When you're in a drab place with dull people, you can rescue the situation by asking interesting questions, and walking around naked.
January 10/11 - Saturday/Sunday
Visit a local museum and leave a donation. Nothing says "Thank you" like a basket of snakes.
January 12 - Monday
Never be too busy to prey.
January 13 - Tuesday
At the next committee meeting, give everyone a Tootsie-Roll Pop and a bottle of rum.
January 14 - Wednesday
When leaving a restroom, open the door with the paper towel you used to dry your hands. Then drop little germ-infested pieces of it into the shopping bags of those around you.
January 15 - Thursday
Add Garris Keillor's Good Poems to your home library, right along with your collection of naughty limericks.
January 16 - Friday
Never admit to anyone that you've run out of money, just leave the table before they bring you the bill.
- Mood:
stressed
For Christmas this year I received a day-to-day calendar entitled "Life's Little Instruction Calendar." Every day it offers you some small piece of advice that was inevitably drawn up by a very irritating, very self-righteous little person with too much time on their hands. As this calendar was given to me with love and good intentions, I shall do my best to make it through and put these insipid little verses to use. Therefore, I've taken the liberty of improving each daily saying as to make it more practical. What follows are the latest installments - forgive the fact that they do not begin January 1st. At that point in time I was considering tossing said calendar out the window of a very tall building, hoping that at least then it would become, quite literally, someone else's headache.
Warning: Some verses contain extremely violent additions. Well hell, most of them do.
January 3/4 - Saturday and Sunday
Get to know someone whose hobby is woodworking. And choke them.
January 5- Monday
Optimists have twice as many good days as pessimists; so be an optimist. Or else.
January 6 - Tuesday
When hosting a cocktail party, make sure there is enough peeled shrimp, and ill-prepared blowfish.
January 7 - Wednesday
It ain't over until your wife says it's over. And then shoots you.
January 8 - Thursday
Give any family disagreements your full attention. That means no TV. And no armed toddlers.
- Mood:
accomplished - Music:Leona Lewis. Yes, sometimes I listen to pop music.
Opening Credits: Don't Forget to Remember Me - Carrie Underwood
Waking Up: Busted Stuff - Dave Matthews Band
First Day at School: The Moment I Said It - Imogen Heap
Falling in Love: Girl - Tori Amos
Losing Virginity: All that I'm living For - Evanescence
Breaking Up: Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
Life: Watershed - The Indigo Girls
Mental Breakdown: Out of My Way - Seether
Flashback: Just Blue - The Weepies
Getting Back Together: Wake up - Alanis Morissette
Wedding: Only Love - Linda Eder - The Scarlet Pimpernel
Final Battle: Boys Will Be Boys - Panic! at the Disco
Death Scene: Fade - Staind
Funeral Song: Goodnight and Go - Imogen Heap
End Credits: In the Mood - The Puppini Sisters
The five elements of Japanese philosophy
Wind - Fu
Place to place
Back and forth
Forward to better moments
I move
Fire - Ka
Fierce and raging
Passionate and wild
Consuming words and people
I need
Earth - Chi
Feet on the ground
Solid and stubborn
Head in the clouds
I think
Water - Sui
Lows and highs
Unsteady and fickle
Try not to drown
I feel
Sky – Ku
In between the lines
Fall and recover
Hold it all together
I love
I'm not sure yet.
Has anyone ever called you perfect before?
Nope.
What song is stuck in your head?
I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath
Wanna have kids before you’re 30?:
I don't know that I ever want them.
Name something you have to do tomorrow?:
Be in a parade. And do two shows.
Can you whistle?
Sometimes? I know that's a random answer but sometimes I can, and sometimes I can't.
Do you miss your last boyfriend?
I don't know how to feel about my last two boyfriends actually. But I'm going to go with no. If they didn't, why should I?
What gets in your way of your sleeping?
All this working stuff I have to do.
Are your eyes the same color as your mom's or dad's?
Both Mom and Dad actually.
Has anyone ever told you you have pretty eyes?
Yes.
How do you prevent anger?
As with all things in my life, I go straight to crying.
Do you think too much or too little?
Way too much.
Do you smile a lot?
I think?
Who was your last missed call on your cell phone?
I think it was my sister.
Who was the last person you cried in front of?
Anna. Tonight. But it's all good.
When's the next time you will see the person you like?
What person? I'll see my roommates tonight.
Are you happy with your life?
