The Essential New Year's Eve Post

Once again, I've been lazy. That's how I do with these thingies.
I suppose I'll have to buck up and keep you, my loyal followers, entertained and amused.
Anyway, 17 days until I move to Los Angeles. Six days until I hit Chicago again. It's all happening so fast.
Here are my LA updates:
-I have a place to live in Glendale/Burbank with two seemingly awesome roommates.
-I am looking for a car.
-I am applying for jobs for weekends/nights. If anyone has any ideas of where I can apply, let me know.
-If I have Rock Island followers (very doubtful, but mad props if there are), come in and see me. It's the last time you can get delicious ice cream treats that I made.
-My room is in boxes. For all intents and purposes, I think I'm transient.
-No idea what's going to happen or with whom I am staying in Chicago. Possibly Nick, possibly anyone else.
-One of my very best friends, my dearest Teenerz, is a hot mess and I may or may not get to see her again until May. I'm distraught. Teenerz, I will do my best to get to DeKalb. If not, I shall write you and call you and all of that important goo.
-If you know folks in California, let them know I'm coming and send me their contact info. Please. I don't want to be lonely.

So that's about it. If you, dear reader/follower/browser/creepass stalker can help or encourage, keep me posted.
I'll try and do the same.

Now, for the current situation. The moment:
My New Year's plans to sit at home and watch LotR yet again got screwed up by Michaela's having plans (she 14, for goodness sake!), and my parents having plans, and the neighbors coming over. So it looks like it might just be the first one for me. I'm a little upset, but the first one, as I told one of my adoring fans (okay, not fan, but whatever) last night, holds all of life's answers. I watch it every New Year's Eve, and I swear it gives me direction. It's like talking to God indirectly, I've decided.
Does that make Peter, Fran, and Philippa prophets?

I have lost my creativity recently. My ideas have gone away when I need them most, and I think it's because I am afraid. Maybe I need to be inspired. General Patton, my hero, never got scared. Or if something scared him, he met it head on. Rommel, for example, should have scared the living daylights out of any military tactician, but Patton read his book. Those glorious bastards. I need to read something or see something that will make me believe I have ability. Or will at least clear my head enough to let me think. This brain in my head has rallied in mutiny, and it's running away with all my thoughts so that I can't trace it.

I'm out for now. Off to rock out to Guitar Hero until it's appropriate to hear God through Frodo and a little guy named Sam G.

It's Been Far Too Long

I am back in Rock Island. Funny how this is where I get my best writing done. I think it has to do with The River.
But damn it, I am so sad. I think. I'm not actually sure how to feel right now, because I am also ecstatically happy, anxious, excited, and ready for Christmas.
Nick loaned me The Princess Bride and it was wonderful to finish a novel again. And to be so engrossed I could read it in a day. For those few hours, I felt like myself, completely, entirely, and wonderfully. I can't wait to devour another book. Or to talk about this one. I love when people give me books. Honestly, aside from going to the movie theater to watch a movie, there is nothing more connective that I can think of. More genuinely connective. There is an intimacy to words that I cannot even begin to explain because I don't know if anyone else shares my sentiments. And with movies in the theater, there is this shared experience and celebration of imagination. People are silent and still and the collective consciousness prevails for that two hours.
I hate to see relationships that work change. And I just went a changed a lot of them. Changing relationships means that you usually have to express sentimentality, and I am really bad at it. I truly do care about people. I love--yes LOVE--most of my friends. But it's so hard to express that. It's so hard to just walk up to... oh, we'll say Christine or Andy since they were near-successes in the good-bye department and say "I love you and I love that you are in my life, so please stay, even if it means that it will be in a different capacity because I want to stay in yours" without missing the point or sounding clinical. Also, too many people gave me gifts. Give me your time, maybe write a note, but gifts? Oh, they were all charming and wonderful gifts--but it's so uncomfortable and I can't explain why. Let me just say that I did not receive a single gifty-gift for my birthday this year. Just a tattoo. And it was the most perfect birthday ever except the one where I got Chicklet, but giving a living creature as a gift also constitutes not a gifty-gift. Especially when it's Chicklet.
The point is, I am sad and confused and I really just want another night like Friday night, and another night like Saturday night, and maybe Tuesday night as well when I had tea that turned out to be coffee with Jordan. There was something terribly funny about meeting in the middle during all that snow fall.

