Susane Colasanti - Journal

These three darkest months of the year are hard times for me. I miss the sunlight. I'm not a fan of sunset being at 4:35. So I'm looking for light within the darkness. Some of you mentioned tricks you use to get happy on my Facebook, like music and cake and friends. All of these are good. There's much to be said for indoor entertainment.

Like how in recent Netflix adventures I've been watching last season of Private Practice. I never hear people talking about this show so I don't know how popular it is, but I think it's really good. It may not have that overwhelming intense thing Grey's Anatomy does, but some of their story lines rival Grey's. I'd watched that Grey's ep where Addison takes her brother to Seattle Grace a while ago, so it was cool to see the tie-in from Private Practice's side. The characters are sweet and it's always interesting. Recommended.

In movie news, I just saw The Men Who Stare at Goats. Dude, it was so much better than I thought it was going to be! It's the best movie I've seen in a long while. Recommended, especially if your sense of humor is kind of weird like mine. Now I'm waiting for Brothers. I used to have a husband list when I was a teacher, where every year I'd list my Top Five Husbands and students could call me by any of those names if they wanted. Anything to make the day more fun for them, you know? And, um, me. For several years, my #1 and #2 husbands were Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal. I've been saying that those boys look alike for years, and now they're playing brothers! Totally brill.



Books I want to read keep piling up. I like to read in bed, but sometimes I'm so tired that I can't read more than a chapter. This means it takes me a ridiculous amount of time to read books these days. I'm finally reading Jonathan Tropper's This Is Where I Leave You, which is just so freaking good. Highly recommended. I've been a fan since Plan B, so I'm thrilled about all of his success. You deserve every bit of it, Jonathan!

Of course, the only music I'm playing these days is the new John Mayer album. I scored floor seats for his concert at Madison Square Garden! Excellent ones, yo. It's a good thing I'm into anticipation, because the concert isn't until the end of February. Which is perfect, since February is the coldest month and I don't do cold. So I'll look forward to this concert and let it be my light at the end of the darkness. I feel warmer already.

Forty years ago today, the first episode of Sesame Street was born. It was sponsored by the letters W, S and E and the numbers 2 and 3. Since that day, the show has done a brilliant job of evolving with the times. It is still relevant. It is still teaching in a way that speaks to us. And it is still freaking awesome.

I've posted some clips of the Yip-Yip Aliens already, so here's one with Kermit, Cookie, and the Mystery Box. I love that Cookie has recently explained how cookies are "sometimes food" while fruit is for everyday. Not that he's thinking about fruit here.

Happy birthday, Sesame Street!

After several long days of getting my Dreamweaver and Photoshop on, I've managed to revamp my website with some updates. Before my website was designed, I knew I wanted it to have a scrapbook theme. I'm into archival scrapbooking and I think the layout reflects the tone of my books. So I didn't go in and overhaul the whole look or anything. I just redid the homepage with new colors and fonts, plus updated my Q&A page. I also created a Something Like Fate page. If you're wondering what the book is about, you can find a short synopsis there. Your feedback is welcome - is there anything not on my website that you'd like me to add?

Speaking of websites, the fact that Jim and Pam's wedding site is a real thing redefines spectacular. I think it's so cool when fictional characters make their way into the real world. Since I live in this world, I am aware that the big wedding was last night. I am also aware that, being a hardcore fan, I should have watched it at a friend's place. But I'm still savoring season four, so I didn't want to encounter any spoilers. It's taking Pam coal walking strength for me not to watch it online. Not having a TV can be frustrating sometimes (like, once or twice a year), but I do love the anticipation. Conflict! I did go ahead and sign Jim and Pam's guest book, though. Did you?

I'm grieving the loss of someone who isn't real.

I realize that T.R. Knight leaving Grey's Anatomy is old news. And I knew he left the show before I finished watching last season because I live in the world. But knowing something and having it hit you full-force are two completely different things. Last week as I was watching last season, I kept wondering why there wasn't enough George. The boy did not have one plotline. Not one! What kind of way is that to treat the best part of the show? Grey's Anatomy without George is like a S'more without the toasty marshmallow.



