:54:36','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(10380,1,'2012-04-17 13:04:36','2012-04-17 20:04:36','<a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend, Sam, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that was resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVoila!  I was officially a poet!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where Samantha Reynolds (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I arrived at my facebook page, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose dog has a facebook page.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When you have 365 days to challenge yourself, you often go<strong> coo coo for cocoa puffs</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-fie\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:  script frenzy article\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-5','','','2012-04-17 13:04:36','2012-04-17 20:04:36','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(10381,1,'2012-04-17 13:12:37','2012-04-17 20:12:37','<a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:  script frenzy article\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-6','','','2012-04-17 13:12:37','2012-04-17 20:12:37','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(10382,1,'2012-04-17 13:12:43','2012-04-17 20:12:43','<a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-7','','','2012-04-17 13:12:43','2012-04-17 20:12:43','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(10383,1,'2012-04-17 13:13:02','2012-04-17 20:13:02','<a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-8','','','2012-04-17 13:13:02','2012-04-17 20:13:02','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(10384,1,'2012-04-17 13:13:06','2012-04-17 20:13:06','<a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-9','','','2012-04-17 13:13:06','2012-04-17 20:13:06','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(10385,1,'2012-04-17 13:13:43','2012-04-17 20:13:43','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-10','','','2012-04-17 13:13:43','2012-04-17 20:13:43','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(10386,1,'2012-04-17 13:15:58','2012-04-17 20:15:58','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-11','','','2012-04-17 13:15:58','2012-04-17 20:15:58','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(10387,1,'2012-04-17 13:16:02','2012-04-17 20:16:02','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to InstaPoem and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-12','','','2012-04-17 13:16:02','2012-04-17 20:16:02','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(10388,1,'2012-04-17 13:17:31','2012-04-17 20:17:31','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to facebook where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-13','','','2012-04-17 13:17:31','2012-04-17 20:17:31','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(10395,1,'2012-04-17 16:47:28','2012-04-17 23:47:28','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me on this?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and FUN.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:  script frenzy article\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-20','','','2012-04-17 16:47:28','2012-04-17 23:47:28','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(10393,1,'2012-04-17 16:40:39','2012-04-17 23:40:39','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me on this?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and FUN.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n:  script frenzy article\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\n\n&nbsp;\n\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-18','','','2012-04-17 16:40:39','2012-04-17 23:40:39','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(10389,1,'2012-04-17 13:20:33','2012-04-17 20:20:33','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the bentlily/<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily?ref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-14','','','2012-04-17 13:20:33','2012-04-17 20:20:33','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(10390,1,'2012-04-17 13:20:40','2012-04-17 20:20:40','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the bentlily/<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily?ref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-15','','','2012-04-17 13:20:40','2012-04-17 20:20:40','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(10391,1,'2012-04-17 13:20:42','2012-04-17 20:20:42','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about writing poetry, I\'ve never even quite understood poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the bentlily/<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily?ref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-16','','','2012-04-17 13:20:42','2012-04-17 20:20:42','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(10392,1,'2012-04-17 13:25:12','2012-04-17 20:25:12','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the bentlily/<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily?ref=ts\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another poetry creation!  When I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-17','','','2012-04-17 13:25:12','2012-04-17 20:25:12','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(10394,1,'2012-04-17 16:40:57','2012-04-17 23:40:57','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is this Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she\'s also helping us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and FUN.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that somewhat resembled a Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised me yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B would fancy herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your creation with us in the comments below.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-19','','','2012-04-17 16:40:57','2012-04-17 23:40:57','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(10398,1,'2012-04-17 19:21:20','2012-04-18 02:21:20','','Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7-20-26-pm','','','2012-04-17 19:21:20','2012-04-18 02:21:20','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(10396,1,'2012-04-17 16:48:00','2012-04-17 23:48:00','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-21','','','2012-04-17 16:48:00','2012-04-17 23:48:00','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(10397,1,'2012-04-17 16:48:10','2012-04-17 23:48:10','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n:  script frenzy article\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nhttp://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nbellas  http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-22','','','2012-04-17 16:48:10','2012-04-17 23:48:10','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(10399,1,'2012-04-17 19:23:28','2012-04-18 02:23:28','','Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7-19-44-pm','','','2012-04-17 19:23:28','2012-04-18 02:23:28','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(10400,1,'2012-04-17 19:24:35','2012-04-18 02:24:35','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me on this?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" />\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-23','','','2012-04-17 19:24:35','2012-04-18 02:24:35','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(10401,1,'2012-04-17 19:24:53','2012-04-18 02:24:53','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-24','','','2012-04-17 19:24:53','2012-04-18 02:24:53','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(10402,1,'2012-04-17 19:25:02','2012-04-18 02:25:02','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" />\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-25','','','2012-04-17 19:25:02','2012-04-18 02:25:02','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(10403,1,'2012-04-17 19:27:14','2012-04-18 02:27:14','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-26','','','2012-04-17 19:27:14','2012-04-18 02:27:14','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(10404,1,'2012-04-17 19:27:19','2012-04-18 02:27:19','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-27','','','2012-04-17 19:27:19','2012-04-18 02:27:19','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(10406,1,'2012-04-17 19:29:27','2012-04-18 02:29:27','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI am not a poet.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAlthough . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAre you with me on this?