Part of the reason my posts are super behind right now is because I'm in the land of one cell phone provider (not the one I have) and limited internet access, also known as vacation for the holidays with my family. I've cast my movie, rather simply, and you'll notice that my family takes up the majority of my cast because, while they aren't close in proximity, they are the majority of my life.
My father (Rich) would be played by Tim Alan. He's funny, he does insane voices (sometimes while he should be serious,) and he has a wicked love for Christmas, which I assume Tim shares because, how can you not love Christmas if you've done at least 4 Christmas movies. Tim Alan would be married, happily, to Bette Midler, my mother (Kris). I really have one reason for this: attitude.
Their children would be Kristin Chenoweth (my younger sister, Brynn, the funniest, most talented woman I know,) Zack Efron (my younger brother, Braeden, an amazing dancer), and Calista Flockhart (me.) Calista is a blast from the past, I know, but her unique voice (I have a raspy voice. No, I'm not sick.) and her level of sass are a pretty good comparison to mine.
Calista Flockhart would be in a long-term relationship with Seth Rogen (Brandon, my partner of 5 years, a gentle soul with an amazing combination of wit and sarcasm.) Family wise, you would also meet Kathy Bates playing my grandmother (Collene), a woman who recently passed away but was devoted to child so much she was always a child at heart, but full of sass.
You would also meet my best friend (John), played by Rupert Everett (voice of Prince Charming in Shrek) and my good friend who is kind of like a brother (Matt), played by Eric McCormick (Will from Will and Grace.) Finally, you would meet my godfather (Jeff), an over the top, spectacular and wonderfully talented man, Jim Carey.
As evident by the cast, this would have to be a comedy. However, I think everyone in the cast would know it's a comedy except for Calista/me. As referenced in blog #1 for #reverbBroads11, I tend to take everything a little seriously. A line in the show, spoken by Bette/my mom when she first meets Seth/Brandon, would be "Alex is serious enough for all of us."
While I don't know the majority of the events, I can tell a few that would make an appearance. One would include my parents and Jim/Jeff as I decide to pursue a career as a band promoter - a decision that also meant leaving the theater behind. (I grew up in a musical theater family. My parents now run their own children's musical theater company in Nevada.)
Another would be a conversation I have when I decide to move in with Seth/Brandon, a conversation that would involve my sister and my mother. This was a conversation that I thought would be a big deal. (Boy, was I wrong!) This would lead to a scene where the whole family (all the players except Jeff) meet Seth/Brandon.
I would also have to include the difficult conversation I had with my mother about changing career paths - another conversation that didn't go as awfully as I had planned.
I don't know how my story ends - so I can't imagine all of the points that will be in there, but I can kind of imagine a storybook ending. I'm not traditional in many things (remember, I've been in a relationship for 5 years with no plans or desired plans for a wedding,) but I kind of think that will happen, and I see my moving ending, in a positive way with many ups and not many downs, at my wedding. A family reunion, full of lots and lots of laughter, is perfect for someone so family centered.
This is one blog post I may revisit every year, as I know that over the years many things will happen that will need to be included in my life.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: In the movie version of your life, who would play you and the significant players in your life? What kind of movie is it, what would be the major plot points and how would it end?
Monday, December 5, 2011
#reverbBroads 11 - Day 3: Growing up? What's that?
My favorite type of movies are Disney movies. I have more cartoons on my Netflix list than anything else. When I was a child, I would dance around my living room to the Mary Martin version of Peter Pan. (At one point, but I may or may not have tied my grandmother up, while she slept, with a hook.) Needless to say, I take the plan to remain a child very seriously.
However, as you get older, you are bound to do things to grow up. Four years ago, I moved in with my partner. We're still together, and this past year he moved to Chicago with me. He had no job, not even a job prospect, just a degree and our love. That's kind of an adult thing to do.
Obviously, I got a big-kid job last year. That's an adult thing. However, my career places me in college for the rest of my life, so I can't say that I'm really grown up.
I put myself through college, and in the last year I've attempted to begin paying off those loans. Again, adult.
Also, I finished my Christmas shopping by the beginning of December. However, most people ended up with toys, so I'm not sure how grown up this accomplishment is.
However, in the last year, I've gone to the zoo a million times. (It helps to have a free zoo.) I've fallen in love with the Disney store (again), and increased the number of Disney movies I own. I've embraced the idea of being a responsible young adult. I pay my bills, I go see my family, but I also enjoy life.
I hate cliche quotes, but you really only live once. I know we all have to grow up, but I also think we need to laugh and embrace our inner child more than once a year.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: How did you become more of a grown-up this year? Or did you pull a Peter Pan and stubbornly remain childish?
However, as you get older, you are bound to do things to grow up. Four years ago, I moved in with my partner. We're still together, and this past year he moved to Chicago with me. He had no job, not even a job prospect, just a degree and our love. That's kind of an adult thing to do.
Obviously, I got a big-kid job last year. That's an adult thing. However, my career places me in college for the rest of my life, so I can't say that I'm really grown up.
I put myself through college, and in the last year I've attempted to begin paying off those loans. Again, adult.
Also, I finished my Christmas shopping by the beginning of December. However, most people ended up with toys, so I'm not sure how grown up this accomplishment is.
However, in the last year, I've gone to the zoo a million times. (It helps to have a free zoo.) I've fallen in love with the Disney store (again), and increased the number of Disney movies I own. I've embraced the idea of being a responsible young adult. I pay my bills, I go see my family, but I also enjoy life.
I hate cliche quotes, but you really only live once. I know we all have to grow up, but I also think we need to laugh and embrace our inner child more than once a year.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: How did you become more of a grown-up this year? Or did you pull a Peter Pan and stubbornly remain childish?