I am happy with it, but I am not contented.
Can you handle the truth?
I live by truth. And usually. As long as it's not given without mercy or consideration.
Do you get 8 hours of sleep everyday?:
I try to.
What was the last book you read?
Neverwhere by Neil Gaimen.
Do you hate the last guy you had a conversation with?
Nope.
Is there something you always wear?
Sweat pants? My Smokey Quartz necklace. Oh, and clothes are good.
What were you doing 30 minutes ago?:
Surfing the internet.
Honestly, who was the last person to tell you that they love you?
My sister or my mom.
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My sister or my mom.
Did you have an exciting last weekend?:
Not really. Just busy.
Have you ever crawled through a window?:
Yes.
Have you ever dyed your hair?:
Yes.
Are you wearing a necklace?:
Actually I'm not right now.
Are you an emotional person?:
Ha! That's cute.
What's something that can always make you feel better?:
My cat. And M*A*S*H. And sleep. And good food. And hugs.
Will this weekend be a good one?:
Gosh I hope so.
What do you want right now?
Sleep.
Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?:
Yep.
Look behind you, what do you see?
The couch.
Have you ever worked in a food place?:
Yes.
What would you name your future daughter?:
Eleanor Margaret
Any summer plans for 2008?
Working, laughing, having a good time.
The last thing you heard?:
What Not to Wear on TLC
Does anyone know your Myspace password?
I don't know if I even know my password....
Off.
Do you flip your pillow to the cold side?
All the time.
Do you like to hold or be held?
Both. But I love to be held.
Do you want a small or big wedding?
Small, I think.
Have you ever churned Butter?
Nope.
Are you trusting of new people?
Somewhat. I can usually read people pretty well.
What is the most money you would spend on a pair of shoes?
My tennis shoes were like $50 and I thought I'd croak. I like Payless.
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Purple, I think.
Would you rather help someone out or be helped out?
Help someone. But there are times when I could use a hand as well.
If you found out you couldn't have kids, would you adopt?
I don't know. I'm not sure I want kids at all. But I'd almost rather adopt than have my own children.
What woke you up this morning?
Alarm. And creepy dreams.
Where are you?
Home. Last day.
How was your weekend?
Fabulous! I was in WV visiting Kelly, Madalyn and Mama Ruth. I miss them already...
Did you kiss or hug anyone today?
No.
When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday.
Ever thrown up in public?
Okay, two or three times. But the best one was in high school. I had bad cramps and I yarfed in front of the library windows and a whole of people trying to study. Yep... those were the days.
What is on your mind RIGHT NOW?
I should be packing.
Where would you like to live?
Everywhere. Chicago, France, Italy, Florida, Spain, Elkins WV, England... I'm not picky. Anywhere that isn't in Ohio is great by me.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don't want to grow up, and I am an actress.
Who is your number 1?
Abby.
Are you good friends with this person?
I am.
How often do you log in to myspace?
Maybe once a week? Maybe?
Do you like candy necklaces?
Not as much as I like Ring Pops.
What was the last thing you drank?
Water, I think.
Who do you miss?
Mama Ruth, Kelly, Madalyn, Alexis, Whitney, Amie, Chris, Abby, all of my school friends... A whole lot of people.
What are you doing this weekend?
Driving. And then unpacking.
Whats your favorite kind of soda?
I like Coke Zero.
Last hug?
Chris, yesterday morning.
How many times have you eaten sushi?
A couple of times. I like it, as long as it isn't oddly textured.
What do you want to do right now?
Take a nap. Or a bubble bath. Both would be nice, but not simultaneously.
Are you listening to music right now?
Nope. But I'm singing in my head.
What pisses you off?
Apathy, Irresponsibility, Ignorance, and Meanness.
What song makes you cry?
A lot of songs make me cry. "I'd Give it All for You" - Songs for a New World, "Shine" - The Spitfire Grill, "Still Hurting" - The Last 5 Years, "Leader of the Band" - Dan Fogelberg, "I Feel So Much Spring" - A New Brain, "Home Among the Hills" - Wesleyan Choir, "The Luckiest" - Ben Folds... there's a bunch.
What makes you happy?
Electric blankets, Frampton, Kissing, Taking walks in the sun, Reading a good book, Knowing I am loved.
Height?
5'1"
Eyes?
Brown
Piercings?
Ears... used to have my belly button... :(
Tattoos?
Not yet
What are you wearing?