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-29','','','2012-04-17 19:29:27','2012-04-18 02:29:27','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(10405,1,'2012-04-17 19:27:49','2012-04-18 02:27:49','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Brit-icism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-28','','','2012-04-17 19:27:49','2012-04-18 02:27:49','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(10407,1,'2012-04-17 19:29:32','2012-04-18 02:29:32','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-30','','','2012-04-17 19:29:32','2012-04-18 02:29:32','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(10408,1,'2012-04-17 19:30:00','2012-04-18 02:30:00','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em>  people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-31','','','2012-04-17 19:30:00','2012-04-18 02:30:00','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(10409,1,'2012-04-17 19:32:35','2012-04-18 02:32:35','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-32','','','2012-04-17 19:32:35','2012-04-18 02:32:35','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(10410,1,'2012-04-17 19:33:29','2012-04-18 02:33:29','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-33','','','2012-04-17 19:33:29','2012-04-18 02:33:29','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(10411,1,'2012-04-17 19:34:16','2012-04-18 02:34:16','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was either too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied  herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-34','','','2012-04-17 19:34:16','2012-04-18 02:34:16','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(10412,1,'2012-04-17 19:36:55','2012-04-18 02:36:55','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but ultimately, I decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-35','','','2012-04-17 19:36:55','2012-04-18 02:36:55','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(10413,1,'2012-04-17 19:37:42','2012-04-18 02:37:42','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-36','','','2012-04-17 19:37:42','2012-04-18 02:37:42','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(10414,1,'2012-04-17 19:37:55','2012-04-18 02:37:55','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\", or . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my talented friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-37','','','2012-04-17 19:37:55','2012-04-18 02:37:55','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(10415,1,'2012-04-17 19:38:46','2012-04-18 02:38:46','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\",\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nor . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my talented friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-38','','','2012-04-17 19:38:46','2012-04-18 02:38:46','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(10416,1,'2012-04-17 19:40:57','2012-04-18 02:40:57','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\",\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nor . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my talented friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong> Ode to Bunnies by Bella</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-39','','','2012-04-17 19:40:57','2012-04-18 02:40:57','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(10417,1,'2012-04-17 19:41:53','2012-04-18 02:41:53','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\",\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nor . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my talented friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong> Ode to Bunnies by Bella</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-40','','','2012-04-17 19:41:53','2012-04-18 02:41:53','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(10418,1,'2012-04-17 19:43:17','2012-04-18 02:43:17','<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10378\" title=\"instapoem\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/instapoem.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"220\" height=\"220\" /></a>Happy <a href=\"http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/47\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>National Poetry Month</strong></a>, Everyone!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am not a poet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nForget about <em>writing</em> poetry, I\'ve never even quite <em>understood</em> poetry.  Most Poetry that I\'ve come across is so profound and deep, that I have no earthly idea what the hell it means.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlthough . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m a fairly smart cookie.  Is Poetry really that \"profound\",\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nor . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs Poetry a bit too far up its own arse?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Thank you to my talented friend,<a href=\"http://samfrancisco.me/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> Sam</strong></a>, for my new favourite Briticism!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAre you with me on this?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTake heart, my friends.  There is a poet amongst us who brings poetry to the masses.   Not only does she compose a meaningful poem a day (wow!) that can be deciphered by a normal human being, she also helps us common folk write our own poetry through the power of technology and PLAY.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen I stumbled upon<strong> <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\">InstaPoem</a>,</strong> I couldn\'t resist.  I clicked over to a page that resembled Mad Libs Poetry Edition, spontaneously chose my nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc., and . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800080;\"><strong>Voila!  I was officially a poet!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/rxqvtwzuaqu5pusqo/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10398 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.20.26 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.20.26-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"289\" height=\"497\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe site even prettied up my poem for display!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI was hooked.  I clicked over to the <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/Bentlily\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>bentlily/</strong><strong>InstaPoem facebook page</strong></a> where <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/about/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Samantha Reynolds</strong></a> (not to be confused with Sam the Brit) promised yet another Mad Libs-eque poetry creation!  However, when I landed on facebook, I realized that the last time I logged in, it was on behalf of my dog.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(Yes.  I am one of <em>those</em> people whose<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/worlds.most.precious.pooch\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> dog has a facebook page</strong></a>.  But remember, this was all in the name of a 365 Living Curiously blog project.  When immersed in a 365 day challenge, there is a great risk of going<strong> <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/05/06/day-220-my-dog-hijacked-my-computer/\" target=\"_blank\">coo coo for cocoa puffs</a></strong> around Day 220.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'m not sure if I was too lazy to log off as my dog, or too warped to log off as my dog, but I ultimately decided that Little Miss B fancied herself a poet as well.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong> Ode to Bunnies by Bella</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoems/3fewntlllvc21fh11/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10399\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-17 at 7.19.44 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-17-at-7.19.44-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"469\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHow about you?  Are you a poet and don\'t know it?  Head on over to <a href=\"http://bentlily.com/instapoem/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>InstaPoem</strong></a> and share your genius with us in the comments section.  (Samantha\'s site is uber-user-friendly, and she provides you with links to your poetry that you can paste below!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #15:  InstaPoem','','inherit','open','open','','10374-revision-41','','','2012-04-17 19:43:17','2012-04-18 02:43:17','',10374,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/17/10374-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(10419,1,'2011-01-17 21:37:10','2011-01-18 04:37:10','<p><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/rhbhills.