Here are a few tidbits of things I'd like to say about college since I've gotten through my first year and a bunch of you who read this are getting ready to go to some university or another once fall comes around. Get ready for this, folks. It's long.
THINGS I'VE LEARNED AFTER FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE:
- You'll go into it either having a plan or having no idea what you're doing. I went into it with a plan. Around November, I changed my plan and you know what? That's ok. Have the guts to say to your parents: Mom, dad, I don't want to be a psych. major. I want to major in Theater and I want to stay at the campus I'm at all four years, not transfer after two.
- And if you have no idea what you want to do: that's ok too. Don't wait until your junior year to declare a major but don't rush into one and end up taking all the wrong classes when you realize what you REALLY wanted to do.
- When they tell you a final exam is cumulative: they're not just saying that for kicks and giggles. You can't study one night before a final and expect to get a good grade on it.
- Going to a branch campus doesn't suck, isn't something to be ashamed of, and doesn't mean you're incompetent.
- Join something AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE! Audition for a show or work backstage, join the newspaper, radio or TV station, literary magazine, campus ministries, international basket weaving team...SOMETHING! My best friends I met through the musical...God really blessed me that way.
- You'll fall for someone unexpected. You won't believe your heart when it tells you that you like that girl/boy...Believe it. They'll end up changing the way you look at people.
- Yup. It's true. People smoke, drink, and have promiscuous sex in college. And sadly, it's not uncommon, it's not made into a 'big deal'. That doesn't mean it's not, though.
- Skip the frat/sorority houses on weekends. Yes, there are some great people there: but on weekends when the Jungle Juice or Red/Blue/Purple Death come out, I'd say that the people you want to be with won't be around there anyway.
- And for the record: never drink anything with the name 'death' in the name. That can only end badly...I know a few people who can confirm that statement from experience.
- Anyone who pressures you to drink, have sex, or smoke something isn't your friend. I know people who do all three of those things (not simultaneously, as far as I can tell) but none of them have ever made me feel as if I had to do those things to stay friends with them.
- You'll be surprised how many people respect your virginity/sobriety/faith. While they might tease you about it, they'll also look you in the eye and respect you for it.
- Don't take 18 credits first semester. Don't do it. You don't have to. You have four years (or more!). I mean this: DO NOT TAKE 18 CREDITS FIRST SEMESTER. 12 is too little, 18 is too much...Start with 15. You can see how you handle that and grab more or less second semester. Did I mention that you should NOT take 18 credits first semester? Because I don't recommend it.
- Let me clear something up about the whole 'drink' thing. If you didn't pour it yourself, don't ingest it. Period. Date rape drugs exist, people use them, and that really bites...But it's true. I'm not saying that to scare you, I'm saying it because you ARE new at this school and you DON'T know anyone really well yet.
- Make eye contact and say 'hello' to people walking by. If you see someone sitting by themselves at a meal, go up to them and introduce yourself. Then ask if you can join them. Get to know them. Be nice to the cafeteria workers, custodial staff, etc. You are no better or worse than anyone.
- Your teachers are either 'Professor' or 'Doctor'...Not 'Mr./Ms./Mrs.' Get used to it. Even the teacher without a doctorate deserves to be referred to as professor. It's a respect thing.
- Just because you're good at a subject doesn't mean you can coast. You owe it to your professors, but even more to yourself to give it your all, even if it's easy. Don't give half-efforts on anything. You're better than that.
- Yes! You really can go to your 8am class in your pjs. No one's awake enough to care, anyway.
- Another student will be better than you at what you love. Learn from them and befriend them, don't automatically reject them or hate them because you're no longer the best.
- You have the right to disagree with a teacher. However, if you can't present your argument intelligently: forget it. You'll be shut down. They've been here longer, have heard it before, and don't take any crap.
- You don't HAVE to go to class. That's great, sort-of. You can choose to skip class if you want. Try to avoid it. When you look at how many times you actually have to be there, it's a lot less than high school and teachers do know when you show up and when you don't.
- Rahman Noodles, Facebook, and caffeine will be come staples in your life. Don't fight it.
- All-nighters are bound to happen, especially during finals week. Staying up until 6am studying for a Short stories In Context class is MUCH more fun when you're with other people. Group all-nighters are great...And if you make a 'no talking' rule, you get a lot more done.
- Chances are, you'll work your way into a close circle of 10 or 20 people and then have a bunch of friends outside of that group that you enjoy, but aren't 'family' like that close circle. Let me tell you what: you will date each other. You will date your best friend's ex-boyfriend. They will date your old crush. It's BOUND to happen when you are in such a close-knit group. Stay honest and don't talk behind anyone's back. Less drama happens that way.
- Gossip and rumors fly. Don't give into it if you can help. Listen but don't repeat information. You'll end up knowing the most about everyone and not hurting anyone.
- Getting a tutor for a class you have trouble in is a GOOD idea. Don't wait until a week before the final to get one. If you get a D on the first test, go to the Academic Support Center and sign up.
- Good Will and Salvation Army (Sal Val) beat the mall any day of the week.
- If someone breaks your heart, the best remedy I've found is: Cry to a friend, eat a bowl of ice cream, go to sleep. The next morning: dress up in the outfit you look best in and be the most outgoing and self confident person you can be.
- For every month you've been dating someone, you get one day of pouting. That's it. Take it, use it, and then move on. Someone else has had a crush on you the entire time, anyway.
- Shower. Brush your teeth.
- It's ok to blow off studying for an hour to have a snowball fight and get hot chocolate after. In ten years it won't matter what you got in Trig, but you will remember tackling your best friends in the snow.
- Pick your battles wisely. Some things are better if you just let them go, other things you have to speak up on. There's a fine line and I'll be damned if I've figured out the balance yet.
- The RA's are just doing their job. The walls in the dorms are paper thin and they can hear you when you say 'Oh GAWD, it's an RA...Hide the booze.' We're not deaf. I swear.
- Do three things that you'd never do if you were home.
- CALL YOUR MOTHER! She misses you. Once a month should do it.