Sweats and a ratty t-shirt. Sexy, I know.
What's the taste in your mouth?
chocolate.
Is your myspace profile private?
Yes.
What do you carry with you at all times?
My cellphone and my passport.
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Chris.
Who was the last person you talked to in person?
My Dad.
Is someone mad at you right now?
Who knows. I don't think so.
Where are you most ticklish?
I'm ticklish everywhere.
When was the last time you were sick?
Umm... 3 months ago.
Have you ever finished a rubik's cube?
I've actually never started a Rubik's Cube.
Are you wearing socks right now?
Yes.
What did you accomplish today?
Nothing. I have got to get started here....
Name all of the people you have texts from?
All? Chris, Scott, Aaron, Whitney, and Duper most recently.
What were you doing at 8:00 this morning?
Having nightmares. Boo.
What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
I think I was taking this survey.
Last place you took a plane to?
Chicago, I think.
Have you ever been around someone who was high?
Yes.
Do you like your life as of now?
We'll know here in a few days.
Last thing you purchased?
Goumas Chocolate. Mmmm...
Have you ever drank alcohol with your number 1?
Yes.
How's your heart lately?
We'll see in a few days.
Ever kissed someone who smokes?
Yes.
Are you a jealous person?
I try not to be.
Did you have a good birthday last year?
Last year.... I don't know? I generally don't have good birthdays.
Are you tired right now?
Yes.
Do you chew on your straws?
Sometimes.
Have you ever been called a tease?
Yes.
Do you have curly hair?
It's wavy.
Do you ever wear it that way?
Sometimes.
Who was at your house last besides family?
Oh gosh... My father's private lessons I think.
Is there anyone who doesn't like you because of something you didn't even do?
Probably. I think I'd rather they not like me for something I did. :)
Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
Maybe? I don't do so well without sleep.
Do you like to cuddle?
Love it.
Do you cry a lot?
Sometimes.
Do you have any siblings?
I have a big sister.
What should you be doing right now?
Packing, Erin. Packing.
Are you a heavy sleeper?
Not really.
When was the last time you did the dishes?
We have a dish washer.
Are you waiting for something?
Yes.
Who are you liking?
That's a long list but I'll limit it to Abby, Alexis, Kelly, and Chris.
Who is your best friend?
Abby, Alexis, and Kelly.
Who is your favorite family member on your moms side?
My Gram, I think. But I love my Aunt Marsha and Aunt Glorianne
Who is your favorite family member on your dads side?
I abstain courteously... But I guess I'd say Aunt Bev.
Who are you closest to?
I don't know. Alexis, Kelly or Abby.
Who do you tell your secrets to?
Alexis, Kelly or Abby.
Who were you with last night?
Schmiles. My teddy bear.
Who do you live with?
My cats and my folks... for one more day.
What's your favorte color?
Purple.
What's your favorite sport?
Dance
What's your favorite number?
28
What do you do in your spare time?
Read, Walk, Watch movies and TV, Daydream.
What are your pets names?
Frampton, Isabelle, and Daisy.
What's your favorite song?
Oh gosh. It's currently "Can't Go Back Now" by The Weepies.
What's your favorite T.V. show?
M*A*S*H
What's your favorite movie?
Under the Tuscan Sun.
What vehicles do your parents drive?
a PT Cruiser and a Chrysler Pacifica
Where were you on your last birthday?
Home, I believe.
Where do you live?
Ohio for one more day.
Where do you want to live?
Anywhere but Ohio.
Where was your last vacation to?
Vacation that wasn't in any way work related.... Has to be Chicago for New Year's.
Where did you go in a car last?
The Chiropractor.
Where do your grandparents live?
One in Dayton, one in Hammondsville
Where do you want to go to college?
I already did. :)
Where is your heart?
It's in there somewhere.
When did/will you graduate?
2003 and 2007
When do you want to get married?
When I find somebody I'm willing to put up with, and they're willing to put up with me, too.
When are you happy?
I don't know. I try to be happy most of the time. But I'm most happy around my friends and my sister.
When did you cry last?
Yesterday morning.
When are you moving next?
TOMORROW!
When are you going to bed?
I don't know. Late tonight.
What is your worst subject in school?
It was Math. and Science. I don't think that way.
Do you like your job?
We'll find out.
Do you have a Facebook?
Yes.
Are you a good speller?
Yes.
What was the last movie you saw in theaters, was it good?
