1. Yesterday, I knocked off writing early to go outside and hang with my kid in the VERY unseasonable warm weather. She spotted a patch of clover in our garden and I suggested we look for four-leaf ones. Now, let me just say, I have NEVER before, in my memory, found a four-leaf clover. And I’m pretty sure I’d remember if I did, as I am a very superstitious, luck-believing (and needing) person. So I wasn’t super hopeful. But then:
There it was. CRAZY! And even nuttier: I found TWO MORE in the same patch. I was so pumped. Meanwhile, my kid, not understanding how exciting this is, had moved onto throwing rocks. I took all three inside, pressed them in a book, and intend to keep them always. I mean, who knows when I’ll find another one?
2. For the past two nights, sleep has been hard to come by. I hate when that happens. Mostly because sleeping is one of my favorite things in the WORLD. Also, I become crazy when sleep deprived. Look no further than when my daughter was an infant and I was getting only 1-2 hour stretches a couple of times a night. First, I was forgetful. Then loopy. Then emotional. Then I REALLY lost it. My husband, to his credit, saw it coming. When we met with our post-partum doula while I was pregnant, she asked him what his greatest concern was about the baby coming. Without hesitation, he replied, “I’m afraid Sarah won’t get enough sleep and go crazy.” Done and done! Knowing this about myself justifies various remedies, like power napping. And sometimes crawling BACK into bed once someone else is up to hang with my early-riser daughter. Seriously, though: for the last two days, I’ve been wearing makeup. I NEVER wear makeup on regular, non-writer-stuff days UNLESS I have such dark circles under my eyes that I look haunted. So now, at least to me, I look like I’m ready for a pageant or something. There’s got to be a middle ground, someplace. Also: yaaaaawn.
3. Here’s another thing that won’t make you feel good: ripping the back of your pants. I don’t care how big or small you are, when this happens, it’s embarrassing. Especially when you notice it around dinnertime, as I did last night, and then are left to ponder WHEN, exactly, it happened and who saw you walking around with your underwear showing. Yikes. My daughter thought his was hilarious. My husband gave his standard response, “Damn, wide load!” (Which he will say to anyone who splits their pants, whether they are big, small or whatever.) Suffice to say, not my proudest moment. Thank goodness I’d just found that four leaf clover.
4. I have written here before about how much I LOVE This American Life, the radio show from WBEZ Chicago. It is my favorite podcast AND my favorite app, and kept me company during a lot of lonely book tour time. Me and Ira Glass: we’re like, BFFs. Who don’t really know each other. Anyway, today I was at the gym, listening to an older show on my iPod while doing the weight machines. (Side note: I began doing this again when I noticed I was getting that wobbly-wiggly-tricep-shaking-when-you-wave-thing. No can do!) Anyway, so I’m listening, headphones on, and the guy talking is telling a story about a crazy crush he had years ago, and he says, “I was just a steaming, hot pot of crazy,” and I literally busted out laughing, right there on the tricep press. Ha! If you haven’t ever listened, go do so for free on their website. It will make you laugh, think, cry. Sometimes all three in the same hour. Just try not to scare anyone lifting heavy things with your outburst.
5. Finally, this has been one of those weeks where I’ve had to be very grownup-y. (Yes, I know that’s not a word. Did I mention I’m tired?) I won’t go into detail but I’ve had some work stress and job things to deal with that were not fun, and that’s WITHOUT ripping my pants and wearing concealer in broad daylight. My first reaction, always, when this happens, is to regress. All I want to do is crawl into bed, eat potato chips, and sulk. Which is a little bit harder to do now that I have to, like, take care of another person. Still: tempting. More and more I realize that being an adult, at least for me, is not a constant state of being. Instead, it comes in waves and bursts, which I need to learn to ride better and utilize, because the next minute I’m bursting out laughing when someone says, “steaming hot pot of crazy.” (Tee-HEE!) I always thought that by this point in my life I’d feel like an adult 24/7. Not so. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing. As a writer of YA, it’s helpful to be able to tap back into that younger state of mind. Not so much when I need to put my big girl pants on and make myself heard when someone’s not listening. Again, I guess it’s waves. Better than never at all, I suppose. And who wants to be a grownup ALL the time, anyway? Whatever. I’m going to eat potato chips now.