- Check in with your younger/older siblings. The older one's can help you with the whole college transition deal and the younger one's can keep you updated on 'what's what' at home. Keep interested in their school work, and their life in general...It's ok to be friends with your kid brother. (My little brother and I's relationship has improved greatly since I've been at school).
- Inevitably, the computer will crash the night before the paper you've worked on for six hours is due. Get a USB stick and know the computer lab's night hours...Hard core.
- You're going to get into more bands and music than you've ever known. Don't be close-minded about your music. There's some great stuff out there.
- Ask questions in class. You're paying to be there.
- Don't wait until the night before to do a ten page paper.
- You're friends are right down the hall. That can be the best or worst thing in the world.
- Learn to say you're sorry and admit when you're wrong. It takes a really big person to do that.
- Go to church every Sunday. I know you don't have to, no one is making you...But do it. Your spiritual well-being depends on it. If you can find someone as into their faith as you are yours, awesome! Keep them close, pray with them, talk to them about your faith...Not many other people can, will, or want to do that with you. If you get involved with campus ministry or even a local church, those people will find you and you'll find them.
- You don't know everything.
- You don't have to love your roommate, you just have to live with them.
- Get to know your teachers. They're really cool PEOPLE...Not just god's who stand at a blackboard three times a week. If you google them, you'll find books they've written and research they've conducted. It's pretty darn spiffy.
- Denny's and Eat'N'Park are open all night. Take advantage of that.
- spontaneous road trips are fantastic. Go on them.
- Try to get six hours of sleep a night...Please? You'll just function better.
- Surprise someone with something nice. Do a random act of kindness. It may be the only good thing that happens to that person that day.
- You'll get writers block. Walk away from whatever you're doing for an hour and then come back to try again.
- You ARE cut out for college. You wouldn't be there if you weren't.
- Take yourself seriously. If YOU don't, no one else will.
- Exercise. Not insanely or fanatically...But just an hour three times a week is better than never.
- You are not 'in it' alone. You're with hundreds of other freshman and thousands of former freshman. Don't stress out.
- Do laundry. For God's sake, do laundry.
- If you lend stuff out, be careful who you give it to. You may never see it again.
- Don't cheat.
- Bring your stuffed animal with you.
- Get three to ten hugs a day.
Well, that's what I've got. Feel free to ask questions or add your own.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
HAPPY EASTER!
*starts singing*
Jesus is life, yeaaah, woooah-oooh-oh-oh! The air I'm breathin', why my heart is beatin'...Jesus is liiiife.
(Name that tune)
And leave a sprited comment full of...spirit!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
At least I know I'm going about the whole major thing correctly...or so this online quiz told me!
You scored as Theater. You should be a Theater major! Like a bohemian actress, you are seasoned and confident and not afraid to express yourself!
What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3) created with QuizFarm.com |
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
From the LiveJornal of the beautiful and faithful Sarah!
Put your music player on random, and ask these following questions, press next when you've finished each question and fill it out. NO CHEATING.
(I'm using my ITunes on Party Shuffle.)
Song - Artist.
How does the world see me?:
Without Love – Hairspray Original Broadway Cast Recording
(Wow, really?)
Will I have a happy life?:
One Week – Bare Naked Ladies
(Better than never!)
Do people secretly lust after me?:
One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces –Ben Folds Five
(That doesn't even make sense)
How can I make myself happy?:
Disenchanted Lullaby – Foo Fighters
(Interesting)
What should I do with my life?:
Testimony – Scott Free/ EV music
(Rock on! :-D)
Will I ever have children?:
Fallible – Blues Travelers
(No one's kids are perfect, though)
What is some good advice for me?
Everything is Alright – Motion City Soundtrack
(Thank heavens!)
How will I be remembered?:
Seasons of Love – Rent Broadway Musical Cast Recording
(That's pretty sweet)
What is my signature dancing song?:
Act 1 “Dear Reader…” – How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (The New Broadway Cast) Recording
(That doesn't fit...then again, I can't dance so maybe it does)
What do I think my current theme song is?:
Gone for Good – The Shins
(I like it, but I'm not sure what it means/how it pertains to my life)
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?:
Roxanne – The Police
(Only half sure about this one, too)
What song will play at my funeral?:
I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today – Avenue Q Original Broadway Cast Recording
(I laughed out loud for this one)
What type of men/women do you like?:
The Likes of You Again – Flogging Molly
(Holy Inaccuracy!)
What is my day going to be like?:
Matter of Time - Cartel
(Oy...my day was better than that!)
Anyone have an opinion of what song describes me best?
(I'm using my ITunes on Party Shuffle.)
Song - Artist.
How does the world see me?:
Without Love – Hairspray Original Broadway Cast Recording
(Wow, really?)
Will I have a happy life?:
One Week – Bare Naked Ladies
(Better than never!)
Do people secretly lust after me?:
One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces –Ben Folds Five
(That doesn't even make sense)
How can I make myself happy?:
Disenchanted Lullaby – Foo Fighters
(Interesting)
What should I do with my life?:
Testimony – Scott Free/ EV music
(Rock on! :-D)
Will I ever have children?:
Fallible – Blues Travelers
(No one's kids are perfect, though)
What is some good advice for me?
Everything is Alright – Motion City Soundtrack
(Thank heavens!)
How will I be remembered?:
Seasons of Love – Rent Broadway Musical Cast Recording
(That's pretty sweet)
What is my signature dancing song?:
Act 1 “Dear Reader…” – How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (The New Broadway Cast) Recording
(That doesn't fit...then again, I can't dance so maybe it does)
What do I think my current theme song is?:
Gone for Good – The Shins
(I like it, but I'm not sure what it means/how it pertains to my life)
What does everyone else think my current theme song is?:
Roxanne – The Police
(Only half sure about this one, too)
What song will play at my funeral?:
I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today – Avenue Q Original Broadway Cast Recording
(I laughed out loud for this one)
What type of men/women do you like?:
The Likes of You Again – Flogging Molly
(Holy Inaccuracy!)
What is my day going to be like?:
Matter of Time - Cartel
(Oy...my day was better than that!)
Anyone have an opinion of what song describes me best?
Friday, March 03, 2006
And in the news today!
A few random accounts of life and living.