Friday, December 2, 2011
#reverbbroads11 - Stupidest Moment Ever
As I've read other blogs about this, I think we all beat ourselves up a lot over the "stupid" things we've done. We all make mistakes. If we take chances, sometimes we are destined to embarrass ourselves, other times we are destined to fall on our face, but I don't think they are all "stupid" things.
I flew from Chicago to Nevada today, on day 1 of my 10 day vacation, and I spent a lot of time thinking about my stupidest moment of this year, or of my lifetime. One thing that I've been working on lately is not caring what other's think about me, or my choices in life, and doing what I want to do and making my own choices. That idea is where this story comes from.
I was in middle school. Middle school is a rough time for everyone, and I remember constantly struggling with being myself (an eccentric, crazy dresser) and fitting in (something that never did happen.) I sat with M regularly at lunch. She lived near me, so we also walked home together a lot. One day in gym class (the worst class ever assigned to middle school students), A (someone who I really wanted to like me,) told M she was gross, kicked at her and told her to "leave her alone."
I stood right there and watched it happen. It could have been any of us, really. Looking back, A was not very nice to anyone. In that moment, M needed a friend. Someone to console her, to tell her that it would get better. But in that moment, all I could do was know that if I stood up to A, she wouldn't like me.
News flash: She never did like me. We never were friends. Additionally, M and I were not friends after that point. We've lost touch, and I've never apologized. Who knows if she remembers this, but to this day, I do what I can to stand up for others and work really hard to ignore what others think, so that I don't replicate such a stupid mistake.
If, somehow, M does read this, I want you to know that I'm sorry. I never expect complete forgiveness, but I hope you were able to find support and comfort in your time of need.
If you didn't know, I'm blogging with the #ReverbBroads11. Today's prompt: What is the stupidest thing you've done this year? What about your whole life?
I flew from Chicago to Nevada today, on day 1 of my 10 day vacation, and I spent a lot of time thinking about my stupidest moment of this year, or of my lifetime. One thing that I've been working on lately is not caring what other's think about me, or my choices in life, and doing what I want to do and making my own choices. That idea is where this story comes from.
I was in middle school. Middle school is a rough time for everyone, and I remember constantly struggling with being myself (an eccentric, crazy dresser) and fitting in (something that never did happen.) I sat with M regularly at lunch. She lived near me, so we also walked home together a lot. One day in gym class (the worst class ever assigned to middle school students), A (someone who I really wanted to like me,) told M she was gross, kicked at her and told her to "leave her alone."
I stood right there and watched it happen. It could have been any of us, really. Looking back, A was not very nice to anyone. In that moment, M needed a friend. Someone to console her, to tell her that it would get better. But in that moment, all I could do was know that if I stood up to A, she wouldn't like me.
News flash: She never did like me. We never were friends. Additionally, M and I were not friends after that point. We've lost touch, and I've never apologized. Who knows if she remembers this, but to this day, I do what I can to stand up for others and work really hard to ignore what others think, so that I don't replicate such a stupid mistake.
If, somehow, M does read this, I want you to know that I'm sorry. I never expect complete forgiveness, but I hope you were able to find support and comfort in your time of need.
If you didn't know, I'm blogging with the #ReverbBroads11. Today's prompt: What is the stupidest thing you've done this year? What about your whole life?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
#reverbbroads11: Dear Alex
Dear 17-year-old-Alex,
Slow down. Please.
I have to admit, I'm super proud of you. You're one class away from your Associate's degree, and you haven't even graduated high school yet. Admittedly, this is quite an accomplishment, but you have to slow down. You are missing out on your life.
Give your brother and sister a break. They love you, and they just want to be friends with you. Soon, you're going to miss them. Spend some time with them; go to the movies, to a concert, just drive around. They are young (and I'm sure that can be annoying) but you will never get that time back.
Give mom and dad a break, too. Try to bite your tongue once in awhile because, just maybe, they are right. They have bent over backwards to give you everything you want and have never asked for anything back. You are about to get just what you asked for, but then things will change.
Hang out with your grandma. Since she got sick, your relationship with her has been strained. That's expected when you take on so much and it feels more like a responsibility then a grandma-granddaughter relationship. You have no clue how much you will miss her. A year later, you still dial her phone number, only to remember there isn't a comforting voice over that line, there aren't any more ridiculous hats coming, and there is no one there to just listen when you need it. Cherish what little time you have there.
Give him up. I know, right now, you think he's your world, but he isn't. You will move on, and you will find one of the most kind-hearted, caring and gentle men out there. I can't tell you how that turns out, but, for your sake, just let him go.
I know this seems like a lot of (uncalled for) advice, but I just want you to slow down. You whipped through high school, achieving something some people never achieve in a life time. Unfortunately, that attitude followed you in college. You succeeded, as you always have, but you whipped through college, too. You missed out on a lot of opportunities because you did your Bachelor's degree in three years; you then will launch right into a Master's degree, and get hired straight out of college.
It won't be until that caring, kind-hearted man forces you to that you begin to slow down and take each moment for what it's worth. Cherish your friendships, your family, and your time. You'll appreciate it, I promise.
Keep your sass, though. It suits you.
-Alex
Slow down. Please.
I have to admit, I'm super proud of you. You're one class away from your Associate's degree, and you haven't even graduated high school yet. Admittedly, this is quite an accomplishment, but you have to slow down. You are missing out on your life.
Give your brother and sister a break. They love you, and they just want to be friends with you. Soon, you're going to miss them. Spend some time with them; go to the movies, to a concert, just drive around. They are young (and I'm sure that can be annoying) but you will never get that time back.
Give mom and dad a break, too. Try to bite your tongue once in awhile because, just maybe, they are right. They have bent over backwards to give you everything you want and have never asked for anything back. You are about to get just what you asked for, but then things will change.
