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I'm watching the SNL episode with Drew Barrymore as the host and the hysterical sketch featuring Rachel Dratch, Will Ferrell, and Jimmy Fallon as a the old professors and a business man in a hot tub at the Wellsley Arms. The only one who manages to keep a straight face through the entire sketch is Will Ferrell. Jimmy breaks first with Drew shortly after. Rachel keeps it together most of the way through, but even she broke character while stroking the fake (?) dark chest hair on Will Ferrell. Though we never did a hot tub scene, it reminded me so much of musical rehearsals. The ones where we finally know our lines and can have a bit of fun. The times when we started coming up with bits to include in the 6 o'clock, friends-n-family performance. "I hear Shaqueefa" and "They gave *you* a scholarship." Unintentional slips that became intentional gags. We did them so often, sometimes it was hard to remember how the scene was supposed to go. Catch the eye of friend across the stage at the right moment and we'll both dissolve into tears of laughter for no apparent reason. There were days in the past when I missed those play practices (and tours and retreats) because we had a unique experience as a group that can never be replicated. We bonded as we listened to Nancy read from Michael W. Smith's book about the real Leesha, silent tears falling from our faces as we remembered our fallen friend. A year and a half later, the boy who comforted me would be another reason to cry. Some days I feel like I'm not living. I'm existing day to day, going through the motions. Going to class, doing the research, writing the papers, getting the grades. My parents would say that's what I should be doing. After all, in only 7 years, I'll be achieving my first four year degree. I've already had "life experience" intervene on my path and it's time to get back to basics. Which reminds me of my last musical. My last appearance on stage as a true performer. I was a leader, though I shared my part with a sophomore. Though the cast had six members, we were a core of four. We ate together, ran lines together, practice duets together in the car with no heat. We had inside jokes that we didn't write down and carried on traditions that we can't remember how they started. The four of us went on into life, sure that we'd still be friends. Again, "life experience" intervened and we've drifted apart. I don't miss them and they don't miss me. I miss how we used to be, but I know that as they have changed, so have I. Bonds of mutual dislike for our other castmates and Cosmopolitan magazines with orgasm articles only stretch so far in the face of depression, war, divorce and distance. I'm not sure when or if I'll see my three castmates again, but I'd like to think that they, as I, sometimes pause, think of our times together, and smile. Jenn posted at 4:15 PM | |
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When I went to the DMV last week, I was surprised at the expediency of the government agency. When I arrived home tonight and checked the mail, I was suprised to find an envelope from the DMV, persumably containing my new license and I thought about how quickly it had arrived. Upon inspection of the license, my name, address, DOB, DL number, height and weight are all correct. I was particularly curious to see how the picture turned out since I'd had a really good one for the past three years. I was surprised again to see another woman's face on my driver's license. And another woman's signature that is clearly not my name. I knew it seemed too good to be true. Jenn posted at 2:16 AM | |
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I've got too much to do today before I hop on a plane to go back East for Thanksgiving. I can't seem to complete one task before I remember 3 others that need to get done. I'm trying to sort out what can wait until Monday and what needs to come with me back home. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of taking the weekend off. I'm just trying to remember that in a few weeks I'll have six weeks of nothing but free time. Okay, back to work. Jenn posted at 12:30 PM | |
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You know me. I can't stand to look at the same thing for more like a day, so I've done up a new layout. I'm not completely happy with it, but I'll keep tweaking it over the next couple of days. I'm in a holiday mood and I want my blog to reflect that :) Jenn posted at 10:30 PM | |
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Well, someone or something has sold my name and address to the charity mailing lists. In the past few days I have gotten entreaties from the March of Dimes, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Breast Cancer Foundation. They are all worthy organizations, but having never contributed to any of them, I don't know where they would have gotten my information. Jenn posted at 6:42 PM | |