'She's sweet, she's kind, she's talented, and she's 19. Help us celebrate the waning teenage days of everyone's little bit of Italian joy, Michelina! RSVP as soon as possible if you can. Talk to Kevin or Paige, write, call, send up a smoke signal, morse code, something. She'll be there at 8, so get there reasonably earlier than that. We hope to see you there! Michelina sure does. Well she would, heh, you know ... if she knew you were coming.'
I was shocked. Totally floored. I couldn't believe it. I was very happy. I think I was too surprised to cry. They decorated Hickory's lobby and had a huge cake and everyone was there! Residents, staff, theatre kids, Hemmy hall kids, llc kids...the list goes on and on. I was supposed to be on duty, but I had rehearsal and Kate took over for me for the first hour. I came back and saw the lights were off in the lobby. I remembered an RC was doing a program. I saw the lights on in the wings, so I thought 'they blew a fuse, the power went out, I'm supposed to be on duty, and this was one of my questions when I was interviewed, I need to find Liz...' I voiced this concern to Kevin, who said 'well, I'm coming in with you to see what's going on'. Ok. Walk in: BAM! Holy crap. Amazing.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I am so blessed with friends.
- I'm an RA. Surprise! I have my own room! Hurrah!!!! Yay! Rock on. Fun times! No, really, I like it a lot. I'm with a great staff who are becoming really good friends to me. I'm learning a whole heck of a lot and enjoying every minute of it. I can't wait to do my programs!
- I was casted in Golganooza. It's a play festival that is student written, directed, and acted in. It's free to all who want to see it. There are four shows this year and all of them are hilarious. I was one of three girls chosen - what an honor! I hope I can live up to all that will be expected of me. I'll just do my best. We'll see what happens, but with great talent like Andy and Kevin, they're bound to make me look good. The creative directing talents of Josh and the humor written by Brandon: it's just a great blend. Oh! And it's the first Golganooza musical ever! Rock on.
- someonekissedmetonight.andikissedback.
- I've been reading a lot of good plays lately. It's a fun time. I end up reading for leisure and then not doing my school work. I'm not terribly behind, but I'm not on top of things ,either. I just keep doing what I can, even though it's not always my best work. I really do love reading, and it's a shame one doesn't have more time to do it in college. There are too many teachers assigning text book pages instead of really GOOD books.
- My aunt passed away. :(
- So my friends threw me a surprise party. A big one. It was a facebook party, too. It said:
'She's sweet, she's kind, she's talented, and she's 19. Help us celebrate the waning teenage days of everyone's little bit of Italian joy, Michelina! RSVP as soon as possible if you can. Talk to Kevin or Paige, write, call, send up a smoke signal, morse code, something. She'll be there at 8, so get there reasonably earlier than that. We hope to see you there! Michelina sure does. Well she would, heh, you know ... if she knew you were coming.'
I was shocked. Totally floored. I couldn't believe it. I was very happy. I think I was too surprised to cry. They decorated Hickory's lobby and had a huge cake and everyone was there! Residents, staff, theatre kids, Hemmy hall kids, llc kids...the list goes on and on. I was supposed to be on duty, but I had rehearsal and Kate took over for me for the first hour. I came back and saw the lights were off in the lobby. I remembered an RC was doing a program. I saw the lights on in the wings, so I thought 'they blew a fuse, the power went out, I'm supposed to be on duty, and this was one of my questions when I was interviewed, I need to find Liz...' I voiced this concern to Kevin, who said 'well, I'm coming in with you to see what's going on'. Ok. Walk in: BAM! Holy crap. Amazing.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I am so blessed with friends.
- I! Am going to watch Reefer Madness 'the movie musical' now. Good night :)
Monday, February 06, 2006
Tattoo, Red Lion Rent, and Little Known Holiday Super Bowl Fun
Tattoo
On Tuesday, January 31st (my friend Jessica, who I've known since preschool ... Wow, fifteen years is a long time to know somebody) - I went to Matthews Party tattoos and Piercing Parlor ... And got a tattoo. It's a rose, it's about two inches big, and it's on my lower back. I LOVE it. I was very concerned for two big reasons:
1. NO ONE in my family knows (except for my cousin, who I told after having it for five hours...He lives in CA and promises not to spill)
2. I was scared it would hurt like hell.
I think the only thing I could say (and I said it repeatedly) before I got there were 'So. I'm getting a tattoo. And my mother doesn't know. And it's going to hurt like hell...' Everyone would say 'yup'. Katie and Kaitlin and Amanda went with me. Amanda actually came into the back room with me (only one person could go) and held my hands. I think I crushed her a little. It hurt, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would. And it's pretty. And simple. And something just for me. Hurrah! After I got it I had this conversation:
Kevin: Is this the only one you're getting?
Me: ahahaha yes
Kevin: Sometimes people get a rose, then they get addicted, then the rose becomes a garden, then the garden is met by a cottage, then it's in the mountains, and before you know it you're a walking Kinkaid painting.
Right. No Kinkaid coming anytime soon.
Red Lion Rent
Three of my friends here at school live in a small town near York called Red Lion. I heard about it a lot, I like the small town idea. I'm the kind of person who can live in a really big city or a really secluded area - but Suburbia is stifling. I wake up on Friday morning to see that I have gotten an instant message from a friend of mine who lives there and already had gone home for the weekend. It pretty much said that I needed to find a way to get my Italian butt out to Red Lion because Penn State York was hosting the Broadway Touring Cast of Rent. Rent's creator, Jonathan Larson started a tradition called 'Rush Tickets'. Two hours before curtain goes up, people can buy tickets for $20. And these aren't for the crappy seats - rush tickets are the first two rows specifically reserved for those who buy rush seats. Only two per person, and 32 seats saved ... That's amazing, yes, but difficult to get. In NY people line up the day before for them. The only thing stopping me from jumping in the car with Kaitlin and going to the Eastern side of the state was my mother, who was planning on coming to visit me here at school this past weekend. Being the considerate daughter I am, I called her in an attempt to ask if we could change our plans. She took it as my asking her permission to go on this excursion...Meaning I needed to tell her:
1. Who I was staying with (Kaitlin)
2. What kind of car she drives
3. What year the make was
4. How long she had been driving
5. How many siblings she had (no, I'm not kidding.)
6. What her home phone number was
7. And address
8. Social security number, drivers license, and resume
Maybe I'm exaggerating that last one a little bit. But just a little. After running around trying to contact my mom, Kaitlin, my mom, my mom, Kaitlin...I was almost allowed to go (which, I didn't ask my mother because I wanted permission, I was just trying to make sure I could change our plans), until mom insisted on talking to Kaitlin's mom. This was difficult since both of our mother's were working. After packing my suitcase while Kaitlin and Jesse (who was coming along for the ride) sat there waiting for my mom to call back and listening to me swear and decided that I was going with or without permission...I finally got the ok. So we hopped in the car and listened to Rent and I was QUITE excited.
