I’ve had many epiphanies in life. Some are more important than others. For instance, the epiphany that I didn’t actually want to pursue Musical Theatre for my livelihood and that I could indeed survive this life without ever marrying were more monumental than my epiphany that I like mangoes and not strawberries because I’m a texture person.
I’ve had an epiphany recently and I’m not sure where this falls on the importance spectrum. As I’ve been away from my family, I’ve come to think of my friends as a surrogate family, Provo and certain apartments in them as my home. I hang out with them as much as possible. They clean me up when they’re a mess, I take care of them when they’re sick, we laugh together, we cry together, we defend one another, and we love each other.
Friends are not for entertainment value. Oh, sure, there are some that you hang out with just for the fact they’re funny or crazy; they don’t know intimate details about you, you don’t know any about them. Those people are more like buddies, acquaintances that you use to take your mind of things. And sure, you may send them a funny text message every now and then, receive a random picture of an awkwardly placed calzone in return, but you still don’t know much about them. You’re emotionally detached.
Then there are those that you know a little about, enough to think of them whenever you just want a chill night at home watching a movie and making brownies. You hang out with them, joke with them, but you’d never stay up past midnight shooting the shit about politics, religion, or your past transgression or issues going on in your life. If those things came up it would be a joking matter, making fun of something or someone, making light of the monsters we’re dealing with. You can call each other up for an occasional favor, to get a ride someplace or to have someone to goof off with at the grocery store. However, they don’t know the deeper side of you.
That side is reserved for the close friends. They’re the ones that you find yourselves texting throughout the day, wondering how they’re doing and how they’re feeling. They don‘t respond with the “oh hey, I‘m fine” unless they really are. You know what’s going on in their lives because you make it your business to find out and they make it their business to tell you. You support each other, let each other know you’re cared for and important. You trust each other. You’re honest with them, but you don’t crush them, because you know them well enough to know where to draw the line. They’re the ones you can rely on to be there for you, whether it’s at four in the morning or four in the evening. They’ll answer your call or text unless they’re something that physically stops them from doing so, like being at work, in class, or helping out another friend. In that case, they’ll see what’s up as soon as they’re able. If it’s something like you were just bored they may not call you back right away, until they get their life settled (which you understand, of course, because you know the crap that’s going down in their lives as noted above) but if they really need you, you’ll be there for them, because you care about them. They may not know everything about them, but it's not because you're not willing to tell them. They just love you without having to know. You write them little notes, send them flowers on opening nights, make them birthday cakes as a surprise. This kind of friendship is irreplaceable in a persons life. They teach you about yourself, instruct you, help you to grow and develop traits that will be useful when you get married someday. These people are the ones who support you when you’ve got nothing left. They are the earthly angels Heavenly Father puts in our lives.
Then there are best friends. Best friends come along once in a rare while. Someone who - by sheer coincidence, sometimes appearing as a tender mercy of God - enters your life. They pass almost immediately through being a buddy and a friend, into the close friend stage. They include and exemplify everything that’s in that stage, and more. When you talk to them they know the perfect thing to say, they talk about themselves just the right amount and let you talk when you need to. They somehow ask the right questions to get you to think. They listen when you talk and honestly try their hardest to make your life better. They’re the kind who won’t leave you, especially not when you’re in need. You would never leave them either. To do so would cause physical and emotional pain to yourself and the other person. They support you in what you want in life, but know you well enough to tell you when they think you’re pursuing something that’s wrong for them. You build your schedule around theirs so you can accomplish everything you need to do while still taking every opportunity to see and be with them. To see them hurt makes you hurt, and you would do anything in the world if you could ever stop them from wanting to cry. They’d do all of this for you if they could. You never feel like a burden to them, because you know it would hurt them more if there was something bothering you that you didn't share with them.
I’ve had my fair share of all of these friends in my life, and am, at this point in time, lucky enough to be surrounded by an awesome group of close friends. I have an amazing best friend or two as well, but am also finding out that sometimes those you care for as a best friend sometimes don't return the feeling, which hurts. Best friends can be your same sex or different, as long as that connection is there. We’re told to marry our best friends and I definitely understand why. When you add physical attraction to a bond as close as this one, it becomes almost unbreakable (however, I would also like to note that I think if you start out with physical attraction it’s a lot harder to get to the bond found in a best friend relationship. But that’s another theory of mine entirely.)
The ability to love and care is something that sets us apart from most other creatures on this earth. You don’t often see a group of bats just hanging around, having a few laughs and talking about the deeper things of life. Our ability to create and love are what elevates us above other species - trust me, I learned that from my biology class. And while it hurts sometimes, I thank Heavenly Father for that capacity to love and be loved. These emotions that bog us down and make us feel foolish and do idiotic things at times are also what makes us close to Christ. Not only do they enable us to feel the spirit in our lives, they also allow us to feel a sliver of what Christ must feel for each of us. A love powerful enough to sacrifice ourselves for. To see the good and humanity in people and love and care for them despite their flaws and imperfections. When people say Christ is our best friend, it’s because he is. He’s always there when we need him and he loves us more than himself. We have access to that, and we should do our best to give that to other people. To be a friend, and love and teach. To support. We should never take friends for granted. We should never pass up a chance to say "hey beautiful, how's your day?" or "Dear face, I like you. Just so you know." When you think of calling them do it. When you're worried about them, let them know. No one ever despaired because they were too loved.
Friends are not for entertainment. They are for perfecting ourselves and drawing each other closer to Christ.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Our lips may touch, and our cheeks can brush. Our lips, may touch...here
The lyrics of this song are taken from a HelloGoodbye song that I love quite dearly. I was just listening to it in Chase's car while I was playing hookey for the first half hour work today and he skipped his anatomy class. And I just realized how irresponsible that sounded. But really, we were being responsible because we spent that time printing off head-shots and Chase was getting his membership at Gold's taken care of. So really, we were irresponsibly responsible. PLUS I also deposited my check, printed off my resumes (which I mildly lied on...oh well, it happens) and got my new I.D. card today, in between work and rehearsal. And then tonight Chase and I are going grocery shopping so I can get milk, a black t-shirt for my audition outfits, probably some zycam or other cold-preventing medicine, and some hair-dye (yay going brown!) and he can get food so he can stop living off the carrots and mashed potatoes I gave him. So really, it's been quite productive today. After that all I need to do is study for my Bio exam, which shouldn't be too hard. I just have to identify some ducks.
They're are so many other things to write. For instance, I just used my inhaler for the first time in probably a good 8 or 9 months. The polution in the valley has been ridiculous lately and I think I actually had an asthma attack last night while I was sleeping. I woke up this morning and all the muslces around my lungs, front and back were sore like they were after the asthma attacks I've had before. So now I'm sitting here at work feeling a little twitchy. I hate that side-effect of the inhaler. I'm going to be twitching now for a while.
But I'm sitting here with a massive headache as well as twitching. I've already taken three advil for it, but I'm thinking it may be possibly due to me not drinking enough water today. I'm used to drinking about three liters of water a day and recently I've probably been drinking about one. Not to mention I misplaced my multi-vitamins yesterday so my body's missing that right now.
In a different vein, I got a letter from Raage yesterday. It was funny because Chase was over (we were "working" on our modern dance critique) and earlier Kels had run in with the mail, and dropped it on the table telling me that there was mail for me. I figured I would just grab it later, but a little while later Chase got up to get something, probably a drink and was immediately attracted to the Dove Promises lying on the table. After he picked one up he looked at the mail on the table and was all "there's a letter for you." So I looked at him and lo and behold, it was the plain brown envelopes that Raage always sent his letters in. It made me happy. Except Chase got jokingly upset that I was paying more attention to a letter than to him because, as he put it, "He's not here and he can't make you warm!"
But I can happily report that Raage is doing well and it was really good to hear from him. He also sent pictures...though I just realized the only person who I have the capacity to show them to would be Jenn and Nick if they're interested. But he really is doing well.
So there's not much else for me to say. I have auditions Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and am gearing up for those as well as my Bio test tomorrow and my HEPE test on Thursday, that way I can focus on my auditions once they happen. Of course, after those I'm going to be rehearsing for MDT showcase, so really, all I have to do is make it through Valentines Day and my life slows down a whole lot, and it'll be so wonderful to actually have time to go to the gym again. Of course I say that now, but honestly, I don't think my life will be calm for too horribly long. It never is.
Toodles!
-Jillian
They're are so many other things to write. For instance, I just used my inhaler for the first time in probably a good 8 or 9 months. The polution in the valley has been ridiculous lately and I think I actually had an asthma attack last night while I was sleeping. I woke up this morning and all the muslces around my lungs, front and back were sore like they were after the asthma attacks I've had before. So now I'm sitting here at work feeling a little twitchy. I hate that side-effect of the inhaler. I'm going to be twitching now for a while.
But I'm sitting here with a massive headache as well as twitching. I've already taken three advil for it, but I'm thinking it may be possibly due to me not drinking enough water today. I'm used to drinking about three liters of water a day and recently I've probably been drinking about one. Not to mention I misplaced my multi-vitamins yesterday so my body's missing that right now.
In a different vein, I got a letter from Raage yesterday. It was funny because Chase was over (we were "working" on our modern dance critique) and earlier Kels had run in with the mail, and dropped it on the table telling me that there was mail for me. I figured I would just grab it later, but a little while later Chase got up to get something, probably a drink and was immediately attracted to the Dove Promises lying on the table. After he picked one up he looked at the mail on the table and was all "there's a letter for you." So I looked at him and lo and behold, it was the plain brown envelopes that Raage always sent his letters in. It made me happy. Except Chase got jokingly upset that I was paying more attention to a letter than to him because, as he put it, "He's not here and he can't make you warm!"
But I can happily report that Raage is doing well and it was really good to hear from him. He also sent pictures...though I just realized the only person who I have the capacity to show them to would be Jenn and Nick if they're interested. But he really is doing well.
So there's not much else for me to say. I have auditions Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and am gearing up for those as well as my Bio test tomorrow and my HEPE test on Thursday, that way I can focus on my auditions once they happen. Of course, after those I'm going to be rehearsing for MDT showcase, so really, all I have to do is make it through Valentines Day and my life slows down a whole lot, and it'll be so wonderful to actually have time to go to the gym again. Of course I say that now, but honestly, I don't think my life will be calm for too horribly long. It never is.
Toodles!
-Jillian
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I like where you are when we drive in my car...
Here I am, at work once again. Why am I always at work when I blog, I hear you asking. Well, the answer is fairly simple. Since the people over at the Geek squad completely ruined my life by misdiagnosing my computer, I don't have one at my house that I have easy access to, so my computer usage is limited to the times I'm at work.
Which I suppose it probably one of the only reasons I keep this job. Computer access. :)
I had a reason for blogging today, I really did. I just can't remember it right now.
So I promised Ben Waite that I would write real letters to a bunch of missionaries...unfortunately I don't have any of their addresses. Which reminds me, Mama and/or Papa, if you read this, can you get me Ben Pettit's address and Josef Meilke's too? Ben was wanting them so we can both write them. It was fun to talk to him though, even though it was breaking mission rules to Facebook Chat with me. I rationalized it by saying we were cousins and therefore it was totally okay.
What has happened the past few days...not much. Saturday Brock, Cameron, and I had adventures in Wal-Mart. Really Cameron and I had adventures in Wal-Mart and Brock was just there for some of them. They included - but are not limited to - turning on all the valentines day toys in the aisle and running away, having a pillow fight in the throw pillow aisle, and being hit on by an old man in a motorized cart. It was great. Especially because it was all done to the background music of Kelly Clarkson, Katie Perry, and the Pussycat Dolls. It was pretty much hilarious. It was also perfect because that was the weekend Becca and Tami came down to watch the show and when Kai's farewell was, so we all got together for dinner before the show and it was wonderful. Also, Kai's farwell was amazing. Me, Mel, and Danica ended up going and we cried. True story.
So it looks like I'm auditioning for the Playhouse, the Playmill and the Pink Garter. Pretty much it's going to come down to how much I get paid. Part of me is leaning towards doing Playmill just because I'll be out of Jackson which will make it easier for me to focus on making money. Which is something I definitely need right now. Jackson just has too much for me to do and explore and I know the areas I love so would easily be drawn to go back there again. However, it also depends on how much they're willing to pay actors as well as what roles I get. I know what roles I fit/want/think I would get at all the places, but a lot happens during auditions. For all I know I might end up spending the summer in La Grande...which might drive me slighly insane. I'd have to find a full-time job to keep me from being too horribly idle or else I would go crazy, and not in a good way.
I don't know though, we'll see how things go.
Anyway, I'm off for now. I'm going attempt to memorize and break-down my monologues for this weekend before I go to Chess with Kirsten. In other news, I don't have anything to do tomorrow so I can spend the entire time catching up on HEPE and working on my audition stuff. It'll be good.
Toodles!
-Jillian
Which I suppose it probably one of the only reasons I keep this job. Computer access. :)
I had a reason for blogging today, I really did. I just can't remember it right now.
So I promised Ben Waite that I would write real letters to a bunch of missionaries...unfortunately I don't have any of their addresses. Which reminds me, Mama and/or Papa, if you read this, can you get me Ben Pettit's address and Josef Meilke's too? Ben was wanting them so we can both write them. It was fun to talk to him though, even though it was breaking mission rules to Facebook Chat with me. I rationalized it by saying we were cousins and therefore it was totally okay.
What has happened the past few days...not much. Saturday Brock, Cameron, and I had adventures in Wal-Mart. Really Cameron and I had adventures in Wal-Mart and Brock was just there for some of them. They included - but are not limited to - turning on all the valentines day toys in the aisle and running away, having a pillow fight in the throw pillow aisle, and being hit on by an old man in a motorized cart. It was great. Especially because it was all done to the background music of Kelly Clarkson, Katie Perry, and the Pussycat Dolls. It was pretty much hilarious. It was also perfect because that was the weekend Becca and Tami came down to watch the show and when Kai's farewell was, so we all got together for dinner before the show and it was wonderful. Also, Kai's farwell was amazing. Me, Mel, and Danica ended up going and we cried. True story.
So it looks like I'm auditioning for the Playhouse, the Playmill and the Pink Garter. Pretty much it's going to come down to how much I get paid. Part of me is leaning towards doing Playmill just because I'll be out of Jackson which will make it easier for me to focus on making money. Which is something I definitely need right now. Jackson just has too much for me to do and explore and I know the areas I love so would easily be drawn to go back there again. However, it also depends on how much they're willing to pay actors as well as what roles I get. I know what roles I fit/want/think I would get at all the places, but a lot happens during auditions. For all I know I might end up spending the summer in La Grande...which might drive me slighly insane. I'd have to find a full-time job to keep me from being too horribly idle or else I would go crazy, and not in a good way.
I don't know though, we'll see how things go.
Anyway, I'm off for now. I'm going attempt to memorize and break-down my monologues for this weekend before I go to Chess with Kirsten. In other news, I don't have anything to do tomorrow so I can spend the entire time catching up on HEPE and working on my audition stuff. It'll be good.
Toodles!
-Jillian
Thursday, January 15, 2009
If I were a boy...
I love this song by Beyonce (aka Sasha Fierce...but don't even get me started on that.) I also love Jack Johnson, which is what I'm listenting to right now.
What have I done the past few days? Not much. I'm realizing though, that I enjoy living life at a little slower pace than I'm used to. For instance, I'm used to being busy and having to be somewhere pretty much every minute of every day. Lately, however, I've had free time in between classes or work schedules where I do things that I need to get done. It's kind of nice. I managed to pay two bills, turn in my FASFA, cook dinner, exercise, fill out a scholarship application, and look for monologues yesterday. Oh, and I climbed 11 flights of stairs. But that wasn't really in my free-time or by choice. It was out of necessity to get to classes and to my apartment.
However, I just took a test online and it told me I need to eat 1600 calories a day to lose 1 pound a week. HA! As of this moment in time I've eaten 805 calories for the day. Like I'll be able to make it to 1600 while still eating healthy food. I think not...
When did I write last? I don't know if I've written anytime this week. I've been writing in my journal lately, thanks to the inspiration and motivation of Chase Thomas. Monday night we watched Legally Blonde over at Brocks, and by "we" I mean Cameron, Brock, myself, and Chase. Then Tuesday I worked at Orville and Wilbur for the first time. It was actually really fund and reminded me of my old Bear Mt. days. OH! Random fact. I was in a mood on Tuesday and ended up tackling Chase in the RB lobby. Somehow or other it ended up with me wrapping my legs around his waist and my arm around his neck and he was on his hands and knees. He managed to stand up from that position with me still hanging off of his body. That's intense to do for anyone, let alone someone as small as him and someone as heavy as me (and don't worry, I'm not saying I'm fat, I'm actually a fairly healthy weight right now, but I'm still a heavy person and Chase is wiry) and then he picked me up over his shoulder. I ended up collapsing off because I didn't want to be in that position so I just released my ab muscles and since he's only slightly broad I just slid off his side. Then Wednesday I had classes and stuff and I learned I'd been rolling wrong. But I danced 3 hours, ran up 11 flights of stairs, and went running for a half hour.
