So this is some old role playing I did with a couple friends from National 4-H Congress. I was inspired/challenged to play a villain on an RPG board. Here's the background for the story:
The Story
After years of pollution, all life on Earth was either forced underground or died. Running low on all life support supplies, humanity gathered together what they could, and in a desparate attempt to stay alive, fled the planet in a single, great ship.
After crashlanding on an eerily Earth-like planet, the remaining population stayed together for survival. But, as humans are, they refused to give up the technology they had.
Over the years, the population spread, building new and greater cities. Brilliant minds duplicated and improved the technology brought from Earth, making high tech life-support and super-food - and weapons as well. And humanity, too busy with themselves, overlooked everything else.
Hidden away, there were other things. From Earth, things had hidden on the ship, mutations and ancient life forms. On the new planet, other things had lived for ages, and now watched. Things humanity had thought only to be in storybooks.
How wrong they were.
Some of humanity has realized they aren't alone. But most won't believe that things are creeping in...
Information
Centuries have past since the crash, long enough that Earth is now no more than a tale of old. Unlike in the past, humanity is not reaching skyward, but focusing instead on those places they have colonized. Despite the years, most of the planet remains uncharted, though recent decades have brought about explorers - many of whom disapear, and are forgotten.
Numerous other races exist, most out somewhere in the wilderness, some walking about the cities like any human would. Many have their own ways, and their own technologies, but it is mostly humans who push the mass use of machinery.
Now here's the part I wrote :
Atlantis. The city of dreams. The city of peace. A peaceful life, where all could grow and prosper without the hanging tide of gluttony and greed that had swept the planet. Freedom. Prosperity. Safety for all who cross its threshold.
How quaint.
Michael wore a tiny grin behind his menu. He was sitting in a classy French restaurant that was frequented by the well-to-do of the city. Watching the other patrons as they dined in the soft light of candles, he was thinking about what had this city all abuzz. Atlantis. His smug grin grew wider at the thought of it. Atlantis was supposed to be a place of sanctuary for all non-humans, a place of rebirth for thier races so that they may live in thier own city in peace with the new human race. He scoffed mentally at this idea.
Really. Such fools. How could it be possible to live peacfully with such... vermin. Without their precious machines, thier command of their digital aresnals, humans would fall so easily...
The soft glows of the candles glittered off the silverware on the immaculate white table cloth and seemed to accent the tender strains of a piano in the background. Michael looked to the night sky through the glass next to him. The stars seemed so dim with all the smog and trash those vermin had produced. But soon all this would come to an end. Atlantis would come to be, but it would be under HIS command. A place of peace, indeed, but only after eliminating the competition.
The piano music seemed to fade as the blood pounded through Michael's ears. The plan would work yes... the ancient ways were still alive.... and the humans had forgotten what little they knew of the true sciences. The sciences of the elements, the alchemy that would soon shut down thier world. Yes. A blight would fall upon the human race, and the ancient races would once again rule the planet.
The city of Atlantis will be consencrated with the blood of humans...
Michael calmed as the waiter walked up, and flashed him a classic friendly smile.
"Sir, what is your pleasure for this evening?"
"The braised scallops and julliened garden vegetables." Michael answered, scanning the menu languidly.
"Very good sir, and to drink?"
"I believe a bordeaux is in order, I am celebrating a recent business victory."
"Yes, sir. Congratulations sir. I'll have it brought right to your table."
The waiter scurried off, leaving Michael eyeing the man's jugular with heavy lidded eyes. He could almost taste the man's blood, and yet he must eat like the other patrons to keep up appearances. Michael sighed and watched the stars. The waiter's blood would not satisfy him, anyway. He was like all the other humans on this planet, a mixed breed. One who was a descendant of the true humans from earth that had interbred with the strikingly brilliant and human-like inhabitants of this new planet they had colonized. No, the waiter's blood would be bland, not with the exciting metallic taste that a TRUE human's blood had. It was a true human that he must use to create his atlantis, this Michale knew... for otherwise, his kingdom would fall as fast as he would create it.
"Your wine, sir." The waiter had returned, carrying a chilled bottle of red bourdeax in a white towel. The waiter showed Michael the label before being given a nod to uncork the bottle and pour the man a glass of the wine.
"Will that be all sir?" the waiter asked, as Michael sipped a taste from the wineglass.
"Yes, thank you." Michael said, barely lifting his eyes. The waiter nodded and scuttled off. Michael stared at the wine in his glass for a moment through heavy lidded eyes.
Red. Blood red. Like the streets of my city will be when I use the blood of a human to purify this world.
He stared out into the starry night sky again, and began to contemplate the waxing moon. But where was Michael to find a full-blooded human? Not one of these mixed breed mutts that were only slightly better than the original vermin. His plan would not work without the proper... ingredients.
The moon was waxing. Soon it would be full, and his plan could begin. His needed human blood was near, young and fresh. He had even used his alchemical knowledge to pluck it from times gone by.
A black bird flew by the window, bringing Michael out of his reverie. There were others, he knew. Searching for his city, and what they thought it should be. But he would decieve them until it was too late. Until they were already citizens of his realm, and it was too late to escape. Too late for so many of the vermin.