I got to eat at Central Pizza - good stuff, and see how Kaitlin's family owned half the town, and a million other fun things. It's cool because they all grew up with each other. Kaitlin's family was having a get together for someone's birthday and all of us went over to say hello. It was hilarious, a lot of discussion about our future professions, computers, if I was an Italian Jew...Yeah. Good times.
The next day, Kevin and I went to sheetz, grabbed rations, and then took our food, our homework, and ourselves over to PSU York. We waited in line for about 8 hours. We took a huge Rent poster that was hanging up, because we were so early that no one was there yet and I really wanted it. It's hanging in my room!!! Then! Kevin left me in line because he had to go get a new laptop (he spilled some hobo jug wine on it - yeah they hippies try to make their own wine. Long story short, liquid in a computer doesn't work) , when this guy who's the director of the university theatre walked in and asked how long I had been in line, I told him an hour and a half and that the building was beautiful (it's only 6 months old) and I had never been there before. He asks if I want to see inside, so he unlocks it and lets me in and it's beautiful! Then he leaves and I ask the stage manager who's walking around where the actors leave the theatre and sign autographs after the show. She tells me, and Kevin comes back, and since no one is around STILL we go looking for it. WELL! Somehow we go through a wrong door and we end up BACKSTAGE!!!!!!! We're walking through and I'm trying not to have a freaking heart attack, so I keep looking around and it's awesome! I saw the costumes and the dressing room, and a bunch of people were working on stuff for the night's show but no one stopped us. So we walk all through backstage, no one bothers us - again, incredible! We finally ask how to get out to the main part of the building. Someone shows us and then when they're gone I FREAK OUT because we were backstage of RENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And it was amazing. *phew*
So! Then we get in line and get our tickets, I go back to Kaitlin's, shower real fast,and we get there just in time to see it start. Kevin's mom came with us, she's really sweet. Our seats were Orchestra Pit Very First Row CENTER!!!! The show starts and the whole first act my jaw is pretty much on the floor and I'm smiling and it's amazing. During intermission I realized my face hurt from smiling so much, haha. Then the second act, Seasons of Love starts and I'm crying because it's really pretty and the guy playing Angel is standing right in front of me and so is the guy playing Roger. And they're BOTH singing right to me and smiling at me, but especially Angel. So I'm melting into a puddle in my seat thinking: 'oooooooh my gosh' . That was pretty cool. The whole second act was amazing, I cried for half of it. After the funeral scene I was sobbing really hard. Just - wow. Then at the end for the curtain call and such, Angel is in front of me again and he's smiling at me and it's fantastic.
Then! We run to where the actors are supposed to come out, and we're told it'll be a few because they're in a meeting. So Kevin goes to tell his mom we have to wait and as soon as he leaves the actors come out. Of course, right? I get all of their signatures, tell them it was the first time I saw it on stage, they were great, etc. And then Angel comes out and I was like 'can I have a quick autograph?' And he says 'Sure' and he looks at me and goes 'Oh! YOU were my favorite tonight'. And I was like 'really? Thank you so much,thank you, you were great' and he says 'no, thank YOU for giving me so much energy to do the second half of the show!' and I almost died. So he wrote 'keep beautiful michelina' in my program!!!!! AMAZING!!!!! So Sunday night I google-ed the guy and emailed him and I hope he writes back.
That's my Rent experience. Now, the freshman trip is to see it in NY and I'm in the drawing to go - they pick names on Monday night. Hopefully I'll be chosen, It would be such a blessing -the trip is only $50 and that's very cheap considering...I'd never have a change to go for such little money again.
Little Known holiday Super Bowl Fun
So the Steelers were in the Super Bowl. The game wasn't as exciting as I thought, though I didn't my fair share of yelling. The Rolling Stones were the half time show, and we thought it would be good -but no: lame. By the middle of the third quarter I was getting tired of it, no good new commercials, no good plays... So what do I do? I write all the random little known holidays for the next few months on the wall calendar by Chris's computer. His birthday was national hug day and something about granola? He was fated to be a hippie. Since the Steelers won, not many people went to school at my loving NA school district, so Dr. Green the most obnoxious and strict superintendent on the face of the planet - gave everyone the Tuesday off because the NA marching band was playing downtown. Haha, by little brother still had to get up early to go and play his fluty fluteness in Pittsburgh. Ah well, it was probably cool. Bandies. Good times. I still had to go to class, although Professor Webb did cancel Theory and Ear Training.
That's about where my story ends. *golf claps*
On Tuesday, January 31st (my friend Jessica, who I've known since preschool ... Wow, fifteen years is a long time to know somebody) - I went to Matthews Party tattoos and Piercing Parlor ... And got a tattoo. It's a rose, it's about two inches big, and it's on my lower back. I LOVE it. I was very concerned for two big reasons:
1. NO ONE in my family knows (except for my cousin, who I told after having it for five hours...He lives in CA and promises not to spill)
2. I was scared it would hurt like hell.
I think the only thing I could say (and I said it repeatedly) before I got there were 'So. I'm getting a tattoo. And my mother doesn't know. And it's going to hurt like hell...' Everyone would say 'yup'. Katie and Kaitlin and Amanda went with me. Amanda actually came into the back room with me (only one person could go) and held my hands. I think I crushed her a little. It hurt, but not nearly as bad as I thought it would. And it's pretty. And simple. And something just for me. Hurrah! After I got it I had this conversation:
Kevin: Is this the only one you're getting?