Hmmm... Constantine's Sword at the Athens Film Fest. And it was fabulous.
How many and what kind of animals are in your house?
Three cats. Soon to be none :( I want to take them with me.
When's the last time you took a nap?
Dunno.
Have you ever taken anyone/anything for granted?
I try not to.
Have you ever been on a roller coaster?
Yeah, but I'm a scaredy cat.
Could you date someone taller then you?
It would be hard to find somebody to date who wasn't taller than me.
When was the last time something bothered you?
Yesterday.
Have you learned any lessons today? If so, what?
Not really? Not today.
What was the highlight of your week?
Seeing Kelly and Mama Ruth.
Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Yes.
Do you currently have feelings for someone? Do they know?
Yes and Yes.
Does someone like you right now?
Yes. He better.
How is your hair?
Messy
Have you kissed anyone on your top friends?
Yes.
Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Kelly, I think.
What's on your mind?
Packing.
Have you ever kissed anyone named Andrew?
I don't think so?
Do you have trust issues?
Sometimes.
Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive. But both are hard.
- Mood:
lazy
"Well there's always retrospect to light a clearer path
Every five years or so I look back on my life
And I have a good laugh.
You start at the top, go full circle round
Catch a breeze, take a spill
But ending up where I started again makes me wanna stand still."
She's so very correct in her assessment. But then I know that I can't stand still (no Footloose jokes please) either. It's time for me to move on... onward and upward, literally. Cripple Creek, CO has an elevation of 10,000 feet. Ha! We'll see how I do adjusting to the altitude. At any rate, spring has come and I'm starting a new life. And I get to do it on my own. One more lyric for you, coming from The Weepies new album. I adore them, really.
"But in the end, the only steps that matter are the ones you take all by yourself"
- Mood:
hopeful
Firstly, and Chris, I forbid you to 1. be offended or 2. tease me for my perceptions, was The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. Not being something I would typically pick up to pleasure-read, much like Alexis' The Master and Margarita but without the impossible names, I was preparing myself to be... well, honestly, bored. Whenever someone asks you to read their favourite book there is always this living fear that you will begin reading and utterly despise the prose that unwinds before you. And then you will have to spend 3 months reading it. And then make up nice things to say about it. This fear is worsened when you know that this person's entire opinion about your romantic suitability could change should you hand the book back and say "It sucked." Gladly, Chris, I can say to you that it did not suck. Not an ounce. Although it wasn't what I was expecting either in the way of the "tormented love" drama described on the back, or in the way of sheer action and story-telling. Instead I found it philosophical and yet I was still interested in what happened to the characters - even though the 'story' itself seemed almost an afterthought sometimes. And here's the part where I feel stupid: I can't figure out what I liked. I don't even know why. But I did. I guess that's enough. And now I find myself inadvertently looking for a black bowler hat...
The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris (OhmyGodreadallofherbooksnowplease) was also not exactly what I was expecting, but as always with Joanne Harris - I was not disappointed. I can see now where she often thought of Holy Fools as the prequel to Chocolat. The Girl With No Shadow is, of course, the sequel to Chocolat. Same characters. Gosh I love her books. The only thing that bothered me, having now read both Chocolat and its sequel, is that in the movie version they have changed Pantoufle into a kangaroo... he is a rabbit, damn you! It made me curious as to why they'd have changed it. The books (Chocolat and Girl With No Shadow) are astoundingly dark, as was Holy Fools. Also, I craved chocolate the whole time I read.
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman was an interesting read for me. Having only read one other of his books - Stardust - I wasn't really sure what to expect. First, Stardust is fabulous. If you haven't read it, read it. Anansi Boys reminded me a lot of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy for some inexplicable reason, but I wasn't sure how much I really liked the book until I finished it. I've thought about it several times since then. I almost put it down about 100 pages in, but the main character, Fat Charlie, is so endearing that you must keep reading. And now I feel somewhat different about spiders. Not that I won't still squash the next one I see.