Have a good weekend, everyone!
Well, at least you found those clovers, but i had the worst week ever, and it’s not even done yet. The Week-end before i was so lazy, i didn’t even want to do anything, so when Monday came i didn’t want to came to school so i conviced my parents and i didn’t wwnt to school, and in my mind i really imagen the best day, no school, chilling out, but no, i had the worst day ever, i had to do so much things and everybody was so mean to me, that i feel so bad, but then i got a chance to take everything out of my system boxing, and at night i was so tired that i even didn’t have time to complain about the day.
thursday was awful too, my classmates are planning the prom, and it’s so stressing, they are just annoying, and i don’t feel like been nice, i’m so mad right now, and i now it’s because the hormones, but i’m just angry, i think i better go to eat. The point is that my week was awful, and just reading and listening to music from another country have safe me of getting all crazy.
Glad you had fun with your kid. Glad your weekend was great mine wasn’t
Someone i love very much died.
I don’t think there’s a person out there who is always grown-up. Even when we ACT grown-up we know it’s just an act and that it’s only a matter of time until the potato chip thing kicks in.
I found a four leaf clover a few years ago in my backyard and I did the same thing as you and had it pressed and laminated at the suggestion of my mom who did the same thing and still carries it around in her wallet years later.
I’ve been really sick with a lot of things lately, but I’m getting better. I’m just now recovering from the flu. But I have also been quite stressed/weird because of missing so much school. Hmm, I don’t know. Anyways, I have found FOUR different four leaf clovers! FOUR! I was so excited every time. Unfortunately, I only remember some things because I was like 7-10. Anyways though, I was reading back a little bit and notice Sarah mentioning John Green’s AFIOS. Which I spent all night reading. LITERALLY until 5 in the morning, and everyone here should read it. Everyone in the world should read it. I’m a huge John Green fan but this book just blew my mind so much more than I could’ve expected…
whats the book about?
That’s hilarious! I wish I could find a 4 leaf clover. I never have! Love reading the blog, happy weekend-ing! ♥
I agree with Samantha! AFIOS was one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read and I’m so sad to have finished it….I read through it in less than 24 hours and I’m thinking about going back and re-reading it again already…love love love when you find books like that
oops! i meant TFIOS*
I have never found a 4-leaf clover in my life ! EVER! Oh and I have the same thing for stress too only it’s just school but who ever knew school could be so … Dramatic! Happy weekend!
Sara
(P.S I really wish that the weekend was longer!!)
Wow, you are so lucky you found a four leaf clover. It sounds like a good little scene in a book doesn’t it? (Yes, I’m literally fantasizing about how your next book will be. Can’t wait!)
That’s so funny about both the pant splitting (or at least looking back on it) and the laughing outburst. It’s so great you share things like that with your fans, it makes you seem so normal (in a great way)
Can’t wait to hear from you again!
I know this doesn’t relate to your post at all but I was wondering if the people in your books are real. If the conversations could happen. If love like that is real. I’m tired of people saying that they’re only books because I would hate to believe that there’s not actually people like that in the world. Or love like that. Or someone for me like that.
Sarah!
I’m very impressed with your four-leafed clover. I have never found one–and when I thought I did, I learned that it was not a clover. The ones that aren’t really clovers are cuter, but are far less rewarding.
Ripping your pants is always funny. Spongebob had some experience with that. Don’t let the joke get old like he did!
I am glad you don’t always feel like an adult. I can’t imagine what that would be like. I thought I’d be one by twenty-four, but I feel the same as when I was seventeen! Only, slightly less annoying.
Also, I totally ripped-off your Friday Five idea for my blog. But I gave you full credit–don’t worry. I even linked to your blog! It was a lot of fun to write my own five, and I would like to do it again next week! I mean, if that’s okay with you.