Me: ahahaha yes
Kevin: Sometimes people get a rose, then they get addicted, then the rose becomes a garden, then the garden is met by a cottage, then it's in the mountains, and before you know it you're a walking Kinkaid painting.
Right. No Kinkaid coming anytime soon.
Red Lion Rent
Three of my friends here at school live in a small town near York called Red Lion. I heard about it a lot, I like the small town idea. I'm the kind of person who can live in a really big city or a really secluded area - but Suburbia is stifling. I wake up on Friday morning to see that I have gotten an instant message from a friend of mine who lives there and already had gone home for the weekend. It pretty much said that I needed to find a way to get my Italian butt out to Red Lion because Penn State York was hosting the Broadway Touring Cast of Rent. Rent's creator, Jonathan Larson started a tradition called 'Rush Tickets'. Two hours before curtain goes up, people can buy tickets for $20. And these aren't for the crappy seats - rush tickets are the first two rows specifically reserved for those who buy rush seats. Only two per person, and 32 seats saved ... That's amazing, yes, but difficult to get. In NY people line up the day before for them. The only thing stopping me from jumping in the car with Kaitlin and going to the Eastern side of the state was my mother, who was planning on coming to visit me here at school this past weekend. Being the considerate daughter I am, I called her in an attempt to ask if we could change our plans. She took it as my asking her permission to go on this excursion...Meaning I needed to tell her:
1. Who I was staying with (Kaitlin)
2. What kind of car she drives
3. What year the make was
4. How long she had been driving
5. How many siblings she had (no, I'm not kidding.)
6. What her home phone number was
7. And address
8. Social security number, drivers license, and resume
Maybe I'm exaggerating that last one a little bit. But just a little. After running around trying to contact my mom, Kaitlin, my mom, my mom, Kaitlin...I was almost allowed to go (which, I didn't ask my mother because I wanted permission, I was just trying to make sure I could change our plans), until mom insisted on talking to Kaitlin's mom. This was difficult since both of our mother's were working. After packing my suitcase while Kaitlin and Jesse (who was coming along for the ride) sat there waiting for my mom to call back and listening to me swear and decided that I was going with or without permission...I finally got the ok. So we hopped in the car and listened to Rent and I was QUITE excited.
I got to eat at Central Pizza - good stuff, and see how Kaitlin's family owned half the town, and a million other fun things. It's cool because they all grew up with each other. Kaitlin's family was having a get together for someone's birthday and all of us went over to say hello. It was hilarious, a lot of discussion about our future professions, computers, if I was an Italian Jew...Yeah. Good times.
The next day, Kevin and I went to sheetz, grabbed rations, and then took our food, our homework, and ourselves over to PSU York. We waited in line for about 8 hours. We took a huge Rent poster that was hanging up, because we were so early that no one was there yet and I really wanted it. It's hanging in my room!!! Then! Kevin left me in line because he had to go get a new laptop (he spilled some hobo jug wine on it - yeah they hippies try to make their own wine. Long story short, liquid in a computer doesn't work) , when this guy who's the director of the university theatre walked in and asked how long I had been in line, I told him an hour and a half and that the building was beautiful (it's only 6 months old) and I had never been there before. He asks if I want to see inside, so he unlocks it and lets me in and it's beautiful! Then he leaves and I ask the stage manager who's walking around where the actors leave the theatre and sign autographs after the show. She tells me, and Kevin comes back, and since no one is around STILL we go looking for it. WELL! Somehow we go through a wrong door and we end up BACKSTAGE!!!!!!! We're walking through and I'm trying not to have a freaking heart attack, so I keep looking around and it's awesome! I saw the costumes and the dressing room, and a bunch of people were working on stuff for the night's show but no one stopped us. So we walk all through backstage, no one bothers us - again, incredible! We finally ask how to get out to the main part of the building. Someone shows us and then when they're gone I FREAK OUT because we were backstage of RENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And it was amazing. *phew*
So! Then we get in line and get our tickets, I go back to Kaitlin's, shower real fast,and we get there just in time to see it start. Kevin's mom came with us, she's really sweet. Our seats were Orchestra Pit Very First Row CENTER!!!! The show starts and the whole first act my jaw is pretty much on the floor and I'm smiling and it's amazing. During intermission I realized my face hurt from smiling so much, haha. Then the second act, Seasons of Love starts and I'm crying because it's really pretty and the guy playing Angel is standing right in front of me and so is the guy playing Roger. And they're BOTH singing right to me and smiling at me, but especially Angel. So I'm melting into a puddle in my seat thinking: 'oooooooh my gosh' . That was pretty cool. The whole second act was amazing, I cried for half of it. After the funeral scene I was sobbing really hard. Just - wow. Then at the end for the curtain call and such, Angel is in front of me again and he's smiling at me and it's fantastic.
Then! We run to where the actors are supposed to come out, and we're told it'll be a few because they're in a meeting. So Kevin goes to tell his mom we have to wait and as soon as he leaves the actors come out. Of course, right? I get all of their signatures, tell them it was the first time I saw it on stage, they were great, etc. And then Angel comes out and I was like 'can I have a quick autograph?' And he says 'Sure' and he looks at me and goes 'Oh! YOU were my favorite tonight'. And I was like 'really? Thank you so much,thank you, you were great' and he says 'no, thank YOU for giving me so much energy to do the second half of the show!' and I almost died. So he wrote 'keep beautiful michelina' in my program!!!!! AMAZING!!!!! So Sunday night I google-ed the guy and emailed him and I hope he writes back.
That's my Rent experience. Now, the freshman trip is to see it in NY and I'm in the drawing to go - they pick names on Monday night. Hopefully I'll be chosen, It would be such a blessing -the trip is only $50 and that's very cheap considering...I'd never have a change to go for such little money again.