My body really hurts right now.
Anyway, I'm about to get off work, so I'll be signing off.
Toodles!
-Jillian
What have I done the past few days? Not much. I'm realizing though, that I enjoy living life at a little slower pace than I'm used to. For instance, I'm used to being busy and having to be somewhere pretty much every minute of every day. Lately, however, I've had free time in between classes or work schedules where I do things that I need to get done. It's kind of nice. I managed to pay two bills, turn in my FASFA, cook dinner, exercise, fill out a scholarship application, and look for monologues yesterday. Oh, and I climbed 11 flights of stairs. But that wasn't really in my free-time or by choice. It was out of necessity to get to classes and to my apartment.
However, I just took a test online and it told me I need to eat 1600 calories a day to lose 1 pound a week. HA! As of this moment in time I've eaten 805 calories for the day. Like I'll be able to make it to 1600 while still eating healthy food. I think not...
When did I write last? I don't know if I've written anytime this week. I've been writing in my journal lately, thanks to the inspiration and motivation of Chase Thomas. Monday night we watched Legally Blonde over at Brocks, and by "we" I mean Cameron, Brock, myself, and Chase. Then Tuesday I worked at Orville and Wilbur for the first time. It was actually really fund and reminded me of my old Bear Mt. days. OH! Random fact. I was in a mood on Tuesday and ended up tackling Chase in the RB lobby. Somehow or other it ended up with me wrapping my legs around his waist and my arm around his neck and he was on his hands and knees. He managed to stand up from that position with me still hanging off of his body. That's intense to do for anyone, let alone someone as small as him and someone as heavy as me (and don't worry, I'm not saying I'm fat, I'm actually a fairly healthy weight right now, but I'm still a heavy person and Chase is wiry) and then he picked me up over his shoulder. I ended up collapsing off because I didn't want to be in that position so I just released my ab muscles and since he's only slightly broad I just slid off his side. Then Wednesday I had classes and stuff and I learned I'd been rolling wrong. But I danced 3 hours, ran up 11 flights of stairs, and went running for a half hour.
My body really hurts right now.
Anyway, I'm about to get off work, so I'll be signing off.
Toodles!
-Jillian
Thursday, January 08, 2009
We were both young when I first saw you...
I'm sitting at work, yet again, munching on Doritos. So yes, I am one of those annoying telemarketers that eat when they're on the phone. Though I'll have you know that I stop chewing when I'm actually talking to someone. I'm not that tacky.
So, as to pondering on relationships. I don't know how I feel about them exactly. I remember a time where the idea of being alone my entire life scared me. I hated the idea of not having someone with me, to call my own. Blame it on the fact that I was constantly surrounded by people growing up, but the idea of living in a house by myself and having to go to the grocery store by myself and not having anyone there when I come home at night scared me. I've come to terms with that fear now, and the idea of being alone isn't an enjoyable one, but it's not one that causes me to have nervous fits and not be able to sleep at night. I can even go to the store by myself now!
One of my friends and I have been talking a lot about our relationships with people, both romantic and otherwise. I've come to the realization that I'm the kind of person who deeply connects with a few people and keeps most other people at arms length. I also don't go out of my way to make those connections with people unless there's someone specifically who interests me.
I miss liking someone. It's a fact. Not that liking someone and not having them like you back or liking someone and having them like you back and realizing it might end up badly is a happy feeling. I just miss that tingle when you see them and the silly butterflies you feel and how they make you happy by just being there. I miss knowing there's someone who wants to be with you more than they want to be with anyone else.
That's the thing though. When I like someone I don't just like them and then if they don't show interest move on and find another person to fixiate on. I've never understood how people are like that. As I said, when I connect with someone it's deeply. Once I like someone it's usually a big commitment. If I were to let myself like someone, if I were to fall easily it would be a long time before I got over it. (Which begs an unrelated question. Do you think it's possible to have deep, meaningful relationships with many people at the same time? Does that mean that you're going to be neglecting people you're close to and care for in order to foster those meaningful relationships with other people? Or is it better to focus on being close with only a few people at a time and placing them at priority?)
So what do I do? Do I gussy myself up? Put myself out there for all the world to see? I don't know about that. As I said before, I'm very much the kind of person who goes through life and realize that I like someone I already know. Unfortunately, there's not really anyone like that around me right now. Maybe I need to hang out with non-gay men. That might be a step in the right direction, considering I only hang out with one straight guy right now, and he's out of the question for liking. Not that I couldn't like him. I suppose I could really like him if I wanted to. But I think that's the thing. I don't want to go out of my way to like someone, I just want to find someone who inspires that in me without having to try, someone who just is. I want someone I can talk with about various subjects, not just focusing on two or three. I want someone who stimulates me intellectually. Let's face it, I've liked some um, less than stellar looking guys in my life, so I obviously put a lot more weight on personality than looks.
But that still leaves me in the dillema of what to do about this longing I feel to care for someone, to have this overwhelming desire to make sure they're taken care of. But I can't just produce this feeling for someone, nor do I want to. So I suppose that means I'm stuck.
Maybe this is just an adverse reaction to the winter weather. Maybe I'll just get a hug, go tanning, and hope that it goes away.
Toodles!
-Jillian
So, as to pondering on relationships. I don't know how I feel about them exactly. I remember a time where the idea of being alone my entire life scared me. I hated the idea of not having someone with me, to call my own. Blame it on the fact that I was constantly surrounded by people growing up, but the idea of living in a house by myself and having to go to the grocery store by myself and not having anyone there when I come home at night scared me. I've come to terms with that fear now, and the idea of being alone isn't an enjoyable one, but it's not one that causes me to have nervous fits and not be able to sleep at night. I can even go to the store by myself now!
One of my friends and I have been talking a lot about our relationships with people, both romantic and otherwise. I've come to the realization that I'm the kind of person who deeply connects with a few people and keeps most other people at arms length. I also don't go out of my way to make those connections with people unless there's someone specifically who interests me.
I miss liking someone. It's a fact. Not that liking someone and not having them like you back or liking someone and having them like you back and realizing it might end up badly is a happy feeling. I just miss that tingle when you see them and the silly butterflies you feel and how they make you happy by just being there. I miss knowing there's someone who wants to be with you more than they want to be with anyone else.
That's the thing though. When I like someone I don't just like them and then if they don't show interest move on and find another person to fixiate on. I've never understood how people are like that. As I said, when I connect with someone it's deeply. Once I like someone it's usually a big commitment. If I were to let myself like someone, if I were to fall easily it would be a long time before I got over it. (Which begs an unrelated question. Do you think it's possible to have deep, meaningful relationships with many people at the same time? Does that mean that you're going to be neglecting people you're close to and care for in order to foster those meaningful relationships with other people? Or is it better to focus on being close with only a few people at a time and placing them at priority?)
So what do I do? Do I gussy myself up? Put myself out there for all the world to see? I don't know about that. As I said before, I'm very much the kind of person who goes through life and realize that I like someone I already know. Unfortunately, there's not really anyone like that around me right now. Maybe I need to hang out with non-gay men. That might be a step in the right direction, considering I only hang out with one straight guy right now, and he's out of the question for liking. Not that I couldn't like him. I suppose I could really like him if I wanted to. But I think that's the thing. I don't want to go out of my way to like someone, I just want to find someone who inspires that in me without having to try, someone who just is. I want someone I can talk with about various subjects, not just focusing on two or three. I want someone who stimulates me intellectually. Let's face it, I've liked some um, less than stellar looking guys in my life, so I obviously put a lot more weight on personality than looks.
But that still leaves me in the dillema of what to do about this longing I feel to care for someone, to have this overwhelming desire to make sure they're taken care of. But I can't just produce this feeling for someone, nor do I want to. So I suppose that means I'm stuck.
Maybe this is just an adverse reaction to the winter weather. Maybe I'll just get a hug, go tanning, and hope that it goes away.
Toodles!
-Jillian
Unnecessary blog
Apparently I have 169 posts. Wow...not bad for, what? Three years of work?
There's really not much for me to say, except I love my roommates. Seriously, living with Mel and Danica is a blast. Not that we get to see each other all that much, but when we do it's awesome!
I went over to Jenn and Nick's last night. Before I headed over there I wasn't so sure I wanted to go, on account of it being dark, me driving alone and not feeling all that well. But I'd promised them I would go, so drive the 40 minutes I did. And it was a lot of fun, and I think I really needed it. Though I'm still feeling a little off-kilter today, which I'm trying to remedy by being uber productive. Which, by the way, only really works when you're in the proper state of mind. So while I'm trying to be uber productive I think I'm coming off as being only mildly productive.
I've been thinking a lot about dating and stuff like that lately, probably on account of having a friend or two that's obsessed with it. I don't know, it's weird. In my life I've always had the mindset that you go about life, living it like you need it to be lived, and you find someone and it'll work out. It's weird to be around people who are actually pursuing relationships. I don't know if I like it. I'll have to think on that some more.
Anyway, I should probably get off as this isn't helping in my "being productive" plan. I need to go print off a headshot and fill out some information. Love to all!
Toodles!
-Jillian
There's really not much for me to say, except I love my roommates. Seriously, living with Mel and Danica is a blast. Not that we get to see each other all that much, but when we do it's awesome!
I went over to Jenn and Nick's last night. Before I headed over there I wasn't so sure I wanted to go, on account of it being dark, me driving alone and not feeling all that well. But I'd promised them I would go, so drive the 40 minutes I did. And it was a lot of fun, and I think I really needed it. Though I'm still feeling a little off-kilter today, which I'm trying to remedy by being uber productive. Which, by the way, only really works when you're in the proper state of mind. So while I'm trying to be uber productive I think I'm coming off as being only mildly productive.
I've been thinking a lot about dating and stuff like that lately, probably on account of having a friend or two that's obsessed with it. I don't know, it's weird. In my life I've always had the mindset that you go about life, living it like you need it to be lived, and you find someone and it'll work out. It's weird to be around people who are actually pursuing relationships. I don't know if I like it. I'll have to think on that some more.
Anyway, I should probably get off as this isn't helping in my "being productive" plan. I need to go print off a headshot and fill out some information. Love to all!
Toodles!
-Jillian
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
It's the wet jeans and the chaffing...it's just not fun!
I am at work right now. This shouldn't be too horribly surprising since most of my blogs originate while I'm working because I'm so freaking bored! So I'm back in Provo, working at the call center as I type this. Probably not as you read it, HOPEFULLY since this job kind of drives me insane and I want to get a new one. I figure it's never good to want to spend as little time at your job as possible, especially when you make your own schedule.
So, onto the choice of my major. I've decided to audition for the MDT program, despite my refusals to ever participate in theatre again. I pretty much failed at that already, as I was not doing a show for two months and went insane so I auditioned at the Hale Center Theatre and was cast in their version of A Christmas Carol. That experience was amazing and it made me realize that I really do enjoy performing.
However, while I was in the bookstore today (that place is CRAZY at the beginning of semester!) I kept seeing all these amazing books. I was actually tempted to buy textbooks for classes I wasn't taking, just because they looked so cool! For instance, there was a book about U.S. history, and I really just wanted to take it and read it! And then there were instances when I saw books and was actually tempted to sign up for the classes they were required for.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with my life. I was talking with Chase one night and he said something really interesting. He said that everyone had a reason for the major they picked. It wasn't just something random that they picked off a dart board and figured they'd base their life around it. This got me thinking about why I was refused the idea of being a theatre major and instead focused on an academic major. What I realized was that, while I was always a fairly intelligent person, it wasn't until around my junior or senior years of high school where I actually thought I was smart. More importantly, it wasn't until then that I felt other people thought of me as smart. In my mind and the minds of others, I was the choir girl, the girl who did theatre, with a strong voice and the ability to act. It wasn't until the past few weeks that I realized I'd picked history over theatre because I felt like I had something to prove to people and to myself. It was me saying to the world "Hey look, I'm smart and can do more than just sing and act. I can think for myself and am not one of those people that perform because they can't do anything else."
So, upon realizing this, I was able to come to terms with my performer phobia and accept that I do, indeed, enjoy performing. But then today, I was thinking about it. Yeah, I enjoy performing and I'm good at it, but am I willing to give up something I love to learn about for something I love to do? Am I willing to give up pursuing academia in order to perform for a few years, because, honestly, I can't see myself performing for all of my life. Really, I want to be a professor. Teaching theatre wouldn't bother me, but I would really love to teach History. So what do I do now? Well, for starters I audition for the MDT program since I've already geared myself up for it. I figure I'll take things from there and play it by ear. For all I know I won't make it and then will be a history major and the choice will be made up for me.
Well, I only have 20 minutes left of work now. Maybe I should blog more often while I'm working, since I got my first - and only - booking while I was typing this.
However, I still think I'm going to try and find another job. I really want to work in retail since I love dressing people and clothes in general. I think it comes from my obsession with beauty and appearance. Not that I'm obsessed with physical appearance, but I am obsessed and really appreciate things that are beautiful or interesting to the eye. Hence why I love photography too. I love seeing beauty and brilliance in everyday things and trying to capture it in an artistic way that does justice to what I'm capturing.
Anyway, I've got to go. I don't know if anyone reads this anymore, but if you do, cool! I hope you enjoy reading my ramblings as much as I enjoy typing them!
Toodles!
-Jillian
So, onto the choice of my major. I've decided to audition for the MDT program, despite my refusals to ever participate in theatre again. I pretty much failed at that already, as I was not doing a show for two months and went insane so I auditioned at the Hale Center Theatre and was cast in their version of A Christmas Carol. That experience was amazing and it made me realize that I really do enjoy performing.
However, while I was in the bookstore today (that place is CRAZY at the beginning of semester!) I kept seeing all these amazing books. I was actually tempted to buy textbooks for classes I wasn't taking, just because they looked so cool! For instance, there was a book about U.S. history, and I really just wanted to take it and read it! And then there were instances when I saw books and was actually tempted to sign up for the classes they were required for.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with my life. I was talking with Chase one night and he said something really interesting. He said that everyone had a reason for the major they picked. It wasn't just something random that they picked off a dart board and figured they'd base their life around it. This got me thinking about why I was refused the idea of being a theatre major and instead focused on an academic major. What I realized was that, while I was always a fairly intelligent person, it wasn't until around my junior or senior years of high school where I actually thought I was smart. More importantly, it wasn't until then that I felt other people thought of me as smart. In my mind and the minds of others, I was the choir girl, the girl who did theatre, with a strong voice and the ability to act. It wasn't until the past few weeks that I realized I'd picked history over theatre because I felt like I had something to prove to people and to myself. It was me saying to the world "Hey look, I'm smart and can do more than just sing and act. I can think for myself and am not one of those people that perform because they can't do anything else."
So, upon realizing this, I was able to come to terms with my performer phobia and accept that I do, indeed, enjoy performing. But then today, I was thinking about it. Yeah, I enjoy performing and I'm good at it, but am I willing to give up something I love to learn about for something I love to do? Am I willing to give up pursuing academia in order to perform for a few years, because, honestly, I can't see myself performing for all of my life. Really, I want to be a professor. Teaching theatre wouldn't bother me, but I would really love to teach History. So what do I do now? Well, for starters I audition for the MDT program since I've already geared myself up for it. I figure I'll take things from there and play it by ear. For all I know I won't make it and then will be a history major and the choice will be made up for me.
Well, I only have 20 minutes left of work now. Maybe I should blog more often while I'm working, since I got my first - and only - booking while I was typing this.
However, I still think I'm going to try and find another job. I really want to work in retail since I love dressing people and clothes in general. I think it comes from my obsession with beauty and appearance. Not that I'm obsessed with physical appearance, but I am obsessed and really appreciate things that are beautiful or interesting to the eye. Hence why I love photography too. I love seeing beauty and brilliance in everyday things and trying to capture it in an artistic way that does justice to what I'm capturing.
Anyway, I've got to go. I don't know if anyone reads this anymore, but if you do, cool! I hope you enjoy reading my ramblings as much as I enjoy typing them!
Toodles!
-Jillian
Thursday, August 07, 2008
A query
I would like to use this specific blog to ask a question. I want everyone to weigh in on it, especially my family, using scripture, definitions, talks, their own feelings, any insights you might have.
What is the difference between blind faith and perfect faith?
One of my friends and I were discussing another individual today and this question came up. Perfect faith sounds to wonderful, but blind faith sounds horrible. Unfortunately, I can't figure out what separates the two.
What is the difference between blind faith and perfect faith?
One of my friends and I were discussing another individual today and this question came up. Perfect faith sounds to wonderful, but blind faith sounds horrible. Unfortunately, I can't figure out what separates the two.
Friday, August 01, 2008
"I wish we could sing Primary songs more often!" - Emily
So here I sit, backwards in a chair, wearing a tank top, two sports bras, basketball shorts and covered in sweat. I finally went running (I've noticed I tend to do this on Friday's, my day off) and it feels good...except that my asthma medicine hadn't had time to take effect so my lungs are sore and feel hallow. I'm still proud that I managed to do it though.
