In Each Life Some Rain Falls, But You Also Get Some Sun

I've made it a habit lately of not sticking to my habit of themed posts. That could be because I haven't had any obligation to anything (whatsoever) in the past however many days it's been since finals week, and it's kind of nice. It's also probably because I don't even have a clue as to what day it is...really. It's Monday or Tuesday though, right? Am I joking right now? No, sadly, I am not.

I do know, however, that in a couple days (maybe a few days if it's Monday) that we'll be done with the aughts and into a new decade. I've learned, from the wise women in my family, of a cool tradition/superstition of cooking certain foods to ring in the new year.

On New Year's Day there are four (4) (that always cracks me up when the number is written out and then the numerical symbol is right next to in parentheses. I shouldn't laugh though, illiteracy is still a problem, America.) foods that are supposed to help you in the new year.

1. Black eyed peas -- Because they swell when they cook, they symbolize prosperity, good fortune.
2. Greens -- For an obvious reason, symbolize money.
3. Pork -- Because of the way pigs root forward when they are foraging, it symbolizes positive motion.
4. Rice -- Symbolizes life and health.

Basically, have a nice, soul food-filled dinner and you'll be okay.

Around this time, everyone starts making resolutions. I never make resolutions. I've learned that, mostly, resolutions are just for show. Usually, people tell friends and family about their weight loss goal or their cutting-back-on-my-drinking goal or their "being better at keeping in touch with friends" goal, and, by spouting off their goal(s), they feel they look better to others and in turn feel better about their self. Then, January passes, February's shortness swings by and by the time we're well into March, they're feeling shitty because they've done no justice to those resolutions.

Well, I have enough crap to feel bad about without adding on a neglected list of empty promises I made to please others to please myself (did you follow that?). So, that being said, I'm keeping with tradition and will not be making any resolutions this year.

On the other hand, I will be making some changes. This is the first year, in 18 years, that I am to be without the organized routine of school. I have a lot of big hopes and even bigger dreams. There's an ache inside me every single time I write--a good ache. I know what I want to do. I don't know exactly what I have to do to get there, but I have a rough outline.

Now, this might sound cheesy, but I'm going to say it anyway. Every story I've ever finished has had an outline, rough or otherwise. As I wrote, the outlines were filled in, changed, rearranged and always became clearer. I have no doubt the outline to my life (well, the outline to this part of my life) will go through the same process--my life is just a bunch of short stories I'm writing with every choice I make. I'm always unsure in the beginning, but by the end, I've reached a point of satisfaction; I know if I'm not satisfied, it's not the end.

Well, let's be real, that was cheesy. But, you get what I'm saying and you have to respect me, a least a little, for carrying that metaphor all the way through, haha.

All that cheesy stuff aside, I'm not going to write down the changes I'm making. Let it be known, though, that I started making them weeks (actually, months) ago--another reason I don't make resolutions is because it gives the false sense that change can only come with a new year. I'm not telling you guys because I know myself enough to know it won't do me any good to share them. Certain things I tell everyone, because I know if I say it enough, I'll be sure to do it (like my impending fame). Then, there are the things that are better motivators if I keep them inside.

Anyway, I've rambled enough. I hope you all had a jolly Chrismahanukwanzakah, and that you ring in the New Year with someone you enjoy and care about (even if it's just yourself). Also, I hope whatever resolutions or changes you make (or don't make), inwardly and outwardly, are for yourself--that's the real key, I think.

Lastly, I leave you with these two (2) (haha) quotes:

"...I realized that my dreams of becoming a writer wouldn't just come true; I had to do the work. ... I learned that dreams don't work without action; I learned that no one could stop me, but me. I learned that love is stronger than hate."
--Roseanne, from Roseanne

"Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible."
--T.E. Lawrence

Title Song: 'Roseanne Theme' - John Popper

When It's Good, Then It's Good, It's So Good...

'Til it goes bad.
'Til you're trying to find the you that you once had.

'Ello mates.

I really should be doing homework, but I decided to take a break (for my sanity's sake). Already this semester I've done more work than I have in the first month of any previous semester of school. It's lame, I don't have time to do much of anything else. That being said, I might be making you guys wait yet another week for a Moral Monday post.

Auditions for 'A Doll's House' are tomorrow. I've been on the fence about auditioning all week. I'd love to audition/be in the show, but I don't know if I can do that (or even something on the tech side of the show), we'll see.

Tonight was the spaghetti dinner for the theatre. We got to go to Ty and Brenda's since the weather was nice. There was a good amount of people there...a lot of freshman it seemed.

Oh, in non-school related business. I'm in the process of applying to an AmeriCorps program. It's with a place called The Underground Cafe. It's a student run coffee shop, art space and teen center. It's in Utica, NY. It's pretty far from here and far from where I ultimately want to be (Cali.), but at this point, I'm down for just about anything that involves creativity. It sounds like a really fun program, there are positions for Development coordinator, Volunteer Capacity Builder and Publicity Coordinator. I'm going to apply for the Publicity Coordinator spot. Reading the required skills section and description, I think I'll be best suited for that one. Anyhoo, that's really the only new thing about my life.

Okay, I need to get back to doing homework. I'm really, very stressed out already. It doesn't have as much to do with homework as it does with other aspects of this semester--but I'm not going to start off on that tangent.

I know, as far as updates go, this kind of sucked...but, what can you do? I hope you all had decent weekends.

Title Song: 'Sober' - P!NK

And I Came With An Accent

I said, 'Howzit?'
(That was for you, Zaida)

Long time no write! How's everyone been?

I've been working with Facilities Services on campus. It's been a pretty decent job--gets boring sometimes, but what job doesn't?

I had to move from Legacy to the HP's this past weekend...it was so frustrating. I hate moving. But, I love being back on campus and closer to everything. And I'm ready for my finaaaaaal semester. HOLLA BALLA! Haha.

So, I'm looking for jobs/internships for right after graduation (since I wouldn't start the writing fellowship until Jan./Feb. 2011 because of submission period). I was looking into doing copy writing. I think it'll be pretty fun and I'm excited to see if I can find some cool places to work at.

I guess I don't have too much to say about what's going on with me these days. I haven't really been doing much besides working and the like. Hope all is well with you guys.

Title Song: 'HI-808' - Blue Scholars