Michael sipped his red wine, staring at the moon.
The time is near...
He gave a fanged grin to the luminous orb above him, and prepared to leave.[/i]
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
A discourse on public speaking
“The Emiquon Project near Havana, Illinois is the largest wetlands restoration project since the Florida Everglades. It should be noticed that the nearby Chataka…that is, the nearby Chautauqua Wildlife Reserve…”
The harsh lights shine down on me as I grip the black lectern like a lifeline. I stand stock still in a momentary mortification of my mispronunciation. This must be what a deer in the headlights feels likes: caught in a situation that could cost it everything. I can feel a single bead of sweat roll down my face as I realize my faux pas. Shocked at my own mistake, I race through the rest of my notes as my mouth trips even more and my voice becomes garbled.
It was one mistake that began the crumble. During an important public speaking competition at the State Fair, I stumbled over my words and sped through the rest of the speech. For months now, I had slaved over, scrutinized, written and rewritten my material and now all seemed in vain. I am a perfectionist by nature, and such an amateur mistake for a two-year competitor was disgraceful. Shamefully, I exited the stage sure that I had failed and ruined any chance I had had for the coveted title of Champion. Later in the day, I received the remarks my judge had written during the discourse of my presentation. The most prominent was this: “Come out from behind the podium. You hide yourself back there. You started out so well, but lost all your confidence once you started to speed up. Slow down, and be confident. You are in control.”
I remember staring at the words for several minutes; it seemed both an edict of death and an issued challenge. It was true: I had failed to garner the title of Champion. However this wasn’t the end. I would be back next year, and I would be ready to conquer. Before anything was to happen, though, I would need to learn to be more comfortable on stage.
At first, I paced like a caged wild animal, unable to master the artful glide of a true master orator. My motions were erratic and nervous without the hulk of a lectern or podium to shield me from the obtrusive gaze of my listeners. During this time of dissatisfaction with my own performance, I looked at professional speakers such as Josh Shipp, Byron Garrett, and Keith Patterson to study their own techniques in order to develop a style all my own. Gradually, I began to fall into the rhythm of speaking. I kept at an even pace and learned to match my emotions with my tone of voice and rate of movement. I honed my skills by taking a course at a local college and continued to test myself by speaking in front of audiences large and small. Finally, I deemed myself ready to once again compete.
A deep breath. I take a single moment to calm my heartbeat before launching out into the unknown. Eyes of the untamable audience stare back at me as I rise from my seat to take center stage. It is fearful exhilaration that I feel as I loose a tumultuous jig of words, painting emotion and fact upon the hearts of my listeners. Their ears belong to me, their eyes are fixed upon my figure as I look straight back at them, pausing a moment to let my words sink even deeper before plunging home the harpoon of my purpose. I combine poise with passion. I am in control as I leave my spectators with one last jewel of knowledge and glance of finality as the applause follows me down from the spotlight.
How corny can I be? I can be cornier... trust me... this was an essay I used for a writing portfolio, its so crappy... stupid word limits....
What was I thinking? My entrance essay for UIS CAP Scholars....
As a rapid-fire intellectual and an individual of deep convictions, my educational and professional futures have always been of great concern. Throughout the years I have endeavored to participate in activities and events that have helped me to grow as a leader and scholar so that I may become a more informed and accomplished student. In selecting my career path, I wish not only to excel, but also to have the chance to continue to use the skills that I have cultivated. Thus, it is my desire to pursue a major in the area of legal studies in order to fully take advantage of these leadership skills and my proficiency in communicating my ideas through the spoken and written word.
However, this is not to say legal studies are the only area of education I wish to receive.
Rather, I would like to engage in discussion and inquiries in various other subjects as well. I fancy myself a bit of a ‘renaissance’ woman. I have always tried to be a very well rounded individual by pursing opportunities and interests in a wide variety of areas. These interests have included everything from Civil War history to clay sculpting, running to ballroom dancing, poetry to the culinary arts, civil engineering, environmental issues and beyond. Perhaps this is why I have often found myself contemplating the Capital Honors Scholar’s Program. This program offers me a chance to have a broad understanding of the world around me while still pursuing the core elements of a legal studies major. I find the collaborative learning environment offered by the CAP Scholar’s Program both intriguing and challenging: a quality I value highly in all of my intellectual experiences.
By combining areas of curriculum that directly relate to my major and also that connect to this ever-changing world of ours, I hope to receive an education that will train me to be an adaptable and open-minded adult. I fully believe that the University of Illinois at Springfield can not only provide me with the tools necessary to succeed in the legal field but also help to carry my aspirations for leadership and scholarship to new heights.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Stuck in Stats...
So I'm sitting here waiting to get my notebook back from my statistics class... very depressing... I always blank on math tests.. It's not my strongest subject at all. My weakest really... It's because I KNOW I am not good at math that I have the problem of blanking. Despite spending the previous hour and a half studying my notes to make sure I would not blank.