I'm waiting for Jillian (it's a different one, Jillian Mouritsen, but we've decided we're identical twins except we look nothing alike and we're not twins) to come down from sewing costumes and then we're going to head to the river to develop sun cancer. I'm quite excited. I miss being in the sun!
Last night was so much fun though! Our home teachers came over and it was a little awkward because Emily has a past with Jeff and Ami and Kai are still doing their thing and for a while there Kai didn't get along with Jillian. But it was good and Jeff gave a good thought. He ended up sticking around a while and Becca came home and Mel came over, so the 6 of us (becca, mel, me, emily, jeff, and ami; kai had gone home and Jillian was talking on the phone to Kimball) were just sitting around and someone said something that reminded us of a primary song. This led to us talking about how Becca and I randomly sang the hello song yesterday, which led to seeing how many Primary songs we could remember. It was actually really fun. We went through all the action songs, the "Once there was a Snowman" and "book of Mormon stories" but we also sang some of the nice ones, like "Families can be Together Forever." It was really cool. I think we ended up singing for over an hour.
But alas, Jillian is here and so we must fly away to be sun worshipers.
Toodles!
I'm waiting for Jillian (it's a different one, Jillian Mouritsen, but we've decided we're identical twins except we look nothing alike and we're not twins) to come down from sewing costumes and then we're going to head to the river to develop sun cancer. I'm quite excited. I miss being in the sun!
Last night was so much fun though! Our home teachers came over and it was a little awkward because Emily has a past with Jeff and Ami and Kai are still doing their thing and for a while there Kai didn't get along with Jillian. But it was good and Jeff gave a good thought. He ended up sticking around a while and Becca came home and Mel came over, so the 6 of us (becca, mel, me, emily, jeff, and ami; kai had gone home and Jillian was talking on the phone to Kimball) were just sitting around and someone said something that reminded us of a primary song. This led to us talking about how Becca and I randomly sang the hello song yesterday, which led to seeing how many Primary songs we could remember. It was actually really fun. We went through all the action songs, the "Once there was a Snowman" and "book of Mormon stories" but we also sang some of the nice ones, like "Families can be Together Forever." It was really cool. I think we ended up singing for over an hour.
But alas, Jillian is here and so we must fly away to be sun worshipers.
Toodles!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
"The five-paragraph essay is overrated!" - Austin
So I'm beginning to realize that a lot of my quotes come from Austin recently, and I believe that mostly has to do with the fact that I'm spending a lot of my time around him. Half of this is from choice, the other half is because we work together and are required to spend two hours walking around town and singing two or three times a week, not including the time we spend at the theatre. He's an interesting person. I refer to him as the energizer bunny, because that kid just keeps going and going and going. Which isn't bad, in fact, it's nice sometimes. Yesterday he and I had a 45 minute or so long conversation about how we behave around other people when it comes to talking behind someones back and what is and is not acceptable to say to someones face. He made some interesting points I hadn't thought of before and I think he understood where I was coming from in a lot of situations. But then there are times when he'll go on about selling retail or how BYU's football team sucks and how the Utes are so much better. ...I don't really care about that. However, he is entertaining me right now by texting me knock-knock jokes so I don't die from boredom here at the kisok.
In other news, I met a couple from Union last night! They actually run a physical therapy clinic down by EOU. It was so nice to talk to people from home. I talked about the college and how La Grande was the real west and everything. It was super nice to have that familiararity.
Also, I've realized this summer that theatre is something I really don't like to do. Singing, yes. Performing, sort of. Theatre? Not so much. I just don't get a thrill out of doing it. No excitement, not tingling, so bated breath for the next chance I get to go onstage. I've actually come to dread night-time performances. I don't like them. There is not a show here that we're doing where I actually think "Oh goodie! Now I get to do this show!" And I can't see me feeling that way about a show, especially one that has a long run.
Speaking of runs, I really want to go running. Lately though, I haven't been going to sleep until three or so in the morning so the idea of waking up and going for a run before I head to work is not apealing to me, but usually by the time I get home after a show I'm either hanging out with someone or I'm tired and don't want to go running and get wired and not be able to fall asleep. So I'm thinking I'll go running Friday when I don't work and all I have to do is go rafting down the river. Thank heavens for days off!
Anything else going on? Not really. Jillian broke up with her boyfriend (yay!). Austin broke up with his girlfriend (boo!), and I'm trying to decide whether Luke or Ami has had more action this summer. Luke had his girlfriend (now ex-ed for a while), Jillian, Ami, and Becca. But Ami had Kai, Kelsey, and Luke. Of course, that's just all I know about. So I think Luke has had more, actually. I don't think I'll tell Jillian that.
Oh, and my stuffed animal, Dougie, has ended his relationship with Maxwell the Sheep. It was a long time coming. They were together for about 24 hours before Maxwell took up with a finger-puppet frog that Jillian had. Dougie has since turned straight and is now in the hunt for a female-dog who likes eccentric feminine male-dogs.
And I really have to pee, but I've got twenty more minutes here in this cursed Kiosk.
I've come to the realization I'm happy being single. I'm not the kind of person who can emotionally be involved in a fling but physically, I don't know if I could handle a serious relationship that lasts a long time. I think that's why I'm the way I am, how I have to be friends with a guy first. I have an odd feeling that once I do find myself in a relationship again it'll only last a while before we either break up or get married. Ew. Marriage. Ick-ah.
I've been listening to the same four songs on this stupid computer for the past hour and a half. I think I might shoot myself. No, because I look cute today and I would splatter blood all over my white shirt. I was planning on doing something tonight, I can't remember what, but I think I might just hang at home with the girls and chat it up. The three of us haven't been together and just talked for a really long time. At least not since Jillian's break-up. That needs to be done.
I went bum-tubbing last night with Danica, her sister Cassidy, Austin, and Aaron. It was a surprising amount of fun actually. We got there around midnight and headed home around 1:30. Danica and I had a running joke that we couldn't leave Cassidy alone with the boys. We have our reasons, of course. She's very cute and just out of High School.
That's all I can think of right now. Except that I have to pee of course. I wish we were doing Singin' tonight instead of Sheriff. I can get away with doing very little for Singin' but not with Sheriff, and my headache is coming back. I need to be inside away from the allergens...
Toodles!
-Jillian
In other news, I met a couple from Union last night! They actually run a physical therapy clinic down by EOU. It was so nice to talk to people from home. I talked about the college and how La Grande was the real west and everything. It was super nice to have that familiararity.
Also, I've realized this summer that theatre is something I really don't like to do. Singing, yes. Performing, sort of. Theatre? Not so much. I just don't get a thrill out of doing it. No excitement, not tingling, so bated breath for the next chance I get to go onstage. I've actually come to dread night-time performances. I don't like them. There is not a show here that we're doing where I actually think "Oh goodie! Now I get to do this show!" And I can't see me feeling that way about a show, especially one that has a long run.
Speaking of runs, I really want to go running. Lately though, I haven't been going to sleep until three or so in the morning so the idea of waking up and going for a run before I head to work is not apealing to me, but usually by the time I get home after a show I'm either hanging out with someone or I'm tired and don't want to go running and get wired and not be able to fall asleep. So I'm thinking I'll go running Friday when I don't work and all I have to do is go rafting down the river. Thank heavens for days off!
Anything else going on? Not really. Jillian broke up with her boyfriend (yay!). Austin broke up with his girlfriend (boo!), and I'm trying to decide whether Luke or Ami has had more action this summer. Luke had his girlfriend (now ex-ed for a while), Jillian, Ami, and Becca. But Ami had Kai, Kelsey, and Luke. Of course, that's just all I know about. So I think Luke has had more, actually. I don't think I'll tell Jillian that.
Oh, and my stuffed animal, Dougie, has ended his relationship with Maxwell the Sheep. It was a long time coming. They were together for about 24 hours before Maxwell took up with a finger-puppet frog that Jillian had. Dougie has since turned straight and is now in the hunt for a female-dog who likes eccentric feminine male-dogs.
And I really have to pee, but I've got twenty more minutes here in this cursed Kiosk.
I've come to the realization I'm happy being single. I'm not the kind of person who can emotionally be involved in a fling but physically, I don't know if I could handle a serious relationship that lasts a long time. I think that's why I'm the way I am, how I have to be friends with a guy first. I have an odd feeling that once I do find myself in a relationship again it'll only last a while before we either break up or get married. Ew. Marriage. Ick-ah.
I've been listening to the same four songs on this stupid computer for the past hour and a half. I think I might shoot myself. No, because I look cute today and I would splatter blood all over my white shirt. I was planning on doing something tonight, I can't remember what, but I think I might just hang at home with the girls and chat it up. The three of us haven't been together and just talked for a really long time. At least not since Jillian's break-up. That needs to be done.
I went bum-tubbing last night with Danica, her sister Cassidy, Austin, and Aaron. It was a surprising amount of fun actually. We got there around midnight and headed home around 1:30. Danica and I had a running joke that we couldn't leave Cassidy alone with the boys. We have our reasons, of course. She's very cute and just out of High School.
That's all I can think of right now. Except that I have to pee of course. I wish we were doing Singin' tonight instead of Sheriff. I can get away with doing very little for Singin' but not with Sheriff, and my headache is coming back. I need to be inside away from the allergens...
Toodles!
-Jillian
Saturday, July 19, 2008
"He is so fired." - Aaron Cole
More story time from the Pink Garter!
So, yesterday on street there was an, um, interesting happening.
We're doing what we do, singing and smiling and having a gay old time while toting the Pink Garter name as "The Singin' Cowboys" (and yes, I know I'm not a cowboy, I'm a girl, haven't heard that one before). We stop behind The Sweetwater Resteraunt and sing some "Cigareets and Whooskey" for them and a lady offers us a tip. Aaron turns it down, of course, and I give the lady a pamphlet and we keep walking. I hear Austin going off about something in the background, talking about the tip. I assume he's making a big deal about Aaron turning it down and I get a little annoyed. Number one he's supposed to be singing, number two he makes a big deal out of a lot of little things, and three I can't technically say anything to him about it because, even though I'm a street leader, he makes it into a bigger deal because he thinks I'm personally attacking him. Eventually we finish our song and I turn around and make some comment about it not being good that Aaron didn't accept the tip and I realize something interesting that I hadn't noticed before (because I was doing my job singing and only half listening to what Austin was talking about). Austin was giving Brannon a hard time because he'd grabbed the money from the lady after Aaron had turned it down.
There are two important things you have to realize about Brannon and Austin. 1) Austin likes picking fights with Brannon. 2) Brannon has a quick-fire temper and has a hard time managing anger. They've been in fights before, sometimes purposefully started by Austin, most of the time accidental. It's basically because Austin enjoys repeating himself quite a bit, which is nice because it means he's not being misunderstood, but it also tends to wear on you when you're having a fight with him. He won't drop it (unless it's me apparently, but that's a different story) which just tends to make the person he's fighting with angrier. Brannon just has a hard time admitting he's wrong.
So, what ends up happening is we finish singing and Austin's been making fun of Brannon for a while and suddenly Brannon says something and you can tell he's pissed. Everything gets tense. Austin keeps going though, saying it was stupid for Brannon to have taken the money. He doesn't mean this maliciously and he's not really looking for a fight, he's just stating his opinion...a lot.
Brannon just stops and says "Why don't you just come back here and say that to my face." Austin counters by stating that he was saying it to his face. A few more words were exchanged and Brannon pushes Austin.
Brannon's a big guy. Austin's a little guy. It was a silly thing and luckily it pretty much ended there. Somehow or other though, Brannon is still working at this theatre. It's kind of hypocritical really, when you think of all the crap he gave Jeremy when his altercation with Kai happened. He just walks away and apologizes, saying it won't happen again. Will it? I hope not. Knowing the two of them, it will. It's only a matter of time before it blows up again.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"I'm chubby and drive a mini-van. I just can't pull off that menace to society thing." - Me
So today I have a story. It is the story of Jillian getting pulled over twice in one week. I would like to preface this story by stating that I have never hit anything that was moving, or been in an accident and that it was my mother that taught me to drive.
I have been pulled over 7 times in my life. This has spanned 4 states and includes 4 different cars. Of the 7 times, 5 have been for speeding. In our company so far, 7 people have been pulled over this summer. The results from those have included arrests, and hundreds of dollars worth of tickets.
So last week, Thursday to be exact, I'm driving my friend Jillian down to Idaho Falls for a dermatologist appointment. It was early in the morning, around 8. We'd left a little late and I knew there was construction up ahead on the road, so I was pushing it a little bit, going 72, I think, in either a 65 or a 55 zone, I couldn't remember which. Well, it turned out it was a 55 zone. A cop flips his suburban (cops drive suburbans up here, no wussie impala's for them!) around, flips on his lights, and I get pulled over. Ami had been asleep in the back, her hair tousled from left over pin curls from Singin' in the Rain the night before, Jillian had shot-gun and while she had taken a shower, she had no make-up on and her hair was hanging limply around her shoulders. And I, the fearless driver of my sleepy comrades, was wearing no make-up with my hair rolled in pastel foam curlers. This is what the police officer sees when I roll down my window and give him my license. He asks where I'm going and I tell him the truth. He cracks a joke about my foam curlers and I laugh. He asks for my proof-of-insurance and registration. I knew I had them in the same place (a compartment under my stereo) but we couldn't seem to find it (the compartment and therefore the necessary papers) at that exact moment. The police officer laughs, makes another joke about my foam curlers, tells me he's going to run my license and to just keep looking for my other papers. Eventually we find the compartment, forcing it open, only to find my proof of insurance is outdated and I need a new one. This should have been enough to get me a ticket, but somehow I managed to get off with just a verbal warning (and yet another crack about my curlers) and we were on our way to Idaho Falls.
Needless to say people in the cast were a little upset that I got off so easy. But only a few know what happened last night.
I was driving over to the guys apartment at around 1:30 in the morning to pick up Jillian and to hang with their dog for a while. The strip in Jackson has a speed limit of 35, but I'm on auto-pilot and I find myself going about 50. I realize this and start slowing down, but it was too late. A suburban behind me starts flashing lights and I pull over obligingly. This time I've managed to un-stick my console and have all the necessary papers ready. I roll down the window and he asks where I was going to quickly. I tell him I'm on my way to pick up a friend at another friends house. He asks if I had just gotten out of the shower (I had and was, ironically, about to foam curl my hair.) I explain my proof-of-insurance is out of date and I just need my parents to send me the updated one. He looks at the old one, says he trusts me, then hands me back my insurance and registration and explains that he's not going to give me a ticket this time, but he did have to go run my license. I'm not going to lie, I was a little afraid that something would come up and say that I'd been pulled over twice in less than a week and he would change his mind about the ticket thing, but instead, he comes back up to my car, hands me my license and lets me know that I technically have to get my license plates changed. Like I'm really going to do that.
Either way, that's twice that I've been pulled over because of speeding in the past week. Austin says I get out of the tickets because I'm a girl, and I say, if so, good for me. Men may get traffic tickets, but we women have to go through childbirth. Anyone wanna trade?
-Jillian
I have been pulled over 7 times in my life. This has spanned 4 states and includes 4 different cars. Of the 7 times, 5 have been for speeding. In our company so far, 7 people have been pulled over this summer. The results from those have included arrests, and hundreds of dollars worth of tickets.
So last week, Thursday to be exact, I'm driving my friend Jillian down to Idaho Falls for a dermatologist appointment. It was early in the morning, around 8. We'd left a little late and I knew there was construction up ahead on the road, so I was pushing it a little bit, going 72, I think, in either a 65 or a 55 zone, I couldn't remember which. Well, it turned out it was a 55 zone. A cop flips his suburban (cops drive suburbans up here, no wussie impala's for them!) around, flips on his lights, and I get pulled over. Ami had been asleep in the back, her hair tousled from left over pin curls from Singin' in the Rain the night before, Jillian had shot-gun and while she had taken a shower, she had no make-up on and her hair was hanging limply around her shoulders. And I, the fearless driver of my sleepy comrades, was wearing no make-up with my hair rolled in pastel foam curlers. This is what the police officer sees when I roll down my window and give him my license. He asks where I'm going and I tell him the truth. He cracks a joke about my foam curlers and I laugh. He asks for my proof-of-insurance and registration. I knew I had them in the same place (a compartment under my stereo) but we couldn't seem to find it (the compartment and therefore the necessary papers) at that exact moment. The police officer laughs, makes another joke about my foam curlers, tells me he's going to run my license and to just keep looking for my other papers. Eventually we find the compartment, forcing it open, only to find my proof of insurance is outdated and I need a new one. This should have been enough to get me a ticket, but somehow I managed to get off with just a verbal warning (and yet another crack about my curlers) and we were on our way to Idaho Falls.
Needless to say people in the cast were a little upset that I got off so easy. But only a few know what happened last night.