After I watched the last ep (which totally brought back that classic season two magic), I did some Googling. There was T.R. saying how he left because he was reduced to this random character with hardly any scenes. That was just a raw deal. It was a mistake to fade him into the background and I think the show will suffer that loss. Those of us who love George will require much recovery time. Plus a whole lot more of that season two magic.

George O'Malley, you live on in our hearts.

The thing about taking a vacay when practically everyone else is going back to school and getting their serious post-summer regimen on at work and such is that you miss some things. So today, I just want to catch up on some stuff that's been happening.

Last night, the preposterous Emmys with their endless commercials reminded me of why I've never owned a TV. How can there be that many commercials now? I don't remember commercials being anywhere near that bad back in the day. A few of my boys and shows were nominated, so I had to make a TV viewing exception and take control of SP's big screen. I should have known better. Why oh why do I always hope things will be different? Look, I have much respect for 30 Rock and Tina Fey. I am a fan. Smart, hilarious, sharp, awesome on so many levels - all that. But Steve Carell, Jemaine Clement, Rainn Wilson, The Office, and Flight of the Conchords were all nominated, and none of them won? Really? Something is not right with that picture. Steve Carell is so overdue for an Emmy I cannot even tell you. And no win for Rainn? Excuse me, but which character is more brilliant than Dwight Schrute? They were robbed! At least Jon Stewart got the attention he deserves. Not much of a silver lining, though.

Speaking of nominees who were robbed, I was stoked to come home to a pile of mail with David Letterman on the cover of New York magazine. My love for Dave is all sparkly rainbows and puffy hearts. I was so obsessed with Late Night in junior high that I used to tape it and watch it after school, recording all of his Top Ten lists in a special notebook. Just one more item I wish I hadn't thrown away before I left for college.

Tomorrow is the autumnal equinox. I find this impossible to believe. I know I'm always like, Wait, it's July? No way, I'm still on April! But this is serious. My time perception issue is getting worse. It feels like June to me. I don't know how to fix my problem, or even if I should classify this as an official problem. Maybe it just means I'm enjoying life (which, within the realm of my entire life, is a relatively new thing). Well. On a related note, it's Climate Week!

Most importantly, another September 11 has passed. My friend Stephen usually visits so we can walk to Ground Zero and take part in certain rituals. Our annual walk to Ground Zero symbolizes the walk to the Twin Towers we, thankfully, never took in 2001 as planned. This is a day I will never forget. Not only because our lives were saved, not only because the magic of the Towers drew me to New York, but because I live close to where they stood. I rebuild them behind my eyes every day. And every day, I thank the Universe that I am still here. I'll leave you with this photo of us from last year. To me, it looks like hope.

In my experience, stuff happens all together. There could be nothing going on for days and then wham! Everything spazzes out at the same time. This is what's happening with my Netflix queue. Why do all of my shows have to come out in September? When I won't even be here for half the month? At least the waiting is over. I thought maybe you'd like to know these release dates as well, so here we go:

• Gossip Girl, season two - just released
• One Tree Hill, season six - just released
• Thirtysomething, season one - just released
• Brothers & Sisters, season three - Sept. 1
• Desperate Housewives, season five - Sept. 1
• Fringe, season one - Sept. 8
• Grey's Anatomy, season five - Sept. 15
• Private Practice, season two - Sept. 15
• 30 Rock, season three - Sept. 22

See? So many of the best shows, all at once. And of course The Office comes out on September 8, but I have to buy that so it's not on my queue. I could totally own all of these box sets and enjoy them immensely. However, I am applying restraint. Back in my Blockbuster days, a friend told me that Grey's Anatomy season three was just as good as season two, so I went ahead and bought it. That was a mistake. But I hear Grey's got really good again this season, so I'm excited to see what's up with everyone.

I'm also curious about Thirtysomething. I was a teen when it was on and I never watched it because everyone was too old (i.e. in their 30s). Guess who's in their 30s now? Fringe has Joshua Jackson and I am desperately missing Pacey Witter, so I've added Fringe out of Dawson's Creek nostalgia. Not sure if the Housewives are still burning down each other's houses and killing their neighbors and whatnot, but I do like that show. 30 Rock and Brothers & Sisters are just quality shows, always. I know they will not disappoint.