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3378\" title=\"Adam Olszewski/Bravo © Bravo \" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/rhbhills-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a>I have a confession to make.  And it\'s not pretty.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am addicted to trash television.  Particularly, <em>The Real Housewives</em> series (yes, <em>all</em> of them) on Bravo.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I am still puzzled as to how Bravo started airing these shows.  Bravo is an arts channel.  I am an arts person.  I was originally drawn to Bravo for obvious reasons.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Back in the day, when I prided myself on being an accomplished and educated woman, I tuned into <em>Inside the Actor\'s Studio</em> and foreign films on Bravo.  I watched <em>Masterpiece Theatre</em> on PBS.  Yes, I admit it.  I was a cultural snob.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>A Welsh friend once told me that I was \"very cultured for an American\".  I took this as a compliment.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Well, Catherine, I am ashamed to admit that this American snoot has taken a cultural nosedive.  I now get a secret thrill from watching poor little rich girls and their trainwreck lives.  (Although, I have to say, I absolutely positively ADORE Lisa and on the <em>Real Housevives of Beverly Hills. </em>I want her to be my friend in real life.)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My current addiction is so overwhelming that I turned a Friday night viewing with Dina <em>dah</em>ling into one of my 365 blog days.  In my opinion, that\'s cheating.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>But I am also \"coming clean\" which is the first step in admitting that you have a problem, right?  <em>That</em> is important enough to count as a blog activity, right???</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>On Day 111, Dina <em>dah</em>ling and I ordered pizza and plastered ourselves on the couch with our dogs.  I even DVR\'d that ridiculous after show with Andy Cohen who made such an idiotic and offensive statement that I will NEVER watch him again.  I may be swimming in the cultural gutter, but I still have some taste and discretion in tact.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Before my addiction evolves into something more serious (i.e., before I stumble into the cesspool of a show like <em>The Jersey Shore</em>), I am contemplating doing the unthinkable in 99.9% of households:  yanking my cable.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>No, this does not mean switching to Dish Network or another competitor.  This means cutting the crap out of my life to see what might enter into the TV-less void.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>My main dilemma is that I do enjoy my ritual of sitting down for dinner in front of a show.  I live alone.  Who wants to eat alone in their kitchen?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>I\'ve been told that I can hook up a hdmi cable from my computer to my TV and still watch <em>Top Chef,</em> <em>It\'s Me or the Do</em>g, and <em>Shark Week</em> (come August).  I could also stream Netflix and watch shows that I\'ve always wanted to see like <em>The Tudors</em> and <em>Weeds</em>.</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Or maybe I should just get over myself and relish in the ridiculousness that is <em>Real Housewives</em>.  All of my colleagues at work are just as addicted.  What else are we going to talk about during coffee breaks?</p>\r\n\r\n<p><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Have you ever pulled the plug on your cable?  Please share/advise/lecture me below.  Just remember to be kind.  :-)<br class=\"spacer_\" /><br class=\"spacer_\" /></p>','Day 111:  I Need an Intervention.  Now.  ','','inherit','open','open','','3377-revision-16','','','2011-01-17 21:37:10','2011-01-18 04:37:10','',3377,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/01/17/3377-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(10421,1,'2012-04-20 08:40:46','2012-04-20 15:40:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/rhbhills.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-3378\" title=\"Adam Olszewski/Bravo © Bravo \" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/rhbhills-300x243.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"243\" /></a>I have a confession to make.  And it\'s not pretty.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am addicted to trash television.  Particularly, <em>The Real Housewives</em> series (yes, <em>all</em> of them) on Bravo.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI am still puzzled as to how Bravo started airing these shows.  Bravo is an arts channel.  I am an arts person.  I was originally drawn to Bravo for obvious reasons.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBack in the day, when I prided myself on being an accomplished and educated woman, I tuned into <em>Inside the Actor\'s Studio</em> and foreign films on Bravo.  I watched <em>Masterpiece Theatre</em> on PBS.  Yes, I admit it.  I was a cultural snob.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nA Welsh friend once told me that I was \"very cultured for an American\".  I took this as a compliment.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWell, Catherine, I am ashamed to admit that this American snoot has taken a cultural nosedive.  I now get a secret thrill from watching poor little rich girls and their trainwreck lives.  (Although, I have to say, I absolutely positively ADORE Lisa and on the <em>Real Housevives of Beverly Hills. </em>I want her to be my friend in real life.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy current addiction is so overwhelming that I turned a Friday night viewing with Dina <em>dah</em>ling into one of my 365 blog days.  In my opinion, that\'s cheating.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut I am also \"coming clean\" which is the first step in admitting that you have a problem, right?  <em>That</em> is important enough to count as a blog activity, right???\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn Day 111, Dina <em>dah</em>ling and I ordered pizza and plastered ourselves on the couch with our dogs.  I even DVR\'d that ridiculous after show with Andy Cohen who made such an idiotic and offensive statement that I will NEVER watch him again.  I may be swimming in the cultural gutter, but I still have some taste and discretion in tact.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBefore my addiction evolves into something more serious (i.e., before I stumble into the cesspool of a show like <em>The Jersey Shore</em>), I am contemplating doing the unthinkable in 99.9% of households:  yanking my cable.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, this does not mean switching to Dish Network or another competitor.  This means cutting the crap out of my life to see what might enter into the TV-less void.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMy main dilemma is that I do enjoy my ritual of sitting down for dinner in front of a show.  I live alone.  Who wants to eat alone in their kitchen?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve been told that I can hook up a hdmi cable from my computer to my TV and still watch <em>Top Chef,</em> <em>It\'s Me or the Do</em>g, and <em>Shark Week</em> (come August).  I could also stream Netflix and watch shows that I\'ve always wanted to see like <em>The Tudors</em> and <em>Weeds</em>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOr maybe I should just get over myself and relish in the ridiculousness that is <em>Real Housewives</em>.  All of my colleagues at work are just as addicted.  What else are we going to talk about during coffee breaks?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever pulled the plug on your cable?  Please share/advise/lecture me below.  Just remember to be kind.  :-)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUpdate:  On Wednesday, April 18th, <strong>2012</strong> I <em>finally</em> CUT THE CABLE!!!!  :-) <br class=\"spacer_\" /><br class=\"spacer_\" />','Day 111:  I Need an Intervention.  Now.  ','','inherit','open','open','','3377-revision-18','','','2012-04-20 08:40:46','2012-04-20 15:40:46','',3377,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/20/3377-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(10425,1,'2012-04-25 14:59:39','2012-04-25 21:59:39','For years, Toastmasters has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with Ghost Hunting Expeditions, Italian Concussions,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and much, much more.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of Heartbreak, Play, and Script Frenzy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud if they would be called on to speak.  