Not the End of the World by Kate Atkinson. Don't bother. Really.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is proving to be a fabulous read. The second title is "One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia." I've only gotten through Italy and half-way through India, but I'm really enjoying every second. She has given me a lot to think about with her startlingly honest declarations such as:
"Moreover, I have boundary issues with men. Or maybe that's not fair to say. To have issues with boundaries, one must have boundaries in the first place, right? But I disappear into the person I love. I am the permeable membrane. If I love you, you can have everything. You can have my time, my devotion, my ass, my money, my family, my dog, my dog's money, my dog's time- everything. If I love you, I will carry for you all your pain, I will assume for you all your debts (in every definition of the word), I will protect you from your own insecurity, I will project upon you all sorts of good qualities you have never actually cultivated in yourself and I will buy Christmas presents for your entire family. I will give you the sun and the rain, and if they are not available, I will give you a sun check and a rain check. I will give you all this and more, until I get so exhausted and depleted that the only way I can recover my energy is by becoming infatuated with someone else.
I do not relay these facts about myself with pride, but this is how it's always been."
I feel horrified and yet comforted by this admission as I often feel this way about my own relationships. I acknowledge this and have been trying to work on it, however, and 7 lonely months have actually taught me rather a lot about myself. Conversely, this book has also made me laugh out loud with passages like:
"So I'm sitting at the dinner table all by myself, making an effort to restrain my fork, when I see a man walk over with his dinner tray, looking for an open chair. I nod to him that he is welcome to join me. I haven't seen this guy around here yet. He must be a new arrival. The stranger's got a cool ain't-no-big-hurry kind of walk, and he moves with the authority of a border town sheriff, or maybe a lifelong high-rolling poker player. He looks like he's in his fifties, but walks like he's lived a few centuries longer than that. He's got white hair and a white beard and a plaid flannel shirt. Wide shoulders and giant hands that look like they could do some damage, but a totally relaxed face.
He sits down across from me and drawls, 'Man, they got mostquitoes 'round this place big enough to rape a chicken.'
Ladies and Gentlemen, Richard from Texas has arrived."
All in all, it's fabulous. Read it. And don't confuse it with that other book, "Eats Shoots, and Leaves," as I did whenever I would try to talk about it with other people. Eat Pray Love has nothing to do with punctuation.
Happy reading.
- Mood:
thoughtful
The Spring Awakening soundtrack that I acquired this morning
Kimya Dawson
Free underwear at Victoria's Secret
Free things from Bath and Body Works - apparently this was "have things for free week"
His name is Chris
Lilian Jackson Braun, even if her last book was terrible. The woman is ancient - give her a break.
KT Tunstall
Sunshine
Dave Matthews Band. Finally! I can listen to them again without wanting to yak (the act of yaking, not of being a yak.)
My two best friends
Chicago (definitely not the show)
Chocolate. Lots of it.
Loudly patterned clothes
Employment
Singing loudly and most likely off-key to annoying pop songs in the car
Voting for Obama
Things I'm hating today:
Snow
Cold
Inability to wear flip flops without my feet falling right off.
The Newark Public Library's lack of books by Joanne Harris
Tracy Chevalier's lack of recent publication. Get on it, woman!
Lost friendships.
Holes in my tall socks.
- Mood:
weird - Music:DMB
I have a new favourite! Holy Fools by Joanne Harris is magnificent. It's a brilliantly well-told story about a woman named Juliette (aka Soeur Auguste) and her daughter Fleur, who are taking refuge within Sainte Marie-de-la-Mer - a French nunnery circa 1610. Juliette weaves in her own past as a traveling actor/rope dancer amongst the "holy fools," or "God's innocents," amidst a stormy present. As an orphaned child she leads a life of mystery, sadness, and survival - entangling herself with the book's antagonist, The Blackbird (aka Guy LeMerle.) This man haunts every aspect of her life until the day he arrives in the flesh at the Abbey, disguised as a priest. It's a tale of corruption, romance, war, and deception, wonderfully thought-out and concluded. The book itself actually caused a little bit of a stir even before its release because of the involvement of the Catholic church - the second time Joanne Harris uses it as a vehicle for treachery, as in Chocolat. The end of the book was also protested by editors who wanted a quick end to The Blackbird. Harris takes another road instead that keeps the characters human.
Some quotes:
"I devote my days to a God for whom I have little affection and even less understanding."
"I have never believed in God. Not in your God anyway; the one who looks down onto his chessboard and moves the pieces according to his pleasure, occasionally glancing up at the face of his Adversary with the smile of one who already knows the outcome. It seems to me that there must be something horribly flawed in a Creator who persists in testing his creatures to destruction, in providing a world well stocked with pleasure only to announce that all pleasure is sin, in creating mankind imperfect, then expecting us to aspire to perfection. The Devil at least plays fair. We know where he stands. But even he, The Lord of Deceit, works for the Almighty in secret. Like master, like man."