Ah well. Gotta keep going I guess. My goal for this semester is all A's. How do I intend to achieve that? By becoming the study Nazi I once was. This is difficult to accomplish living in the dorms, or even on campus. Nothing is conducive to studying. The dorm room is the little white box of death... how is it that I spend most of my time there then? I haven't the foggiest.
My dear friend JTF is planning his escape to Argentina, this leaves me very downhearted as this means I will be unable to accompany him and take full advantage of my mediocre Spanish skills. ...
It's very cold out, ice just covers the sidewalks. On the way into the building I am in now I nearly avoided landing on my face for fault of the ice. I'm tired of winter... oh so tired. I need sunlight, I need rain, I need green grass, I need opportunities to do things OUTSIDE!!! Oh how I love outside. Hiking, running, walking, frisbee, biking, setting off explosives.... ahhh... Soon too in February the sport of champions: NASCAR shall soon return. ALL HAIL! Carl Edwards is the man!!!
Several ideas popped into my head the other day. Things I would like to do this summer include attending a blues festival, going on a road trip with my amazing friends and picking up a second job so I can afford an apartment on campus instead of living in the depraved white box that is my dorm room. The blues festival is something I've always felt would be a lot of fun, I enjoy music and the culture of blues usually includes really really good barbecue, thus it's a can't miss sort of opportunity. The road trip is for the reason that last time I went on a road trip with JTF and Chelsea we had an absolute blast, although part of it was because it was for 4-H. Great fun. Finally, second job has many benefits: more money, more money, more money.
A Kudos now... sort of: I've actually maintained eating two meals a day for three days now! Yay!! I have a somewhat normal eating pattern now! It does kind of bother me though, because I sort of freak about gaining weight. Those that read this and know me will tell me I am crazy, but I worry about those sorts of things. This is why I am a running addict when in season, for which I am looking longingly towards February.
I bought some crayons a while back and still have yet to use them. I think I will tonight. I bought crayons because coloring calms me down when I'm upset. It's a very calming, childish sort of activity. I'm not an artist at all so most of my drawings are kindergarten quality, but hey, who cares?
Ah well. Gotta keep going I guess. My goal for this semester is all A's. How do I intend to achieve that? By becoming the study Nazi I once was. This is difficult to accomplish living in the dorms, or even on campus. Nothing is conducive to studying. The dorm room is the little white box of death... how is it that I spend most of my time there then? I haven't the foggiest.
My dear friend JTF is planning his escape to Argentina, this leaves me very downhearted as this means I will be unable to accompany him and take full advantage of my mediocre Spanish skills. ...
It's very cold out, ice just covers the sidewalks. On the way into the building I am in now I nearly avoided landing on my face for fault of the ice. I'm tired of winter... oh so tired. I need sunlight, I need rain, I need green grass, I need opportunities to do things OUTSIDE!!! Oh how I love outside. Hiking, running, walking, frisbee, biking, setting off explosives.... ahhh... Soon too in February the sport of champions: NASCAR shall soon return. ALL HAIL! Carl Edwards is the man!!!
Several ideas popped into my head the other day. Things I would like to do this summer include attending a blues festival, going on a road trip with my amazing friends and picking up a second job so I can afford an apartment on campus instead of living in the depraved white box that is my dorm room. The blues festival is something I've always felt would be a lot of fun, I enjoy music and the culture of blues usually includes really really good barbecue, thus it's a can't miss sort of opportunity. The road trip is for the reason that last time I went on a road trip with JTF and Chelsea we had an absolute blast, although part of it was because it was for 4-H. Great fun. Finally, second job has many benefits: more money, more money, more money.
A Kudos now... sort of: I've actually maintained eating two meals a day for three days now! Yay!! I have a somewhat normal eating pattern now! It does kind of bother me though, because I sort of freak about gaining weight. Those that read this and know me will tell me I am crazy, but I worry about those sorts of things. This is why I am a running addict when in season, for which I am looking longingly towards February.
I bought some crayons a while back and still have yet to use them. I think I will tonight. I bought crayons because coloring calms me down when I'm upset. It's a very calming, childish sort of activity. I'm not an artist at all so most of my drawings are kindergarten quality, but hey, who cares?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
My name is...
explorer, adventurer, scientist, philosopher, passionate,
protector, guardian, fierce, loyal, curious, playful, GREEN.
The Lieutenant, fearless leader. Black beret on my head at a jaunty angle, glint in my blue eyes just daring you to take me on, that smirk... bring on the challenge.
Tearing into the darkness, finding the unknown.
Hat pulled down over my eyes, arms behind my head, sleeping on a tree branch, legs dangling down, swaying in the breeze. Afternoon sunlight dappling the green leaves, dirt roads and adventures to be had. Two from a book, and one in my head.
Are we ever really what we want to be? Is it ever possible to attain that?
The person from the day dreams, the novels and books. The adventurer, the leader, the darkly confident, virtuoso of so many tales told by the dim shine of dusty shafts of light from the afternoon sun?
Honor and chivalry are all but dead, save only, only inside my head.
Ah how reticent and also how outspoken is the heart.
But is the heart the head? And which controls best for what needs to be said?