Hang out with your grandma. Since she got sick, your relationship with her has been strained. That's expected when you take on so much and it feels more like a responsibility then a grandma-granddaughter relationship. You have no clue how much you will miss her. A year later, you still dial her phone number, only to remember there isn't a comforting voice over that line, there aren't any more ridiculous hats coming, and there is no one there to just listen when you need it. Cherish what little time you have there.
Give him up. I know, right now, you think he's your world, but he isn't. You will move on, and you will find one of the most kind-hearted, caring and gentle men out there. I can't tell you how that turns out, but, for your sake, just let him go.
I know this seems like a lot of (uncalled for) advice, but I just want you to slow down. You whipped through high school, achieving something some people never achieve in a life time. Unfortunately, that attitude followed you in college. You succeeded, as you always have, but you whipped through college, too. You missed out on a lot of opportunities because you did your Bachelor's degree in three years; you then will launch right into a Master's degree, and get hired straight out of college.
It won't be until that caring, kind-hearted man forces you to that you begin to slow down and take each moment for what it's worth. Cherish your friendships, your family, and your time. You'll appreciate it, I promise.
Keep your sass, though. It suits you.
-Alex
I'm joining #reverbbroads11. Today's prompt:
If the you of today could go back in time and give advice to any of the previous yous, which age would you visit and what would you tell them?
Monday, October 10, 2011
When autumn leaves start to fall...
Today, I paired my green/white scarf with a tank top and a long sweater (I can never figure out how to wear these long sweaters) with khaki's. I don't normally wear khaki's or jeans to work, but today was fall break day (a day where our students don't have class.) I decided that was a good enough indicator to kick off Fall. This is what I love about Fall:
The changing colors: yellow, orange and red
The beginning of pumpkin season
(I don't get to carve pumpkins, but I'll eat/drink it wherever I can!)
A calm in the weather
(I don't think I'd do very well in tropical climates. I thrive with the chill)
Scarves
Apple cider
(hot or cold, this drink is my favorite!)
The threat of the first snow of the season.
(I love snow!)
What are your favorite things about this wonderful season?
A Morning Girl
A morning girl...that I am not. I've recently joined a group of awesome women (and maybe 1 or 2 men?) on Facebook on a quest to lose 20 pounds by Christmas. I'm actually down 6 since I started, which is just fabulous! I attribute it to three things 1) the support and motivation of these women (1 of them just RAN A MARATHON!) 2) I live in Chicago and I walk EVERYWHERE and 3) my attempt to become more of a morning person.
Since I'm not a morning person, I rarely eat breakfast, but I've been trying to get better about that. I found a few recipes and, after some tweaking, decided to share these amazing breakfast muffins. Let me know what you think!
Ingredients:
1 cup sour milk (put 1 tbsp. vinegar in a 1 cup measure. fill with milk. I use almond milk)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oat flour (blend 1/2 cup oats until powdery - I suggest NOT skipping this ingredient)
1/2 cup wheat flour (I don't have this. I use regular flour and it's fine.)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup oats
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine sour milk, applesauce, margarine, vanilla, egg and sugar. Mix well
3. Stir together oat flour, flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Mix well.
5. Fold in oats and apricots.
6. Put in muffin tins (or reusable cups, see below!) and bake for 20 minutes.
(Please excuse the sideways photograph. It refuses to upload appropriately.)
What do you do for breakfast? I'd love to try YOUR recipes!
Since I'm not a morning person, I rarely eat breakfast, but I've been trying to get better about that. I found a few recipes and, after some tweaking, decided to share these amazing breakfast muffins. Let me know what you think!
Ingredients:
1 cup sour milk (put 1 tbsp. vinegar in a 1 cup measure. fill with milk. I use almond milk)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oat flour (blend 1/2 cup oats until powdery - I suggest NOT skipping this ingredient)
1/2 cup wheat flour (I don't have this. I use regular flour and it's fine.)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup oats
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine sour milk, applesauce, margarine, vanilla, egg and sugar. Mix well
3. Stir together oat flour, flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Mix well.
5. Fold in oats and apricots.
6. Put in muffin tins (or reusable cups, see below!) and bake for 20 minutes.
(Please excuse the sideways photograph. It refuses to upload appropriately.)
What do you do for breakfast? I'd love to try YOUR recipes!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Lessons Learned
If you follow my blog, you're familiar with my #52in52 project. As a grad student, I thought that sounded like an awesome way to start my first year as a professional. I started in January, and figured it would take me through December. Unfortunately, on this last day of September, I completed my project. I've learned a LOT this year, and I've had lots of questions about what I read, and I'd like to share what I've learned. Because I work in education, I rarely track my years from January - December (just look at my memory books with Brandon - they go September - August, like the school year), so we'll work our way through chronologically.
January
I read 17 books in January. (That's either a sign that it's a down-time at work, OR that I spent a lot of time commuting.) I read about struggles and I learned that you're not alone. Whether you are a corporate hot-shot thrown into motherhood when your best friend dies (The Accidental Mother, Rowan Coleman) or struggling because of new surroundings (The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears, Dinaw Mengestu), you will never be alone.
I read about choices and I learned that you can overcome anything. Whether it's where you left your brother as a child (Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay) or a relationship that you didn't act on years ago (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford), there are reasons that we make the choices we do.
(My guess is I'm missing some books in February.)
March
I read 5 books in March. I read about love and passion, and I learned that you can move on from the pain. Whether it's the pain of having to put your best friend to sleep (The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein) or the pain from being the happiest person on earth (Generosity, Richard Powers), we can move on.