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Moral of the Story:</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.  Maybe someone else will speak your\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-2','','','2012-04-25 14:59:39','2012-04-25 21:59:39','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(10426,1,'2012-04-25 15:10:42','2012-04-25 22:10:42','For years, Toastmasters has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and Script Frenzy.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud if they would be called on to speak.  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating Toastmasters?  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-3','','','2012-04-25 15:10:42','2012-04-25 22:10:42','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(10427,1,'2012-04-25 15:12:43','2012-04-25 22:12:43','For years, Toastmasters has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud if they would be called on to speak.  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating Toastmasters?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Not next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-4','','','2012-04-25 15:12:43','2012-04-25 22:12:43','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(10428,1,'2012-04-25 15:13:43','2012-04-25 22:13:43','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud if they would be called on to speak.  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Not next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-5','','','2012-04-25 15:13:43','2012-04-25 22:13:43','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(10429,1,'2012-04-25 15:14:43','2012-04-25 22:14:43','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud if they would be called on to speak.  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Not next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-6','','','2012-04-25 15:14:43','2012-04-25 22:14:43','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(10431,1,'2012-04-25 15:19:04','2012-04-25 22:19:04','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-8','','','2012-04-25 15:19:04','2012-04-25 22:19:04','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(10430,1,'2012-04-25 15:14:46','2012-04-25 22:14:46','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud if they would be called on to speak.  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Not next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-7','','','2012-04-25 15:14:46','2012-04-25 22:14:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(10433,1,'2012-04-25 15:19:58','2012-04-25 22:19:58','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-10','','','2012-04-25 15:19:58','2012-04-25 22:19:58','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(10432,1,'2012-04-25 15:19:15','2012-04-25 22:19:15','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-9','','','2012-04-25 15:19:15','2012-04-25 22:19:15','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(10434,1,'2012-04-25 15:20:42','2012-04-25 22:20:42','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-11','','','2012-04-25 15:20:42','2012-04-25 22:20:42','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(10493,1,'2012-05-05 01:11:32','2012-05-05 08:11:32','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny_lin/241795620/\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10500\" title=\"rsi\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rsi.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou may be wondering why I didn\'t post this week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I haven\'t fallen off the face of the earth. I simply fell off my computer. Because of a major Owie. From using the computer too much.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI believe it is called <strong><a href=\"http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"repetitive strain injury\"</a>. </strong>Or something fancy like that.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAll I know is that this hurts more than an<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Italian concussion</strong>.</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHelp!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHas this ever happened to you? I hope not.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>But if you know what I\'m talking about, and if you have any advice for me, I would love to hear about it in the comments section.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNow, if you\'ll excuse me, I need to get off the computer.  I hope to update you with Playdates 17 and 18 soon.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, I will keep on playing.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nPlay. It does a body good.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd now for the boring details:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI have been to the doctor. I have been to their useless physical therapy.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nGood news: I do not have carpal tunnel syndrome.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRevolutionary and life-saving tools that I am already implementing at work on my PC (Thank you Noble Publishing Superpower!):\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://nuance.software.net/store/swnet/ContentTheme/pbPage.nuanceus-ms_dragon-naturally-speaking-11-premium/ThemeID.16645600?utm_medium=ps&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_campaign=Dragon&amp;utm_term=dragon_preferred&amp;resid=T6SjUwoBAlYAABF1gvkAAAAp&amp;rests=1336190494891\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dragon</strong> </a></li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Bamboo/BambooTablets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bamboo</strong></a></li>\r\n</ul>\r\nTools I had already been implementing at work:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard-mice-combos/devices/wireless-wave-combo-mk550\" target=\"_blank\">somewhat ergonomic keyboard</a></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-910-000806-Trackman-Marble-Mouse/dp/B001F42MKG/ref=dp_cp_ob_pc_title_1\" target=\"_blank\">trackball mouse (BIG owie)</a></strong></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Now what the heck do I use at home with my MacBook Pro?</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Owie. Has this ever happened to you?','','publish','open','open','','owie-has-this-ever-happened-to-you','','','2012-05-04 21:50:31','2012-05-05 04:50:31','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=10493',0,'post','',6),(10436,1,'2012-04-25 15:24:07','2012-04-25 22:24:07','','IMG_6413','','inherit','open','open','','img_6413','','','2012-04-25 15:24:07','2012-04-25 22:24:07','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10437,1,'2012-04-25 15:21:25','2012-04-25 22:21:25','For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-12','','','2012-04-25 15:21:25','2012-04-25 22:21:25','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(10439,1,'2012-04-25 15:25:46','2012-04-25 22:25:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-14','','','2012-04-25 15:25:46','2012-04-25 22:25:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(10438,1,'2012-04-25 15:24:42','2012-04-25 22:24:42','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-13','','','2012-04-25 15:24:42','2012-04-25 22:24:42','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(10450,1,'2012-04-25 15:33:13','2012-04-25 22:33:13','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-24','','','2012-04-25 15:33:13','2012-04-25 22:33:13','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-24/',0,'revision','',0),(10445,1,'2012-04-25 15:30:09','2012-04-25 22:30:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10443\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10443\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM-300x116.