What am I saying? Whence have I gone?
To tell you the truth, I really don't know.
To write well is not always to what I can aspire
So only read this post if you so desire.
protector, guardian, fierce, loyal, curious, playful, GREEN.
The Lieutenant, fearless leader. Black beret on my head at a jaunty angle, glint in my blue eyes just daring you to take me on, that smirk... bring on the challenge.
Tearing into the darkness, finding the unknown.
Hat pulled down over my eyes, arms behind my head, sleeping on a tree branch, legs dangling down, swaying in the breeze. Afternoon sunlight dappling the green leaves, dirt roads and adventures to be had. Two from a book, and one in my head.
Are we ever really what we want to be? Is it ever possible to attain that?
The person from the day dreams, the novels and books. The adventurer, the leader, the darkly confident, virtuoso of so many tales told by the dim shine of dusty shafts of light from the afternoon sun?
Honor and chivalry are all but dead, save only, only inside my head.
Ah how reticent and also how outspoken is the heart.
But is the heart the head? And which controls best for what needs to be said?
What am I saying? Whence have I gone?
To tell you the truth, I really don't know.
To write well is not always to what I can aspire
So only read this post if you so desire.
Friday, January 11, 2008
A Tribute to My Four Best Friends.
I've neglected to put this on my blog before because I feel it is not up to my standards and is not a true reflection of how much these people mean to me. I have never had very many friends, largely due to the fact that I was very isolated as a child. I have always been exceedingly shy, very anti-social and lack confidence in social situations. As I became older, some took this shyness for arrogance and it further crippled my self image. I found solace in my faith, books, my unending appetite for knowledge and sometimes self damnation. It is through the people that I profile below that I have become the person I am today. They rescued me from a place in my own mind and helped me to 'Make the Best Better' not only for myself, but for others. They taught me to be a leader, they taught me to be a friend, and they taught me how wonderful it is to reach out and help someone else, even if only by the tiniest most insignificant gesture. To me, they mean the world. So here they are: my four best friends.
First up:
Chelsea Gerberding
Dean of Corruption
Black Hole of Rationality
The Phoenix...
I can remember the instant I first met Chelsea, it was during the Illinois Leadership Convention. My first ILC that I attended, she was on the planning committee. I will never forget pressing the button on the elevator at the Chancellor hotel, waiting patiently as the doors open and seeing Chelsea. Chelsea on a luggage cart wearing a cape. Super Chelsea she was, and Super Chelsea she is. I watched her, not knowing she was from my county, but loving her verve and glib tounge throughout the conference. Later, at County 4-H Show, I had my nose pressed against the glass of the Illini room waiting to be allowed inside for my international foods judging. There she was again! She was serving as a superintendant, and called me inside the large, cold room teeming with projects, and she talked with me briefly. I cannot remember the content of the conversation, but remember being so happy that she remembered me from ILC. Later, as I began attending Federation meetings, I became better acquainted with Chelsea and her role as a leader in the 4-H program and as an extraordinary individual. I remember after meeting her, always searching for her projects at County 4-H show: the honey from her family's hives and the artfully decorated glass Coca-Cola bottles. I felt special finding her projects, proud to know her, and idolizing her as an older and successful leader in a program I already knew and loved. She was the one who encouraged me to come Federation meetings, and eventually to join the State Youth Leadership Team, now my second family. Chelsea is an incredible person. Not only is it her 'fault' that I know 99.9 percent of my other friends, and all the rest of my best friends, she has always encouraged me to be better, and more importantly: happier. It is Chelsea who would coax me out into the open, hound my mother into letting me see movies with her or pal around with the boys. She was the one who came up with the idea that I was in a 'corruption school' of sorts by being with her and the boys, and each one of them was a certain professor of some crazy wild subject.
Chelsea is the one who showed me leadership is not only a wonderful way to give back, and not only am I very gifted with leading, but it is very FUN for me to do so. Chelsea has shown me FUN is not a bad word, and how FUN can make life worth living. Chelsea took me under her wing when so many people walked on by. She's the one who tolerated a quiet, nervous, sometimes seemingly uppity girl nobody knew and turned me into the joyful, playful little trickster fox I am now. She saved me from myself: from becoming one very sorrowful, mournful and depressing person. She kept me from being alone in the dark. Chelsea, you saved my life.