April
I read 3 books in April. I read about trials, and I learned that everyone is being tested in their own way, and that we need to learn to appreciate one another more. Whether it's the trials of surviving every day in war, (Generation Kill, Evan Wright), surviving every day in life (Tell Them Who I Am, Elliott Liebow) or the test of a friendship (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See), we all are being challenged, and no one has it "easy." That was a good month for that lesson.
May
I read 3 books in May, and I learned that we have to be more positive in order to succeed in life. (How Full Is Your Bucket, Tom Rath)
June
I read 5 books in June, and I saw my learning as an extension of April and May. We have to be positive in order to overcome life tests. Life's test could involve our parents and their parenting style (The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells), or not knowing who your son's father is (A Father's Affair, Karel Glastra Van Loon), positivity is key in life.
July
I read 4 books in July. I learned that there are some books I have no desire to finish (but I did - The Things That Matter, Edward Mendelson), and that you shouldn't read sad books on the CTA, unless you want to look crazy (Atonement, Ian McEwan).
August
I read 9 books in August. I learned a great deal about many things (Approaching the Qu'ran, Anthony Michael Sells and Three Cups of Deceit, Jon Krakauer), and re-visited a high-school recommended (but not read) reading (The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros).
September
I finished my challenge with 6 books in September. I laughed (The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie), I cried (sobbed - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard) and I took a look at a fellow (but complex) book lover (The Book Thief, Markus Zusak).
Someone asked my favorite. I can't pick just one - and I think that's proved by what I've learned. I wouldn't give this knowledge up for anything, but I can narrow it down.
1 - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard
2 - Three Weeks With My Brother, Nicholas Sparks
3 - Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
4 - The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells
5 - The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
What have you read this year?
January
I read 17 books in January. (That's either a sign that it's a down-time at work, OR that I spent a lot of time commuting.) I read about struggles and I learned that you're not alone. Whether you are a corporate hot-shot thrown into motherhood when your best friend dies (The Accidental Mother, Rowan Coleman) or struggling because of new surroundings (The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears, Dinaw Mengestu), you will never be alone.
I read about choices and I learned that you can overcome anything. Whether it's where you left your brother as a child (Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay) or a relationship that you didn't act on years ago (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford), there are reasons that we make the choices we do.
(My guess is I'm missing some books in February.)
March
I read 5 books in March. I read about love and passion, and I learned that you can move on from the pain. Whether it's the pain of having to put your best friend to sleep (The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein) or the pain from being the happiest person on earth (Generosity, Richard Powers), we can move on.
April
I read 3 books in April. I read about trials, and I learned that everyone is being tested in their own way, and that we need to learn to appreciate one another more. Whether it's the trials of surviving every day in war, (Generation Kill, Evan Wright), surviving every day in life (Tell Them Who I Am, Elliott Liebow) or the test of a friendship (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See), we all are being challenged, and no one has it "easy." That was a good month for that lesson.
May
I read 3 books in May, and I learned that we have to be more positive in order to succeed in life. (How Full Is Your Bucket, Tom Rath)
June
I read 5 books in June, and I saw my learning as an extension of April and May. We have to be positive in order to overcome life tests. Life's test could involve our parents and their parenting style (The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells), or not knowing who your son's father is (A Father's Affair, Karel Glastra Van Loon), positivity is key in life.
July
I read 4 books in July. I learned that there are some books I have no desire to finish (but I did - The Things That Matter, Edward Mendelson), and that you shouldn't read sad books on the CTA, unless you want to look crazy (Atonement, Ian McEwan).
August
I read 9 books in August. I learned a great deal about many things (Approaching the Qu'ran, Anthony Michael Sells and Three Cups of Deceit, Jon Krakauer), and re-visited a high-school recommended (but not read) reading (The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros).
September
I finished my challenge with 6 books in September. I laughed (The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie), I cried (sobbed - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard) and I took a look at a fellow (but complex) book lover (The Book Thief, Markus Zusak).
Someone asked my favorite. I can't pick just one - and I think that's proved by what I've learned. I wouldn't give this knowledge up for anything, but I can narrow it down.
1 - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard
2 - Three Weeks With My Brother, Nicholas Sparks
3 - Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
4 - The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells
5 - The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
What have you read this year?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
#reverbBroads11 - Day 4: Calista, Seth & Bette
0
|
Monday, December 5, 2011
Part of the reason my posts are super behind right now is because I'm in the land of one cell phone provider (not the one I have) and limited internet access, also known as vacation for the holidays with my family. I've cast my movie, rather simply, and you'll notice that my family takes up the majority of my cast because, while they aren't close in proximity, they are the majority of my life.
My father (Rich) would be played by Tim Alan. He's funny, he does insane voices (sometimes while he should be serious,) and he has a wicked love for Christmas, which I assume Tim shares because, how can you not love Christmas if you've done at least 4 Christmas movies. Tim Alan would be married, happily, to Bette Midler, my mother (Kris). I really have one reason for this: attitude.
Their children would be Kristin Chenoweth (my younger sister, Brynn, the funniest, most talented woman I know,) Zack Efron (my younger brother, Braeden, an amazing dancer), and Calista Flockhart (me.) Calista is a blast from the past, I know, but her unique voice (I have a raspy voice. No, I'm not sick.) and her level of sass are a pretty good comparison to mine.
Calista Flockhart would be in a long-term relationship with Seth Rogen (Brandon, my partner of 5 years, a gentle soul with an amazing combination of wit and sarcasm.) Family wise, you would also meet Kathy Bates playing my grandmother (Collene), a woman who recently passed away but was devoted to child so much she was always a child at heart, but full of sass.
You would also meet my best friend (John), played by Rupert Everett (voice of Prince Charming in Shrek) and my good friend who is kind of like a brother (Matt), played by Eric McCormick (Will from Will and Grace.) Finally, you would meet my godfather (Jeff), an over the top, spectacular and wonderfully talented man, Jim Carey.