So yeah. I'll have to remind myself that it's not all about the Great Indoors for the next several weeks. As for this weekend, we're having a sweet break from the heat and humidity. I'll be stocking up on extra outdoor time. I hope you rock your weekend, too.

First, some links:

• Meg Cabot posted a link to this sweet John Hughes hot jams compilation.
• Molly Ringwald wrote about John in this New York Times op-ed.
• The Undercover Book Lover interviewed me about inspiration and my ten most favorite things.
• Support for dealing with the unfortunate act of your parents joining Facebook.

So it seems that Flight of the Conchords is done. It only survived for two short seasons. That's just not right, people. What a quirky, funny, smart, low-budge show. At least Jemaine Clement is up for an Emmy. Although he's up against Steve Carell and Steve totally has to win. He's really overdue. Anyway, it's a crisis that Flight has been grounded. As my way of keeping the show alive, I'd like to share this hilarious clip from season two. If you've never seen the show and are considering getting your Flight on, this gives you a good idea about what kind of humor you're in for. The awesome kind, is what. Yeah!

It may finally be sinking in that it is, in fact, July. It's day two of hot and humid, which is only slightly more tolerable than cold and windy. Everybody knows that I don't do winter. I also don't do uncomfortable heat conditions. I guess I'm just not into extremes when it comes to weather.

Since I'm enjoying the Great Indoors today, I've decided to post some vintage Sesame Street for your viewing pleasure. This is the last in a series featuring the Yip-Yip Martians. In this clip, the Yip-Yips discover a clock. Brilliance ensues.



Stay cool.

It seems to be July. How did that happen? I don't know if it's been the incessant cloudy, rainy weather or what, but it totally doesn't feel like summer at all. Well, hey, here we are, so welcome! If you're on summer vacay, I hope you're having a blast so far. The thing I always loved most about summer vacay was the possibility of returning to school as this whole other person. Where you could show up on the first day and be the person you'd always wanted to be, and everyone would just accept the new you for who you are. Not like that ever happened. But the possibility that it could happen was exciting anyway.

Here are some things that are happening for real.

Juiciliciousss Reviews reviewed Waiting for You. I'm not sure why it took me so long to discover this site because it's really impressive. Stephanie has reviewed so many incredible books and she interviews the authors we love. Definitely one to check out. Also, Blogging YA posted a non-review of Waiting for You. I kind of think it turned out to be a review in disguise.

Over at Teenreads, I'm honored to be the latest guest blogger. Since a lot of people I know (including myself) struggle with living in the Now, I decided to write about why the Now is so important.

In Netflix news, I've started watching Gossip Girl. It's better than I expected. Of course I like Dan Humphrey the best because he's all - okay, you know what? I really can't discuss anything further about this show until I clear up a burning question. So can I just ask - are Leighton Meester and Minka Kelly the same person?



Seriously! What is up with them?! Are Leighton and Minka sisters and no one told me? Or is this some kind of conspiracy? Another thing is that Vanessa has a Cameron Diaz thing going on. But one burning question at a time. Any information regarding this matter is greatly appreciated.

1. Ever since Take Me There came out in paperback last month, I've been hearing from more readers asking about Rhiannon's name. I've even heard from two girls actually named Rhiannon, which is seriously awesome. One sharp reader asked if Rhiannon and Sara from When It Happens were named after Fleetwood Mac songs. She is correct! Sara was named after both a friend and the song "Sara," while Rhiannon was named after the song "Rhiannon." Which reminds me...I haven't done a readers' Q&A here for a while. If you have a question you'd like to ask, please leave it in the comments section and I'll put together another Q&A post soon.

2. Shout-out to Alessandria for letting me know about the double feature DVD set of Say Anything and Garden State. That's so When It Happens!