Then there's Josh Frank
Professor of Insanity Indoctrination
Sultry Kangaroo Boy
He-Who-Does-Not-Fall-Over
Tiger One
I think I connect the best mentally with Josh than my other friends. When I first met him I discovered we received the exact same ACT score. He was very quiet and reserved at first, just as I traditionally am around those I do not know. He is an intriguing young man. Josh is very introspective. If you ever happen to patronize the divinity that is his bloggage, take a look around. He has the innate ability to analyze like a true green and find connections to all other aspects of life. Josh is also a restless soul. He is bound and determined to make it around the world on a motorcycle, writing for a living perhaps. At one point he wanted to go live in Argentina for a while, a dream I wholeheartedly support as long as I get to come too! :)
But seriously, Josh is an incredible friend. He has always been one to strike up a conversation via IM when I'm having a bad day, and sit and rationalize everything out with me. He's very hopeful, a sort of cynical optimist if you will. I know, I know.. those two words are contradictory, but if you knew Josh you'd understand. What's also amazing about him is the fact that he is so varied in his talents, I consider him a renaissance man in his own right. After all, can you say you know Kiafaru Jitsu, play guitar, drive a stick shift, read obscure literature and understand it (!), make your own wine/beer, skilled artist and writer as well as a very capable leader and worker. Plus, he inherently CANNOT lose his balance. He is like a giant cat! I try and push him over and he just won't FALL. My friends and I say Josh doesn't fall, he hops at funny angles. He tolerates me most wonderfully. I have an odd fascination with tormenting Josh. You see, every time someone says or does something I find slightly embarrassing, annoying, or good naturedly malicious, I end up hitting him or some such. That's right, Chelsea can steal my phone from me or tease me. But who gets whacked upside the head? Josh, of course. I feel bad for it afterwards most times, but I just can't help it it seems. He's a convenient target. Lately, I have also become enamored of his shoelaces, again, something I haven't the foggiest idea about. I try to steal them constantly, or just plain rough house with him. He is very fun to torment, and Josh always allows me to attempt to strangle, push or sit on him with little more than a bemused smile and usually feeble attempt to defend himself. I think the relationship we have is similar to that of myself and my cousins. Very similar in fact... Also it is important to note that the destruction of the earth will be either my fault or his, we're not sure who's going to get there first...
Josh is always there for me. When I am facing a problem and I need someone intelligent and logical to help me analyze every bit while still managing to offer that comforting shoulder all my friends have. He is the quiet, reserved me in the form of a guy. He's like that very similar twin brother that somehow always knows what I am thinking. Josh always makes me look on the bright side when things look grim, he always gives this quiet strength to me that I never knew was there. Josh makes me laugh, but more importantly, he helps me laugh at myself and not be ashamed of it afterwards. Josh is my colleague, a fellow player in the game of life and my dear friend. Josh, you saved my life.
But the roster isn't finished yet, we've still got two more to go...
Jason Baker
Professor of Driving Way too Fast
My Asphalt Cowboy
Redneck Extraordinaire
Ahh Jason, my dear dear Cowboy. Jason and I first were acquainted at ILC my third year in attendance. I met both him and Brad (see next entry) when Chelsea spotted me in the hallway and called me over. She introduced them as fellow county 4-H members, and from then on the deal was sealed. We hung out as much as possible during ILC. A certain memory of sitting together at the banquet comes to mind, and burning the decorative sparkles on the table in the candles as well as a conversation that included myself being the female at the table with the fewest number of purses.
I cannot say we really hit it off though, until we went on Federation Trip. 4-H Federation Trip is held every year, so that members of the county can go on a 'mini vacation' together just to have fun. The year I went with Jason and Brad the group went to Current River in Missouri to go canoeing. It was a glorious trip that summer. Full of mud, mosquitoes, heat and lots of tipped canoes! I distinctly remember walking back towards the cabins with Jason, talking nonstop about cars, engines and NASCAR. Jason intrigued me, for what he thinks he lacks in book smarts, he more than makes up for with his practical knowledge of engines and scientific principles. He astounded me also with his deep moral convictions as well, for the long walk back to the cabin soon turned into a card game and later a conversation deep into the night on issues such as politics, morality, cars, trucks and careers. I thought it was great to find someone who respected my interests in what is considered a guy's hobby. I love to watch NASCAR and fast cars fascinate me. Plus all the silly little jokes and stories he knew as well as his good taste of 90's country and hard rock resounded with me as well. Now one of our favorite things to do is get on the internet and talk via microphone while I'm doing homework and he's chilling after class. Usually we end up playing songs we like off of youtube for each other, discussing the possibility of putting Lamborghini doors on my Sunfire or just talking about our days. Sometimes when I don't understand what he does at his school (being as he and Brad are both going into automotive fields) he takes the time to explain what nitrous systems are or how a dyno works. Other times we talk about politics or the environment. No matter what, when I'm with Jason I know I'll learn something new I never thought of before.
Jason is also very worrisome however. I don't think I've ever had the privilege of having a more concerned friend. Whenever I feel sick or tired he is the first to insist I go to bed or see a doctor, worried that it could be something worse or that I might be hurting. He's very caring in the way a redneck is, fiercely loyal to those he cares about while pretending it doesn't affect him: classic tough guy stance. I like to compare Jason to a golden retriever in this way. He's smart, protective, can learn anything in no time and appreciates the simple things in life. Jason is always willing to lend an ear to my problems. He's very good for discussing family issues with because his family and mine have similar attitudes. His caring nature and fun loving, 'good ol' boy' wildness have always made me crack a smile. Jason, you saved my life.