As evident by the cast, this would have to be a comedy. However, I think everyone in the cast would know it's a comedy except for Calista/me. As referenced in blog #1 for #reverbBroads11, I tend to take everything a little seriously. A line in the show, spoken by Bette/my mom when she first meets Seth/Brandon, would be "Alex is serious enough for all of us."
While I don't know the majority of the events, I can tell a few that would make an appearance. One would include my parents and Jim/Jeff as I decide to pursue a career as a band promoter - a decision that also meant leaving the theater behind. (I grew up in a musical theater family. My parents now run their own children's musical theater company in Nevada.)
Another would be a conversation I have when I decide to move in with Seth/Brandon, a conversation that would involve my sister and my mother. This was a conversation that I thought would be a big deal. (Boy, was I wrong!) This would lead to a scene where the whole family (all the players except Jeff) meet Seth/Brandon.
I would also have to include the difficult conversation I had with my mother about changing career paths - another conversation that didn't go as awfully as I had planned.
I don't know how my story ends - so I can't imagine all of the points that will be in there, but I can kind of imagine a storybook ending. I'm not traditional in many things (remember, I've been in a relationship for 5 years with no plans or desired plans for a wedding,) but I kind of think that will happen, and I see my moving ending, in a positive way with many ups and not many downs, at my wedding. A family reunion, full of lots and lots of laughter, is perfect for someone so family centered.
This is one blog post I may revisit every year, as I know that over the years many things will happen that will need to be included in my life.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: In the movie version of your life, who would play you and the significant players in your life? What kind of movie is it, what would be the major plot points and how would it end?
My father (Rich) would be played by Tim Alan. He's funny, he does insane voices (sometimes while he should be serious,) and he has a wicked love for Christmas, which I assume Tim shares because, how can you not love Christmas if you've done at least 4 Christmas movies. Tim Alan would be married, happily, to Bette Midler, my mother (Kris). I really have one reason for this: attitude.
Their children would be Kristin Chenoweth (my younger sister, Brynn, the funniest, most talented woman I know,) Zack Efron (my younger brother, Braeden, an amazing dancer), and Calista Flockhart (me.) Calista is a blast from the past, I know, but her unique voice (I have a raspy voice. No, I'm not sick.) and her level of sass are a pretty good comparison to mine.
Calista Flockhart would be in a long-term relationship with Seth Rogen (Brandon, my partner of 5 years, a gentle soul with an amazing combination of wit and sarcasm.) Family wise, you would also meet Kathy Bates playing my grandmother (Collene), a woman who recently passed away but was devoted to child so much she was always a child at heart, but full of sass.
You would also meet my best friend (John), played by Rupert Everett (voice of Prince Charming in Shrek) and my good friend who is kind of like a brother (Matt), played by Eric McCormick (Will from Will and Grace.) Finally, you would meet my godfather (Jeff), an over the top, spectacular and wonderfully talented man, Jim Carey.
As evident by the cast, this would have to be a comedy. However, I think everyone in the cast would know it's a comedy except for Calista/me. As referenced in blog #1 for #reverbBroads11, I tend to take everything a little seriously. A line in the show, spoken by Bette/my mom when she first meets Seth/Brandon, would be "Alex is serious enough for all of us."
While I don't know the majority of the events, I can tell a few that would make an appearance. One would include my parents and Jim/Jeff as I decide to pursue a career as a band promoter - a decision that also meant leaving the theater behind. (I grew up in a musical theater family. My parents now run their own children's musical theater company in Nevada.)
Another would be a conversation I have when I decide to move in with Seth/Brandon, a conversation that would involve my sister and my mother. This was a conversation that I thought would be a big deal. (Boy, was I wrong!) This would lead to a scene where the whole family (all the players except Jeff) meet Seth/Brandon.
I would also have to include the difficult conversation I had with my mother about changing career paths - another conversation that didn't go as awfully as I had planned.
I don't know how my story ends - so I can't imagine all of the points that will be in there, but I can kind of imagine a storybook ending. I'm not traditional in many things (remember, I've been in a relationship for 5 years with no plans or desired plans for a wedding,) but I kind of think that will happen, and I see my moving ending, in a positive way with many ups and not many downs, at my wedding. A family reunion, full of lots and lots of laughter, is perfect for someone so family centered.
This is one blog post I may revisit every year, as I know that over the years many things will happen that will need to be included in my life.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: In the movie version of your life, who would play you and the significant players in your life? What kind of movie is it, what would be the major plot points and how would it end?
#reverbBroads 11 - Day 3: Growing up? What's that?
0
|
My favorite type of movies are Disney movies. I have more cartoons on my Netflix list than anything else. When I was a child, I would dance around my living room to the Mary Martin version of Peter Pan. (At one point, but I may or may not have tied my grandmother up, while she slept, with a hook.) Needless to say, I take the plan to remain a child very seriously.
However, as you get older, you are bound to do things to grow up. Four years ago, I moved in with my partner. We're still together, and this past year he moved to Chicago with me. He had no job, not even a job prospect, just a degree and our love. That's kind of an adult thing to do.
Obviously, I got a big-kid job last year. That's an adult thing. However, my career places me in college for the rest of my life, so I can't say that I'm really grown up.
I put myself through college, and in the last year I've attempted to begin paying off those loans. Again, adult.
Also, I finished my Christmas shopping by the beginning of December. However, most people ended up with toys, so I'm not sure how grown up this accomplishment is.
However, in the last year, I've gone to the zoo a million times. (It helps to have a free zoo.) I've fallen in love with the Disney store (again), and increased the number of Disney movies I own. I've embraced the idea of being a responsible young adult. I pay my bills, I go see my family, but I also enjoy life.
