Thanksgiving

At Theta Thanksgiving, we began dinner with going around mentioning a few things we are thankful for this particular year. My family did this when we were younger and all four of us would say the same old thing, "Family and Food," (not necessarily always in that order). Being a college student, I am thankful for those that make life just a little easier and a little more fun. I cannot say thank you enough to my mom for helping me with my finances and making it possible for me to focus on my education. Tyler, you came at just the right time. Last but not least, thank you to the Kings, for taking me in and feeding me during Holidays and offering a place for me to stay if I simply just need to get away.
One thing I have learned this year is that I have two families, the one I was given, and the one that I have chosen. I have made a few unpopular choices in my life that have unfortunately, pushed the family I was given away but in turn, I have gained a deep connection to a family that truly cares for me. I have chosen to surround myself with people that make me happy and respect me for what I will one day accomplish. I may not always say the right things and I certainly will not always make the right choices but at the end of the day, I am thankful for that hug from Mrs. King that tells me I am wanted here.

postsecret.com

I haven't posted on here in a while, I had two shows one right after another. I was Assistant Stage Manager and Choreographer for Burning Patience then just as I was getting back on track, I was Lighting Designer for the Newcommer's show for Freshmen and Transfer Students. I was given the reigns and told to go crazy.
Going into Burning Patience, I did not expect to do much past sweeping the stage and handelling the flow of backstage during the runs but two weeks into rehearsal the actors all realized they weren't too sure of the waltz. I have been dancing since I was 8 with my mom and every man who can lead. I taught the cast how to waltz and then choreographed a quick Latin Waltz number. It has been a good year.
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My secret? The best compliment I have ever recieved was from a total stranger/staff member here at the University after the Newcommer's show telling me that it was the best lighting design he has ever seen in Brian Hall. I wish YOU could compliment me like that.

Reasons I never worked "fast food."

2. Food is never supposed to be "fast," if your food is fast, its heart is probably still beating and you should put it back on the grill.

3. I walked into McDonalds the other day and could not help but notice no one was working who weighed under 250lbs. My bones are too little for all that.

4. I don't look good in hats.

5. I have microwaved enough living in the dorms for a lifetime.

6. I am a firm believer in not knowing where your food comes from isn't always a bad thing.

7. "I want A WHOPPER NO ONION!!!!"

8. I just can't imagine carrying out my childhood dream of being a McDonald's fry girl.

9. I am already too qualified with a High School degree.

10. I believe I am going to college to AVOID working in a fast food restaurant.

Oh, Pearl Jam!

After a long weekend of AICL and a night sleeping against a wheel well, I was in Physical Therapy this morning doing wall-sits as the staff at the gym was in the midst of making fun of me for not having been alive while most of their favorite songs were written and produced. Pearl Jam's "Yellow Ledbetter" came on the radio and we all stopped to ask the important question of "What the hell is he saying?!"



That all reminded me of the ever popular "Benny Lava," (see older post), but here are the actual lyrics.

Save the boobies!

While eating my strawberry popsicle with the two children I have been babysitting the last two days, I found myself in a hysterical conversation between myself and the four year old. It was at that moment in time I realized I was in a safe home. "When I grow up I'll be able to drive...and I like the pretty bird on your boobie Karen!" A sweet little unsuspecting girl and then...she's checking me out! "When I grow up, I'll be able to have babies, and make boobie milk, and no-- my brother wont be able to do those things cause he's a boy! It would be pretty funny if a boy had babies and made boobie milk wouldn't Karen!" Wow-- I suppose children these days are provided with more answers and taught at a young age where EXACTLY babies come from. I believe I was given a book and told to read it. Such sweet children.

He's Dead Jim...

I know these things are supposed to happen in threes but maybe the Myans were right and the world really is coming to an end soon...they were just off by a three years? What is going on?! Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, that guy from the Kung Fu movies, and now...BILLY MAYS?! I am at a loss for words which, we all know, very rarely happens. I believe this has to do with me going to Rochester, Minnesota. The last three times I have been, something has died no matter how short or long my visit is. The first Summer, I arrived in early June for Nisswasammen, a folk dance festival in northern Minnesota. The day after we reach the music festival, my aunt receives a phone call from the kitty hotel notifying her that her cat has mysteriously died in her sleep and without an autopsy, they couldn't decipher the actual cause of death. Inky died of an incredibly rare disease completely unexpectedly. Once Inky was dead and (God rest her soul), on the mantel in a tin can; Mary was left with Max, the reason I hate cats. When I was three, Max decided I was in his territory, hunted me, and took me down with a swipe of his paw. Max was part of a Fat Cat study being organized by Purdue University in Indiana. On top of being obese, he was an amputee with only three legs and had an enlarged left ventricle. In early June again, I came to visit, this time I was going to be there for three months. Typically, Max and I were kept separate but ever since the amputation, I could finally run faster. Mary was out of town being trained in Feldenkrais Therapy when Max's breathing began to sound funny. I had taken Anatomy and Physiology with Mr. Comenda my Junior year of High School between these two summers and had dissected two cats-- not to mention I just had enough sense to know Max's breathing was due to fluid in his lungs. I called Mary and she told me to just take him into the kitty doctor and make the decisions. I had the vet tap Max's chest three times and on the third time, we decided to put Max to sleep and end the terror. I went from hating this cat to having Max snuggle up against me as tears were streaming down my face during his last breaths. I killed both of my aunt's cats within two years. That same summer, my dog that we have had since I was three passed away from another "mysterious disease" after coming to Minnesota for the summer with me. At that point, I realized that I should take a year off. No one died that year. This year on the other hand...

Michael Jackson
Farrah Fawcett
Billy Mays
That man from the Kung Fu movies (he died during some kinky sex game...now what have we learned?!)
Caroline Victoria Jenson (my great-aunt)
Dawn's aunt

They are all dead Jim, just dead.

Richard Feynman plays the bongos!