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"116\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-19','','','2012-04-25 15:30:09','2012-04-25 22:30:09','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(10443,1,'2012-04-25 15:29:32','2012-04-25 22:29:32','','Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM','','inherit','open','open','','screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3-26-21-pm','','','2012-04-25 15:29:32','2012-04-25 22:29:32','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(10440,1,'2012-04-25 15:27:18','2012-04-25 22:27:18','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>I met the <a href=\"https://twitter.com/search/%2523scriptfrenzy\">#scriptfrenzy</a> 100 page challenge!Now on to my personal challenge:Finish the War &amp; Peace of screenplays by April 30th.:-o</p>&mdash; Michelle DeSpain (@latebloomer365) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" data-datetime=\"2012-04-25T00:52:23+00:00\">April 25, 2012</a></blockquote>\r\n<script src=\"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-15','','','2012-04-25 15:27:18','2012-04-25 22:27:18','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(10441,1,'2012-04-25 15:27:18','2012-04-25 22:27:18','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>I met the <a href=\"https://twitter.com/search/%2523scriptfrenzy\">#scriptfrenzy</a> 100 page challenge!Now on to my personal challenge:Finish the War &amp; Peace of screenplays by April 30th.:-o</p>&mdash; Michelle DeSpain (@latebloomer365) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" data-datetime=\"2012-04-25T00:52:23+00:00\">April 25, 2012</a></blockquote>\r\n<script src=\"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-16','','','2012-04-25 15:27:18','2012-04-25 22:27:18','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(10442,1,'2012-04-25 15:27:27','2012-04-25 22:27:27','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>I met the <a href=\"https://twitter.com/search/%2523scriptfrenzy\">#scriptfrenzy</a> 100 page challenge!Now on to my personal challenge:Finish the War &amp; Peace of screenplays by April 30th.:-o</p>&mdash; Michelle DeSpain (@latebloomer365) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" data-datetime=\"2012-04-25T00:52:23+00:00\">April 25, 2012</a></blockquote>\r\n<script src=\"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-17','','','2012-04-25 15:27:27','2012-04-25 22:27:27','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(10444,1,'2012-04-25 15:27:46','2012-04-25 22:27:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>I met the <a href=\"https://twitter.com/search/%2523scriptfrenzy\">#scriptfrenzy</a> 100 page challenge!Now on to my personal challenge:Finish the War &amp; Peace of screenplays by April 30th.:-o</p>&mdash; Michelle DeSpain (@latebloomer365) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" data-datetime=\"2012-04-25T00:52:23+00:00\">April 25, 2012</a></blockquote>\n<script src=\"//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"></script>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-18','','','2012-04-25 15:27:46','2012-04-25 22:27:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(10446,1,'2012-04-25 15:30:09','2012-04-25 22:30:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10443\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10443\"><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM-300x116.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"116\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-20','','','2012-04-25 15:30:09','2012-04-25 22:30:09','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(10447,1,'2012-04-25 15:31:11','2012-04-25 22:31:11','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10443\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10443\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-21','','','2012-04-25 15:31:11','2012-04-25 22:31:11','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(10448,1,'2012-04-25 15:31:12','2012-04-25 22:31:12','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10443\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10443\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-22','','','2012-04-25 15:31:12','2012-04-25 22:31:12','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(10449,1,'2012-04-25 15:32:09','2012-04-25 22:32:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-23','','','2012-04-25 15:32:09','2012-04-25 22:32:09','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(10451,1,'2012-04-25 15:33:19','2012-04-25 22:33:19','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-25','','','2012-04-25 15:33:19','2012-04-25 22:33:19','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-25/',0,'revision','',0),(10452,1,'2012-04-25 15:33:19','2012-04-25 22:33:19','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Toastmasters','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-26','','','2012-04-25 15:33:19','2012-04-25 22:33:19','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-26/',0,'revision','',0),(10454,1,'2012-04-25 15:38:20','2012-04-25 22:38:20','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The #1 Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-28','','','2012-04-25 15:38:20','2012-04-25 22:38:20','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-28/',0,'revision','',0),(10453,1,'2012-04-25 15:37:16','2012-04-25 22:37:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The #1 Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-27','','','2012-04-25 15:37:16','2012-04-25 22:37:16','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-27/',0,'revision','',0),(10458,1,'2012-04-25 15:40:35','2012-04-25 22:40:35','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The Number One Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-32','','','2012-04-25 15:40:35','2012-04-25 22:40:35','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(10455,1,'2012-04-25 15:38:41','2012-04-25 22:38:41','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The #1 Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-29','','','2012-04-25 15:38:41','2012-04-25 22:38:41','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-29/',0,'revision','',0),(10456,1,'2012-04-25 15:38:41','2012-04-25 22:38:41','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up about something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The #1 Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-30','','','2012-04-25 15:38:41','2012-04-25 22:38:41','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-30/',0,'revision','',0),(10457,1,'2012-04-25 15:39:31','2012-04-25 22:39:31','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The #1 Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-31','','','2012-04-25 15:39:31','2012-04-25 22:39:31','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-31/',0,'revision','',0),(10459,1,'2012-04-25 15:40:48','2012-04-25 22:40:48','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The Number One Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-33','','','2012-04-25 15:40:48','2012-04-25 22:40:48','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(10460,1,'2012-04-25 15:40:48','2012-04-25 22:40:48','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The Number One Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-34','','','2012-04-25 15:40:48','2012-04-25 22:40:48','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(10462,1,'2012-04-25 15:41:51','2012-04-25 22:41:51','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The Number One Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-36','','','2012-04-25 15:41:51','2012-04-25 22:41:51','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(10461,1,'2012-04-25 15:41:37','2012-04-25 22:41:37','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-35','','','2012-04-25 15:41:37','2012-04-25 22:41:37','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(10464,1,'2012-04-25 15:42:41','2012-04-25 22:42:41','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-38','','','2012-04-25 15:42:41','2012-04-25 22:42:41','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-38/',0,'revision','',0),(10463,1,'2012-04-25 15:42:13','2012-04-25 22:42:13','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  The Number One Fear','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-37','','','2012-04-25 15:42:13','2012-04-25 22:42:13','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-37/',0,'revision','',0),(10465,1,'2012-04-25 15:43:09','2012-04-25 22:43:09','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?attachment_id=10436\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-39','','','2012-04-25 15:43:09','2012-04-25 22:43:09','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-39/',0,'revision','',0),(10466,1,'2012-04-25 15:54:51','2012-04-25 22:54:51','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-autosave','','','2012-04-25 15:54:51','2012-04-25 22:54:51','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(10467,1,'2012-04-25 15:43:10','2012-04-25 22:43:10','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-40','','','2012-04-25 15:43:10','2012-04-25 22:43:10','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-40/',0,'revision','',0),(10468,1,'2012-04-25 15:43:32','2012-04-25 22:43:32','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-41','','','2012-04-25 15:43:32','2012-04-25 22:43:32','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-41/',0,'revision','',0),(10469,1,'2012-04-25 15:43:32','2012-04-25 22:43:32','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-42','','','2012-04-25 15:43:32','2012-04-25 22:43:32','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-42/',0,'revision','',0),(10470,1,'2012-04-25 15:44:16','2012-04-25 22:44:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-43','','','2012-04-25 15:44:16','2012-04-25 22:44:16','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-43/',0,'revision','',0),(10471,1,'2012-04-25 15:44:16','2012-04-25 22:44:16','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-44','','','2012-04-25 15:44:16','2012-04-25 22:44:16','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-44/',0,'revision','',0),(10472,1,'2012-04-25 15:45:58','2012-04-25 22:45:58','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-45','','','2012-04-25 15:45:58','2012-04-25 22:45:58','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-45/',0,'revision','',0),(10473,1,'2012-04-25 15:45:58','2012-04-25 22:45:58','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to sign up so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway!  (At future meetings.  Hmph.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-46','','','2012-04-25 15:45:58','2012-04-25 22:45:58','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-46/',0,'revision','',0),(10474,1,'2012-04-25 15:54:46','2012-04-25 22:54:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-47','','','2012-04-25 15:54:46','2012-04-25 22:54:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-47/',0,'revision','',0),(10475,1,'2012-04-25 15:54:46','2012-04-25 22:54:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-48','','','2012-04-25 15:54:46','2012-04-25 22:54:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-48/',0,'revision','',0),(10476,1,'2012-04-25 18:40:27','2012-04-26 01:40:27','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-49','','','2012-04-25 18:40:27','2012-04-26 01:40:27','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-49/',0,'revision','',0),(10477,1,'2012-04-25 18:40:27','2012-04-26 01:40:27','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-50','','','2012-04-25 18:40:27','2012-04-26 01:40:27','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-50/',0,'revision','',0),(10478,1,'2012-04-25 18:40:41','2012-04-26 01:40:41','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-51','','','2012-04-25 18:40:41','2012-04-26 01:40:41','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-51/',0,'revision','',0),(10479,1,'2012-04-25 18:40:41','2012-04-26 01:40:41','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in the Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-52','','','2012-04-25 18:40:41','2012-04-26 01:40:41','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-52/',0,'revision','',0),(10480,1,'2012-04-25 18:41:35','2012-04-26 01:41:35','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-53','','','2012-04-25 18:41:35','2012-04-26 01:41:35','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-53/',0,'revision','',0),(10481,1,'2012-04-25 18:41:35','2012-04-26 01:41:35','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-54','','','2012-04-25 18:41:35','2012-04-26 01:41:35','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-54/',0,'revision','',0),(10482,1,'2012-04-25 18:41:46','2012-04-26 01:41:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-55','','','2012-04-25 18:41:46','2012-04-26 01:41:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-55/',0,'revision','',0),(10483,1,'2012-04-25 18:41:46','2012-04-26 01:41:46','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-56','','','2012-04-25 18:41:46','2012-04-26 01:41:46','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-56/',0,'revision','',0),(10484,1,'2012-04-25 18:43:24','2012-04-26 01:43:24','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-57','','','2012-04-25 18:43:24','2012-04-26 01:43:24','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-57/',0,'revision','',0),(10485,1,'2012-04-25 18:43:24','2012-04-26 01:43:24','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then.... My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then...When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-58','','','2012-04-25 18:43:24','2012-04-26 01:43:24','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-58/',0,'revision','',0),(10486,1,'2012-04-25 18:45:50','2012-04-26 01:45:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-59','','','2012-04-25 18:45:50','2012-04-26 01:45:50','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-59/',0,'revision','',0),(10487,1,'2012-04-25 18:45:50','2012-04-26 01:45:50','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-60','','','2012-04-25 18:45:50','2012-04-26 01:45:50','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-60/',0,'revision','',0),(10488,1,'2012-04-25 18:45:57','2012-04-26 01:45:57','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-61','','','2012-04-25 18:45:57','2012-04-26 01:45:57','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-61/',0,'revision','',0),(10489,1,'2012-04-25 18:45:57','2012-04-26 01:45:57','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-62','','','2012-04-25 18:45:57','2012-04-26 01:45:57','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-62/',0,'revision','',0),(10490,1,'2012-04-25 18:46:03','2012-04-26 01:46:03','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-63','','','2012-04-25 18:46:03','2012-04-26 01:46:03','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-63/',0,'revision','',0),(10491,1,'2012-04-25 18:46:03','2012-04-26 01:46:03','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-64','','','2012-04-25 18:46:03','2012-04-26 01:46:03','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-64/',0,'revision','',0),(10492,1,'2012-04-25 18:46:21','2012-04-26 01:46:21','<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/26/playdate-16-is-this-your-1-fear/img_6413/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10436\"><img class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-10436\" title=\"IMG_6413\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_6413-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" /></a>For years, <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Toastmasters</strong></a> has been on my \"To Do Someday\" list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLast year, it logically moved from the \"To Do Someday\" list to the<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> \"365 Curiosities\"</strong></a> list.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . My 365 list filled up with a <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/23/day-57-we-saw-dead-people-or-if-you-want-to-be-technical-orbs/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ghost Hunting Expedition</strong></a>, an <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Italian Concussion</strong></a>,  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2010/11/09/day-43babymakestwo/\" target=\"_blank\">Unexpected Puppy Love</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/12/30/lessons-learned-from-my-year-of-living-curiously/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>much, much more</strong></a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . After I completed my 365 project, I promptly forgot about Toastmasters whilst in the midst of <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/02/17/playdate-5-a-week-in-the-french-alps/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Heartbreak</strong></a>, <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/52-playdates/\" target=\"_blank\">Play,</a></strong> and <a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/05/playdate-13-script-frenzy/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Script Frenzy.</strong></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nUntil Britt and Hollywood (the friend, not the city) announced that they were attending a lunchtime Toastmasters meeting.  Would I like to flee from my cube for an hour to absorb myself in The Art of Public Speaking?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWeeeeeeee!!!!  A lunchtime Playdate <em>and</em> a To Do Someday opportunity literally fell into my cubicle!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOn the way over, Britt and Hollywood nervously wondered out loud.  Would they be called on to speak???  Yikes!  Public speaking is the number one fear amongst Americans, you know.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Yep.  Our fear of public speaking trumps our fear of death. </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhile my friends fretted, I secretly wished that I would be called on to speak.  Because I was a Theatre major once upon a time.  We\'re weird that way.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAt the meeting, the Toastmasters bestowed a warm and gracious welcome upon us.  They dazzled us with their speeches.  They encouraged us to join their ranks so that we could Feel the Fear and Speak Anyway at future meetings!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBritt and Hollywood were on fire!  \"Sign us up,\" they declared!