I hate cliche quotes, but you really only live once. I know we all have to grow up, but I also think we need to laugh and embrace our inner child more than once a year.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: How did you become more of a grown-up this year? Or did you pull a Peter Pan and stubbornly remain childish?
However, as you get older, you are bound to do things to grow up. Four years ago, I moved in with my partner. We're still together, and this past year he moved to Chicago with me. He had no job, not even a job prospect, just a degree and our love. That's kind of an adult thing to do.
Obviously, I got a big-kid job last year. That's an adult thing. However, my career places me in college for the rest of my life, so I can't say that I'm really grown up.
I put myself through college, and in the last year I've attempted to begin paying off those loans. Again, adult.
Also, I finished my Christmas shopping by the beginning of December. However, most people ended up with toys, so I'm not sure how grown up this accomplishment is.
However, in the last year, I've gone to the zoo a million times. (It helps to have a free zoo.) I've fallen in love with the Disney store (again), and increased the number of Disney movies I own. I've embraced the idea of being a responsible young adult. I pay my bills, I go see my family, but I also enjoy life.
I hate cliche quotes, but you really only live once. I know we all have to grow up, but I also think we need to laugh and embrace our inner child more than once a year.
If you haven't heard, I'm participating in #ReverbBroads11 this month. Today's prompt: How did you become more of a grown-up this year? Or did you pull a Peter Pan and stubbornly remain childish?
#reverbbroads11 - Stupidest Moment Ever
0
|
Friday, December 2, 2011
As I've read other blogs about this, I think we all beat ourselves up a lot over the "stupid" things we've done. We all make mistakes. If we take chances, sometimes we are destined to embarrass ourselves, other times we are destined to fall on our face, but I don't think they are all "stupid" things.
I flew from Chicago to Nevada today, on day 1 of my 10 day vacation, and I spent a lot of time thinking about my stupidest moment of this year, or of my lifetime. One thing that I've been working on lately is not caring what other's think about me, or my choices in life, and doing what I want to do and making my own choices. That idea is where this story comes from.
I was in middle school. Middle school is a rough time for everyone, and I remember constantly struggling with being myself (an eccentric, crazy dresser) and fitting in (something that never did happen.) I sat with M regularly at lunch. She lived near me, so we also walked home together a lot. One day in gym class (the worst class ever assigned to middle school students), A (someone who I really wanted to like me,) told M she was gross, kicked at her and told her to "leave her alone."
I stood right there and watched it happen. It could have been any of us, really. Looking back, A was not very nice to anyone. In that moment, M needed a friend. Someone to console her, to tell her that it would get better. But in that moment, all I could do was know that if I stood up to A, she wouldn't like me.
News flash: She never did like me. We never were friends. Additionally, M and I were not friends after that point. We've lost touch, and I've never apologized. Who knows if she remembers this, but to this day, I do what I can to stand up for others and work really hard to ignore what others think, so that I don't replicate such a stupid mistake.
If, somehow, M does read this, I want you to know that I'm sorry. I never expect complete forgiveness, but I hope you were able to find support and comfort in your time of need.
If you didn't know, I'm blogging with the #ReverbBroads11. Today's prompt: What is the stupidest thing you've done this year? What about your whole life?
I flew from Chicago to Nevada today, on day 1 of my 10 day vacation, and I spent a lot of time thinking about my stupidest moment of this year, or of my lifetime. One thing that I've been working on lately is not caring what other's think about me, or my choices in life, and doing what I want to do and making my own choices. That idea is where this story comes from.
I was in middle school. Middle school is a rough time for everyone, and I remember constantly struggling with being myself (an eccentric, crazy dresser) and fitting in (something that never did happen.) I sat with M regularly at lunch. She lived near me, so we also walked home together a lot. One day in gym class (the worst class ever assigned to middle school students), A (someone who I really wanted to like me,) told M she was gross, kicked at her and told her to "leave her alone."
I stood right there and watched it happen. It could have been any of us, really. Looking back, A was not very nice to anyone. In that moment, M needed a friend. Someone to console her, to tell her that it would get better. But in that moment, all I could do was know that if I stood up to A, she wouldn't like me.
News flash: She never did like me. We never were friends. Additionally, M and I were not friends after that point. We've lost touch, and I've never apologized. Who knows if she remembers this, but to this day, I do what I can to stand up for others and work really hard to ignore what others think, so that I don't replicate such a stupid mistake.
If, somehow, M does read this, I want you to know that I'm sorry. I never expect complete forgiveness, but I hope you were able to find support and comfort in your time of need.
If you didn't know, I'm blogging with the #ReverbBroads11. Today's prompt: What is the stupidest thing you've done this year? What about your whole life?
#reverbbroads11: Dear Alex
0
|
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Dear 17-year-old-Alex,
Slow down. Please.
I have to admit, I'm super proud of you. You're one class away from your Associate's degree, and you haven't even graduated high school yet. Admittedly, this is quite an accomplishment, but you have to slow down. You are missing out on your life.
Give your brother and sister a break. They love you, and they just want to be friends with you. Soon, you're going to miss them. Spend some time with them; go to the movies, to a concert, just drive around. They are young (and I'm sure that can be annoying) but you will never get that time back.
Give mom and dad a break, too. Try to bite your tongue once in awhile because, just maybe, they are right. They have bent over backwards to give you everything you want and have never asked for anything back. You are about to get just what you asked for, but then things will change.
Hang out with your grandma. Since she got sick, your relationship with her has been strained. That's expected when you take on so much and it feels more like a responsibility then a grandma-granddaughter relationship. You have no clue how much you will miss her. A year later, you still dial her phone number, only to remember there isn't a comforting voice over that line, there aren't any more ridiculous hats coming, and there is no one there to just listen when you need it. Cherish what little time you have there.