"And the Blackbird? We too are linked, he and I; I need no philosophy to tell me that. Well, let him come. If he has a part to play, let him play it soon, and quickly; because if ever I see him again in the flesh, he knows that this time, I will kill him."
Okay folks. Go and read. And while you're at it, read everything else written by her as well. None of it will disappoint.
- Mood:emotional
"I must be strong"
Asserters are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.
How to Get Along with Me
* Stand up for yourself... and me.
* Be confident, strong, and direct.
* Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.
* Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.
* Give me space to be alone.
* Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.
* I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.
* When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.
What I Like About Being a EIGHT
* being independent and self-reliant
* being able to take charge and meet challenges head on
* being courageous, straightforward, and honest
* getting all the enjoyment I can out of life
* supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me
* upholding just causes
What's Hard About Being an EIGHT
* overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to
* being restless and impatient with others' incompetence
* sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it
* never forgetting injuries or injustices
* putting too much pressure on myself
* getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right
EIGHTs as Children Often
* are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit
* are sometimes loners
* seize control so they won't be controlled
* fugure out others' weaknesses
* attack verbally or physically when provoked
* take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings
EIGHTs as Parents
* are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted
* are sometimes overprotective
* can be demanding, controlling, and rigid
Hmmm.... is it weird that 8 is my favourite number??
Take the test: http://www.okcupid.com/tests/6711512663
Current mood: cold
Okay, so I've had the most bizarrely disturbing dreams for the past 4 nights. I can't recall anything from 3 of the nights other than a similar theme but last night's dream was incredibly vivid.
There were several dreams I had before I got to the frightening one, mostly including Alexis and an airport and switching planes. Anyway, after that Alexis and I were going to meet David (her husband, who, in my dream was a prince of some strange 1800's England-esque country) and his family. He had this grandmother who was half alive and half dead and she laid in a big wooden box (not unlike a coffin, but pulled by horses in some strange parade) surrounded by purple flower petals and gravel. She kept telling me that Alexis's David was going to get a job. Which is dumb because he already has one. But anyway, she seemed to be trying to impart some advice on me. Unfortunately I do not remember anything other than what she was relaying to me and Alexis about David.
From there somehow we were over-taken by an army of men who were apparently there to put an end to this "kingdom." Very Nazi-esque. (I know, right? What did I eat last night?) Anyway, Alexis and I somehow became small children, like ages 8 and 10 and we fled to this house, who was trying to shelter us from the men. We lived with them for a few days as they tried to hide all of David's Grandmother's furniture and keepsakes all over their vast property. Alexis, who was no longer Alexis anymore became this young girl I didn't know but was trying really hard to protect.
We knew somehow that the family was going to be discovered and all of us would be killed. And we knew we had to get away from the family or we'd be found and killed as well, so we were trying to escape but the family wouldn't allow us to. So the 8 year old girl devised a plan to murder them at dinner, assuming that whatever we did would be more merciful than the army of Nazi's. We poisoned the feast they prepared for us and then pretended to eat. The whole thing was the young girl's idea, though. She changed her mind after the family started to get sick but I was really cross with her and told her that since it had been her plan, we couldn't back out now, and besides there was nothing we could do. So while the family is feeling ill, we slunk down the stairs to run out into the fields, but the father caught us and made us go back upstairs. The minute we were all up in the attic of the house again, the men from the army came and found us. Somehow the girl and I managed to hang back and not be forced down the stairs, but there was one man who was cataloging all of their possessions. He found us and I shot him, and then the little girl and I ran out into the fields, hiding in the ivy that grew really thickly around the house. And about that time, I woke up.
Now. Aside of the fact that the dream itself was really strange, it was really violent, really scary, and it felt like it may have meant something. I think the key parts were the Grandmother, the girl I was trying to protect, and the holocaust feel of it. If anybody has any ideas on any of those, feel free. I'm baffled.
On top of all of that, the theme from the past 4 night's dreams has been persecution. I know that every day when I wake up, somebody was trying to kill me in my dreams. And it's not like it's a first for that particular type of dream. I have them a lot. Abby said that before she came out, she used to have holocaust dreams all of the time. It's a fear of persecution. So then what am i afraid of? Is it upcoming audition nerves? Is someone in my life not who i think they are? I don't know. But anytime I could stop having these dreams would be fabulous.