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I've discovered the Christmas music station for the Bay Area -- KOIT 96.5 -- and I can get reception in my bathroom (double +). When the advisory on the bridge says High Winds, they mean it. I've never been so happy to be in the Yerba Buena Island tunnel in all my life! I bought my ticket to the opening night of The Nutcracker, which will be the perfect way to cap finals week. I did not do laundry and am therefore questioning what to wear to class tomorrow. I am quite tired though it seems I have not done anything today. Jenn posted at 10:17 PM | |
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There's no need for words here tonight We've both felt each others' power A tender touch in the wee small hours is strong enough to hold us for a lifetime Lovers like you and me will never say die 'cause there's a long line of folks giving up on love So many hearts get broken in the push and shove I'll believe in you for the rest of my life "Never Say Die" by the Dixie Chicks Jenn posted at 2:50 PM | |
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Birthday loot -Friends season 8 DVD from M&D, plus a care package of homemade cookies, Pringles and a book -trashy romance novel and Christmas candles from K.B. (not to be confused with KB) -beautiful handmade scarf from A.P. Birthday cards/postings -lovely e-card from A.P. with a promise of a GNO next weekend! -FF threads: Mod board, XF board -great e-card from S.H. Birthday phone calls/txt msgs -E.L. left a message Thursday wishing me an early birthday -K.B. sent a txt msg with birthday wishes -9:15 - J.H. (formerly KB) called when I'm getting ready causing me to miss the bus, but still only being 5 minutes late for class -1:35 - M&D called to say hi -J.B. sent a txt msg with birthday goodness -K.S. left a message shouting happy birthday and blaming her cat for not mailing my birthday card -cousin J left a message with no singing, but birthday wishes nonetheless Birthday flowers -dozen multicolor roses from A.P. and E.H. -dozen yellow roses from K.J. -two dozen sweetheart roses from C.F. -two dozen red roses from M&D All in all, I had a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. I haven't felt this loved in a while and I really needed it. I hope I can see a lot of you when I'm home next weekend (how did Thanksgiving get to be next weekend??!). Jenn posted at 2:09 PM | |
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Any problems you ignore now may reappear next June, so fix whatever needs mending before it has a chance to get out of hand. Your best success in the year to come will be achieved by being conscientious, trustworthy and reliable. It is important that those who believe in you find that their confidence is well placed. Do your best and doors will open in October leading to material rewards. Jenn posted at 8:03 AM | |
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I had to go to the DMV today to renew my driver's license. The only office with an appointment before the expiration of my license (um, tomorrow) was the one in Hayward. It took me about an hour to get there, after forgetting my checkbook that I had to go back for and not being able to the find it on the first try. I filled out a one page form, sat down for approximately four minutes and then was called to the window. I had to sign the form, take a simple eye test, pay $24 and then go wait in line for a photo. All told, it took me 30 minutes to get in and out of the DMV. I'll have my new license (with new picture) in 2-3 weeks. Whoohoo! Jenn posted at 5:28 PM | |
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I'm too tired from getting up too early to regale you with the stories of my day, but suffice to say -- it was good. Jenn posted at 1:52 AM | |
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I wish I had track pants. Today would be a perfect day for track pants because all I have to do is run up to campus and drop off my paper. Then I can come home and die (until tonight at 8pm for Gilmore Girls). But alas, I have no track pants. And I've worn my yoga pants already this week. And I'm out of jeans and it's November, so my cheer shorts are out. Quite the dilemma... Jenn posted at 6:06 PM | |
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I've gotten so close! I'm just totally hitting a wall now and at this point, I'm not sure if I even care. I gotta get a conclusion together though, or I won't get my completeness grade. An hour and a half to go... Jenn posted at 4:59 PM | |
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Well, I've been up all night reading my primary sources and scribbling (or whatever the typing equivilant of that is) out some bs for my paper. I've got about 5 pages of actual writing, though at least a page of that is just quotes that I've typed out to fit into other paragraphs. I think I have enough ideas right now, that if I expand them and fill it up with quotes, I should be able to pull this off. I know it's only a draft, but the fact that two of my peers are going read and critique this week makes me want to do better than just okay. I know I don't have time for that, but still. Anyway, I best get back to writing. Only five and a half hours to go (and I still need to shower and get dressed)! Jenn posted at 12:57 PM | |