I was driving over to the guys apartment at around 1:30 in the morning to pick up Jillian and to hang with their dog for a while. The strip in Jackson has a speed limit of 35, but I'm on auto-pilot and I find myself going about 50. I realize this and start slowing down, but it was too late. A suburban behind me starts flashing lights and I pull over obligingly. This time I've managed to un-stick my console and have all the necessary papers ready. I roll down the window and he asks where I was going to quickly. I tell him I'm on my way to pick up a friend at another friends house. He asks if I had just gotten out of the shower (I had and was, ironically, about to foam curl my hair.) I explain my proof-of-insurance is out of date and I just need my parents to send me the updated one. He looks at the old one, says he trusts me, then hands me back my insurance and registration and explains that he's not going to give me a ticket this time, but he did have to go run my license. I'm not going to lie, I was a little afraid that something would come up and say that I'd been pulled over twice in less than a week and he would change his mind about the ticket thing, but instead, he comes back up to my car, hands me my license and lets me know that I technically have to get my license plates changed. Like I'm really going to do that.
Either way, that's twice that I've been pulled over because of speeding in the past week. Austin says I get out of the tickets because I'm a girl, and I say, if so, good for me. Men may get traffic tickets, but we women have to go through childbirth. Anyone wanna trade?
-Jillian
Monday, July 14, 2008
"Shut the f*** up!" - Austin
So here I am. After a 6 month hiatus from my blog, I've recieved requests to start writing again. Okay, so not really requests, that makes it sound like people love reading what I write. What it really comes down to is I'm a horrible person to try and keep track of, so this way my family and friends can actually see what's going on in my life. So without further adieu, let's begin!
As most of you probably know, I'm working at the Pink Garter theatre in Jackson Wy. It's been an interesting experience. The shows are pretty solid and we're over halfway through our performances. To stop things from being too completely complicated, since I'll be dropping names and I'll want you to know who they are and my feelings about them, I'll give you a brief and honest run-down of the people in the 2008 company:
Boys:
Austin- Will Parker and Cosmo Brown. Also runs half the backstage-crew for Sheriff. He and I have personality problems. While I would like to sit and talk them through so we can get along, he would rather just apologize for them and pretend they didn't happen, which just leaves them idly by until something else happens that causes us to have another blow-up. These blow-ups usually have a few days between them and involve lots of sore feelings and more often than not, swearing. He's dramatic, rude, stubborn, prideful, likes to listen to himself talk more than others, insecure, analytical, critical of everyone, and hypocritical. Just like me. There are times when he can get genuinely nice and sweet, he's self-taught on piano and guitar and dances really well. I would like to be friends with him but there's only so much I can do.
Aaron- Ali Hakim, Ensemble, and Daniel Beau Jenny. He also understudies pretty much everyone. Part of the reason why I'm so hot on talking through problems with Austin is because last year, through a series of miscommunications, false-assumptions and a lot of jumped conclusions, Aaron and I didn't get along at all. We talked through it this year though and now he and I get along fine. What you see is what you get with Aaron. He's a sardonic dork who thrives on non-conformity and being as contrary as possible. He plays some amazing guitar and dances way too well for a man who has so little training. There are somedays when he amazes me with his insight, professionalism and kindness. Then there are others when he proves me right with his sarcastic laziness. The latter happen most frequently. He and I also have problems with the whole "aiming while kissing" thing.
Brannon- Jud Fry, R.F Simpson, and Richard. Talk about insecure. He's the first to find fault in everyone besides himself. At first I disliked him, but recently as he and I have interacted more, he's beginning to grow on me and I don't despise him so much. We joke and play around now. He's not the most amazing of actors, but I love his voice, even though it's fairly limited to it's classical training. The more I learn about the kid the more I like him. I just wish he could see what was good in himself and stop trying so hard to prove it all the time.
Luke- Curly McClain, "Ensemble", and Roscoe Dexter. He is called enigma for a reason. He and I probably interact the least of all the guys in the cast, though I hear more about him from my roommates than any other guy. He's the oldest member of the company, coming in at 27, I believe. He's quite knowledgeable about a lot of things and is more comfortable to sit in the background than to take a leading role. His exploits with the ladies cause more drama in my house than my clashes with Austin. Probably more to come on that later.
Kai- Andrew Carnes, Don Lockwood, tech crew. Oh, Mr. Blakesley. There's not much you can say to describe Kai, except maybe a reformed player (of basketball and other things) who could charm the husk of the corn. He and I are the only non-musical theatre majors in the company. He was studying Physical Therapy and is now hoping to serve a mission. Of the guys, he's the one I'm the closest too. He reminds me of Fune and though he is the hottest of the males I cannot muster any form of attraction for him. He can dance well, though he still has to control his mouth hanging open like a door when he does it. He doesn't like to hurt anyones feelings so, of course, he ends up hurting them even more. He's ripped like nobody's business and is obsessed with working out and being healthy. Because of this, he's also fairly shallow and judges a lot of things on appearances.
Scoot- The techie. We love Scoot. He's from Jersey, just barely baptized into the church a few months ago and you could say he's still trying to conform. He's got a bit of a temper on him, but he's good if you need a hug or just want to laze around for a while. He rides a scooter, which is probably the coolest thing ever. Also, his fingers never fully formed on his right hand, so he does everything with his nubs and his left hand, including rock climbing. He's a genuinely nice guy who gets snubbed by the girls all the time. It makes me a little sad.
T-Bone- Cord Elam. He was the emergency hire to fill in Oklahoma! after Jeremy left, and we are soooooo glad he's here! He brings a burst of positive energy to the otherwise negative and hateful atmosphere. Whenever we do Oklahoma! we (especially the girls) get incredibly excited because he know T-Bone will be there. He guides on the river during the day, plays at night. He's not an incredibly attractive man, but he's cuddly like a teddy bear. He redefines the definition of cool as he rocks out on his harmonica and plays chill guitar with his full beard and shaggy hair.
Those are pretty much all the definitions I can muster up right now. Give me another day or two...or possibly just tomorrow since I'm working at the box office again tomorrow, and I'll fill you in on all the girls in the company. And yes, I'm sitting here typing thi sall at work. But see, just like texting, I'm able to multi-task smiling, answering the phone, and typing at the same time.
And a gay couple totally just walked past me wearing Hollister. Take that surfer dudes.
I'm off the clock in about ten minutes. Now I'm left trying to decide what to do with the four hours of freedom before I have to report to do Singin' in the Rain tonight. I wonder what dramam will unfurl during this performance. Last performance Austin told me to shut the f*** up, which, instead of hurting me or making me actually shut up, just caused me to laugh at him. Also, Brannon freaked out on everyone for laughing offstage during the last scene. Apparently we were being disrespectful to Ami and Kai, though when I talked to Ami about it she had no idea what I was talking about as she could hear us at all. It made me laugh. Though in my defense, what Tami and I were laughing about was hysterical. I'm smiling now thinking of it.
Alright, I'm off. Toodles!
-Jillian
p.s. I've decided that every post will be titled with a quote that somehow relates to some of the happenings in my blog. ...this one is pretty obvious.
As most of you probably know, I'm working at the Pink Garter theatre in Jackson Wy. It's been an interesting experience. The shows are pretty solid and we're over halfway through our performances. To stop things from being too completely complicated, since I'll be dropping names and I'll want you to know who they are and my feelings about them, I'll give you a brief and honest run-down of the people in the 2008 company:
Boys:
Austin- Will Parker and Cosmo Brown. Also runs half the backstage-crew for Sheriff. He and I have personality problems. While I would like to sit and talk them through so we can get along, he would rather just apologize for them and pretend they didn't happen, which just leaves them idly by until something else happens that causes us to have another blow-up. These blow-ups usually have a few days between them and involve lots of sore feelings and more often than not, swearing. He's dramatic, rude, stubborn, prideful, likes to listen to himself talk more than others, insecure, analytical, critical of everyone, and hypocritical. Just like me. There are times when he can get genuinely nice and sweet, he's self-taught on piano and guitar and dances really well. I would like to be friends with him but there's only so much I can do.
Aaron- Ali Hakim, Ensemble, and Daniel Beau Jenny. He also understudies pretty much everyone. Part of the reason why I'm so hot on talking through problems with Austin is because last year, through a series of miscommunications, false-assumptions and a lot of jumped conclusions, Aaron and I didn't get along at all. We talked through it this year though and now he and I get along fine. What you see is what you get with Aaron. He's a sardonic dork who thrives on non-conformity and being as contrary as possible. He plays some amazing guitar and dances way too well for a man who has so little training. There are somedays when he amazes me with his insight, professionalism and kindness. Then there are others when he proves me right with his sarcastic laziness. The latter happen most frequently. He and I also have problems with the whole "aiming while kissing" thing.
Brannon- Jud Fry, R.F Simpson, and Richard. Talk about insecure. He's the first to find fault in everyone besides himself. At first I disliked him, but recently as he and I have interacted more, he's beginning to grow on me and I don't despise him so much. We joke and play around now. He's not the most amazing of actors, but I love his voice, even though it's fairly limited to it's classical training. The more I learn about the kid the more I like him. I just wish he could see what was good in himself and stop trying so hard to prove it all the time.
Luke- Curly McClain, "Ensemble", and Roscoe Dexter. He is called enigma for a reason. He and I probably interact the least of all the guys in the cast, though I hear more about him from my roommates than any other guy. He's the oldest member of the company, coming in at 27, I believe. He's quite knowledgeable about a lot of things and is more comfortable to sit in the background than to take a leading role. His exploits with the ladies cause more drama in my house than my clashes with Austin. Probably more to come on that later.
Kai- Andrew Carnes, Don Lockwood, tech crew. Oh, Mr. Blakesley. There's not much you can say to describe Kai, except maybe a reformed player (of basketball and other things) who could charm the husk of the corn. He and I are the only non-musical theatre majors in the company. He was studying Physical Therapy and is now hoping to serve a mission. Of the guys, he's the one I'm the closest too. He reminds me of Fune and though he is the hottest of the males I cannot muster any form of attraction for him. He can dance well, though he still has to control his mouth hanging open like a door when he does it. He doesn't like to hurt anyones feelings so, of course, he ends up hurting them even more. He's ripped like nobody's business and is obsessed with working out and being healthy. Because of this, he's also fairly shallow and judges a lot of things on appearances.
Scoot- The techie. We love Scoot. He's from Jersey, just barely baptized into the church a few months ago and you could say he's still trying to conform. He's got a bit of a temper on him, but he's good if you need a hug or just want to laze around for a while. He rides a scooter, which is probably the coolest thing ever. Also, his fingers never fully formed on his right hand, so he does everything with his nubs and his left hand, including rock climbing. He's a genuinely nice guy who gets snubbed by the girls all the time. It makes me a little sad.
T-Bone- Cord Elam. He was the emergency hire to fill in Oklahoma! after Jeremy left, and we are soooooo glad he's here! He brings a burst of positive energy to the otherwise negative and hateful atmosphere. Whenever we do Oklahoma! we (especially the girls) get incredibly excited because he know T-Bone will be there. He guides on the river during the day, plays at night. He's not an incredibly attractive man, but he's cuddly like a teddy bear. He redefines the definition of cool as he rocks out on his harmonica and plays chill guitar with his full beard and shaggy hair.
Those are pretty much all the definitions I can muster up right now. Give me another day or two...or possibly just tomorrow since I'm working at the box office again tomorrow, and I'll fill you in on all the girls in the company. And yes, I'm sitting here typing thi sall at work. But see, just like texting, I'm able to multi-task smiling, answering the phone, and typing at the same time.
And a gay couple totally just walked past me wearing Hollister. Take that surfer dudes.
I'm off the clock in about ten minutes. Now I'm left trying to decide what to do with the four hours of freedom before I have to report to do Singin' in the Rain tonight. I wonder what dramam will unfurl during this performance. Last performance Austin told me to shut the f*** up, which, instead of hurting me or making me actually shut up, just caused me to laugh at him. Also, Brannon freaked out on everyone for laughing offstage during the last scene. Apparently we were being disrespectful to Ami and Kai, though when I talked to Ami about it she had no idea what I was talking about as she could hear us at all. It made me laugh. Though in my defense, what Tami and I were laughing about was hysterical. I'm smiling now thinking of it.
Alright, I'm off. Toodles!
-Jillian
p.s. I've decided that every post will be titled with a quote that somehow relates to some of the happenings in my blog. ...this one is pretty obvious.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Long time no type!
Wow, so I haven't written on this for a very long time. Though, the reason why I'm typing is pretty selfish. I'm watching T.V. and I'm making comments to myself that I think are pretty funny, but no one else is here to appreciate me. So I'm going to talk to myself.
My life is so freaking boring right now. Sheriously. All I do is wake up, go to work, come home, run, veg, go to rehearsal. Okay, so that's not really all. I also go to a different job which mixes up my schedule a little. And sometimes I have dance rehearsals at different times. But pretty much it's work and rehearsals. Which gets really boring. I'm deprived of any intellectual simulation and it's horrible. I miss it so much! I mean, yeah, i have to alphabatize and everything but that's not really all that stimulationg, okay? I miss debating religion and politics. I miss breaking down languages to have them make more sense. I miss pondering on deep, philisophical subjects and stumbling on life-changing ideas. It just doesn't happen anymore. i am glad that I'm making money though. It's pretty important for that whole "paying for college" thing. Then I'll completley have my fill of eerything thought-provoking and philosphical. I guess I just have to keep focused on that. Oh well
My life is so freaking boring right now. Sheriously. All I do is wake up, go to work, come home, run, veg, go to rehearsal. Okay, so that's not really all. I also go to a different job which mixes up my schedule a little. And sometimes I have dance rehearsals at different times. But pretty much it's work and rehearsals. Which gets really boring. I'm deprived of any intellectual simulation and it's horrible. I miss it so much! I mean, yeah, i have to alphabatize and everything but that's not really all that stimulationg, okay? I miss debating religion and politics. I miss breaking down languages to have them make more sense. I miss pondering on deep, philisophical subjects and stumbling on life-changing ideas. It just doesn't happen anymore. i am glad that I'm making money though. It's pretty important for that whole "paying for college" thing. Then I'll completley have my fill of eerything thought-provoking and philosphical. I guess I just have to keep focused on that. Oh well
Thursday, August 16, 2007
I hate this place right now. I just want to get away from these stupid people with all their stupid issues that they're too immature to solve themselves. And I'm not saying I'm not one of them sometimes, because I am. I do my own fair share of immature, stupid things. But at this point in time I think I might explode and possibly punch someone. That's the mood I'm in right now. I'm tired of being lied to, either by word or action. Just shut up and be nice to people! Quite bitching about life and how horrible it is. It's only horrible because you're miserable and can't stand to see others be happy in any way, shape, or form. So you've been wronged by someone. Tough luck. You're not special. You don't have special "my life sucks more than yours so I'm going to complain about how you make me miserable" privileges. Sorry. Game over. You lose.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Name: Jillian Wheeler. Except I'm looking for ways to make it sound more foreign...suggestions anyone?
Nicknames: Oh heavens, here we go. Jill, Pill, Pillian, The Fillian, Jilly Bean, Bobe, Bobo, Bobolina, bobolanie, bobolicious, many other variations on the same theme.
Birthplace: East Lansing, Michigan, suckas. I grew up in the hood.
Current Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming (to be pronounced with a very obvious country accent)
Hair Color: Brown...boring...
Eye Color: Brown...with slight bits of green, so a little less boring
Height: 5'4" and proud of every inch
Tatoos?: Fetch no.
Piercings?: Earings, though they're not used much.
Overused Phrase: Huh?
Bedtime: It's been getting progressively later. Now it's around 2:30, 3 o'clock-ish
Best Physical Feature: Um...my teeth are pretty nice. For $3,000 and three years of metal in my mouth they had better be.
Most Embarassing Moment: Too many to choose from, though they usually end up funny since they tend to invovle the hurting of my body in some way.
Most Missed Memory: Anything that has to do with the end of Senior year, before all my friends went away.
First Thought When You Wake Up: Well crap, what time is it?!
Weakness: Good smelling guys
Best Friends: Jeff, Beckah, Mollie, Katelyn
Goal For The Year: Psh, I'm not even thinking of the year. I'm just trying to make it through this summer.
Water or Milk...: That's just mean.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate...: Hot cocoa all the way. It's my alcohol...
Hugs or Kisses...: Hugs. They make everything better. But so does a well-timed kiss. Either way I want to cuddle right now.
Cats or Dogs...: Dogs. Cats suck. Though at this point I'm so deprived of animal love that I would take anything
Summer or Winter...: Summer if there's water nearby, but winter during for those wonderful sledding excursions down the 8th street hill.
Love or Money...: As of right now I have neither, so I'd take either.
Green Grapes or Purple Grapes...: Ick, none of the above. Eating grapes makes me think of eating eyeballs. Blame it on going through too many church haunted houses when I was younger.
Perferred Eye Color: It depends. All eye colors have their nice qualities.
Perferred Hair Color: Again, depends. Usually I'm too short to really notice hair at all. Just as long as it's soft and fun to play with. Yay for fro's.
Short Hair or Long Hair...:Well, as it's a guy, definitely defined as short.
Perferred Height: I am yet to like a guy over 6 foot.
Perferred Weight: I dunno, I like my guys a little chunkier. Skinny guys just aren't as fun to cuddle with.