Give him up. I know, right now, you think he's your world, but he isn't. You will move on, and you will find one of the most kind-hearted, caring and gentle men out there. I can't tell you how that turns out, but, for your sake, just let him go.
I know this seems like a lot of (uncalled for) advice, but I just want you to slow down. You whipped through high school, achieving something some people never achieve in a life time. Unfortunately, that attitude followed you in college. You succeeded, as you always have, but you whipped through college, too. You missed out on a lot of opportunities because you did your Bachelor's degree in three years; you then will launch right into a Master's degree, and get hired straight out of college.
It won't be until that caring, kind-hearted man forces you to that you begin to slow down and take each moment for what it's worth. Cherish your friendships, your family, and your time. You'll appreciate it, I promise.
Keep your sass, though. It suits you.
-Alex
Slow down. Please.
I have to admit, I'm super proud of you. You're one class away from your Associate's degree, and you haven't even graduated high school yet. Admittedly, this is quite an accomplishment, but you have to slow down. You are missing out on your life.
Give your brother and sister a break. They love you, and they just want to be friends with you. Soon, you're going to miss them. Spend some time with them; go to the movies, to a concert, just drive around. They are young (and I'm sure that can be annoying) but you will never get that time back.
Give mom and dad a break, too. Try to bite your tongue once in awhile because, just maybe, they are right. They have bent over backwards to give you everything you want and have never asked for anything back. You are about to get just what you asked for, but then things will change.
Hang out with your grandma. Since she got sick, your relationship with her has been strained. That's expected when you take on so much and it feels more like a responsibility then a grandma-granddaughter relationship. You have no clue how much you will miss her. A year later, you still dial her phone number, only to remember there isn't a comforting voice over that line, there aren't any more ridiculous hats coming, and there is no one there to just listen when you need it. Cherish what little time you have there.
Give him up. I know, right now, you think he's your world, but he isn't. You will move on, and you will find one of the most kind-hearted, caring and gentle men out there. I can't tell you how that turns out, but, for your sake, just let him go.
I know this seems like a lot of (uncalled for) advice, but I just want you to slow down. You whipped through high school, achieving something some people never achieve in a life time. Unfortunately, that attitude followed you in college. You succeeded, as you always have, but you whipped through college, too. You missed out on a lot of opportunities because you did your Bachelor's degree in three years; you then will launch right into a Master's degree, and get hired straight out of college.
It won't be until that caring, kind-hearted man forces you to that you begin to slow down and take each moment for what it's worth. Cherish your friendships, your family, and your time. You'll appreciate it, I promise.
Keep your sass, though. It suits you.
-Alex
I'm joining #reverbbroads11. Today's prompt:
If the you of today could go back in time and give advice to any of the previous yous, which age would you visit and what would you tell them?
When autumn leaves start to fall...
0
|
Monday, October 10, 2011
Today, I paired my green/white scarf with a tank top and a long sweater (I can never figure out how to wear these long sweaters) with khaki's. I don't normally wear khaki's or jeans to work, but today was fall break day (a day where our students don't have class.) I decided that was a good enough indicator to kick off Fall. This is what I love about Fall:
The changing colors: yellow, orange and red
The beginning of pumpkin season
(I don't get to carve pumpkins, but I'll eat/drink it wherever I can!)
A calm in the weather
(I don't think I'd do very well in tropical climates. I thrive with the chill)
Scarves
Apple cider
(hot or cold, this drink is my favorite!)
The threat of the first snow of the season.
(I love snow!)
What are your favorite things about this wonderful season?
A Morning Girl
0
|
A morning girl...that I am not. I've recently joined a group of awesome women (and maybe 1 or 2 men?) on Facebook on a quest to lose 20 pounds by Christmas. I'm actually down 6 since I started, which is just fabulous! I attribute it to three things 1) the support and motivation of these women (1 of them just RAN A MARATHON!) 2) I live in Chicago and I walk EVERYWHERE and 3) my attempt to become more of a morning person.
Since I'm not a morning person, I rarely eat breakfast, but I've been trying to get better about that. I found a few recipes and, after some tweaking, decided to share these amazing breakfast muffins. Let me know what you think!
Ingredients:
1 cup sour milk (put 1 tbsp. vinegar in a 1 cup measure. fill with milk. I use almond milk)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oat flour (blend 1/2 cup oats until powdery - I suggest NOT skipping this ingredient)
1/2 cup wheat flour (I don't have this. I use regular flour and it's fine.)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup oats
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine sour milk, applesauce, margarine, vanilla, egg and sugar. Mix well
3. Stir together oat flour, flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Mix well.
5. Fold in oats and apricots.
6. Put in muffin tins (or reusable cups, see below!) and bake for 20 minutes.
(Please excuse the sideways photograph. It refuses to upload appropriately.)
What do you do for breakfast? I'd love to try YOUR recipes!
Since I'm not a morning person, I rarely eat breakfast, but I've been trying to get better about that. I found a few recipes and, after some tweaking, decided to share these amazing breakfast muffins. Let me know what you think!
Ingredients:
1 cup sour milk (put 1 tbsp. vinegar in a 1 cup measure. fill with milk. I use almond milk)
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 egg
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oat flour (blend 1/2 cup oats until powdery - I suggest NOT skipping this ingredient)
1/2 cup wheat flour (I don't have this. I use regular flour and it's fine.)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup oats
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Combine sour milk, applesauce, margarine, vanilla, egg and sugar. Mix well
3. Stir together oat flour, flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. Add flour mixture to wet mixture. Mix well.
5. Fold in oats and apricots.
6. Put in muffin tins (or reusable cups, see below!) and bake for 20 minutes.
(Please excuse the sideways photograph. It refuses to upload appropriately.)