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Well, I have a sort of thesis and a page and a half of actual paper (excluding title page and bibliography). I've got to extend that to at least 12 pages by 3:30 this afternoon. Wish me luck! Jenn posted at 8:17 AM | |
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It's been five years. Some days it feels like a lifetime. Some days it feels like yesterday. You are loved and missed more than you could know. Jenn posted at 9:10 AM | |
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I got my first birthday present today! I was going to be an adult about it and wait until my actual birthday to open it. Then I realized that I was an adult and that meant that if I wanted to open my present now, I could. So I did. Jenn posted at 8:45 AM | |
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I'm going to wrap myself in paper I'm going to dot myself with glue... The new USPS holiday commercial is using this song. I don't know who it's by (or who is singing the version in the commercial...which is strange version), but this is one of the first songs I remember singing. ever. When I was in Wesley Choir, we would learn 3 or 4 songs around Valentine's Day and then go to the local nursing home to sing for the residents. Nancy would always remind us to smile and pick a resident in the audience to "sing to." Of course, this was back when she was "Mrs. Cappel" to me. She said that they really appreciated our music even if it seemed like they weren't paying attention. I would sing my little heart out, acting out all the motions and ennunciating all the words. I didn't understand why some of the people wouldn't pay attention to us, but that would only spur me on, to sing louder and cuter. I realize now, the folks not paying attention were suffering from advance dementia or other such ailments and no amount of cuteness or loud singing was going to bring me into their world. But I had a good time trying. Jenn posted at 4:28 AM | |
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So after I took my NYC midterm, I bitched about it. Even as I went to class tonight, I was trying to figure out contingency plans for c/nc and pulling out this late in the semester. Turns out, however, that I managed to pull a rabbit out of my hat because I got a B+! There's still a lot of projects/papers/exams left in the semester for me, but right now I've got a solid B/B+ average and I love it! Jenn posted at 11:03 PM | |
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www.subserviantchicken.com You will thank me later! Jenn posted at 8:04 AM | |
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So, I'm up way too late for the day I have planned tomorrow and I'm half-watching this thing on the Discovery Channel about our closest relatives in the ape world. The woman who is making the discoveries is a bit cracked since she wants to go live with the apes and learn their language, but I'm only half watching, so no big deal. She's talking about teaching some baby apes (some specific species that I can't remember) how to use lexicons for language or whatever. And then I hear it. Panbanisha. I looked up and sure enough there's this ape uses this board of pictures that says the name of the picture when you press it. And I remember going to some museum with friends in high school where they had such a board. And we spent so much time making up nonsense sentences that would crack us up. But I can't remember who I was with, why I was there or where it was. Does anyone know? Jenn posted at 7:21 AM | |
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It's no secret that I know no one in this city. I've only lived here for a few months. There are classmates that I sit near in certain classes, that I talk to before class starts, but no real friends really. I decided to go to the store tonight and grab some beverages because I was all out here. Even though I've done it before, I just did not want to brave the tap water, no matter how clean and wonderful the Viterra says it is. Even though it's late, I pull on some flops and walk across the street. I grab some snack food and of course, beverages and get in the single check out line. I browse the magazine and pretend I'm not eavesdropping on the couple in front of me As I look at the line, I realize there's someone familiar at the front. It's my PoliSci TA! Which makes me think that she either lives around here or the guy she was with does. And that's just weird to think that she lives near me. I mean she's a cool chick and if she weren't responsible for my grade, I think she'd be cool to hang out with, but still. My TA, in MY Safeway! That's just crazy! Jenn posted at 1:37 AM | |
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I used my oven for the first time today. Don't get excited. I used it to cook a DiGiorno frozen pizza (which was not as good as the commercial claimed). Looking at my finances, I realized I can't afford delivery all the time. It actually worked like a charm and I didn't burn the pizza or anything. I'm not going to be making Thanksgiving dinner anytime soon, but it feels nice to be slightly domestic. My mom was lamenting over her failed job at teaching me to cook. I dunno, even if I can't make brownies, I think I turned out alright. "Are you kidding me? I use my oven for storage." - Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), "Sex and the City" Jenn posted at 2:37 AM | |