Looks or Personality...: Personality, because I could find a fairly ugly guy attractive if his personality was good enough.
Hot or Cute...: Both. At different times.
Skinny...Muscular...or Fat...: Muscular. I would be really impressed to find a guy who had better calves than I did.
Favorites:
Food: Right now I eat mostly cereal and whatever I can scrounge up that doesn't cost a lot of money. But what I wouldn't give for a peice of meat and some fried potatoes...Type of
Music: Anything but country and rap. And musicals. Holy pooh, I live and breathe them, I don't need to listen to them in the car or while relaxing.
Candy: Just chocolate. Perhaps with toffee and almonds.
Color: Aqua blue.
Animal: My puppy Jinx. Or possibly Dax, since Jinx is a few hundred miles away.
Drink: All I drink now is water. What can I say, I'm super cheap!
Body Part on the Opposite Sex: eyes, smile, hands, in that order
Movie: I'm oddly obsessed with Walk the Line right now.
Have you ever:
Drank?: on accident...oh China...Smoked?: Heck no.
Skinny Dipped?: Practically
Played Spin The Bottle or 7 Minutes In Heaven?: Nope...that would just be awkward
Toliet Papered Someones House?: Sadly, no. Cars, oh yeah, many a times, but never a house
Played Poker W/ Money?: No...we used to gamble with Easter Candy while playing Uno. Yeah, I know, we're hardcore.
Gone Swimming In A White T-Shirt?: Uh, yeah. Is that supposed to be a big deal?
Been Tickled So Bad That You Cried?: Yup.
Went Camping?: Not recently. I'm working on it though.
Used The Restroom On A Tree?: Not on the tree, no
Had A Crush On Your Friend's Sibling?: Nope. It takes a lot for me to have a crush on someone.
Walked In The Rain W/out An Umbrella?: Whenever I can. God is in the rain.
Danced In The Rain?: Ah, Senior year...
Told A Joke And Nobody Thought It was Funny?: Yup, story of my life. I've gotten to the point where I just say them in my head and laugh to myself.
Been On Stage?: Unforunately. About 4 hours ago actually.
Been To A Nude Beach?: Almost...
Cursed In Church?: Nope, but I've said sex a lot which a lot of people think is a swear word. Weirdos.
Been In Love?: I don't know. I used to think so, but now I'm not too sure.
Made Out In A Car?: Not in it, no...on it maybe...
Cried During A Movie?: Psh, I was born without tear ducts, that was just dust in my eye...
Wanted Something You Couldnt Have?: Story of my life.
Made Love On The Beach?: Yes, because there are so many beaches in La Grande *rolls eyes*
Shoplifted: Heck no...I have such a guilty conscience...
Hung Up On Someone?: Heck yes, many a time. Thanks Raage, for helping me achieve this...
Stalked Someone?: No...I just followed them around and memorized their schedule so I could happen to show up wherever they were...and I watched them sleep a few times. But that's just being a teenager...right?
Had A Stalker?: I don't want to talk about it.
Played A Prank On Someone And Scared Them?: No, I do pranks of love.
Screamed In A Library?: Yup. Been kicked out of one too. Oddly, they were two different experiences
Wished A Part Of You Was Different?: All the time.
Talked To A Complete Stranger?: "We come from the Playmill, there's great shows at the Playmill!..."
Been Sunburned So Bad You Blistered?: About a week ago, actually.
Kicked A Guy In The Nuts?: Yup...You don't want to mess with me.
Wore Something You Hated?: Ah, costumes
Cursed Infront Of Your Parents?: Yeah...
Been Out of The Country?: Yeah...quite a bit, surprisingly.
Been Honked At While Walking Down The Sidewalk?: Ha, of course, I live in La Grande. What do you think people do on Friday nights?
Been Strip Searched?: Practically. If I have to go through airport security to get to Heaven, I might just passBeen On A Plane?: Yeah, too many...
Been Pantsed In Public?: Heh, I haven't been, but man, I've spread the love that way many a time.
Thrown Your Shoe At Someone?: Yup. And then it was lost in the seats. I threw a bagel at someone that day too. Good times.
Broke Someone's Heart?: I highly doubt it.
Done Something Stupid And Laughed At Yourself?: Every Day.
Been Walked In On While You Were Dressing?: Welcome to the dressing rooms at the Playmill Jackson theatre.
Been In Detention?: Yup. For talking. Surprise, surprise.
Pretended You Were Scared So You Could Cuddle W/ Someone?: Psh, I'm not that coy. I'll just be like "hey, I want to cuddle." It usually works.
Random Questions:
Regret Something You Did In The Past?: Of course
Country You Wanna Visit: Just one?
Way You Wanna Die: Um...can't I just be translated? I don't care, as long as it's not painful.Like Thunderstorms?: Uh, duh, of course!
Think you're attractive?: Nope, and I'm glad I'm not. I don't have enough self-control to be attractive.
Want to Get Married?: Eventually
Want to Go To College?: Yeah...I would actually love to stay in college my entire life.
Shower Daily?: Depends on what show we're doing/we've done.
Want Kids?: Sure, as long as I can riase them until they're 8 then give them to someone else for 10 years and then I'll take 'em back.
When Do You Want to Lose Your Virginity?: Never. It'll hurt.
Can You Unwrap A Starburst W/ Your Tongue?: Yeah...wanna date me?
Do You Think You Can Sing?: Anyone can sing. Whether they SHOULD or not is the question
Can You Walk In High Heels?: Actually, yes, I can do more things in heels than I can in flats. Such as run.
Do You Sleep W/ The Light On?: I can.
Do You Like Super Spicy Foods?: Nope, I'm a wuss
Can You Multitask?: Yes, I am a girl after all.
What Kind Of Perfume Or Colone Do You Wear?: I don't do smelly stuff. I'm too forgetful to put it on.
What Kind Of Soap Do You Use?: Whatever is in the shower.
What's Your Favorite Scent?: Fierce, from Abercrombie and Jake, from Hollister. Yeah, they're guys cologne. They make me happy because they remind me of people I love.
Would You Choose To Live Forever If You Could?: Only if I'm surrounded by people I like. So sure, why not?
Nicknames: Oh heavens, here we go. Jill, Pill, Pillian, The Fillian, Jilly Bean, Bobe, Bobo, Bobolina, bobolanie, bobolicious, many other variations on the same theme.
Birthplace: East Lansing, Michigan, suckas. I grew up in the hood.
Current Location: Jackson Hole, Wyoming (to be pronounced with a very obvious country accent)
Hair Color: Brown...boring...
Eye Color: Brown...with slight bits of green, so a little less boring
Height: 5'4" and proud of every inch
Tatoos?: Fetch no.
Piercings?: Earings, though they're not used much.
Overused Phrase: Huh?
Bedtime: It's been getting progressively later. Now it's around 2:30, 3 o'clock-ish
Best Physical Feature: Um...my teeth are pretty nice. For $3,000 and three years of metal in my mouth they had better be.
Most Embarassing Moment: Too many to choose from, though they usually end up funny since they tend to invovle the hurting of my body in some way.
Most Missed Memory: Anything that has to do with the end of Senior year, before all my friends went away.
First Thought When You Wake Up: Well crap, what time is it?!
Weakness: Good smelling guys
Best Friends: Jeff, Beckah, Mollie, Katelyn
Goal For The Year: Psh, I'm not even thinking of the year. I'm just trying to make it through this summer.
Water or Milk...: That's just mean.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate...: Hot cocoa all the way. It's my alcohol...
Hugs or Kisses...: Hugs. They make everything better. But so does a well-timed kiss. Either way I want to cuddle right now.
Cats or Dogs...: Dogs. Cats suck. Though at this point I'm so deprived of animal love that I would take anything
Summer or Winter...: Summer if there's water nearby, but winter during for those wonderful sledding excursions down the 8th street hill.
Love or Money...: As of right now I have neither, so I'd take either.
Green Grapes or Purple Grapes...: Ick, none of the above. Eating grapes makes me think of eating eyeballs. Blame it on going through too many church haunted houses when I was younger.
Perferred Eye Color: It depends. All eye colors have their nice qualities.
Perferred Hair Color: Again, depends. Usually I'm too short to really notice hair at all. Just as long as it's soft and fun to play with. Yay for fro's.
Short Hair or Long Hair...:Well, as it's a guy, definitely defined as short.
Perferred Height: I am yet to like a guy over 6 foot.
Perferred Weight: I dunno, I like my guys a little chunkier. Skinny guys just aren't as fun to cuddle with.
Looks or Personality...: Personality, because I could find a fairly ugly guy attractive if his personality was good enough.
Hot or Cute...: Both. At different times.
Skinny...Muscular...or Fat...: Muscular. I would be really impressed to find a guy who had better calves than I did.
Favorites:
Food: Right now I eat mostly cereal and whatever I can scrounge up that doesn't cost a lot of money. But what I wouldn't give for a peice of meat and some fried potatoes...Type of
Music: Anything but country and rap. And musicals. Holy pooh, I live and breathe them, I don't need to listen to them in the car or while relaxing.
Candy: Just chocolate. Perhaps with toffee and almonds.
Color: Aqua blue.
Animal: My puppy Jinx. Or possibly Dax, since Jinx is a few hundred miles away.
Drink: All I drink now is water. What can I say, I'm super cheap!
Body Part on the Opposite Sex: eyes, smile, hands, in that order
Movie: I'm oddly obsessed with Walk the Line right now.
Have you ever:
Drank?: on accident...oh China...Smoked?: Heck no.
Skinny Dipped?: Practically
Played Spin The Bottle or 7 Minutes In Heaven?: Nope...that would just be awkward
Toliet Papered Someones House?: Sadly, no. Cars, oh yeah, many a times, but never a house
Played Poker W/ Money?: No...we used to gamble with Easter Candy while playing Uno. Yeah, I know, we're hardcore.
Gone Swimming In A White T-Shirt?: Uh, yeah. Is that supposed to be a big deal?
Been Tickled So Bad That You Cried?: Yup.
Went Camping?: Not recently. I'm working on it though.
Used The Restroom On A Tree?: Not on the tree, no
Had A Crush On Your Friend's Sibling?: Nope. It takes a lot for me to have a crush on someone.
Walked In The Rain W/out An Umbrella?: Whenever I can. God is in the rain.
Danced In The Rain?: Ah, Senior year...
Told A Joke And Nobody Thought It was Funny?: Yup, story of my life. I've gotten to the point where I just say them in my head and laugh to myself.
Been On Stage?: Unforunately. About 4 hours ago actually.
Been To A Nude Beach?: Almost...
Cursed In Church?: Nope, but I've said sex a lot which a lot of people think is a swear word. Weirdos.
Been In Love?: I don't know. I used to think so, but now I'm not too sure.
Made Out In A Car?: Not in it, no...on it maybe...
Cried During A Movie?: Psh, I was born without tear ducts, that was just dust in my eye...
Wanted Something You Couldnt Have?: Story of my life.
Made Love On The Beach?: Yes, because there are so many beaches in La Grande *rolls eyes*
Shoplifted: Heck no...I have such a guilty conscience...
Hung Up On Someone?: Heck yes, many a time. Thanks Raage, for helping me achieve this...
Stalked Someone?: No...I just followed them around and memorized their schedule so I could happen to show up wherever they were...and I watched them sleep a few times. But that's just being a teenager...right?
Had A Stalker?: I don't want to talk about it.
Played A Prank On Someone And Scared Them?: No, I do pranks of love.
Screamed In A Library?: Yup. Been kicked out of one too. Oddly, they were two different experiences
Wished A Part Of You Was Different?: All the time.
Talked To A Complete Stranger?: "We come from the Playmill, there's great shows at the Playmill!..."
Been Sunburned So Bad You Blistered?: About a week ago, actually.
Kicked A Guy In The Nuts?: Yup...You don't want to mess with me.
Wore Something You Hated?: Ah, costumes
Cursed Infront Of Your Parents?: Yeah...
Been Out of The Country?: Yeah...quite a bit, surprisingly.
Been Honked At While Walking Down The Sidewalk?: Ha, of course, I live in La Grande. What do you think people do on Friday nights?
Been Strip Searched?: Practically. If I have to go through airport security to get to Heaven, I might just passBeen On A Plane?: Yeah, too many...
Been Pantsed In Public?: Heh, I haven't been, but man, I've spread the love that way many a time.
Thrown Your Shoe At Someone?: Yup. And then it was lost in the seats. I threw a bagel at someone that day too. Good times.
Broke Someone's Heart?: I highly doubt it.
Done Something Stupid And Laughed At Yourself?: Every Day.
Been Walked In On While You Were Dressing?: Welcome to the dressing rooms at the Playmill Jackson theatre.
Been In Detention?: Yup. For talking. Surprise, surprise.
Pretended You Were Scared So You Could Cuddle W/ Someone?: Psh, I'm not that coy. I'll just be like "hey, I want to cuddle." It usually works.
Random Questions:
Regret Something You Did In The Past?: Of course
Country You Wanna Visit: Just one?
Way You Wanna Die: Um...can't I just be translated? I don't care, as long as it's not painful.Like Thunderstorms?: Uh, duh, of course!
Think you're attractive?: Nope, and I'm glad I'm not. I don't have enough self-control to be attractive.
Want to Get Married?: Eventually
Want to Go To College?: Yeah...I would actually love to stay in college my entire life.
Shower Daily?: Depends on what show we're doing/we've done.
Want Kids?: Sure, as long as I can riase them until they're 8 then give them to someone else for 10 years and then I'll take 'em back.
When Do You Want to Lose Your Virginity?: Never. It'll hurt.
Can You Unwrap A Starburst W/ Your Tongue?: Yeah...wanna date me?
Do You Think You Can Sing?: Anyone can sing. Whether they SHOULD or not is the question
Can You Walk In High Heels?: Actually, yes, I can do more things in heels than I can in flats. Such as run.
Do You Sleep W/ The Light On?: I can.
Do You Like Super Spicy Foods?: Nope, I'm a wuss
Can You Multitask?: Yes, I am a girl after all.
What Kind Of Perfume Or Colone Do You Wear?: I don't do smelly stuff. I'm too forgetful to put it on.
What Kind Of Soap Do You Use?: Whatever is in the shower.
What's Your Favorite Scent?: Fierce, from Abercrombie and Jake, from Hollister. Yeah, they're guys cologne. They make me happy because they remind me of people I love.
Would You Choose To Live Forever If You Could?: Only if I'm surrounded by people I like. So sure, why not?
Friday, June 29, 2007
Ten Top 10, as written in May 2007
10 Things I’d Rather Do Than Homework
1) Talk on the phone
2) Sleep
3) Eat food
4) Go for a walk
5) Hang out with friends
6) Lay in the grass
7) Frolic in a field
8) Clean my room
9) Do nothing
10) Play outside
9 Things That Represent Happiness
1) Chocolate
2) Scriptures
3) Hugs from good smelling guys
4) Realizing that everything happens for a reason, no matter how much it sucks
5) Heavenly Fathers wonderfulness
6) Christ’s mercy
7)Falling asleep on someone’s chest and feeling them breathe
8) Sun-shining on a calm, 65 degree afternoon
9) Learning
8 Things That Have Happened in the Past Months that Prove I’m a Klutz
1) A sprained ankle…three times
2) Mysterious bumps on the top of my shins that look kinda like inflamed shin splints
3) A scabbed up knee
4) A broken tailbone
5) A softball bruise on the front of my thigh
6) Falling off a platform - twice
7) Clipping my heel and almost biffing it during a performance
8) A burn-scar on my right-arm
7 Things that Prove I’m Fairly Random
1) I entertain myself by pondering Spanish grammar
2) I find triplets in rap music
3) I just realized the number of items on this list could be written 10! or 10 permutation.
4) I am well-known for my interpretive dance skills
5) I do cartwheels in hallways
6) I walk outside at midnight
7) I love leaving little notes on peoples cars letting them know they’re loved
6 Things I do to Entertain Myself at 6 in the Morning When I'm Making Dough
1) Moonwalk
2) Sing obnoxiously
3) Drink chocolate milk
4) Play slip-and-slide on the floor
5) Draw faces in the flour
6) Complain about other people cleaning - or not cleaning - the dough room
5 Reasons the Quarter System Sucks
1) There are only three of them in a full year. In what math class do three quarters equal a whole?
2) You can't transfer outside of Oregon without lots of trouble
3) You have finals and midterms to look forward to 3 separate times
4) You have longer classes more often
5) Learn less per credit than a semester college
4 Times La Grande Weather Sucks
1) Spring
2) Summer
3) Fall
4) Winter
3 Reasons I Hate Being on Birth Control
1) Because it makes me moody
2) Because I don't need it to protect against pregnancy since you kind of have to be having sex in order to get pregnant
3) Because it's making me fatter than usual - seriously, I'm like the Hindenburg...