Have a nice weekend!
I’m in the midst of a very weird “in between” stage in life. Finished my undergrad, applying to graduate school and working crappy jobs haha. Recently I’ve been feeling the pressure to “grow up” as a lot of my friends are finding careers and I live at home and work part time. Anyway, it’s always refreshing to read your posts and to know that even people who are more grown up than me are not always grown up either, and I mean that in the best way possible. We’re all kind of faking it in a sense I think.
Thanks for being so honest and human in all your posts!
It stinks to have to be a grown up all the time! So, don’t. My four kids call me ” the crazy mom” all the time. LOL I’m probably the strictest mom, but all the kids like to hang out at our house – because they think I’m a hoot. So keep letting the little kid in you out once in awhile. It’s good for everyone.
4 four leaf clovers! LUCKY!
Write more! Love your books!
The four leaf clovers definitely cancel out the bad luck of splitting your pants. And anyways don’t you know that when you work out you gain muscle…so technically you must have gained more muscle than your pants could handle, heehee! Hope you had a great weekend!
what is up?
[...] deals with real issues, and has just the best character dialogue. I’m a big fan! And people, she blogs. I love it when authors do [...]
My dad is the best at finding four-leaf clovers! I’ll have to give it a try. It just won’t be for a while in Vermont, even though we are experiencing a strangely warm winter.
Also, I read my first Sarah Dessen novel “The Truth About Forever” this weekend. It came highly recommended from Forever Young Adult (hahahaa…I’m 31), and I couldn’t put it down. It’s has just the best character dialogue. Macy and Wes forever. I’m a big fan!
I’m excited to read your other books.
Your books are amazing
Aren’t they anonomous?? I love them….they rock
Wow! Sounds like a great weekend.hope you put that four leaf clover somewhere safe. My mom collect them and tapes them to a book after she presses them down…..it sounded like a great weekend you had.
That sounds like such a beautiful read. I love all your books. They make me lose myself for a few moments, and show me new worlds, and unexpected adventures. Luv ya
hi!
have you ever felt like your whole life is a dream and your waking up from it.you feel like your loosing yourself and your scared of what you”ll wake up to?
Eli,
i have definitely felt that way before. Life would be going so smoothly, and perfectly..so that it doenst seem like reality! then one day it all just changes.
Sarah,
Why do you give your email out on your web page, if you can’t answer it?
I tried emailing you and all I get is an automated answer. What if kids want to ask you a question about your books or writing? When they get your automated answer, they think you don’t care about your audience’s questions/comments. I understand that you have a busy life… writing books…but still. Please consider writing real responses.
I totally agree w/ Anonymous.
I have been following this blog from the beginning. I love it and as a loyal reader (for over ten years now) feel that if you are only going to update every few weeks then you might as well shut down the blog… it is such a disappointment to check in on friday, the only day I feel guaranteed at least the friday five and find no update.
Very True!
My name is Sarah too!!!!!!!!!!!!! O_O
I am soooo supersitious. One day when i was babysitting i found 5 four leaf clovers! Before i could close them in a book, the little girl snatched them from me, destroying them all….
Sarah,
Can you please try and respond to our comments? We really want to hear from you!!
Hi, I’m a seventh grader in Vermont and a huge fan! I’m working on reading all of your books, currently reading Someone Like You, and already love it although i’m only a couple chapters in. My favorite book of yours is Dreamland, AMAZINGLY WRITTEN!! Again, I love you and your books soo much and am a frequent reader of your blog.
P.S. Can’t wait for your next book! And please NEVER EVER EVER stop writing, Your my favorite author and i’d be devestated if you never published another book again!
I love your blog, and your books!
there is so much i like about your books and i cant say it any more that i want to become a writer myself but im not to sure and i feel a little nervous because its my first time writing on an authors website so…….and yea that four leaf clover thing that must be cool!!!!!!!!!
im from a small town in califrnia, visalia and i love to talk to authors about writing im trying to write stories of my own but just for the heck of it !!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, sounds like a really busy day. Good luck on your writing!
sarah,
random question: do you own a pair of TOMS shoes? if not, you should..they are soo cute! plus they help kids in need.