3. I've seen the countdown widget for Crazy Beautiful on tons of blogs. At first I was like, Dude! There's no way someone else got to write that book! Because I absolutely love love love the movie and totally wanted to be the one to write the book. But then I read a review and discovered that it has nothing to do with the movie. I didn't know we were allowed to use movie titles for unrelated books. Won't that cause a lot of confusion? In any case, it sounds like a very interesting book, so I understand the buzz.

4. Have you entered my Along for the Ride giveaway yet? Here's how.

5. When I was little, I loved watching All in the Family. But since I was so young when it was on, I don't really remember much of it. Now with the magic of Netflix, it's been a big old Bunker family reunion up in here. This is a classic clip of Archie arguing with Mike about the right way to eat dinner. They're both struggling with their diets. Best Archie line: "The cusini could all rush to a foot." Hilarious up to minute 5:40. Enjoy!

It's Day 3 of my blog tour. You can find me over at Frenetic Reader for High School Myth #3 and what I like the most about being an author. Khy also asked me one of my fave questions of this blog tour: Why do you include both a failed relationship and a new one in each of your books? Sharp observation!

Only 9 more days of waiting until Waiting for You is out in the world!

The only thing that can cause almost as much excitement as my new book release is getting to see Jon Stewart for a taping of The Daily Show. Have I ever mentioned that I worship Jon Stewart in a godlike way? Oh, I have? Yeah, I have because he freaking rocks the house. I had tickets for last Thursday, April 30, which you can watch on Hulu.



When I'm passionate about something, there's no limit to my devotion. I really love how Jon is making the world a better place, so I'm a hardcore fan. Which means that I had to be first in line. You can line up until 4:30. The doors open at 5:15. I got there at 1:05. I was first in line. Score!

I've seen the show before, so I knew where to sit on the empty sidewalk to start the line. I was completely alone for almost an hour. That was one strange hour. Nice New Yorkers kept saying stuff like, "Way to wait it out!" as they walked by. A guy riding his bike past with a visitor was explaining how by 3:30 there's a huge line. Then he saw me and he yelled, "Right on!" One dude sat next to me for a while even though he didn't have tickets. Then he was like, "Oh, you need tickets?" Dogs came up and sniffed me.

It was like I was on a reality how called The Longest Wait. I almost expected people to start throwing scraps of food at me. However, this was not necessary. When you're preparing to wait in line for several hours, provisions are important. I had snacks. I had a small bottle of water (no bathroom access, but need to stay hydrated). Tissues are also good, since about ten pounds of 11th Avenue dirt accumulate on your face while you're waiting.

When SP showed up around 4:00 and found me first in line, he was all, "You are the biggest Daily Show nerd." Yes! Best compliment ever! Here's part of the line, with me staring down the girls next to me. Those girls aren't next in line. They're at the back of the line! Which wraps around! And goes around the corner down the block!



For the show, my seat was right next to Jon. I read from his teleprompter and watched the video clips from this camera screen. This one time he was supposed to say "good," but instead he said "terrific." He's so fun to watch when he's not on screen! He totally cracks up while he's watching the clips. He rolls his chair back and forth a little, all energy and excitement. Love that.

Hugh Jackman fans should know that you'll never see more ripped arms on a smaller dude. I was sitting about fifteen feet from his biceps. And triceps. And every other muscle group in the arm, all of which were clearly visible. You don't want to throw down with Hugh. Unless you're Jack Bauer.

I'm going back in the fall for my next Daily Show fix. Perhaps I will invest in an inflatable mini chair.

You guys were right. Season two of Veronica Mars is just not the same as season one. Season one was magical. That whole Who Killed Lilly plotline was so good. But season two just feels forced. I mean, of course I'm still watching it and I'll watch season three, it just doesn't flow as smoothly anymore. And the evil butthead that is Jason Dohring's character in season two is harshing my JD crush. I'm thinking of watching Flight of the Conchords next. Is that a good show? Those of you following my Twitter know that I cannot stop laughing at that "Business Time" video. Freaking hilarious, yo.

In breaking news, Blake Nelson is reading Waiting for You and liking it! I gave him a galley when I saw him and he read a lot of it on the plane. I'm stoked. Everyone knows you can't read a book you hate on the plane. There's something about the whole plane/airport/endless waiting situation that requires entertaining reading.