Brad Weber
Professor of Dirty Mindedness
Brad-The-Barney-Killer
Teddy Bear
Billy Bob
Brad and I met at ILC as well. We had a grand time there, for that is where he earned his inauspicious nickname of Brad-The-Barney-Killer. You see, the speaker we were listening to and had people listen to a clip of music and then tell their response to it. They played the Barney song and Brad said he felt like shooting something. Thus the legend of the Barney Killer was born. Brad is an interesting individual. He's very much the partier of our group. He loves to hang out with people, drive fast, and stay up late. He's also very cuddly though, an affectionate teddy bear if I've ever seen one. He may seem all rough and tough on the outside, but he's got that creamy warm center just like a fine piece of chocolate. I will never forget riding in his Crown Victoria to Wal-Mart during County 4-H Show Family Fun Night on the hunt for water balloons. I had never gone that fast in a vehicle before! Once we got to Wal-Mart we proceeded to hunt for water balloons and spongy pool toys to use as weapons. We had a grand time, raiding aisles and searching for the perfect 'weapons' of choice. Then we hopped back into the car and sped off towards the fairgrounds. It was Brad who mentioned "Josh" during a conversation in the car, and it was through his suggestion that I later met Josh and gained another great friend. Like Jason, Brad is also going into the automotive field. However, I've learned he has a great array of talents. Brad is an exceptionally good photographer, as I often admired his photos during County 4-H show. He was also a wonderful leader during 4-H Federation, for whenever the group started to argue or things came to a standstill, it was Brad who'd crack a joke to lighten the mood or offer a suggestion.
Brad is also very caring. When things get rough, you just can't help but want to cuddle up to him and pour your heart out. Brad is an excellent listener, but he gives great advice as well. He always teases me and pushes me to put a little bit more footloose and fancy free into my life. Brad is that big brother I never had. Brad, you saved my life.
* * *
Chelsea, Josh, Jason and Brad. You all saved my life in little ways you can't imagine. For talking to me, for laughing with me, for inviting me to hang out with you, for laughing at me when I do something stupid that you call cute, for listening to my trials and tribulations, for encouraging me when I'm up and when I'm down, for tolerating the rapid succession of annoying things I do throughout a daily basis, but most of all, for loving me as only you as my best friends can: Thank You. You saved my life.
First up:
Chelsea Gerberding
Dean of Corruption
Black Hole of Rationality
The Phoenix...
I can remember the instant I first met Chelsea, it was during the Illinois Leadership Convention. My first ILC that I attended, she was on the planning committee. I will never forget pressing the button on the elevator at the Chancellor hotel, waiting patiently as the doors open and seeing Chelsea. Chelsea on a luggage cart wearing a cape. Super Chelsea she was, and Super Chelsea she is. I watched her, not knowing she was from my county, but loving her verve and glib tounge throughout the conference. Later, at County 4-H Show, I had my nose pressed against the glass of the Illini room waiting to be allowed inside for my international foods judging. There she was again! She was serving as a superintendant, and called me inside the large, cold room teeming with projects, and she talked with me briefly. I cannot remember the content of the conversation, but remember being so happy that she remembered me from ILC. Later, as I began attending Federation meetings, I became better acquainted with Chelsea and her role as a leader in the 4-H program and as an extraordinary individual. I remember after meeting her, always searching for her projects at County 4-H show: the honey from her family's hives and the artfully decorated glass Coca-Cola bottles. I felt special finding her projects, proud to know her, and idolizing her as an older and successful leader in a program I already knew and loved. She was the one who encouraged me to come Federation meetings, and eventually to join the State Youth Leadership Team, now my second family. Chelsea is an incredible person. Not only is it her 'fault' that I know 99.9 percent of my other friends, and all the rest of my best friends, she has always encouraged me to be better, and more importantly: happier. It is Chelsea who would coax me out into the open, hound my mother into letting me see movies with her or pal around with the boys. She was the one who came up with the idea that I was in a 'corruption school' of sorts by being with her and the boys, and each one of them was a certain professor of some crazy wild subject.
Chelsea is the one who showed me leadership is not only a wonderful way to give back, and not only am I very gifted with leading, but it is very FUN for me to do so. Chelsea has shown me FUN is not a bad word, and how FUN can make life worth living. Chelsea took me under her wing when so many people walked on by. She's the one who tolerated a quiet, nervous, sometimes seemingly uppity girl nobody knew and turned me into the joyful, playful little trickster fox I am now. She saved me from myself: from becoming one very sorrowful, mournful and depressing person. She kept me from being alone in the dark. Chelsea, you saved my life.