Just thought I’d share
[...] Friday memoir posts, I think I’d like to do a weekly wrap-up similar to Sarah Dessen’s Friday Five – just a random conglomeration of thoughts, plans, and updates. I’m also wanting to do [...]
Haha @ the wide-load. But that’s cool about the clovers. Also at least you’re not one of those people who need to wear make-up because they have worn it all their lives and look like dogs without it.
Honey, I am 47 and would like to know what it’s like to feel “adult-y”. I was told that I am a late bloomer & am fully beginning to understand what that means! Yes, I too would have laughed and dropped the weights probably if I heard that phrase too…but I have the kind of life that would have included dropping the weights while the hot guy was watching and further, dropping the weights on myself and hurting something…then walking away with the air of “I totally meant to do that”, like a cat does.
Anyway, I just found this blog and this was the first post I read and feel like we are kindred spirits, so…you now have a buddy for life.
Congrats on finding the clover(s). Can I suggest that since you found them with your daughter, maybe doing something special with one of them, for her in the future? Also, you might want to preserve them another way than sticking them in a book-they will crumble away. Look online to preserving, and I am sure you will find something-AND, just a suggestion again- wouldn’t it be cool to laminate, or even put one in a necklace somewhow…Wow, I would get crazy creative with that!
Ok..I am rambled, which I tend to do.
I live in the nowhere ville of Wisconsin-in a town of 300, oops, 302 with me & my guy…and yes, it gets freakin lonely! We are trying to save and escape but with this recession, eeeks, might end up here forever.
I am an empty-nester, so I am looking into things to help me find myself again. I want to write, not sure where to start though-suggestions?
I am also looking for REAL work at home.
I will be back, you will see alot of me *wink*
sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com
Dear Sarah,
I just wanted to say thank you for making a terrible week better. It’s been pretty rough between a long distance valentine’s day, my boyfriends dog dying on valentine’s day, and looming end of college quarter projects. I’ve been reading your books since high school and have purchased every last one. One Saturday when I saw ‘What happened to goodbye’ and I bought it without even thinking. This week as been tough, but every time things got rough I was even for a little bit able to find happiness. Thank you so much and please keep writing. Also, drinking chamomile before bed is really helpful with sleep. Also, I understand you on the being adult portion, sometimes I feel I suck at it haha. Please stay in good health and if you can take the time to eat some chips and relax.
Sincerely,
Malika B.
i search for 4 leaf clovers sometimes but never find any. All i come up with is a handfull of weeds and three leaf clovers. i guess famous people have all the luck.lol. good for you though! keep finding them and you will be the luckiest person on earth. lol.
Hi Sarah!! Miss your posts a lot. I’m lonely without them.
Hey! I live in Charlotte. I was wondering where is “Colby” where do you think of when you think of Colby. I always imagine duck island or somewhere in the outer banks or even willmington or Hilton head.
I was just wondering!!
suffering from blog withdrawal – stop being grownupy and come back for a few minutes.
I love your books Sarah. You’re like my role model when it comes to writing. I am a big fan of you. Love your books!!! I want to be a writer when I grow up.
i cannot wait for oyu other book! how exciting!! i read all of your books now they are by far the best!
At my friend’s birthday party, her friend found a four leaf clover. We all got to make a wish.
wow!! you actually found your four leaf clover on my birthday!!! i guess my birthday is good luck…
also i wanted to say that i lLOVE your books
Hello Sarah, how are you? I LOVE your books so far I’ve read Just listen and Whatever happened to Goodbye they were totoally awesome I am about to check out This Lullaby from the Library and I just know it’s going to be great, I’ll keep reading them,can’t wait to read Something about forever, Along for the ride, Dreamland, as well as lock and key hope you have a great day tell you what I think about the book ^_^