What do you do for breakfast? I'd love to try YOUR recipes!
Lessons Learned
0
|
Friday, September 30, 2011
If you follow my blog, you're familiar with my #52in52 project. As a grad student, I thought that sounded like an awesome way to start my first year as a professional. I started in January, and figured it would take me through December. Unfortunately, on this last day of September, I completed my project. I've learned a LOT this year, and I've had lots of questions about what I read, and I'd like to share what I've learned. Because I work in education, I rarely track my years from January - December (just look at my memory books with Brandon - they go September - August, like the school year), so we'll work our way through chronologically.
January
I read 17 books in January. (That's either a sign that it's a down-time at work, OR that I spent a lot of time commuting.) I read about struggles and I learned that you're not alone. Whether you are a corporate hot-shot thrown into motherhood when your best friend dies (The Accidental Mother, Rowan Coleman) or struggling because of new surroundings (The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears, Dinaw Mengestu), you will never be alone.
I read about choices and I learned that you can overcome anything. Whether it's where you left your brother as a child (Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay) or a relationship that you didn't act on years ago (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford), there are reasons that we make the choices we do.
(My guess is I'm missing some books in February.)
March
I read 5 books in March. I read about love and passion, and I learned that you can move on from the pain. Whether it's the pain of having to put your best friend to sleep (The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein) or the pain from being the happiest person on earth (Generosity, Richard Powers), we can move on.
April
I read 3 books in April. I read about trials, and I learned that everyone is being tested in their own way, and that we need to learn to appreciate one another more. Whether it's the trials of surviving every day in war, (Generation Kill, Evan Wright), surviving every day in life (Tell Them Who I Am, Elliott Liebow) or the test of a friendship (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See), we all are being challenged, and no one has it "easy." That was a good month for that lesson.
May
I read 3 books in May, and I learned that we have to be more positive in order to succeed in life. (How Full Is Your Bucket, Tom Rath)
June
I read 5 books in June, and I saw my learning as an extension of April and May. We have to be positive in order to overcome life tests. Life's test could involve our parents and their parenting style (The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells), or not knowing who your son's father is (A Father's Affair, Karel Glastra Van Loon), positivity is key in life.
July
I read 4 books in July. I learned that there are some books I have no desire to finish (but I did - The Things That Matter, Edward Mendelson), and that you shouldn't read sad books on the CTA, unless you want to look crazy (Atonement, Ian McEwan).
August
I read 9 books in August. I learned a great deal about many things (Approaching the Qu'ran, Anthony Michael Sells and Three Cups of Deceit, Jon Krakauer), and re-visited a high-school recommended (but not read) reading (The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros).
September
I finished my challenge with 6 books in September. I laughed (The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie), I cried (sobbed - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard) and I took a look at a fellow (but complex) book lover (The Book Thief, Markus Zusak).
Someone asked my favorite. I can't pick just one - and I think that's proved by what I've learned. I wouldn't give this knowledge up for anything, but I can narrow it down.
1 - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard
2 - Three Weeks With My Brother, Nicholas Sparks
3 - Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
4 - The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells
5 - The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
What have you read this year?
January
I read 17 books in January. (That's either a sign that it's a down-time at work, OR that I spent a lot of time commuting.) I read about struggles and I learned that you're not alone. Whether you are a corporate hot-shot thrown into motherhood when your best friend dies (The Accidental Mother, Rowan Coleman) or struggling because of new surroundings (The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears, Dinaw Mengestu), you will never be alone.
I read about choices and I learned that you can overcome anything. Whether it's where you left your brother as a child (Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay) or a relationship that you didn't act on years ago (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford), there are reasons that we make the choices we do.
(My guess is I'm missing some books in February.)
March
I read 5 books in March. I read about love and passion, and I learned that you can move on from the pain. Whether it's the pain of having to put your best friend to sleep (The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein) or the pain from being the happiest person on earth (Generosity, Richard Powers), we can move on.
April
I read 3 books in April. I read about trials, and I learned that everyone is being tested in their own way, and that we need to learn to appreciate one another more. Whether it's the trials of surviving every day in war, (Generation Kill, Evan Wright), surviving every day in life (Tell Them Who I Am, Elliott Liebow) or the test of a friendship (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Lisa See), we all are being challenged, and no one has it "easy." That was a good month for that lesson.
May
I read 3 books in May, and I learned that we have to be more positive in order to succeed in life. (How Full Is Your Bucket, Tom Rath)
June
I read 5 books in June, and I saw my learning as an extension of April and May. We have to be positive in order to overcome life tests. Life's test could involve our parents and their parenting style (The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells), or not knowing who your son's father is (A Father's Affair, Karel Glastra Van Loon), positivity is key in life.
July
I read 4 books in July. I learned that there are some books I have no desire to finish (but I did - The Things That Matter, Edward Mendelson), and that you shouldn't read sad books on the CTA, unless you want to look crazy (Atonement, Ian McEwan).
August
I read 9 books in August. I learned a great deal about many things (Approaching the Qu'ran, Anthony Michael Sells and Three Cups of Deceit, Jon Krakauer), and re-visited a high-school recommended (but not read) reading (The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros).
September
I finished my challenge with 6 books in September. I laughed (The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie), I cried (sobbed - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard) and I took a look at a fellow (but complex) book lover (The Book Thief, Markus Zusak).
Someone asked my favorite. I can't pick just one - and I think that's proved by what I've learned. I wouldn't give this knowledge up for anything, but I can narrow it down.
1 - The Meaning of Matthew, Judy Shepard
2 - Three Weeks With My Brother, Nicholas Sparks
3 - Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson
4 - The Glass Castle, Jeannette Wells
5 - The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein
What have you read this year?
Posts