Then there's Josh Frank
Professor of Insanity Indoctrination
Sultry Kangaroo Boy
He-Who-Does-Not-Fall-Over
Tiger One
I think I connect the best mentally with Josh than my other friends. When I first met him I discovered we received the exact same ACT score. He was very quiet and reserved at first, just as I traditionally am around those I do not know. He is an intriguing young man. Josh is very introspective. If you ever happen to patronize the divinity that is his bloggage, take a look around. He has the innate ability to analyze like a true green and find connections to all other aspects of life. Josh is also a restless soul. He is bound and determined to make it around the world on a motorcycle, writing for a living perhaps. At one point he wanted to go live in Argentina for a while, a dream I wholeheartedly support as long as I get to come too! :)
But seriously, Josh is an incredible friend. He has always been one to strike up a conversation via IM when I'm having a bad day, and sit and rationalize everything out with me. He's very hopeful, a sort of cynical optimist if you will. I know, I know.. those two words are contradictory, but if you knew Josh you'd understand. What's also amazing about him is the fact that he is so varied in his talents, I consider him a renaissance man in his own right. After all, can you say you know Kiafaru Jitsu, play guitar, drive a stick shift, read obscure literature and understand it (!), make your own wine/beer, skilled artist and writer as well as a very capable leader and worker. Plus, he inherently CANNOT lose his balance. He is like a giant cat! I try and push him over and he just won't FALL. My friends and I say Josh doesn't fall, he hops at funny angles. He tolerates me most wonderfully. I have an odd fascination with tormenting Josh. You see, every time someone says or does something I find slightly embarrassing, annoying, or good naturedly malicious, I end up hitting him or some such. That's right, Chelsea can steal my phone from me or tease me. But who gets whacked upside the head? Josh, of course. I feel bad for it afterwards most times, but I just can't help it it seems. He's a convenient target. Lately, I have also become enamored of his shoelaces, again, something I haven't the foggiest idea about. I try to steal them constantly, or just plain rough house with him. He is very fun to torment, and Josh always allows me to attempt to strangle, push or sit on him with little more than a bemused smile and usually feeble attempt to defend himself. I think the relationship we have is similar to that of myself and my cousins. Very similar in fact... Also it is important to note that the destruction of the earth will be either my fault or his, we're not sure who's going to get there first...
Josh is always there for me. When I am facing a problem and I need someone intelligent and logical to help me analyze every bit while still managing to offer that comforting shoulder all my friends have. He is the quiet, reserved me in the form of a guy. He's like that very similar twin brother that somehow always knows what I am thinking. Josh always makes me look on the bright side when things look grim, he always gives this quiet strength to me that I never knew was there. Josh makes me laugh, but more importantly, he helps me laugh at myself and not be ashamed of it afterwards. Josh is my colleague, a fellow player in the game of life and my dear friend. Josh, you saved my life.
But the roster isn't finished yet, we've still got two more to go...
Jason Baker
Professor of Driving Way too Fast
My Asphalt Cowboy
Redneck Extraordinaire
Ahh Jason, my dear dear Cowboy. Jason and I first were acquainted at ILC my third year in attendance. I met both him and Brad (see next entry) when Chelsea spotted me in the hallway and called me over. She introduced them as fellow county 4-H members, and from then on the deal was sealed. We hung out as much as possible during ILC. A certain memory of sitting together at the banquet comes to mind, and burning the decorative sparkles on the table in the candles as well as a conversation that included myself being the female at the table with the fewest number of purses.
I cannot say we really hit it off though, until we went on Federation Trip. 4-H Federation Trip is held every year, so that members of the county can go on a 'mini vacation' together just to have fun. The year I went with Jason and Brad the group went to Current River in Missouri to go canoeing. It was a glorious trip that summer. Full of mud, mosquitoes, heat and lots of tipped canoes! I distinctly remember walking back towards the cabins with Jason, talking nonstop about cars, engines and NASCAR. Jason intrigued me, for what he thinks he lacks in book smarts, he more than makes up for with his practical knowledge of engines and scientific principles. He astounded me also with his deep moral convictions as well, for the long walk back to the cabin soon turned into a card game and later a conversation deep into the night on issues such as politics, morality, cars, trucks and careers. I thought it was great to find someone who respected my interests in what is considered a guy's hobby. I love to watch NASCAR and fast cars fascinate me. Plus all the silly little jokes and stories he knew as well as his good taste of 90's country and hard rock resounded with me as well. Now one of our favorite things to do is get on the internet and talk via microphone while I'm doing homework and he's chilling after class. Usually we end up playing songs we like off of youtube for each other, discussing the possibility of putting Lamborghini doors on my Sunfire or just talking about our days. Sometimes when I don't understand what he does at his school (being as he and Brad are both going into automotive fields) he takes the time to explain what nitrous systems are or how a dyno works. Other times we talk about politics or the environment. No matter what, when I'm with Jason I know I'll learn something new I never thought of before.
Jason is also very worrisome however. I don't think I've ever had the privilege of having a more concerned friend. Whenever I feel sick or tired he is the first to insist I go to bed or see a doctor, worried that it could be something worse or that I might be hurting. He's very caring in the way a redneck is, fiercely loyal to those he cares about while pretending it doesn't affect him: classic tough guy stance. I like to compare Jason to a golden retriever in this way. He's smart, protective, can learn anything in no time and appreciates the simple things in life. Jason is always willing to lend an ear to my problems. He's very good for discussing family issues with because his family and mine have similar attitudes. His caring nature and fun loving, 'good ol' boy' wildness have always made me crack a smile. Jason, you saved my life.
