Monday, January 31, 2011

Research for Kicks and Giggles

I've heard rumors that there are a few book groups reading my blog in preparation for my visits later on this year. I love you already, but not in a creepy-sparkly-vampire stalker kind of way. More in an I-think-you-are-awesome-but-I-still-sparkle-because-let's-face-it-sparkles-make-everything-better kind of way.

Another thing I think is awesome? I went to see the Detroit Derby Girls skate this weekend, and that bout was 17 different kinds of fun. DDG is 4th in the league, and they're crazy good. The best part? I WAS THERE ON BUSINESS.

I've been on a lot of business trips. I've already told you all about my trip to Slovenia, where I did a presentation on Mad Cow disease to a group of people who kept calling me Carrie Fisher. (I also missed my connecting flight and ended up stranded in Boston with no hotel nor luggage, but that part's not so much fun to tell.) I've been to DC for a few conferences. At the last one, I was pregnant with twins, and the people at my table kept trying to convince me to name them Strawberry and Shortcake.

I didn't. Just in case you were wondering.

Those trips were fun, but it's nothing compared to the stuff I get to do now. I get to research some wicked strange stuff. The roller derby? Research. That book on medical forensics? Research. The links to all the various spellings of the word "awesomesauce"? (As in, should it be two words or one? Should it be hyphenated? Capitalized?) RESEARCH.

I used to take notebooks to conferences and come back with notes to email such-and-such report to people, or send them data on whatever. Now I come back home with the words "helmet panties!!!" scribbled on a piece of paper. Helmet panties are the name for the covers that derby girls wear over their helmets (naturally). And I think it's the funniest term ever invented.

I think the research is one of my favorite parts of the job, partly because of the goofy things I get to learn about. What are the strangest things you've ever researched, whether it's for a book, report, or kicks and giggles?

12 comments:

Kelly Jensen said...

your research makes me jealous.
though i must say i *did* know about the helmet panties. but awesomesauce, that one i don't have an answer to ;)

Unknown said...

I love research! For my latest novel I must watch as much trash television, movies, award shows, events, etc. to learn more about those celebrities I deem worthy enough to write about. It's kind of awesome.

My second favorite thing is preteneding to be my main character. I try and think about how she'd react or act if she were to travel Houston. How she'd do a proper search for a celebrity.

All super fun stuff :)

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

helmet panties????? i dont get it :)

Kathy McCullough said...

All I can say is I can't wait to read the book the research is for!! :0

Larissa said...

Yay helmet panties!!! LOL.

I've researched Lakota mythology and demons...

Marsha Sigman said...

I love 'helmet panties.lol I still believe I was the first person EVER to use the term 'awesomesauce'.

I have researched soooo much, I am like a deep well of useless trivia.
The first language, first written word, Myan history, railroads, The Art of War, native american mythology, native american land rights. The list is long but I loved each subject!

Rose Cooper said...

For research a few months back, I went on an all night ghost hunt - a real one!- in the middle of practically nowhere, to haunted barns of past murders located on an indian burial ground. Yep, research!

Tabitha Bird said...

helmet panties!!! LOL!

Umm... I can't beat that one!

Unknown said...

Helmet Panites is funny! It is like how cars can wear bras. Why in the world did someone name the front of the car cover thing a bra? It is beyond me. However, to call it the front of the car cover thing is a mouthful. Perhaps bra is sufficient.
I have watched the Bourne Identity as research for my book. Getting extra views of Paris was needed. I've been there, yeah, but still need a bit more to look at. Slovenia--now that's awesomesauce!

Carrie Thunderwood said...

Helmet panties rock!

PS~ If you are ever in the Charlotte NC area, hit me up and I will get you into a bout or introduce you to the Charlotte Roller Girls. I am Carrie Thunderwood :)

Carrie Harris said...

Carrie Thunderwood, you are AWESOME. (And I promise not to steal your name.) How can I get in touch with you? Your profile isn't operational!

Carrie Thunderwood said...

Sorry I am just now seeing this. You can email me at carriethunderwood@gmail.com

Hope to hear from you soon.

Carrie Thunderwood