Little Known holiday Super Bowl Fun
So the Steelers were in the Super Bowl. The game wasn't as exciting as I thought, though I didn't my fair share of yelling. The Rolling Stones were the half time show, and we thought it would be good -but no: lame. By the middle of the third quarter I was getting tired of it, no good new commercials, no good plays... So what do I do? I write all the random little known holidays for the next few months on the wall calendar by Chris's computer. His birthday was national hug day and something about granola? He was fated to be a hippie. Since the Steelers won, not many people went to school at my loving NA school district, so Dr. Green the most obnoxious and strict superintendent on the face of the planet - gave everyone the Tuesday off because the NA marching band was playing downtown. Haha, by little brother still had to get up early to go and play his fluty fluteness in Pittsburgh. Ah well, it was probably cool. Bandies. Good times. I still had to go to class, although Professor Webb did cancel Theory and Ear Training.
That's about where my story ends. *golf claps*
Monday, January 30, 2006
HEY MICKEY YOU'RE SO FINE, YOU'RE SO FINE YOU BLOW MY MIND!
There are only three people in the entire world who can call me any variation of the name 'Mickey'.
The first is Scott. He started it last year when we were dating. To us, we were 'Miccy and Scotty'. But only to us. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but now I relish in it. Even though we're just friends now, he's like a little brother and I love him to death. It's really funny how some people are just made to be friends. The shortest relationship I ever had ended the best way. He's a good kid with a huge amount of creative ability. Talking to him today, I found out he's going to be a secondary ed English major. That totally blew me away, but it fits him - thinking about it now. Pretty nifty how that works out. That child is goin' places.
Ali. I don't talk to her anymore. We sung in childrens choir at church about eight years ago. Since she was 'Ali', I suppose I naturally became 'Micki'. I was three years her senior and that was okay with us. Somehow we were still formed a special bond. Four years after the children's choir was long past, and she was trying out for Star Search while I kept up theater arts...She told me about her plans for suicide. I remember being very 'good' about it all. Sat down with our Youth Minister, talked, prayed, explained. I was strong and attentive and sensitive and as mature as possible for a sixteen year old hearing a friend would rather die. When I was finally dropped off at my own house, I broke down. The most frightening thing I had to experience was having the knowledge of someone's destiny resting (seemingly) on my shoulders.
The last would be Father Al Semler. He was the first parish priest I had when I moved from Philadelphia to the Pittsburgh area. He held my attention and started to get me interested in church. It's incredible what one person can do. He always called me Mickey and when he was re-assigned by the diocese, I remember being heartbroken. It taught me a good lesson in trusting God though, things that were good just keep getting better. He trained me as an alter server, too. Great stuff.
I don't like the nickname when most people call me it...It's obnoxious. I'm not a cartoon character, as much as I love Disney. But there are always certain people who can bend the rules.
The first is Scott. He started it last year when we were dating. To us, we were 'Miccy and Scotty'. But only to us. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but now I relish in it. Even though we're just friends now, he's like a little brother and I love him to death. It's really funny how some people are just made to be friends. The shortest relationship I ever had ended the best way. He's a good kid with a huge amount of creative ability. Talking to him today, I found out he's going to be a secondary ed English major. That totally blew me away, but it fits him - thinking about it now. Pretty nifty how that works out. That child is goin' places.
Ali. I don't talk to her anymore. We sung in childrens choir at church about eight years ago. Since she was 'Ali', I suppose I naturally became 'Micki'. I was three years her senior and that was okay with us. Somehow we were still formed a special bond. Four years after the children's choir was long past, and she was trying out for Star Search while I kept up theater arts...She told me about her plans for suicide. I remember being very 'good' about it all. Sat down with our Youth Minister, talked, prayed, explained. I was strong and attentive and sensitive and as mature as possible for a sixteen year old hearing a friend would rather die. When I was finally dropped off at my own house, I broke down. The most frightening thing I had to experience was having the knowledge of someone's destiny resting (seemingly) on my shoulders.
The last would be Father Al Semler. He was the first parish priest I had when I moved from Philadelphia to the Pittsburgh area. He held my attention and started to get me interested in church. It's incredible what one person can do. He always called me Mickey and when he was re-assigned by the diocese, I remember being heartbroken. It taught me a good lesson in trusting God though, things that were good just keep getting better. He trained me as an alter server, too. Great stuff.
I don't like the nickname when most people call me it...It's obnoxious. I'm not a cartoon character, as much as I love Disney. But there are always certain people who can bend the rules.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Trading Stories
So my friend and I exchanged sentences and then used them to write stories for each other. The first one is mine to my friend, then the line is the divider, the second one is my friend's to me. We're cool like this. Here it goes.
____________________________________________________________
"Blessed up and down but never satiated," he muttered under her breath. He wasn't listening, he rarely ever did. She continued to chatter about all of her problems and her life and her world, as though it was the only one that ever existed. She was so self centered -- self righteous, really. The way she claimed to have faith, but rarely showed it and then hated herself for it. The different times she was seeking attention by talking about things no one wanted to hear about in the first place. That's what she was doing right now. He couldn't stand it, if it wasn't for the fact that he was totally and completely captivated by her spirit.
The thing about her is that she hates being one of those people who doesn't practice what she preaches. But something is stopping her from being who she wants to be. Whoever that is. He started to put away the dishes as she dried them with the dishtowl that had the cherries printed on it. They matched the rest of the kitchen's red and white theme. The checkered curtains and the deep brown wooden table with it's picnic benches' were drenched in sunlight. The one sided chatter continued and he threw in an occasional 'mmhm', 'right', 'I know'...hoping she wouldn't notice his lack of utmost attention. His thoughts wandered, 'What would it be like to marry this girl?' He never would, mind you, but he wondered about it.
Where was life going? What direction would they take? Together or separate. It would be so much easier to see things laid out for them. Blessed up and down but never satiated. What did it take to show her how amazingly lucky she was? The world is full of people who can't see what's right in front of their eyes because they're too busy looking into the future or pondering the past. Instead of worrying about it all, get down on your knees more often. If she was so worried about it why didn't she pray more? Why don't any of us start praying more?
Blessed up and down but never satiated, God answers every prayer but doesn't always say 'yes'. The clouds started to cover the sun and the dishes were finished. He kissed her on the nose and asked if she'd join him for a walk. They went down the drive and dark clouds rolled across the sky. They were having a rare moment of silence. When they reached the top of the hill, the rain fell from weeping heavens and the ran for cover. He screamed a deep throated yell and picked her up. She tickled him and he threw his light spring jacket around her shoulders as they sprinted across the street. It was the kind of rain that is so sudden and hard and warm that you just want to look up and spin in a circle until you can throw yourself down into a field of grass. They pulled open the door of the first building they found and her glorious laughter rang and echoed.