Fairy tale later today, I PROMISE. I need to get lunch and unpack.

Thank You, Thank You

In the spirit of the holiday, I suppose I should make a list of... 50 things for which I am Thankful. This can include people, things, or events.

1. My faith--Relient K sums it up best with "For the Moments I Feel Faint."
2. Cream Soda--As much as you should "never underestimate my Jesus", also never underestimate the power of your favorite beverage after a long day.
3. My parents--Dad is a crime-fighter and Mom saves little kids, even if just for a little bit during their school week.
4. Michaela--I love that girl more than anyone can know.
5. Caleb--even though he hates me.
6. The Mississippi River--my soul and my car keys are there.
7. The jobs I've had--from Whitey's to Kenwood to PacSun to The Cage, I've yet to have a bad job or a bad boss.
8. Bathrooms--I can't help it, but I just love bathrooms. It's the one place where, even in public, you are offered a good amount of privacy.
9. "All These Things that I've Done" by The Killers--nothing like dancing anywhere anyhow and singing along with nearly anyone.
10. Cheeseburgers--best food ever. Medium well with either American, Swiss, Provolone, or Cheddar cheeses, ketchup, mustard, and (maybe) three pickle chips.
11. Chips and Cheesy Salsa--I love this shit.
12. Miss Mittens--We've been together for nearly 15 years, and she has yet to fail me or fight me.
13. My pets-Ariel and Jack, I love you.
14. My new tattoo.
15. Talking on AIM every day with Nathaniel.
16. Talking to Cody at least 2 times a week in the film offices.
17. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring--BEST MOVIE EVER. No argument.
18. Zoolander and Tropic Thunder--Ben Stiller, keep doing what you do.
19. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Toulane--great book.
20. Summertime bike rides along the bike path with a camera.
21. Swing sets.
22. Chick flicks that film kids make fun of me for.
23. My hooker boots.
24. Revelations that tell me to start a cultural revolution. Yeah, it's true. I'm the new Ginsberg, and I've already picked my Kerouac. Auditions for Cassady and Burroughs begin tomorrow.
25. Hair dye and hair cuts and change.
26. The guys on the 20th floor of 2 East 8th--while some of you will be getting a sub-category, all of you together (Andy, Mike, Connor, Justin, and Austin), you all fill this collective need in my life for friends and neighbors and a safe space when bad things happen and I'm in crummy Chicago.
27. Andy Hannon--You are a great friend who reminds me of what I am capable. I only hope you can see it in yourself and realize that you are one of the coolest fuckers on this planet. I cannot believe I just wrote that word--and I did it for you Hannon--something that rare means you must be special.
28. Mike Altstadt--sorry if I treat you like my kid at times, I know I'm not your mom, but you never fail at brightening my day with Castle Crashers, Oreos, or just a hug.
29. Justin Spilker--I cannot wait to call you when I meet celebrities. I'll miss you a lot.
30. Christine Fiedler--Girl, you're my only female friend, and you have no idea what that means to me. You're also the greatest at saving my ass in a problem spot.
31. Wrigleyville.
32. Michaela's Nintendo Wii.
33. French horn music at Christmastime.
34. Midge the 1996 Deep Plum Honda Odyssey minivan that I love.
35. TAing with Riley on Tuesdays.
36. Sabrina Drobnich--best roommate I could have gotten.
37. Amtrak Trains--sans terrorists with meat tenderizers and potato mashers.
38. Watching movies in the theater--It never gets old. Milk reminded me of this recently when everyone still managed to leave smiling after an assassination.
39. Michael Bay movies, Vin Diesel movies, and other guilty pleasure films and friends like Jim who tolerate them because of either good scores or complete badasserie. Jim, I'm also supremely thankful for you, and I think you're as awesome as a Bay film.
40. Saturdays in The Cage--Nick is terrible and mean, Dan is hilarious and my greatest superior, Mac is probably drunk off of panc-juice or in need of panc-porn, Jon is geeking out over something Star Wars or Batman related, and everyone else is just in and out, except JJ who is napping.
41. Smoking Hookah-it's delicious and relaxing.
42. Having friends in my gen. ed. classes--Holden Wilson and Stefan Morrison are lifesavers.
43. Daniel Plainview being created and perfected in There Will Be Blood.
44. Matchbox Twenty--yes, they're my favorite band and I'm finally comfortable admitting it.
45. Whitey's Ice Cream and Oreos--together, they are perfection.
46. My mom's tacos.
47. Pink and Green Chuck Taylors--the only kind of Chucks for me are the ones that are pink and green.
48. Reading new books with friends--1984 anyone? Me and Jordan loved it, and so will you.
49. Watching a country on the brink of change--and no, B-Rock isn't that change. WE are. S0 perhaps what I am thankful for in this slot is the recent surge of power that I feel as an individual part of the collective consciousness.
50. Troy Polamalu on the Pittsburgh Steelers--He can jump over men and tackle other men and be an icon all while being so precious and softspoken.