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There was a slogan that came out when I was a kid -- "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty." It was a nice sentiment, but growing up in a metropolitan area, we didn't really get touchy-feely, help your neighbor, etc. Living in LA, you were definitely on your own. I love the city and have many friends that still live there, but for most of the six million people living there, you were just another car in their way on their commute. Today, however, I saw a glimmer of humanity in the State parking garage. I was actually running on time and I actually had the correct cash to pay for the parking permit needed so as not to receive another $55 ticket. I pulled into a spot across the aisle from a guy who was leaving. I grabbed my backpack and dropped my phone in the middle pocket. As I looked up, the guy was getting ready to pull into the outgoing lane when he stopped. He rolled down his window and held a piece of paper out to me. He had paid for an all day parking permit (it goes until midnight) and he was leaving for the day, so he wanted me to have it. I've never seen this guy before and probably won't again, but I got free parking today because of the act of a stranger. I felt inspired as I walked to class. Such a little thing -- he had already paid for it and it would go to waste if he just left -- but it really turned my day around. This city has really bonded in the last few days and I know we will continue to heal. For now, I'm comforted that there are still people out there who look out for others beyond themselves. And I'm contemplating my next random, senseless act of kindness and beauty. Jenn posted at 2:02 AM | |
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I've been reclusive today. I've never had a Christmas morning where I thought I was going to win the lottery and ended up getting hit in the face repeatedly, but that's kinda what I feel like today. I'll spare you the partisan diatribe, but suffice to say, I'm disappointed. Jenn posted at 6:41 PM | |
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I've talked to my parents several times today. I just talked to my cousin Julie. My friend Kim called on her way to her cooking class exam (ack!). I feel like I've been on the phone all day and I love it! I love the energy and the momentum. I'm leaving for my election class party in a few minutes and I'll have my cell with me for those who wish to cheer and/or comiserate with me. Jenn posted at 9:15 PM | |
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I have to share my joy! For both my PoliSci class and my election class, I wrote papers about the trend of the election in Virginia. I feel vindicated because Tom Brokaw and Tim Russert just had a conversation about the swing factor of Virginia, citing almost all of the things that I put in my paper. I hope my professors were watching! Jenn posted at 8:18 PM | |
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For the bitching I do, it's funny to see how well people know me. Like after the last Friends episode aired, my friends kept asking me if I was alright, how I was handling the end of Friends. Which was actually a bit disturbing, but the sentiment was still sweet. Tomorrow is Election Day. It's one of my favorite days of the year. It's like my own personal Christmas! Tonight, I'm curling up with my Voter Information Guide to educate myself on the local and state issues that I don't know enough about. I encourage all of you to do the same. There is no excuse not to vote. And if you don't vote, I don't want to hear about it. "But if you don't [...] 'cause you think it's gonna be too hard or you think you're gonna lose... well, God, I don't even want to know you." -Mrs. Landingham (Kathryn Joosten), "The West Wing" Jenn posted at 10:32 PM | |
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America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You've gotta want it bad, cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours." [...] We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. [...] He is interested in two things, and two things only: making you afraid of it, and telling you who's to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections. You gather a group of middle age, middle class, middle income voters who remember with longing an easier time, and you talk to them about family, and American values and character, and you wave an old photo [...] and you scream about patriotism -- you tell them [...] is to blame for their lot in life. I'll be spending tomorrow voting and watching returns. I've got an invite to the Boxer party at the Marriott and there's a party on campus for my election class that I'll be headed to. I'll be posting my "Get Out The Vote" message in a bit, but check out the messages of Adam, maura, Meg Cabot and Zach Braff. Jenn posted at 5:23 PM | |