Once in a while I'll put something really random in one of my books and then I'll read another book with that same random thing and I'll be like, "No way! I used butterscotch krimpets, too!" I love these little discoveries because they make me feel more connected to other authors. Being on the same wavelength is fun times. So when I saw that Carrie Jones had the same exact Sesame Street clip that I was planning to post, I was like, "Shut up! How did you know?" But of course she didn't know. It's just that wavelength thing again.

For your viewing pleasure, I present the second installment of the Yip-Yip Martians, the best Sesame Street muppets ever. As my friend Eric already pointed out, the best part is how they extend their protective lower lip over their face when they're scared (usually with sort of a gong! noise). Enjoy!

Paul Feig is Twittering! He's a producer, writer, and director for The Office, plus he created Freaks and Geeks. I heart Paul something serious. Freaks and Geeks gets a very special shout-out in Waiting for You and The Office is my natural high. So I pretty much worship him in a godlike way. This news was brought to me by a tweet from Rainn Wilson. I'm Twittering here. I could go on a cranky rant about the injustice of Freaks and Geeks only being on for one season, but I will keep things where the light is and focus on my happy memories. The character I adored the most (although James Franco's is a close second) was Nick Andopolis.



Walking even further down memory lane, I watched Flatliners. I don't know what's scarier: the fact that this movie is twenty years old, or those circa-1990 jeans. How was that twenty years ago?! I forgot what a great cast it has. I remember loving it, but I totally forgot how it's completely awesome. Not one ounce of cheese to be found. And it's always fun to watch Kiefer Sutherland when he's not Jack Bauer, although he's best as Jack.

If you know me, you know that I am a hardcore John Mayer fan. He's always in heavy rotation at my place. Marisa, the main character of Waiting for You, thinks that the answers to all of life's problems can be found in a John Mayer song. In short, he rocks my world. So I was stoked to hear what he's working on now. This is how he's stacking some vocals of a new song, "Half of My Heart," which sounds so amazing I can't stop thinking about it:

Due to overwhelming excitement from, like, the world, I'm finally watching Veronica Mars. I'm almost done with season one and am disturbed that there are only two more seasons left. Can I just say wow? It's so freaking good. I'm not into Veronica's ex, the one who's supposed to be the hottie. I'm liking this Logan boy instead:



I loved the scene where they got caught making out on the couch! Where has Jason Dohring been all my life? He's my type of nerd chic. Not that I'm adding him to my husband list or anything. We've only known each other for less than a season. Oh, maybe we should check in with my #1 husband to make sure there are no jealous feelings:


Oh good, he's still at Shiny Happy Apple World. We're getting together there later for some iPod dancing, like in Take Me There.

Where was I? Oh yeah. Jason, aka Mr. Cutie Cute. Wait. Is that inappropriate? He looks really young on the show. Let's see...back in 2003 we were both in our twenties. Totally legit. Season one is from 2004, though. Still legit. But where is Jason now? I hear he's doing some kind of vampire rah-rah. I have a strict no-vampire policy. Vampires are scary. Even when they're sexyscary, they're still scary. They creep me out worse than that rabbit in Donnie Darko.

Anyway. I've heard that season one is the best of the three, so I hope there are more fun adventures to come.

Demetri Martin has been my absolute fave comedian for years. He does a form of cerebral comedy, with diagrams and word manipulation and graphs. He even plays instruments, which just makes everything funnier. I like when he dings these strange bells on the floor. At first, he had a smaller group of loyal followers, wondering why the whole world didn't know who he was. But we were confident that he would be huge one day. Sure enough, Demetri was on the cover of New York magazine a few weeks ago. I'm so proud of him.

Demetri makes a lot of sense, which is one of the many reasons he is so funny. Like with throwing stones. You know that old adage, "Those in glass houses should not throw stones?" Demetri thinks that should be updated to, "No one should throw stones." Think about it. He even makes the point that people in glass houses are the only ones who should throw stones, but only if they're trapped inside.

Let's see some acute observations from Demetri's new show, Important Things. Funny!