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAnd then . . . . When I remembered the tens of thousands of dollars that my parents spent on my B.A. in Theatre (thanks, Parental Unit!), I realized that I\'ve got this particular \"fear\" covered.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #800000;\"><strong>Moral of the Story from Your Toastmasters Guinea Pig</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you ever thought about investigating <a href=\"http://www.toastmasters.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Toastmasters</a>?  Good for you!  Here\'s my unsolicited advice:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you are an American who fears Public Speaking more than Death, check out your local Toastmasters.  I really, Really, REALLY think you should go.  Next week.  Don\'t wait for next year.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf your parents spent gobs of money on Theatre school, thank them profusely.  You should be pretty damn good at The #1 Fear.  Now get out there and get fired up over something else that\'s scary!  Like finishing that screenplay for instance.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://twitter.com/#!/latebloomer365/status/194951958623305728\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-10443 alignnone\" title=\"Screen shot 2012-04-25 at 3.26.21 PM\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Screen-shot-2012-04-25-at-3.26.21-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"633\" height=\"246\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIs there anyone out there who would like to hold me accountable on this?  Because I am afraid.  Very, very afraid.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #800000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>What is your #1 Fear?  If you\'re feeling brave, share in the comments section below.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Playdate #16:  Is This Your #1 Fear?','','inherit','open','open','','10423-revision-65','','','2012-04-25 18:46:21','2012-04-26 01:46:21','',10423,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/04/25/10423-revision-65/',0,'revision','',0),(10521,1,'2012-05-19 01:11:07','2012-05-19 08:11:07','<a href=\"http://www.foodrevolutionday.com/about-the-day.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10528\" title=\"img-badge-326x150\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/img-badge-326x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"339\" height=\"178\" /></a>It\'s <a href=\"http://www.foodrevolutionday.com/about-the-day.html\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Food Revolution Day</strong></a>!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI feel like we need to break out into <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkwgTBrW78\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Beatles</strong></a> right about now.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em><strong>You say you got a real solution</strong></em>\r\n<em> <strong>Well, you know</strong></em>\r\n<em> <strong>We\'d all love to see the plan</strong></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThat Culinary Cutie Pie, Jamie Oliver, has got a solution and a plan all right.  Join him today over at <strong><a href=\"http://foodrevolutionday.com/about-the-day.html\" target=\"_blank\">www.FoodRevolutionDay.com</a></strong>.  He\'s launched a worldwide discussion as part of his mission for better food and education for all!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em><strong>You ask me for a contribution</strong></em>\r\n<em> <strong>Well, you know</strong></em>\r\n<em> <strong>We\'re doing what we can</strong></em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhat will your Food Revolution Contribution look like today?  Will you visit a farmer\'s market?  Cook a healthy meal with your family?  Join a Food Revolution Day event?  (For the latter, enter your zip code <strong><a href=\"http://foodrevolutionday.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">here</a></strong> and find an event near you!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Jamie\'s Takeaway of the Day:  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>We need to get back to basics and start thinking about where our food comes from.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nCoincidentally, I\'ve been mulling this over a lot lately.  <strong><a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/05/owie-has-this-ever-happened-to-you/\" target=\"_blank\">The Big Owie</a></strong> has prevented me from pounding away at my computer at night.  As a result, I\'ve become engrossed with my couch and documentaries on Netflix.  Food documentaries in particular.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>I entered my documentary obsession as a part-time carnivore and dairy-lover, and I exited with The Great Vegan Experiment.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIt\'s a long story.  I will try to be brief because it\'s Saturday, and we need to start brainstorming our Food Revolution Festivities.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI started with <em><strong><a href=\"http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead</a>.</strong></em>  Joe Cross, Aussie Entrepreneur and Film Maker, hauled his juicer and his overweight self to The Land of Junk Food aka The United States of America.  Joe was so sick and tired of being sick and tired with an autoimmune disease that he pledged to embark on a juice fast for 60 days.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThrough his travels, he captured the attention of many an American junk food junkie, including a morbidly obese Midwestern Truck Driver who shared the same autoimmune disease.  60+ days later, Joe lost 100 lbs. and our truck driving friend lost 200.  They both were able to chuck their steroids when their autoimmune symptoms disappeared.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLadies, I should also add here that Joe morphed into an Aussie HOTTIE.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/press.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10563\" title=\"MV5BNTA4MTU4Mjc5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDQ2ODM2NA@@._V1._SX214_CR0,0,214,314_\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/MV5BNTA4MTU4Mjc5Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDQ2ODM2NA@@._V1._SX214_CR00214314_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"214\" height=\"314\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ff0000; font-size: medium;\"><strong>Since the film, I\'ve been having regular Green Juice Fantasies starring Joe Cross which are very <em>50 Shades of Grey.</em>  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n(No, I haven\'t read the book yet, but I imagine there\'s food play in there somewhere.)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext, I dove into <em>Food Matters, Forks Over Knives, Ingredients, Food Fight, Food Beware: The French Organic Revolution</em> and <em>Food, Inc</em>.  I recommend all of them, but the one that I passionately feel that every American must watch is <strong><em><a href=\"http://www.takepart.com/foodinc\" target=\"_blank\">Food, Inc</a></em></strong>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI know, I know.  You don\'t want to because you\'ve heard that it\'s \"hard to watch\".  It\'s precisely because of that reason that you need to see it.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>We need to get back to basics and start thinking about where our food comes from.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContrary to popular belief, <em>Food, Inc.</em> is not propaganda spread by vegetarians.  To the contrary, <em>Food, Inc.</em> advocates humane farming.  It\'s not about carnivores vs. vegetarians.  It\'s about making choices that can heal our bodies and our world.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nYou can stream all of these documentaries through Netflix.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Knowledge is power.  Empower yourself.  It\'s Food Revolution Day!</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeah.  I almost forgot.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Tomorrow kicks off The Great Vegan Experiment.  </strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nI\'ve recruited 8 friends to get their glow on for 45 days.  No animal products.  That means no dairy, meat, or eggs.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDon\'t be scared.  I didn\'t choose this after watching <em>Food, Inc.</em>  You\'re still safe to watch.  In fact, after my 45 days, should I choose to reintroduce meat into my diet, I feel better equipped to do so after watching <em>Food, Inc.  </em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNo, I decided to try this somewhere between <em>Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead</em> and <em>Food Matters.