So there we are. Fifty things for which I am thankful. I could go on for 50 more, I'm sure.
Here's to chanting the beauty of the good.

It's Been Awhile Since I've Fairytaled

It never ceases to amaze me how Life insists that I be wrong for thinking logically. Right now, the circumstances in my life are (vaguely, and I apologize) something like this:

I leave in 2 months for Los Angeles. TWO MONTHS.
Something new and exciting has just started here in Chicago.
In all likelihood, it will be impossible for said new and exciting thing to remain in my life in LA.

So there that is. And I am not stressed about it, and I don't think it's wrong, but I don't know what to do.

How is it that I am okay with this?

Now for dinner stories:

Aurelia arrived at City Hall just ten minutes early. City Hall in Hardenstall contained a ballroom which also doubled as a meeting hall, and, in this case, a banquet hall. There were about fifteen other people in the room when Aurelia walked in--city officials, servers, and two of the three dignitaries--and she remained mostly unnoticed. Prince Reginald, however, was just entering the room from a side door as discreetly as he could when he spotted Aurelia moving along the edge of the crowd. He ducked behind a small plant as she moved his direction. He did not want anyone to notice him so that he could speak to her.
As Aurelia walked the edge of the crowd, she passed close to the two Outsiders and wondered where the prince was. Then she caught a snippet of their conversation:
"I do hope that seamstress arrives soon."
"Do you think she is the one?"
"Yes. The Judge said she lives outside of town."
"That gives us ample opportunity to speak with her."
"Precisely. But there is something about her. She does not look like these people, and she certainly has a gift."
"You're right. She is the sorceress."
Aurelia hurried past them and stopped a moment. She stood directly in front of Prince Reginald, nearly in tears.
Prince Reginald had heard the conversation as well, being near enough and very good at reading lips. He reached out to Aurelia, who recoiled at his touch.
"It's just Prince Reginald."
She made a move to leave him.
"Please, I heard their conversation, and we are not here for you. At least, not to my knowledge."
"Please, Your Highness, tell me what's going on."
"Come outside with me, and I will fill you in."

The two left the way Prince Reginald entered the room, and both thought they went unnoticed.

Sealing My Fate

Today I turned in my application for my Semester(s) in LA. There is no turning back at this point--I'm ready to go. It's time, to lamely and nerdily quote Rob Dyrdek and Chris Boykin, to DO WORK.
Last night, I hung out with a large group of very good friends and watched The Office. It felt so good to be laughing and smiling. Not that I don't do that regularly, but it was different last night. There is a peace about the direction my life has taken in which I know who I am, I know my merits, and I can love everyone for theirs as well.
No fairy tale today. I have a screenplay to develop and a world to embrace.
Also, as a note, regardless of my political opinions and standings, which no one in my life can legitimately say they know but me, it was really cool to see so many people so happy about a political figure on Tuesday.

Straight into the fairytale today:

Straight into the fairytale today:

Prince Reginald rode away and tried, with great difficulty, not to look back at the beautiful seamstress. He knew that he should be less distracted. Luren may be massing forces and there may be a Lurenese sorceress harbored in Hardenstall. But that woman was so beautiful, and she did not fall flat on her face when she saw him. She looked him in the eye without defiance and without fear. When he spoke to her, he forgot he was a prince; he forgot, for a moment, about Luren and about all his responsibilities.
"Your highness?" Lord Urbond rode next to him, straightening his horse, who was about to head off the path.
"Sorry, I was... well, I'm concerned, obviously."
"Yes, but you need to at least make it to the meetings today if we are to solve any of our problems with Luren."
The problems Lord Urbond was referring to were, of course, the growing threat of Luren going to war with Evars. Having lived in peace for over three centuries, Luren and Evars were neutral neighbors. However, about 16 years ago, the Lurenese ambassador's daughter, a born sorceress, was abducted and lost somewhere in Evars. It was thought to be by one of the family's many Lurenese servants, and the search continued and was evenutally dropped. However, peace remained between the countries. It was not a political crime, but a personal one. Lately, though, one Lurenese magician had attempted, in hopes of solving this long mystery, to connect with the girl's magical side, to see if she was still alive or at least magical enough for her corpse to give a read. This magician, an enchantress named Ulianne, was convinced that the young woman was still alive and hiding in Evars. However, some other magical force was clouding her ability to get a good read on the whereabouts of the girl.
Of course, Luren took this to mean that someone in the kingdom of Evars was harboring this young woman under magic, which would, of course, require consent of the Evarian government. So, negotiations began for the permission to search Evars for the missing young sorceress.
Prince Reginald took responsibility for this matter. His father, unknown to any but a few, was falling seriously ill, and the Prince was taking on more and more responsibility.
Of course, this left the Prince wondering why this girl was supposed to be so important and how a sorceress powerful enough to break through a magical shield had gone unnoticed for so long.

Aurelia closed her shop early that day. She had to create a gown for her dinner that evening--something fit for royalty, but it was the first time she would be composing in the city limits. Her methods, being magical, may have turned some unwanted attention her way, so she preferred to work in her shop without interruption.
Using finest silks and lace, she created in just half an hour, a dress worthy of a princess. However, she stared at it awhile and realized its decadence might give her away. Somehow, though she didn't understand how, she knew that Lord Urbond suspected that she had a gift. And in just thinking about making the dress less, it morphed into a still elegant, but much simpler, creation. Through it all, she could not quit thinking about her interaction with the prince. He looked nervous--almost as nervous as she felt. And as she thought about him, she realized she could see him in her mind. This happened when she thought too long on people. Though, it did not happen often since she had so very little outside contact. He was in meetings with the city's mayor, asking permission to set up camp on the outskirts of town near the great lake--and near her house.
Curious as to whether or not she could control the Prince's thoughts and actions, since she could see them, she projected, or she felt she projected, a location about a mile west, beyond the cliff, where her house would be out of sight.
To her surprise, when she tuned back into the Prince's meeting, he selected the location on the map. However, in addition to her relief, Aurelia felt a twinge of guilt.
She shook her head and stood up, clearing her mind. She put on her dress and did her hair, getting ready for dinner that night.

Coloring Books, Howl, and Chips and Cheesy Salsa

Today, I managed to scrape together 30 pages of a screenplay that might now have a direction. My coffee pot became a geyser when I forgot to put the top lid down. Steaming water spewed all over my kitchen at 6:13 a.m., and all I could do was turn off the coffee maker, clean the mess, and shut the lid. My coffee came out fine less than seven minutes later. The epiphany, of course, was that my character had a dilemma that he ignores or quite some time. I spent ten minutes wondering why my coffee maker sounded funny. Then he fixes the problem and cleans the mess. First, though, he has to acknowledge the problem. I had to walk into the kitchen. There was a moment of panic when I realized I might get hit with some steaming-hot water droplets. But what else could I do? And what else can my character do? The mess would only get bigger and more dangerous. Same with Eric (my character). So, Eric and I had an epiphany, and now things are going much, much better. In fact, I may repeat the instance in my screenplay for symbolic effect.
Also today, I got to throw around ideas for another person's screenplay. I got to use what I had learned in class to help someone else develop a wonderful idea. Granted, it's just a Production 1 film, but it can still be good. It can be a wonderful short. I am excited to put this into production.
Fairy tale tomorrow. I'm in a good mood and want to fall asleep on a high note. Alas, Aurelia cannot keep ending on high notes for long, so I'm going to save her for at least one more day.

Plus, my day was spent rediscovering past loves, not past pasts. I had my first dish of chips and cheesy salsa in five days, my first rereading of Howl in about three months, and my first coloring book in countless years. All glorious; all reminders of why I should love myself. The chips and cheesy salsa are just delicious, and my taste-buds are meant to love that over-processed goodness. Howl --especially part 3, is not just about Rockland, but Rock(Is)land, where you, my dear reader, would wind up madder than me, because I've survived the damned thing. And the small triumph of finishing the picture with all the colors in their place in the lines is most wonderful.

Good night, good night!