- Mood:
cold - Music:Imogen Heap - iMegaphone
And on that lovely and uplifting note that no one cares about but me, I'd like to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
And after that I'd like to talk about a book I just read. It was given to me by one of my dearest friends, Josh, who really is my older brother, even if we're not relatives by blood. We grew up together. And stayed in dirty hostels in Europe together. How much closer can you get? I even carried his left-over chicken through the Metro. Of course then we yelled at each other and I threw it away, but still. Back to the book. It was called "A Lifetime of Secrets," the latest in Frank Warren's PostSecret series. A bunch of people write down their darkest secrets anonymously on note cards and mailed them in to Post Secret. He publishes them in large, colorful volumes that have a lot to say about the human experience. I really enjoyed it. After reading the book I sat down and thought about which secrets affected me the most and I decided it was this one: "I married the wrong person." It struck me as the most terrifying secret of any other within the pages. How horrifying to know that you made a mistake on one of the biggest life choices you'll ever make. At this point I may never get married, and I may be alright with that thought, but I do know that if it ever happens -- if ever somebody is crazy enough to want to take me on for life, I hope to God I don't wake up one morning carrying around that same secret.
On that note, I'm very tired of having no purpose to my days so I've started a crazy work-out/practice regimen to get me in shape for auditions. UPTA's are the 9th of February. I will be ready.
- Mood: hopeful
- Music:my new ipod... it makes me happy.
Since it was a ridiculously long drive to Oklahoma City, I managed to read four books this week, two of which I will highly recommend.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. I loved every second of this book. It's a companion to the bible story of Jacob and his sons, only told from the point of view of Dinah, Jacob's only daughter. While the story is more about Dinah and her four mothers, a different view of Joseph and his grisly tale of shitty brothers is so refreshing. And oh my goodness do I now want to name a daughter Dinah. The story is such an honest, accurate account. Anita Diamant must have done years and years of research. And you'll find yourself humming "Jacob and Sons" with a whole new attitude. READ IT!
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman. This book is a series of 12 short stories about a house and the families who live in it. From the late 1700's when the house was built up until present day, this book spans all of the loves, losses, and crossroads in its inhabitants lives. It reads almost like a fairy tale. Like The River King, the second I was finished I wanted to start all over again. Beautiful imagery and slightly haunting. It's a good book for a cold day.
And that's pretty much it for me. I have a non-acting job that will allow me to pay for my Christmas presents and such. I start auditions again soon. I am tired of living at home. That is all :)
And for those of you who are curious, here are the lyrics to the title song:
Free to Be... You and Me
There's a land that I see where the children are free
And I say it ain't far to this land from where we are
Take my hand, come with me, where the children are free
Come with me, take my hand, and we'll live
In a land where the river runs free
In a land through the green country
In a land to a shining sea
And you and me are free to be you and me
I see a land bright and clear, and the time's comin' near
When we'll live in this land, you and me, hand in hand
Take my hand, come along, lend your voice to my song
Come along, take my hand, sing a song
For a land where the river runs free
For a land through the green country
For a land to a shining sea
For a land where the horses run free
And you and me are free to be you and me
Every boy in this land grows to be his own man
In this land, every girl grows to be her own woman
Take my hand, come with me where the children are free
Come with me, take my hand, and we'll run
To a land where the river runs free
To a land through the green country
To a land to a shining sea
To a land where the horses run free
To a land where the children are free
And you and me are free to be
And you and me are free to be
And you and me are free to be you and me
- Mood: nostalgic
Also, reading a fabulous book! The Historian - by Elizabeth Kostova. A dark, disturbing, mildly frightening book about Vlad the Impaler. Not a usual choice for me, but a good Halloween read. Still 200 pages from the end...
Last book bought: The last book I bought was actually the last book I read, so since I already have to talk about that one, I'm going to pick The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It's about Vlad the Impaler. I don't know.
Last book read: Make Him Look Good by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. She's written two of my favourite books, but this one was lacking. The main character annoyed me...
Five Books that Mean a Lot to You:
The River King by Alice Hoffman
Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros
Stepping on the Cracks by Mary Downing Hahn
The Forgetting Room by Nick Bantok
The Best Christmas pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
- Mood: content
I may not be updating as frequently here in the coming 5 weeks because I'm going to be out of state. I got a call yesterday morning from Jenny Wiley asking me to do their fall tour of School House Rock LIVE. It's a six person show that travels all over the state for 5 weeks. $350 a week. I'm really quite excited about it. But I leave tomorrow. HA! No time like the present I suppose. The Florida job (if I get it) doesn't start until late October so I should be okay as far as time and such. I should hear from them next week. Cross your fingers, y'all.