2 Reasons Why I Like Spanish
1) It makes obvious sense grammatically
2) It's fun to say things like "tus ojos son azules" and make people think you're insulting or coming onto them
1 Reason I Wrote This List
1) Because I'm bored in my U.S. History class
1) Talk on the phone
2) Sleep
3) Eat food
4) Go for a walk
5) Hang out with friends
6) Lay in the grass
7) Frolic in a field
8) Clean my room
9) Do nothing
10) Play outside
9 Things That Represent Happiness
1) Chocolate
2) Scriptures
3) Hugs from good smelling guys
4) Realizing that everything happens for a reason, no matter how much it sucks
5) Heavenly Fathers wonderfulness
6) Christ’s mercy
7)Falling asleep on someone’s chest and feeling them breathe
8) Sun-shining on a calm, 65 degree afternoon
9) Learning
8 Things That Have Happened in the Past Months that Prove I’m a Klutz
1) A sprained ankle…three times
2) Mysterious bumps on the top of my shins that look kinda like inflamed shin splints
3) A scabbed up knee
4) A broken tailbone
5) A softball bruise on the front of my thigh
6) Falling off a platform - twice
7) Clipping my heel and almost biffing it during a performance
8) A burn-scar on my right-arm
7 Things that Prove I’m Fairly Random
1) I entertain myself by pondering Spanish grammar
2) I find triplets in rap music
3) I just realized the number of items on this list could be written 10! or 10 permutation.
4) I am well-known for my interpretive dance skills
5) I do cartwheels in hallways
6) I walk outside at midnight
7) I love leaving little notes on peoples cars letting them know they’re loved
6 Things I do to Entertain Myself at 6 in the Morning When I'm Making Dough
1) Moonwalk
2) Sing obnoxiously
3) Drink chocolate milk
4) Play slip-and-slide on the floor
5) Draw faces in the flour
6) Complain about other people cleaning - or not cleaning - the dough room
5 Reasons the Quarter System Sucks
1) There are only three of them in a full year. In what math class do three quarters equal a whole?
2) You can't transfer outside of Oregon without lots of trouble
3) You have finals and midterms to look forward to 3 separate times
4) You have longer classes more often
5) Learn less per credit than a semester college
4 Times La Grande Weather Sucks
1) Spring
2) Summer
3) Fall
4) Winter
3 Reasons I Hate Being on Birth Control
1) Because it makes me moody
2) Because I don't need it to protect against pregnancy since you kind of have to be having sex in order to get pregnant
3) Because it's making me fatter than usual - seriously, I'm like the Hindenburg...
2 Reasons Why I Like Spanish
1) It makes obvious sense grammatically
2) It's fun to say things like "tus ojos son azules" and make people think you're insulting or coming onto them
1 Reason I Wrote This List
1) Because I'm bored in my U.S. History class
This wasn't for you. This wasn't for anyone. It's simply the remake of a classic - Jeff's blog
So. I was realizing today when I read a little something something from one of my friends back home that I'm different up here in Jackson. A lot different. I don't think I've randomly danced once. I haven't laughed so hard I've cried, or gone on a walk or had a deep philisophical conversation. I haven't snuck out of my house once, and I am yet to buy an entire gallon of apple juice or chocolate milk and drink it straight from the container. I haven't really sung obnoxiously loud and off-key to one of my favorite CD's while making up harmonies to the songs. And most importantly, I haven't made a single-baked good to drop off at somebody's house just because I felt like doing it and that they might happen to want a cake.
What does this mean exactly? I don't know. I sure as heck hope it doesn't mean I'm growing up. I've already expressed my feelings on THAT subject. (Ironic sidenote: a lot of people up here think of me as being 20 or 21. Obviously they haven't gotten to know me very well.) What it does mean, though, is that I'm not very comfortable up here. And rightfully so. Theatre people tend to be a rather cynical, judgemental, yet oddly observant group of individuals. Throw in the fact that my normal personality - you know, the one that comes out when I'm "myself" - is rather, um, abrasive, and you might be able to understand why I'm not completely relaxed up here. Tristan's not joking when he says you need pills to handle me. Overexagerating, maybe...
So what kind of a person am I normally? Well, the first paragraph pretty much sums it up. I'm completely random. I love to do sporadic things, and by george, I think I'm hysterical. Of course I realize very few other people do. I'm fascinated by large words and love languages. Any person that can make me think automatically captures my attention. I burst randomly into song and I talk a lot. I'm slightly ADHD, and according to Dallin, become obsessed with things and can't get them out of my head. I de-stress by knitting, reading, and coloring in coloring books. Not the kind with the intricate pictures though. Those stress me out. I like the BIG ones.
Another thing. I'm usually quite an outgoing, possibly even flirtatious person at times. I haven't been flirtatious for about a year or two, so that's not a big change. But what IS a big change is that I'm not half as outgoing. Honestly, for the most part I could care less about meeting new people. Except when I do it, I love it. Usually the people I meet don't, because again, that whole abrasive personality thing comes into play, but hey, almost all of my good friends now either hated me or were scared of me when we first met. Also, if I like someone I don't let them know. I don't give compliments very often.
Which is another thing. I am actually a very mean person. It's come to me by environment, growing up in the family I did. But everything we said was always said with love. And I think that's half the problem up here. I hate saying things about people, or anything really, because I know it'll get back to the person and what I've said will be distorted and skewed to the point that it becomes rude and offensive. So while my life motto of "don't say anything you wouldn't say to that persons face" used to be helpful, it's not anymore. It's almost better to say something to the persons face. At least then it'll be 100% truthful. But saying it to the persons face takes away the funniness and the love that comes from it. So I don't say anything. And yet I still manage to talk...what can I say, I'm talented. :)
I'm quite tired. What else is there to say, aside from things at Playmill keep trudging along. We've been here for 7 weeks already. 10 more to go. If those 10 are any like the past 7, just shoot me now. Or I'll just move into Rafter J. Or into the shed at Blue House. Or back to La Grande. Whichever. Honestly though, college-aged theatre people should never be kept in such a tight area for so long. It's honestly like a cage-fight. I'm surprised no one's been physically injured yet. ...and by that I mean by another person. There have been many, many injuries already, don't get me wrong. The people here are great, we're just all stupid and very human. We all have our own fears, own desires, and our own pasts that we have to rifle through. We bring our own suitcase of issues. Some are big, some are small, some people unfold their laundry in the middle of the room, others hide it and pretend it isn't there. Who's to say which way is right or wrong? It varies from person to person on the right way to do things, what's right for that person.
I still hold that THINGS in life tend to be very simple. People don't. We take in THINGS and interpret them according to the spot we are in our lives. Then those things that used to be so simple become awkward and twisted and molded, and then those things become US, people. People are never simple. Sometimes the reason why do things are simple, or how we do things are simple, but people are never 2 dimensional. As shown by "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged" there are at least 4 parts necessary in the human mind. I can't remember what they are, but they're there.
AND I'M GOING TO BED! ...Night all.
The evening hangs beneath the moon
A silver thread on darkened doon
With closing eyes and resting head
I know that sleep is comming soon
Upon my pillow, safe in bed
A thousand pictures fill my head
I cannot sleep my minds a flight
And yet my limbs seem made of lead
If there are noises in the night
A frighting shadow, flickering light
Then I surrendor unto sleep
Where clouds of dreams give second sight
What dreams may come both dark and deep
Of flying wings and soaring leap
As I surrender unto sleep
As I surrendor unto sleep
Sunday, June 03, 2007
I want to go home. I don't know why I did this, but I began reading my blogs from last summer or even towards the end of my senior year.
I miss Darcy. I miss Beckah. I miss Jeff and Katelyn and Raage. Mostly though, I miss US. I miss having people to talk to about anything and everything. I miss not having to pause and think "wait, do I have to talk about this or can I just hold it in so I don't embarrass myself?" I miss being able to have deep emotional and philisophical conversations without making an effort. I miss fully trusting the people I'm around.
Two days ago the person I trusted the most was injured in a car crash. She's probably going home now and the little world of comfort and security that I'd built here collapsed in on me. I'm so glad she's going to be alright though. I'm so glad that we were able to be roomates for the time we were and that I got to know her.
We were so lucky back then to have the group we had last summer. It feels like forever ago, but here I'm typing it...last summer. 12 months ago. 1 year. It feels like so much longer. I swear that no matter where or who you are, you've never quite had a group of friends like mine. We haven't been together in one group in one place since Beckah left the end of senior year, but I still love every single one of those people. I mean, obviously we've changed. Raage and I hardly even talk anymore, Jeff's occupied with his girlfriend, Katelyn actually hangs out with us now, Mollie's with a different guy and Darcy's been through a tough year of school. But they're still the people I'd go to if I had an emergency that needed to be taken care of.
So much can change in one year. A lot of people like the song Seasons of Love because they think it's "cool" or something. I like it because it has a killer woman's solo in it (hey, it's the truth) and the meaning of it is so awesome. A year is what you make it. And man, this year has been one wild ride. And if the first 4 weeks are any way to judge, the next 3 months are going to be wild as well.
Already I've experienced so many emotional highs and lows - usually within a few hours of each other. For instance today; I had an emotional breakdown of sorts (it'd been building up for three or four weeks, and the past two days and blew it over the top) and because of that I gave one of the most real performances of my life. Now, granted, I would love to NEVER do that again (I am, usually, a fairly unemotional person. I don't cry in public and until today I think you could count on two hands the number of people who have seen me cry since I hit puberty). I don't know though. Everything happens for a reason.
To coast smoothly thorugh life would be wonderful...but then it wouldn't be life. Life is a roller coaster with turns and twists and spirals that make you so confused and dizzy you don't quite know which way is up. Sometimes you feel like throwing up and sometimes you feel like you're flying.
And wow...I should never be on Facebook late at night. It always gets me philosiphising and making horrible analogies. Plus it eats into my sleep time. Night all.
I miss Darcy. I miss Beckah. I miss Jeff and Katelyn and Raage. Mostly though, I miss US. I miss having people to talk to about anything and everything. I miss not having to pause and think "wait, do I have to talk about this or can I just hold it in so I don't embarrass myself?" I miss being able to have deep emotional and philisophical conversations without making an effort. I miss fully trusting the people I'm around.
Two days ago the person I trusted the most was injured in a car crash. She's probably going home now and the little world of comfort and security that I'd built here collapsed in on me. I'm so glad she's going to be alright though. I'm so glad that we were able to be roomates for the time we were and that I got to know her.
We were so lucky back then to have the group we had last summer. It feels like forever ago, but here I'm typing it...last summer. 12 months ago. 1 year. It feels like so much longer. I swear that no matter where or who you are, you've never quite had a group of friends like mine. We haven't been together in one group in one place since Beckah left the end of senior year, but I still love every single one of those people. I mean, obviously we've changed. Raage and I hardly even talk anymore, Jeff's occupied with his girlfriend, Katelyn actually hangs out with us now, Mollie's with a different guy and Darcy's been through a tough year of school. But they're still the people I'd go to if I had an emergency that needed to be taken care of.
So much can change in one year. A lot of people like the song Seasons of Love because they think it's "cool" or something. I like it because it has a killer woman's solo in it (hey, it's the truth) and the meaning of it is so awesome. A year is what you make it. And man, this year has been one wild ride. And if the first 4 weeks are any way to judge, the next 3 months are going to be wild as well.
Already I've experienced so many emotional highs and lows - usually within a few hours of each other. For instance today; I had an emotional breakdown of sorts (it'd been building up for three or four weeks, and the past two days and blew it over the top) and because of that I gave one of the most real performances of my life. Now, granted, I would love to NEVER do that again (I am, usually, a fairly unemotional person. I don't cry in public and until today I think you could count on two hands the number of people who have seen me cry since I hit puberty). I don't know though. Everything happens for a reason.
To coast smoothly thorugh life would be wonderful...but then it wouldn't be life. Life is a roller coaster with turns and twists and spirals that make you so confused and dizzy you don't quite know which way is up. Sometimes you feel like throwing up and sometimes you feel like you're flying.
And wow...I should never be on Facebook late at night. It always gets me philosiphising and making horrible analogies. Plus it eats into my sleep time. Night all.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wow...way tired...
So I here I sit, at 12:45 at night...or in the morning rather, typing away on my little computer despite the fact that I am dead tired. Why is this, you might ask? It's because I honestly cannot fall asleep before 1 or 2 in the morning anymore. It drives me completely batty that Mikelle will be all cuddled in her comfy bed and as hard as I try, sleep won't come to me. Luckily enough though she can sleep through my typing, music, and night-lamp being on.
Honestly though, I'm tired of being a tween. It's a little awkward. It's my first time away from home, or at least my family, and it's been a weird experience. I know I don't have an easy personality to love. It's a fact I've come to accept. I'm over-exuberant about everything and often come off as obnoxious and annoying. When I feel threatened by someone or if I feel inferior I'll strike out at them and try and make them feel inferior as well; not by insulting them, because that would be mean and I'm really not a mean person by nature, but by not giving them compliments and never being impressed. There are many cases of this in my past and no doubt there will be a few more of these in my future. I'm also stubborn to a fault and take some things way too personally.
So what does this have to do with me being a tween and being tired of it? Because I understand these things now. I think of myself even a half a year ago and I realize how much I've grown up. It's so odd. Dallin told me that you learn a lot your freshman year of college, but you grow the most during your sophomore year. I hope it's true. People tell you to be yourself so often, but what happens when yourself is something you can't be? Or even worse, you don't LIKE being yourself? Isn't that an odd conundrum to find oneself in? I enjoy being accepted, but sometimes I look at others and wish I could be them. I don't know if these things will change as I get older. I hope so.
I just missed my friends so much today. Theatre people have a tendency to be judgemental, sometimes even catty. Probably because we have to analyze characters in plays so much that we feel we have the right and responsibility to do it in real life. I'm tired of listening to people talk about everyone else and knowing that somewhere, someone is talking about me that way. I'm tired of listening to how you can't stand this person but you pretend you do because you don't want to be rude. Ohmigosh. I'm very anti-rude. I tend to be rude a lot (mostly from habit, of course) but I still think being rude is well...rude. But I think it's more rude to spare someone's feelings and talk about them behind their back then it is to just shut up and learn to get along. Now, this isn't to say that I don't appreciate the soothing power of venting. But there's a difference between venting and trying to find allies in your war against another person. I love learning about other people. I love knowing what's going on in their lives and knowing why they are the way they are. I don't know why I expect people to just open up to be about their lives. Probably because it's happened a lot. But at the same time I would flinch if most people tried to dig into my past (and present) the way I want to dig into others. I have the hardest time trusting people and I tend to use different people for different things. This is probably due to a bad experience I had a year or so back, but honestly, how long does it take to get over something? Am I ever going to be able to fully let myself go and talk to someone again? Probably not. Again, fact of life. But is it a good thing to be so completely open to one person? I think not. At least, not one mortal person.
Which brings me to another point. I love religion. I love knowing what other people think and why they believe what they do. Am I a judgemental person? Sometimes. But not really. I think I like to observe things. But at the same time, I find it ironic how those who are often the first to throw the term "judgemental" or "close-minded" at someone are those that are the most judgemental themselves. I hate how people think that just because we don't all share the same believes means that the person who doesn't share yours is close-minded. No. Maybe they just know better or more than you. Don't break down others beliefs. Don't call others prudes just because they flinch at certain jokes or statements. That's who they are and how they've gotten along in life, just like how you are. So remember that wondeful moral compass of "judge not, lest ye be judged" before you roll your eyes and murmur about someone's standards. We're all different. Be respectful of that.
Now, this philosophy is like the imaginary saloon doors that hit Aaron in the butt every other night or so; they swing both ways, and quite violently too. If you're one of the flinchers, don't go around bad-mouthing those with bad-mouths. I mean honestly, how hypocritical can people get sometimes?
Quite possibly this is one of the problems that I've had with Utah, especially "Utah Mormons" (and I say that in quotations marks quite purposefully.) Now, this isn't to say that I don't have friends who are Mormon and from Utah. But when I refer to Utah Mormons I refer to a very specific breed that I think most people are aware of. They get so sucked up in the culture they almost lose the spirit of the message.
Through this past year I've come to realize that I need to find a balance between expectations and understanding. And this is what I've come to decide, though, obviously, I'm still working on perfecting it. You can be disapointed in people, but just because they failed in an expectation doesn't mean they're bad people and should be shunned like a non-believer (party foul, Charlie the Unicorn reference used horrifically). It's healthy to have expectations for people and for people to have expectations for you. But instead of automatically assuming the guy not going on a mission is a horrible person or that there's some moral defect in him, why not try to understand WHY he's not going? At the end of your discussion you may end up disapointed in his decision, but at least you understand it and can appreciate and love him as a real person and as a child of God.
Wow. It's been almost a full hour since I started this blog. I've been typing with almost no interruptions, aside from a few welcome texts from Raage. If I've managed to not offend anyone I'm glad, but a little disapointed. Sometimes I feel it's healthy to be offended if it sparks you into the action of changing to be a better person. Offence is good for the soul. As long as it ends positively. If that makes any sense whatsoever.
Maybe I'll change my plans about being a writer. I can't seem to say anything in a concise manner. Maybe I can get someone to pay me by the page.