Instinctively, he glanced over his shoulder. Empty. "It's been a long time. Why didn't I come here sooner?" she asked quietly, staring at him hard. He gently held her hands and lead her into a pew. They kneeled down and she started to cry, something about the incredible miracles and gifts and faith that were here and the fact that she ignors it always hit her soul. Blessed up and down but never satiated, "I'm not good enough," she whispered. He dried her tears and said "No one is. Just say 'thank you'."
____________________________________________________________
It had the potential to be beautiful. Well, rather 'he' than 'it' I suppose. No need in degrading it any farther, now is there? No, not really, but he's been suffering that type of objectification since the beginning. His father-not having a good beat bag to let loose into after work (his mother being deceased since forty-eight)-he was a smart man and he figured a way to fill the gap. Can't hear shit from the neighbors house if either of you have the windows shut, and here in Fargo, everyone does.
To see him at seventeen he's the same character. A real quiet kind of guy a real hand in pocket kind of guy, he'd never been too active with women. Never could read the faces and the moods quite the way the most of us can, so he'd never been too active with women, even to the point of his sexuality coming to question, but he didn't care enough to point it, no one cared nearly as much as him. This was still sufficient motive to justify the thrown stones from the churchyard. Wait, what do they say? In Fargo, everybody does.
Now the point of this whole mess isn't to ramble for most of this page on the nature of parental and phallic love, but to tell the entire story of his first romance. After a brief episode near the church, an episode I will not delve here because only he and the girl were there, and they chose to forget it entirely, he'd come to fancy a girl, and her him. A good thing really, but a nervous thing. A nervous thing on which he spent the customary (customary to an experienced creature of habit like her) three day period of silence after the initial expression of mutual affection pondering the possibilities.
Where is she? Has she fallen for someone else? Was it a lie? And as the guilty questioning turns to fearful proclamation. I'm very forgettable. My father would never like her. I'm not good for me, I can't be good for her? She's gone. On and on into the night and the day and the night and the day and the night and the morning of the eventual confrontation. She approached him with a poorly masked smile, compassionate towards the jaded and lonesome looking man before her. "Where is the glitter form your eye?" she asked him passionately. And he walked away, a forgotten man.
____________________________________________________________
"Blessed up and down but never satiated," he muttered under her breath. He wasn't listening, he rarely ever did. She continued to chatter about all of her problems and her life and her world, as though it was the only one that ever existed. She was so self centered -- self righteous, really. The way she claimed to have faith, but rarely showed it and then hated herself for it. The different times she was seeking attention by talking about things no one wanted to hear about in the first place. That's what she was doing right now. He couldn't stand it, if it wasn't for the fact that he was totally and completely captivated by her spirit.
The thing about her is that she hates being one of those people who doesn't practice what she preaches. But something is stopping her from being who she wants to be. Whoever that is. He started to put away the dishes as she dried them with the dishtowl that had the cherries printed on it. They matched the rest of the kitchen's red and white theme. The checkered curtains and the deep brown wooden table with it's picnic benches' were drenched in sunlight. The one sided chatter continued and he threw in an occasional 'mmhm', 'right', 'I know'...hoping she wouldn't notice his lack of utmost attention. His thoughts wandered, 'What would it be like to marry this girl?' He never would, mind you, but he wondered about it.
Where was life going? What direction would they take? Together or separate. It would be so much easier to see things laid out for them. Blessed up and down but never satiated. What did it take to show her how amazingly lucky she was? The world is full of people who can't see what's right in front of their eyes because they're too busy looking into the future or pondering the past. Instead of worrying about it all, get down on your knees more often. If she was so worried about it why didn't she pray more? Why don't any of us start praying more?
Blessed up and down but never satiated, God answers every prayer but doesn't always say 'yes'. The clouds started to cover the sun and the dishes were finished. He kissed her on the nose and asked if she'd join him for a walk. They went down the drive and dark clouds rolled across the sky. They were having a rare moment of silence. When they reached the top of the hill, the rain fell from weeping heavens and the ran for cover. He screamed a deep throated yell and picked her up. She tickled him and he threw his light spring jacket around her shoulders as they sprinted across the street. It was the kind of rain that is so sudden and hard and warm that you just want to look up and spin in a circle until you can throw yourself down into a field of grass. They pulled open the door of the first building they found and her glorious laughter rang and echoed.
Instinctively, he glanced over his shoulder. Empty. "It's been a long time. Why didn't I come here sooner?" she asked quietly, staring at him hard. He gently held her hands and lead her into a pew. They kneeled down and she started to cry, something about the incredible miracles and gifts and faith that were here and the fact that she ignors it always hit her soul. Blessed up and down but never satiated, "I'm not good enough," she whispered. He dried her tears and said "No one is. Just say 'thank you'."
____________________________________________________________
It had the potential to be beautiful. Well, rather 'he' than 'it' I suppose. No need in degrading it any farther, now is there? No, not really, but he's been suffering that type of objectification since the beginning. His father-not having a good beat bag to let loose into after work (his mother being deceased since forty-eight)-he was a smart man and he figured a way to fill the gap. Can't hear shit from the neighbors house if either of you have the windows shut, and here in Fargo, everyone does.
To see him at seventeen he's the same character. A real quiet kind of guy a real hand in pocket kind of guy, he'd never been too active with women. Never could read the faces and the moods quite the way the most of us can, so he'd never been too active with women, even to the point of his sexuality coming to question, but he didn't care enough to point it, no one cared nearly as much as him. This was still sufficient motive to justify the thrown stones from the churchyard. Wait, what do they say? In Fargo, everybody does.
Now the point of this whole mess isn't to ramble for most of this page on the nature of parental and phallic love, but to tell the entire story of his first romance. After a brief episode near the church, an episode I will not delve here because only he and the girl were there, and they chose to forget it entirely, he'd come to fancy a girl, and her him. A good thing really, but a nervous thing. A nervous thing on which he spent the customary (customary to an experienced creature of habit like her) three day period of silence after the initial expression of mutual affection pondering the possibilities.