As far as all of the communicating with me and stuff goes, drop me an e-mail or a call on my cell if you need to get a hold of me. Good luck to all of my friends returning to Wesleyan this weekend, and better luck to those of you who aren't. You're always in my thoughts and I miss you all dearly.
Much love to all.
- Mood:
excited
So I always try to recommend "smart" books. Usually. I'm going to recommend easy reads this time. Oh, and share a few book nightmares. Ha! I'll actually start with a "smart" book, though.
For those of you who have yet to be part of the utter magic that is Nick Bantock, this one's for you.
The Venetian's Wife - by Nick Bantock. He has also written the Griffin and Sabine series, which I also highly recommend, as well as The Forgetting Room, which is a beautiful, haunting, amazing book. One of my favourites. Anyway, to the book at hand... The Venetian's Wife is another of his beautifully written and illustrated (yes he does all of the FABULOUS artwork in his books) pieces of fiction. I'm actually not finished with the book yet, more than halfway through, but it's fantastic. His books are always mysterious and wonderful. Read them all. Ha!
Okay, now down to fun and silly reads.
Martin the Warrior - Brian Jacques. Part of the fabulous Redwall series. It's about a mouse who fights! Can you get any better than that? Actually it's a great story about love, honor, and furry creatures. Seriously worth the read. It's sadly one of my favourite books, however my rather-worn copy is in New York. Boo.
The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun. I am aware of how sadly awful it is that I'm obsessed with these books, but I seriously have read every single one. Including her other books, like the Moose County Tall Tales and such. The main character of the series is a pretentious millionaire who writes a ridiculous news columns, mostly about cats and featuring limericks, however, I love a good murder mystery. Mysteries are my escape from the world, especially when I'm down on love. I devour them. Anyway, I somehow feel as though I am part of the Moose County community in Ms. Braun's novels. So. If you have a lot of time on your hands, go for it.
Time Windows by Kathryn Reiss. Both Alexis and I read this in middle school. Okay, so it's a young adult book. It's still imaginative and fabulous. And every so often I'm inclined to read it again. It's a mystery ghost storied historical science fiction-y love storied mess that's completely fun. I won't lie that I adore children's books and read them (or re-read them as the case may be) quite frequently. I don't think there's anything wrong with that. So no snickers please. Unless you want to mail me a candy-bar. In which case I'll give you my address.
Mandy - by Julie Edwards (actually Julie Andrews. Yes, that Julie Andrews) A touching story about an orphan girl looking for something to love. I re-read this every Christmas. It's that good.
And my childhood FAVOURITE book... Drum roll please!!!!
STEPPING ON THE CRACKS - by MARY DOWNING HAHN. Okay, so I read every single one of her books but this is by far my favourite. I've totally worn out my copy to the point of pages falling out. However, it's a truly beautiful story about learning to love your enemy. Takes place in the 1940's. The main character's brother has gone to war and its effect on her family and neighborhood is stunning. A truly wonderful book.
Okay. That should keep you all busy for a while. Now here's a bookish nightmare!
Badger's Moon - by Peter Tremayne. Don't read it. Don't do it. A stupidly pretentious mystery that takes place in ancient Ireland and sounds like it should be good but reads rather like a textbook. The murders are neat but less time is spent on the actual mystery and more time is spent on teaching you how to speak Gaelic. Boo. Not enjoyable. Actually, the main character's son was kidnapped in the last paragraph (A ploy to get you to read the next mystery) and I found I didn't care an ounce what happened to him as long as I didn't have to sit through another tedious waste of time. But I have to say, I very rarely decide not to finish a book, so that is why I finished this one.
Hmmm... yes... I think that's all the book reporting I care to do today. One movie review though. And tangled with it is the request that you all read the book as well.
STARDUST!!!! Go see it!!! Go read it!!! It's fabulous!!! Go Neil Gaiman!!!
Which Harry Potter Character Are You? | |
 | You are part Harry. You're a loyal and courageous friend. You'd do anything to protect the people you love, especially if it'll get you a break from class for a little while. |
 | You are part Hagrid. You're an outcast with a heart of gold. Despite your own problems, you always find time to help those in need. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
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