Honestly though, I'm tired of being a tween. It's a little awkward. It's my first time away from home, or at least my family, and it's been a weird experience. I know I don't have an easy personality to love. It's a fact I've come to accept. I'm over-exuberant about everything and often come off as obnoxious and annoying. When I feel threatened by someone or if I feel inferior I'll strike out at them and try and make them feel inferior as well; not by insulting them, because that would be mean and I'm really not a mean person by nature, but by not giving them compliments and never being impressed. There are many cases of this in my past and no doubt there will be a few more of these in my future. I'm also stubborn to a fault and take some things way too personally.
So what does this have to do with me being a tween and being tired of it? Because I understand these things now. I think of myself even a half a year ago and I realize how much I've grown up. It's so odd. Dallin told me that you learn a lot your freshman year of college, but you grow the most during your sophomore year. I hope it's true. People tell you to be yourself so often, but what happens when yourself is something you can't be? Or even worse, you don't LIKE being yourself? Isn't that an odd conundrum to find oneself in? I enjoy being accepted, but sometimes I look at others and wish I could be them. I don't know if these things will change as I get older. I hope so.
I just missed my friends so much today. Theatre people have a tendency to be judgemental, sometimes even catty. Probably because we have to analyze characters in plays so much that we feel we have the right and responsibility to do it in real life. I'm tired of listening to people talk about everyone else and knowing that somewhere, someone is talking about me that way. I'm tired of listening to how you can't stand this person but you pretend you do because you don't want to be rude. Ohmigosh. I'm very anti-rude. I tend to be rude a lot (mostly from habit, of course) but I still think being rude is well...rude. But I think it's more rude to spare someone's feelings and talk about them behind their back then it is to just shut up and learn to get along. Now, this isn't to say that I don't appreciate the soothing power of venting. But there's a difference between venting and trying to find allies in your war against another person. I love learning about other people. I love knowing what's going on in their lives and knowing why they are the way they are. I don't know why I expect people to just open up to be about their lives. Probably because it's happened a lot. But at the same time I would flinch if most people tried to dig into my past (and present) the way I want to dig into others. I have the hardest time trusting people and I tend to use different people for different things. This is probably due to a bad experience I had a year or so back, but honestly, how long does it take to get over something? Am I ever going to be able to fully let myself go and talk to someone again? Probably not. Again, fact of life. But is it a good thing to be so completely open to one person? I think not. At least, not one mortal person.
Which brings me to another point. I love religion. I love knowing what other people think and why they believe what they do. Am I a judgemental person? Sometimes. But not really. I think I like to observe things. But at the same time, I find it ironic how those who are often the first to throw the term "judgemental" or "close-minded" at someone are those that are the most judgemental themselves. I hate how people think that just because we don't all share the same believes means that the person who doesn't share yours is close-minded. No. Maybe they just know better or more than you. Don't break down others beliefs. Don't call others prudes just because they flinch at certain jokes or statements. That's who they are and how they've gotten along in life, just like how you are. So remember that wondeful moral compass of "judge not, lest ye be judged" before you roll your eyes and murmur about someone's standards. We're all different. Be respectful of that.
Now, this philosophy is like the imaginary saloon doors that hit Aaron in the butt every other night or so; they swing both ways, and quite violently too. If you're one of the flinchers, don't go around bad-mouthing those with bad-mouths. I mean honestly, how hypocritical can people get sometimes?
Quite possibly this is one of the problems that I've had with Utah, especially "Utah Mormons" (and I say that in quotations marks quite purposefully.) Now, this isn't to say that I don't have friends who are Mormon and from Utah. But when I refer to Utah Mormons I refer to a very specific breed that I think most people are aware of. They get so sucked up in the culture they almost lose the spirit of the message.
Through this past year I've come to realize that I need to find a balance between expectations and understanding. And this is what I've come to decide, though, obviously, I'm still working on perfecting it. You can be disapointed in people, but just because they failed in an expectation doesn't mean they're bad people and should be shunned like a non-believer (party foul, Charlie the Unicorn reference used horrifically). It's healthy to have expectations for people and for people to have expectations for you. But instead of automatically assuming the guy not going on a mission is a horrible person or that there's some moral defect in him, why not try to understand WHY he's not going? At the end of your discussion you may end up disapointed in his decision, but at least you understand it and can appreciate and love him as a real person and as a child of God.
Wow. It's been almost a full hour since I started this blog. I've been typing with almost no interruptions, aside from a few welcome texts from Raage. If I've managed to not offend anyone I'm glad, but a little disapointed. Sometimes I feel it's healthy to be offended if it sparks you into the action of changing to be a better person. Offence is good for the soul. As long as it ends positively. If that makes any sense whatsoever.
Maybe I'll change my plans about being a writer. I can't seem to say anything in a concise manner. Maybe I can get someone to pay me by the page.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Post! Yeah!
Ohmigosh. I'm really bored. Like, really bored. I mean, what is there to do in La Grande on a Friday night? Get drunk? Yeah, sorry, don't do that.
So this kind of mirrors how I'm feeling about La Grande right now. I feel like I'm supposed to be somewhere else. I remember looking out the window in Provo and just feeling happy. There were bright lights everywhere, you could hear people out laughing and playing around.
I guess I'm sort of jealous of that. Always having something to do and someone to do something with. It's not like I don't have friends here. I do. They're just busy a lot of the time..
I mean, I don't really blame them. There are a lot of times when people ask me to do stuff and I can't because I'm busy. You can't just drop your life for friends. I just wish there was a night or two when we could say "Let's all get together on this day and play." Cuz playing is fun. I just don't think I've done it enough recently.
I want to go ice-blocking. And watch crazy movies and make sarcastic comments about them while they're going on. Like "Strictly Ballroom." I wanna make popcorn balls with Jell-O and play overly-loud boardgames and dance around my living room.
I miss Beckah and Darcy being here. I was thinking about our Girls Night sleepover at the end of last year, the night after Baclaureate (sp? meh, I don't care) and I remembered how much fun it was and how much I miss those girls. We're all so different now, but when we get together, things are so much the same. We're a little older and more subduded, but we're still up laughing and talking until five in the morning. Now we just throw Jeff into the mix. :-)
Life is not horrible now, of course. It's actually quite fun. But there are still times when I look out the window and see La Grande and realize how much I want to go and experience more of life. I don't want to be here anymore. It's going to be an interesting (in a good way) experience to leave for this summer.
Which brings me to another question: what's the big deal with being an adult? It seems like that's all I ever hear, grow up. I mean, what does being an adult mean, really? That you pay bills? Are stressed all the time? Have to work constantly? Aren't sporadic and random? Worried about the future to the point that you can't pay attention to the present? I don't want to be an adult right now. For all that's good and holy, I'm only 19! This is my last chance to be stupid and childish. Don't deprive me of that. I can be responsible when I want, and I want to be able to decide when that is. Let me make my own decisions. Let me make my own mistakes. I may ask you how to get out of them, but let me do it on my own. Believe it or not, I can do things on my own now. I'm not a complete idiot. Trust that I've listened and watched and learned.
Anyway, I'm going to go find something to do to entertain mysef tonight.
Toodles!
-Jillian
Sunday, March 04, 2007
I'm tired. Like, really tired. Tired of a lot of things. Tired of school, tired expectations, tired of people, tired of not being able to take time to do things, tired of work. I'm tired of not being able to focus on the things I need to to become a better person. I feel like I'm moving side to side and spinning around instead of moving forward or backward.
I'm such a baby. My life isn't bad. It's quite good, actually, and I've had it really easy. I haven't lost anyone in my life. I've never had to intensly study to get good grades. I've never had to really try. If things didn't come all that easily I just didn't do them.
I guess I'm spoiled. I don't know. People called me spoiled and say that I've never had to work in my life and I get a little angry. Comparitively I haven't, not really. I've always been able to sing. Music's been easy. Theatre and acting came naturally. I was pretty smart.
But I'm tired of my sisters saying I never have to work. My family thinking I'm not trying hard enough. I'm working 15 hours a week, rehearsing for 10+, going to school for 17, doing homework for who knows how long. I have five shows this week, four next week, and three large finals coming up. I have choir class that I don't have enough time to pay attention to. I work. I just don't work hard on any one thing because there's always something else needing attention.
I think that's what bothers me. I don't get amazingly strong grades because I don't have enough time or energy to devote to it. I'm not the best worker at Bear Mt. because I have to ask for so many days off and leave early because of rehearsals or doctors appointments or classes. I'm not the best soprano in choir because I don't have time to sit down and play my parts through and figure it out. I'm not the best person in the show because I can't memorize a song and do my spanish homework at the same time.
I know these are excuses. I should be able to focus and devote myself 100% to whatever task I'm involved in at that time. I just don't know if I can. I'm not disciplined or mature enough. And I know that. I just can't figure out how to do it. Or maybe I just don't like the answer. I want to grow-up and become more organized and self-dependent but I'm afraid to do it. I don't want trials, but I know I need them.
It sucks. I don't like growing up. I don't like this limbo of not being grown up and not being immature. Or rather, being mature in some ways and immature in others. It's kind of uncomfortable. It makes me prickly in my own skin. I wonder if this'll ever stop, if I'll actually be mature enough for life. I hope so. Cuz it's not cool.
-Jillian
I'm such a baby. My life isn't bad. It's quite good, actually, and I've had it really easy. I haven't lost anyone in my life. I've never had to intensly study to get good grades. I've never had to really try. If things didn't come all that easily I just didn't do them.
I guess I'm spoiled. I don't know. People called me spoiled and say that I've never had to work in my life and I get a little angry. Comparitively I haven't, not really. I've always been able to sing. Music's been easy. Theatre and acting came naturally. I was pretty smart.
But I'm tired of my sisters saying I never have to work. My family thinking I'm not trying hard enough. I'm working 15 hours a week, rehearsing for 10+, going to school for 17, doing homework for who knows how long. I have five shows this week, four next week, and three large finals coming up. I have choir class that I don't have enough time to pay attention to. I work. I just don't work hard on any one thing because there's always something else needing attention.
I think that's what bothers me. I don't get amazingly strong grades because I don't have enough time or energy to devote to it. I'm not the best worker at Bear Mt. because I have to ask for so many days off and leave early because of rehearsals or doctors appointments or classes. I'm not the best soprano in choir because I don't have time to sit down and play my parts through and figure it out. I'm not the best person in the show because I can't memorize a song and do my spanish homework at the same time.
I know these are excuses. I should be able to focus and devote myself 100% to whatever task I'm involved in at that time. I just don't know if I can. I'm not disciplined or mature enough. And I know that. I just can't figure out how to do it. Or maybe I just don't like the answer. I want to grow-up and become more organized and self-dependent but I'm afraid to do it. I don't want trials, but I know I need them.
It sucks. I don't like growing up. I don't like this limbo of not being grown up and not being immature. Or rather, being mature in some ways and immature in others. It's kind of uncomfortable. It makes me prickly in my own skin. I wonder if this'll ever stop, if I'll actually be mature enough for life. I hope so. Cuz it's not cool.
-Jillian
Monday, February 12, 2007
Happy Birthday to me!
So I should really be finishing up some Spanish homework right now, but I'm totally not feeling it. So I won't. I am feeling a cocoa though, unfortunately I don't have money and there's no one here I can guilt into buying a cocoa for me. So I'll live. :)
What do I have to say right now? Not much. This has been an interesting year. I'm looking at the things that have happened since my 18th birthday and hoo-doggy, it's been a real roller coaster. I'm glad it's happened though. I think I'm stronger today. Not necessarily any more stable, but stronger, less dependant on any one person. Yeah, I'm still dependant on people, but not on any one specifically. And that's a good feeling. Hopefully it'll last for a very long time. Though really, most of this stuff has happened over the past month, sort of like a ginormous onslaught of knowledge. I wish I could call it maturity, but I think I have a long way to go before I could be described as mature.
Anyway, my birthday has been good so far. I remember last year I thought my birthday sucked because the one person I wanted to get me something and acknowledge me on it didn't do anything. That and no one really did anything else either, but that's just a minor detail. Now, it's not that big of a deal. I love my friends and I know they love me, whether they wish me happy birthday or not...though I do like the wishing of happy birthday.
I guess I expect people to be like me a lot of the time. If I know something's wrong with someone, if one of my friends has had a bad day, I'll usually do something to make them feel better and let them know they're loved. Just because people don't do that to me doesn't mean I'm not loved. It just means people have busy lives, that maybe they're hurting too and I'm too focused on myself to notice.
I'm a fairly selfish individual, or so I've decided.
So I guess I am maturing. And this kind hurts a whole lot less than the kind I was doing before, so I think I'll stick with it for a while.
"Are you fumbling my football!?"
Sorry...I'm watching a Super Bowl review on T.V. and totally watched this guy have the ball literally slide through his fingers, and I couldn't help but quote from Remember the Titans. Good movie...
Hm...I think I'm going to avoid my Spanish again and work on this story that I started last night when I was only half-conscious.
Hope you're all having wonderful days!
What do I have to say right now? Not much. This has been an interesting year. I'm looking at the things that have happened since my 18th birthday and hoo-doggy, it's been a real roller coaster. I'm glad it's happened though. I think I'm stronger today. Not necessarily any more stable, but stronger, less dependant on any one person. Yeah, I'm still dependant on people, but not on any one specifically. And that's a good feeling. Hopefully it'll last for a very long time. Though really, most of this stuff has happened over the past month, sort of like a ginormous onslaught of knowledge. I wish I could call it maturity, but I think I have a long way to go before I could be described as mature.
Anyway, my birthday has been good so far. I remember last year I thought my birthday sucked because the one person I wanted to get me something and acknowledge me on it didn't do anything. That and no one really did anything else either, but that's just a minor detail. Now, it's not that big of a deal. I love my friends and I know they love me, whether they wish me happy birthday or not...though I do like the wishing of happy birthday.
I guess I expect people to be like me a lot of the time. If I know something's wrong with someone, if one of my friends has had a bad day, I'll usually do something to make them feel better and let them know they're loved. Just because people don't do that to me doesn't mean I'm not loved. It just means people have busy lives, that maybe they're hurting too and I'm too focused on myself to notice.
I'm a fairly selfish individual, or so I've decided.
So I guess I am maturing. And this kind hurts a whole lot less than the kind I was doing before, so I think I'll stick with it for a while.
"Are you fumbling my football!?"
Sorry...I'm watching a Super Bowl review on T.V. and totally watched this guy have the ball literally slide through his fingers, and I couldn't help but quote from Remember the Titans. Good movie...
Hm...I think I'm going to avoid my Spanish again and work on this story that I started last night when I was only half-conscious.
Hope you're all having wonderful days!
Monday, January 22, 2007
A rant...sort of...
At this point, I want to quit almost everything. It's not that I'm feeling overwhelmed, really. I just want to be able to breathe once in a while. I was thinking about my schedule today and I realized I'm not going to have any time. I mean, yeah, I'll have an hour between two of my classes and about an hour and fifteen minutes between school and work, and maybe a half hour between work and rehearsal, and then another hour after rehearsal where I'll try and crunch in some homework. It doesn't stress me out too much, oddly enough, it's what I've been doing most of my life.
I guess I'm just tiring of it a little. I'm tired of - excuse the language, but it's the only way I've ever heard it put - half-assing it through life. I'm tired of doing what I need to do just so I can get by, because I don't have enough time or energy to do otherwise.
For instance, I really want to learn Spanish. Raage's been attempting to help me a little, but you can only do so much when you're 500 miles away and using messaging on Facebook. Anyway, I was planning on calling him last night, but some things happened and when I should've called him so he could clarify the word que for me, I was over at Tristans watching Heroes. I would've been like "hey Tristan, I've got to go" except that we had just barely set everything up and him and Aaron had used, like, a half hour or so of their time just so I could watch it. So I'm like "okay, I'll call him tomorrow." Except, well, I'll have you refer to my afore mentioned schedule for today to understand the problem with that.
And so it is with life. There are some things I'm completely fascinated by, but will never be able to do more than scratch the surface of because I don't have the time. The days slip by and I'm left with a lot of "oh, I'll do this tomorrow"s. I mean, like the whole exercise thing. I really want to start exercising, but there isn't enough time! Whenever I think I can do it between classes, I can't because I have to write a paper or read a chapter or two in a book or go sell stupid advertisements.
At this point, I would love nothing more than to quit my job, not go to Rexburg, not audition for scholarships, not worry about China and how I'm going to get another freakin' thousdand dollars in two weeks, and just focus on school and learning and growing closer to Heavenly Father. And maybe focus on myself and what I really want for a while. There are so many things going on during the day, I sometimes am afraid that I'm missing something that's important for me to know.
But I know I can't quit. I'm not a flake like that. When I say I'll do something and commit to it, I'm stuck. Including calling Raage tonight, or at least letting him know that I can't.
So I will continue on, skating through life, barely getting by in everything I'm doing. It's not so bad, I guess. It's gotten me this far, hasn't it?
I guess I'm just tiring of it a little. I'm tired of - excuse the language, but it's the only way I've ever heard it put - half-assing it through life. I'm tired of doing what I need to do just so I can get by, because I don't have enough time or energy to do otherwise.