Where is she? Has she fallen for someone else? Was it a lie? And as the guilty questioning turns to fearful proclamation. I'm very forgettable. My father would never like her. I'm not good for me, I can't be good for her? She's gone. On and on into the night and the day and the night and the day and the night and the morning of the eventual confrontation. She approached him with a poorly masked smile, compassionate towards the jaded and lonesome looking man before her. "Where is the glitter form your eye?" she asked him passionately. And he walked away, a forgotten man.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Carpe Diem.
If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Rudyard Kipling
Today I have:
- Writen with sidewalk chalk. More specifically, 'Give Someone A Hug Today! Carpe Diem' in front of Biddle, Blackington, and Krebs - the three buildings in the quad.
- Played with Play Dough (yellow and purple).
- Sung my heart out.
- Laughed really hard.
-Danced.
-Packed a bag for a road trip.
- Sorted out confusion and managed to keep a friend ( I think).
- Read a great story
- I've been told that I (and Rachel) "Live a charmed life, ladies"
- Pop-ed bubble wrap
-Been told I'm a 'hell of a kisser'
- Made plans
- Broken promises
- Eaten well
- Made memories.
- Decided to wear a skirt tomorrow.
- Lived today to it's fullest.
Carpe Diem, indeed.
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Rudyard Kipling
Today I have:
- Writen with sidewalk chalk. More specifically, 'Give Someone A Hug Today! Carpe Diem' in front of Biddle, Blackington, and Krebs - the three buildings in the quad.
- Played with Play Dough (yellow and purple).
- Sung my heart out.
- Laughed really hard.
-Danced.
-Packed a bag for a road trip.
- Sorted out confusion and managed to keep a friend ( I think).
- Read a great story
- I've been told that I (and Rachel) "Live a charmed life, ladies"
- Pop-ed bubble wrap
-Been told I'm a 'hell of a kisser'
- Made plans
- Broken promises
- Eaten well
- Made memories.
- Decided to wear a skirt tomorrow.
- Lived today to it's fullest.
Carpe Diem, indeed.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Sometimes, You Only Learn Through Experience
Sometimes, you can only learn through experience. I have learned this lesson more and more as time goes on. You see,
I have been there to console a friend when they have their family turned upside-down.
I have held them when they've cried and cried and had too much that Friday night.
I have listened to stories of working with physically or mentally disabled persons.
I have counseled others as they told me their heart's confusion as they've fallen in love.
I have watched companions turn into who they promised they would never be.
I have observed souls falling into confusion over why someone speak anything but the truth.
I have heard conversations where a word was never spoken between two people.
I have seen the results of one statement causing an uproar of laughter or anger.
I have watched sinners become saints.
I have seen the hurt, the joy, the love, the humor, the friendship, the faith, and life itself happen.
However, it is one thing to KNOW that life happens and quite another to actually live it. It is not living until I take part in it. And it isn't empathy until I know what something feels like first hand. Otherwise, it is as though you have seen a play about these emotions.
I am living when I know what it feels like to live in an unsettled household.
I am living when I have cried until I can't anymore, and my friends are still by my side, loving me.
I am living when I allow myself to be taught by children who cannot speak or move or play.
I am living when I see the view for the sky instead of the concrete fields.
I am living when I fall in love.
I am living when I realize I am not who I want to be and then I take an active stand to change that for the better.
I am living when I search for answers and ultimate truths because they make the biggest difference in the way I go about my life.
I am living when I have been lied to, when I have lied, when I discover what self preservation is versus what value the truth holds.
I am living when I have such a connection with a friend that we don't need to talk to have a discussion.
I am living when I am open to the fact that I am not called to be perfect, but I am called to be a saint.
I am living when I define who I am instead of waiting for others to define me.
When are you going to start?
I have been there to console a friend when they have their family turned upside-down.
I have held them when they've cried and cried and had too much that Friday night.
I have listened to stories of working with physically or mentally disabled persons.
I have counseled others as they told me their heart's confusion as they've fallen in love.
I have watched companions turn into who they promised they would never be.
I have observed souls falling into confusion over why someone speak anything but the truth.
I have heard conversations where a word was never spoken between two people.
I have seen the results of one statement causing an uproar of laughter or anger.
I have watched sinners become saints.
I have seen the hurt, the joy, the love, the humor, the friendship, the faith, and life itself happen.
However, it is one thing to KNOW that life happens and quite another to actually live it. It is not living until I take part in it. And it isn't empathy until I know what something feels like first hand. Otherwise, it is as though you have seen a play about these emotions.
I am living when I know what it feels like to live in an unsettled household.
I am living when I have cried until I can't anymore, and my friends are still by my side, loving me.
I am living when I allow myself to be taught by children who cannot speak or move or play.
I am living when I see the view for the sky instead of the concrete fields.
I am living when I fall in love.
I am living when I realize I am not who I want to be and then I take an active stand to change that for the better.
I am living when I search for answers and ultimate truths because they make the biggest difference in the way I go about my life.
I am living when I have been lied to, when I have lied, when I discover what self preservation is versus what value the truth holds.
I am living when I have such a connection with a friend that we don't need to talk to have a discussion.
I am living when I am open to the fact that I am not called to be perfect, but I am called to be a saint.
I am living when I define who I am instead of waiting for others to define me.
When are you going to start?
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Hello and Welcome!
Hello all! Welcome to my blogspot. I find this quite intriguing and a lot of fun, and I was tired of Xanga. So for the year 2006, I've decided to start fresh. Xanga will still be used at times, if I feel so inclined. But really, I thought that blog was more of a high school gathering of thoughts, and I'm starting my second semester in college now - so I figured I would try something new. You know, something fun and a little different. I may just use it for my writing and not so much to say 'this is my life and everything in it!' Perhaps it will become a bit of both? Who knows. We'll see what comes of this, but I hope that it can be a reminder to me (and you) to 'hold onto hope' through the good times and bad.Happy New Year to all of you and welcome to my new blog!
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