</em>  But the inspiration that really caught my attention was that sassy bombshell, Kris Carr, over at <strong><em><a href=\"http://crazysexylife.com/\" target=\"_blank\">www.CrazySexyLife.com.</a></em></strong>  Because what women doesn\'t want to be crazy and sexy?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nKris\'s definition of \"crazy\" = bold, out of the box, forward thinking, and status quo challenging.  \"Sexy\" = confident, in touch, whole, passionate, and conscious.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh, yeaaaahhhh!  Sign me up!  (And 8 friends, please!)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://crazysexylife.com/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10538\" title=\"csd-book\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/csd-book.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"260\" height=\"310\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHave you heard of Kris Carr?  She was thrown one hell of a Life Lemon at the ripe young age of 31: a rare, incurable cancer.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBut since she\'s crazy, sexy, and sassy, she healed herself through a vegan diet and inspired the masses with her irresistible pizzaz along the way.  The woman <em>glows</em>, and I want to glow, too!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo be continued . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nComing this week . . . .\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMeet the Vegans\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n**********\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOh.  I almost forgot one more thing.  Silly me.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-size: medium; color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Do you want to join us Vegan Vixens in our 45 days?  We\'d love to cheer you on.</strong></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you\'re curious enough to give crazy sexy a whirl, just want to watch us get crazy sexy, or simply want to snag a few new seductively delish recipes, make sure to check out the <strong><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/diaryofalatebloomer?ref=sgm\" target=\"_blank\">Diary of a Late Bloomer facebook page</a></strong> and <strong><a href=\"https://pinterest.com/latebloomer365/the-great-vegan-experiment/\" target=\"_blank\">The Great Vegan Experiment pinterest page</a></strong> for more frequent updates.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Food Revolution & The Great Vegan Experiment','','publish','open','open','','food-revolution-the-great-vegan-experiment','','\nhttp://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/05/owie-has-this-ever-happened-to-you/','2012-05-23 12:45:42','2012-05-23 19:45:42','',0,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/?p=10521',0,'post','',16),(10496,1,'2012-05-04 18:33:09','2012-05-05 01:33:09','no,','Owie. Has this ever happened to you?','','inherit','open','open','','10493-revision-2','','','2012-05-04 18:33:09','2012-05-05 01:33:09','',10493,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/04/10493-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(10497,1,'2012-05-04 18:37:28','2012-05-05 01:37:28','You may be wondering why I didn\'t post this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I haven\'t fallen off the face of the earth. I simply fell off my computer. Because of a major owie.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Owie. Has this ever happened to you?','','inherit','open','open','','10493-revision-3','','','2012-05-04 18:37:28','2012-05-05 01:37:28','',10493,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/04/10493-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(10498,1,'2012-05-04 18:40:28','2012-05-05 01:40:28','You may be wondering why I didn\'t post this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I haven\'t fallen off the face of the earth. I simply fell off my computer. Because of a major owie.  From using the computer too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI believe it is called quote repetitive strain injury. Or something fancy like that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I know is that this hurts more than and Italian concussion.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Owie. Has this ever happened to you?','','inherit','open','open','','10493-revision-4','','','2012-05-04 18:40:28','2012-05-05 01:40:28','',10493,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/04/10493-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(10499,1,'2012-05-04 20:13:30','2012-05-05 03:13:30','You may be wondering why I didn\'t post this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I haven\'t fallen off the face of the earth. I simply fell off my computer. Because of a major owie. From using the computer too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI believe it is called \"repetitive strain injury\". Or something fancy like that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I know is that this hurts more than an <strong>Italian concussion</strong>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHelp!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nhas this ever happened to you? I hope not. But if you know what I\'m talking about, and you have any advice for me, I would love to hear about it in the comments section.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Owie. Has this ever happened to you?','','inherit','open','open','','10493-revision-5','','','2012-05-04 20:13:30','2012-05-05 03:13:30','',10493,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/04/10493-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(10500,1,'2012-05-04 20:40:04','2012-05-05 03:40:04','','rsi','','inherit','open','open','','rsi','','','2012-05-04 20:40:04','2012-05-05 03:40:04','',10493,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rsi.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10501,1,'2012-05-04 20:53:50','2012-05-05 03:53:50','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny_lin/241795620/\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10500\" title=\"rsi\" src=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/rsi.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nYou may be wondering why I didn\'t post this week.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNo, I haven\'t fallen off the face of the earth. I simply fell off my computer. Because of a major Owie. From using the computer too much.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI believe it is called <strong><a href=\"http://web.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html\" target=\"_blank\">\"repetitive strain injury\"</a>. </strong>Or something fancy like that.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAll I know is that this hurts more than an<a href=\"http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2011/10/11/day-356-my-very-first-concussion-italian-style/\" target=\"_blank\"> <strong>Italian concussion</strong>.</a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHelp!\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHas this ever happened to you? I hope not. But if you know what I\'m talking about, and you have any advice for me, I would love to hear about it in the comments section.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow, if you\'ll excuse me, I need to get off the computer.  I hope to update you with Playdates 17 and 18 soon.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nn the meantime, I will keep on playing. Play. It does a body good.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n**********\n\n&nbsp;\n\nAnd now for the boring details:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nI have been to the doctor. I have been to their useless physical therapy. Good news: I do not have carpal tunnel syndrome.\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRevolutionary and life saving tools that I am already implementing at work ( thank you Noble Publishing Superpower!):\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.nuance.com/talk/?utm_medium=ps&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_campaign=Dragon&amp;utm_term=dragonspeak\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dragon</strong> </a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<a href=\"http://www.wacom.com/en/Products/Bamboo/BambooTablets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bamboo</strong></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nNow what the heck do I use at home with my MacBook Pro?\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Owie. Has this ever happened to you?','','inherit','open','open','','10493-revision-6','','','2012-05-04 20:53:50','2012-05-05 03:53:50','',10493,'http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/2012/05/04/10493-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0);