For instance, I really want to learn Spanish. Raage's been attempting to help me a little, but you can only do so much when you're 500 miles away and using messaging on Facebook. Anyway, I was planning on calling him last night, but some things happened and when I should've called him so he could clarify the word que for me, I was over at Tristans watching Heroes. I would've been like "hey Tristan, I've got to go" except that we had just barely set everything up and him and Aaron had used, like, a half hour or so of their time just so I could watch it. So I'm like "okay, I'll call him tomorrow." Except, well, I'll have you refer to my afore mentioned schedule for today to understand the problem with that.
And so it is with life. There are some things I'm completely fascinated by, but will never be able to do more than scratch the surface of because I don't have the time. The days slip by and I'm left with a lot of "oh, I'll do this tomorrow"s. I mean, like the whole exercise thing. I really want to start exercising, but there isn't enough time! Whenever I think I can do it between classes, I can't because I have to write a paper or read a chapter or two in a book or go sell stupid advertisements.
At this point, I would love nothing more than to quit my job, not go to Rexburg, not audition for scholarships, not worry about China and how I'm going to get another freakin' thousdand dollars in two weeks, and just focus on school and learning and growing closer to Heavenly Father. And maybe focus on myself and what I really want for a while. There are so many things going on during the day, I sometimes am afraid that I'm missing something that's important for me to know.
But I know I can't quit. I'm not a flake like that. When I say I'll do something and commit to it, I'm stuck. Including calling Raage tonight, or at least letting him know that I can't.
So I will continue on, skating through life, barely getting by in everything I'm doing. It's not so bad, I guess. It's gotten me this far, hasn't it?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The Weekend
So, I haven't seen my friends for like, two days and I'm having withdrawls. I'm not joking. I'm such a spazzoid! I'm missing my friends. I think I was missing Jeffrey about, six hours after I saw him last, though I blame that on him being gone and me not being able to see him. Anyhoo, I think I'll chalk this all up to...wow...I totally forgot what I was going to put there as an excuse for my odd obsessive clinginess. OH! Now I remember! I chalk it up to you guys being such cool people. Ha ha! I am brilliant!
I like my Spanish class...a lot. It's so much fun...and yes, I'm a weirdo. I've come to that realization actually. I'm quite weird; I enjoy choral music, speaking random spanish, having nonsensical conversation, laughing at stupidity, watching myself dance in the mirror, thinking in written form, and philosiphizing scripture and the deeper meaning of different things. But I pretty much like myself. Well, sometimes. But that's a completely different can of worms.
So, school's going well. Well, the week that I've had of it. My head is still above water, but let's see how that is in a few weeks, eh? I'm going to go haul butt and and sell advertisements tomorrow. Tomorrow's going to be hard core! I have to work, sell advertisements, move, study for math and spanish...I think that's it.
Man, I wish I knew more! Seriously! Like, all the stuff going on in the Middle East. Somalia for instance. Raage told me some of it's history, but I don't know enough about it to truly grasp the importance of what's going on there right now, so I'm relying on others for my opinions, which I don't want to do. But I can't seem to wrap my head around it - and I don't have enough time to try. Which is frustrating. I guess I'll just have to sit and wait until my life slows down enough that I can do some self-study.
I hate having to be patient.
Hm...I think this might be all I'm going to blog for now. It's a quarter til 11, and I think I'm getting up early so I might turn in. ...heh...I almost believed that myself for a second. I might actually go to bed and read scriptures for a while, until I fall asleep. Even though Jeffrey was supposed to call me and tell me if Jim and Pam hooked up. I really want to get on top of that. I mean, if they hooked up, where's the sexual tension going to come from? I love sexual tension, it makes the world interesting. I miss having it myself, actually.
Aaaaaanyway, It's 11 now, so I'm thinking I'll head up stairs and begin my sleepy routine. Goodnight all!
Toodles!
-Jillian
I like my Spanish class...a lot. It's so much fun...and yes, I'm a weirdo. I've come to that realization actually. I'm quite weird; I enjoy choral music, speaking random spanish, having nonsensical conversation, laughing at stupidity, watching myself dance in the mirror, thinking in written form, and philosiphizing scripture and the deeper meaning of different things. But I pretty much like myself. Well, sometimes. But that's a completely different can of worms.
So, school's going well. Well, the week that I've had of it. My head is still above water, but let's see how that is in a few weeks, eh? I'm going to go haul butt and and sell advertisements tomorrow. Tomorrow's going to be hard core! I have to work, sell advertisements, move, study for math and spanish...I think that's it.
Man, I wish I knew more! Seriously! Like, all the stuff going on in the Middle East. Somalia for instance. Raage told me some of it's history, but I don't know enough about it to truly grasp the importance of what's going on there right now, so I'm relying on others for my opinions, which I don't want to do. But I can't seem to wrap my head around it - and I don't have enough time to try. Which is frustrating. I guess I'll just have to sit and wait until my life slows down enough that I can do some self-study.
I hate having to be patient.
Hm...I think this might be all I'm going to blog for now. It's a quarter til 11, and I think I'm getting up early so I might turn in. ...heh...I almost believed that myself for a second. I might actually go to bed and read scriptures for a while, until I fall asleep. Even though Jeffrey was supposed to call me and tell me if Jim and Pam hooked up. I really want to get on top of that. I mean, if they hooked up, where's the sexual tension going to come from? I love sexual tension, it makes the world interesting. I miss having it myself, actually.
Aaaaaanyway, It's 11 now, so I'm thinking I'll head up stairs and begin my sleepy routine. Goodnight all!
Toodles!
-Jillian
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Psalm 13
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I love these scriptures. A friend of mine was having a really hard time on his mission, and he turned to these scriptures and I thought I'd share them with you, even though they don't necessarily reflect my mood right now. I just really like them.
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I love these scriptures. A friend of mine was having a really hard time on his mission, and he turned to these scriptures and I thought I'd share them with you, even though they don't necessarily reflect my mood right now. I just really like them.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Cheers
An interesting thing happened today. My Grandpa called my dad with the news that someone had died of cancer. I had no idea who this person was, though her name sounded vaguely familiar. It might have been Tammy Prince of Pam something-with-a-D, I'm not certain. All I know is that when my dad told my mom, they were both shocked by the fact that she had died - she was only a year younger than my dad, meaning she was two and a half years younger than my mom. I was equally as shocked, but for a completely different reason.
This woman that died three years ago was one of my dad's former girlfriends. She dumped him sometime during High School to date his best friend. The best friend and this girl later married and my dad moved on and found my mom - much to my joy and relief. But her youth or her relationshp with my father wasn't what shocked me - my dad and mom often talk about their former "significant others" which is why I recognized her name. What shocked me was that my dad remembered her.
He remembered her.
You will go through life, and 99% of the people you meet you won't remember in a few years. You will not remember most in a few months or weeks, possibly even days. But then there are those that touch you deeply, that you will remember twenty years after your last encounter with them. They are the girlfriends, the boy friends, the best friends, people who - when they leave or situations change - leave places in your heart that can never be filled exactly the same by any other person, not matter how special those people are. They are people who are irreplacable.
I still remember a true story someone told me once, about a woman who was best friends with a guy. They were as close and close can be, but something happened that caused them to get in a huge row and not talk again. The girl later married, and while she loved her husband and wouldn't trade him for anyone else, there were still some times when she felt the need for that best friend to be there, for his kind of comfort and advice.
And so it is whenever you get close to someone. You give a peice of yourself to them, and whether you realize it or not, you're never going to get that peice back. They will carry it with them forever, so until, twenty-five years down the road, you get a call telling that they died of cancer, and you realize what they were, their significance in your life, that a peice of you was still with them.
How many people have a given a peice of myself to? How many more will carry a little chunk of me around with them while they go collect others? How many peices do I have, possibly taken carelessly by someone who gave tenderly?
I'm not egotistical enough to think that I'm a memorable person. I know that three or four years down the road, most of the people in, say, choir won't remember a single thing about me, including my name. When I die, the world probably won't mourn, there won't be thousands at my funeral. But I do know that there will be friends from Ontario talking about my exploits in band, the Nielsens will talk about growing up in Lansing and playing tree-tag, my friends now will talk about how I always fell asleep during movies and had an obsession with cuddling. Who knows what else will be said by that 1% of people who will touch and shape my life, the people that I allowed close enough to take something memorable from my existence?
So, here's my oopah, to the best friends, the boyfriends, the enemies turned friend. You will be remembered. Cheers to you. May your lives be blessed.
-Jillian
This woman that died three years ago was one of my dad's former girlfriends. She dumped him sometime during High School to date his best friend. The best friend and this girl later married and my dad moved on and found my mom - much to my joy and relief. But her youth or her relationshp with my father wasn't what shocked me - my dad and mom often talk about their former "significant others" which is why I recognized her name. What shocked me was that my dad remembered her.
He remembered her.
You will go through life, and 99% of the people you meet you won't remember in a few years. You will not remember most in a few months or weeks, possibly even days. But then there are those that touch you deeply, that you will remember twenty years after your last encounter with them. They are the girlfriends, the boy friends, the best friends, people who - when they leave or situations change - leave places in your heart that can never be filled exactly the same by any other person, not matter how special those people are. They are people who are irreplacable.
I still remember a true story someone told me once, about a woman who was best friends with a guy. They were as close and close can be, but something happened that caused them to get in a huge row and not talk again. The girl later married, and while she loved her husband and wouldn't trade him for anyone else, there were still some times when she felt the need for that best friend to be there, for his kind of comfort and advice.
And so it is whenever you get close to someone. You give a peice of yourself to them, and whether you realize it or not, you're never going to get that peice back. They will carry it with them forever, so until, twenty-five years down the road, you get a call telling that they died of cancer, and you realize what they were, their significance in your life, that a peice of you was still with them.
How many people have a given a peice of myself to? How many more will carry a little chunk of me around with them while they go collect others? How many peices do I have, possibly taken carelessly by someone who gave tenderly?
I'm not egotistical enough to think that I'm a memorable person. I know that three or four years down the road, most of the people in, say, choir won't remember a single thing about me, including my name. When I die, the world probably won't mourn, there won't be thousands at my funeral. But I do know that there will be friends from Ontario talking about my exploits in band, the Nielsens will talk about growing up in Lansing and playing tree-tag, my friends now will talk about how I always fell asleep during movies and had an obsession with cuddling. Who knows what else will be said by that 1% of people who will touch and shape my life, the people that I allowed close enough to take something memorable from my existence?
So, here's my oopah, to the best friends, the boyfriends, the enemies turned friend. You will be remembered. Cheers to you. May your lives be blessed.
-Jillian
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Reflections on Life
Wow. I feel like I haven't blogged forever, when it's really only been about 5 days. I always go through life thinking "hm...I should blog these thoughts, feelings, and experiences" but then I forget what they are, or I just don't feel like blogging it when I can get a hold of a computer. It's like dipping your hand into a cool pool of water and feeling it trickle through your fingers. It's the feeling of having a grasp on brilliance and happiness and feeling it slide away.
I had some cool experiences today. If someone asked what I did today it would be simple: I went down to Ontario for a Dr.'s appointment. But man, it's such a cool feeling to be driving along, wrapped up in yourself, and to look out the window and say "wow...this world is a gorgeous place. Thank you Heavenly Fathe." But what's beautiful and awe inspiring enough between here and Ontario to startle me from a good book? Everything. The day is cold and wet and gray and - so most people would think - completely depressing. But right now I'm looking out the window in my bedroom and watching the townlights twinkle on as darkness settles while a thick storm cloud shrouds the white top of Mt. Emily, and I realize what a beautiful world I've been blessed to live in.
Contentment is an interesting feeling. It's not a feeling of overwhelming joy, it's not passion. It's not exhilerating or invigorating. It just is. Like me. I am.
Being is not a bad thing. In fact, I think it's probably a better mindset than the one I've been in lately. I've gotten myself into some destructive habits lately. I've become "addicted" to people and activities that I shouldn't be obsessed with. Not that I've picked up a cigarette or gone anywhere near beer. I was sent a cool quote through my e-mail the other day that started me thinking on what, exactly, could be constituted as an addiction.
"...Curiosityand peer pressure are selfish reasons to dabble with addictive substances.We should stop and consider the full consequences, not just to ourselves and our futures, but also to our loved ones..."
So I began thinking, what is an addictive substance? Automatically beer and cigarettes, pornography and gambling came to mind. But what about dating? What about flirting and kissing, and work, attention, the opposite sex, cuddling, friends, yourself? Can't all these things become addictions? Can't all of these become obsessions?
I once heard someone liken people unto a bicycle wheel; there are spokes for everything. You have your spoke for church, your spoke for friends, school, work, spirituality, etc. A perfectly balanced person has all the spokes even and balanced (note: if we weren't living in the world and didn't have to make a living to survive, the spokes wouldn't have to be even. Unfortunately, we do, so we're screwed) so that the wheel rolls smoothly. Problems come in life when one spoke because too long, leaving one or two other spokes coming up too short. This isn't to say that there aren't times in life when spokes shouldn't be uneven. For example, while on a mission or preparing for one, they should be uneven. But right now, they all need to be balanced.
I guess what I'm saying is that, right now, I'm sawing off certain spokes and trying to meld them onto others to achieve more balance. It's an interesting and hard and sometimes I think I'm messing everything up and I want to give up and stop trying. But I can't. I've had a few of those moments, but I guess I'm becoming stronger, because I'm feeling content. It's a shaky sort of contentment, one that can be jostled like the last brown leaf hanging onto a bare branch in a November storm, but I'm content. I'm content. Now, contentment is not a way of saying I'm giving up and not trying to improve anymore. No way. I have so much to improve on. I see some of my weaknesses now, and instead of feeling overwhelmed I feel inspired.
I want to be the best that I can. I know I need help from others - I'm a firm believer that Heavenly Father places certain people where they are so they can be instruments in his hands - but I know now that I can't rely on others for everything in my life.
I suppose I really am growing up. And you know what? It's not that bad.
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
I had some cool experiences today. If someone asked what I did today it would be simple: I went down to Ontario for a Dr.'s appointment. But man, it's such a cool feeling to be driving along, wrapped up in yourself, and to look out the window and say "wow...this world is a gorgeous place. Thank you Heavenly Fathe." But what's beautiful and awe inspiring enough between here and Ontario to startle me from a good book? Everything. The day is cold and wet and gray and - so most people would think - completely depressing. But right now I'm looking out the window in my bedroom and watching the townlights twinkle on as darkness settles while a thick storm cloud shrouds the white top of Mt. Emily, and I realize what a beautiful world I've been blessed to live in.
Contentment is an interesting feeling. It's not a feeling of overwhelming joy, it's not passion. It's not exhilerating or invigorating. It just is. Like me. I am.
Being is not a bad thing. In fact, I think it's probably a better mindset than the one I've been in lately. I've gotten myself into some destructive habits lately. I've become "addicted" to people and activities that I shouldn't be obsessed with. Not that I've picked up a cigarette or gone anywhere near beer. I was sent a cool quote through my e-mail the other day that started me thinking on what, exactly, could be constituted as an addiction.
"...Curiosityand peer pressure are selfish reasons to dabble with addictive substances.We should stop and consider the full consequences, not just to ourselves and our futures, but also to our loved ones..."
So I began thinking, what is an addictive substance? Automatically beer and cigarettes, pornography and gambling came to mind. But what about dating? What about flirting and kissing, and work, attention, the opposite sex, cuddling, friends, yourself? Can't all these things become addictions? Can't all of these become obsessions?
I once heard someone liken people unto a bicycle wheel; there are spokes for everything. You have your spoke for church, your spoke for friends, school, work, spirituality, etc. A perfectly balanced person has all the spokes even and balanced (note: if we weren't living in the world and didn't have to make a living to survive, the spokes wouldn't have to be even. Unfortunately, we do, so we're screwed) so that the wheel rolls smoothly. Problems come in life when one spoke because too long, leaving one or two other spokes coming up too short. This isn't to say that there aren't times in life when spokes shouldn't be uneven. For example, while on a mission or preparing for one, they should be uneven. But right now, they all need to be balanced.
I guess what I'm saying is that, right now, I'm sawing off certain spokes and trying to meld them onto others to achieve more balance. It's an interesting and hard and sometimes I think I'm messing everything up and I want to give up and stop trying. But I can't. I've had a few of those moments, but I guess I'm becoming stronger, because I'm feeling content. It's a shaky sort of contentment, one that can be jostled like the last brown leaf hanging onto a bare branch in a November storm, but I'm content. I'm content. Now, contentment is not a way of saying I'm giving up and not trying to improve anymore. No way. I have so much to improve on. I see some of my weaknesses now, and instead of feeling overwhelmed I feel inspired.
I want to be the best that I can. I know I need help from others - I'm a firm believer that Heavenly Father places certain people where they are so they can be instruments in his hands - but I know now that I can't rely on others for everything in my life.
I suppose I really am growing up. And you know what? It's not that bad.
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
-Ether 12:27
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