Brad Weber
Professor of Dirty Mindedness
Brad-The-Barney-Killer
Teddy Bear
Billy Bob
Brad and I met at ILC as well. We had a grand time there, for that is where he earned his inauspicious nickname of Brad-The-Barney-Killer. You see, the speaker we were listening to and had people listen to a clip of music and then tell their response to it. They played the Barney song and Brad said he felt like shooting something. Thus the legend of the Barney Killer was born. Brad is an interesting individual. He's very much the partier of our group. He loves to hang out with people, drive fast, and stay up late. He's also very cuddly though, an affectionate teddy bear if I've ever seen one. He may seem all rough and tough on the outside, but he's got that creamy warm center just like a fine piece of chocolate. I will never forget riding in his Crown Victoria to Wal-Mart during County 4-H Show Family Fun Night on the hunt for water balloons. I had never gone that fast in a vehicle before! Once we got to Wal-Mart we proceeded to hunt for water balloons and spongy pool toys to use as weapons. We had a grand time, raiding aisles and searching for the perfect 'weapons' of choice. Then we hopped back into the car and sped off towards the fairgrounds. It was Brad who mentioned "Josh" during a conversation in the car, and it was through his suggestion that I later met Josh and gained another great friend. Like Jason, Brad is also going into the automotive field. However, I've learned he has a great array of talents. Brad is an exceptionally good photographer, as I often admired his photos during County 4-H show. He was also a wonderful leader during 4-H Federation, for whenever the group started to argue or things came to a standstill, it was Brad who'd crack a joke to lighten the mood or offer a suggestion.
Brad is also very caring. When things get rough, you just can't help but want to cuddle up to him and pour your heart out. Brad is an excellent listener, but he gives great advice as well. He always teases me and pushes me to put a little bit more footloose and fancy free into my life. Brad is that big brother I never had. Brad, you saved my life.
* * *
Chelsea, Josh, Jason and Brad. You all saved my life in little ways you can't imagine. For talking to me, for laughing with me, for inviting me to hang out with you, for laughing at me when I do something stupid that you call cute, for listening to my trials and tribulations, for encouraging me when I'm up and when I'm down, for tolerating the rapid succession of annoying things I do throughout a daily basis, but most of all, for loving me as only you as my best friends can: Thank You. You saved my life.
Monday, January 7, 2008
60 degree weather in January?! Ahhhh!
Oh how blessed is this day?! 60 degrees in January? Illinois sure is screwy, no? It's not uncommon for people to walk around in hoodies, shorts and flipflops. I was once on the way to class on a chilly day in September. I had thought it was going to be 80 or upwards like it had been the previous week, so I had worn a light cotton skirt and blouse. Of course, it's like 45 out that day so I'm freezing. But that's not the point, as I'm walking to class another guy says Hi to me, I return the greeting and as we share an elevator we get into a conversation. Apparently he's from Russia, and he tells me that this weather we have right now, (45 degrees) is particularly warm for him. I laugh, and tell him the joke about the hoodies and flipflops. Unfortunately he gives me this strange look, and asks me what the he** is a flipflop. Sometimes I need to be more aware, no?
But on to more important things. Today was aaammaaazzziiinnggg. I walked outside this morning and almost moaned but for the great temperature. Simply phenomenal. So I hurried as fast as I could to finish all on my 'to do' list and get outside. I went for an incredible run outside on my traditional route through town. Radio blasting in my ears, heart pounding, going harder and faster until you just feel like collapsing sometimes. It is an indescribable feeling when I finally finish my circuit and near the road my house is on. From the green street sign to my drive way I try to go an all out sprint. Then once i hit the drive way, run up it while holding my breath until the third crack in the driveway. Why you may ask? This forces the heart to work harder. After that it's a very brief cool down walk/jog or a bike ride to bring my heart rate back down.
Instead of a walk/jog, I went on a bike ride today after my run. I went out out in the country along the back fields and stopped for a little while to listen to the wind over the remnants of cornstalks and leaves. Then I moved on with the gorgeous grey sky above me, whirring down and up a hill until I reached the train tracks over Brush Creek (pronounced crik). All over the guard rails are all sorts of graffiti and underneath the bridge the water sat rather than gently trickled like it did normally. The only noise was the distant hum of cars on the interstate a mile to my west and the steadily increasing whispering of the wind.
Just now we had some pretty intense weather. As the afternoon faded the wind picked up and a storm blew right in. I was excited for some rain, but we basically just got lots of thunder and lightning. At one point a tree in another yard split, that was exciting! But after that there was lightning and I heard something explode, it shook the house. Then the sirens started going off so we had to go down in the basement. Sounded pretty bad upstairs for a little while, but it didn't last long. So now I am sitting here listening to ambulances sporadicly come and go into and out of town. This has me slightly scared and very curious. Ah, a friend has just called me and told me someone's garage has burnt down.
But on to more important things. Today was aaammaaazzziiinnggg. I walked outside this morning and almost moaned but for the great temperature. Simply phenomenal. So I hurried as fast as I could to finish all on my 'to do' list and get outside. I went for an incredible run outside on my traditional route through town. Radio blasting in my ears, heart pounding, going harder and faster until you just feel like collapsing sometimes. It is an indescribable feeling when I finally finish my circuit and near the road my house is on. From the green street sign to my drive way I try to go an all out sprint. Then once i hit the drive way, run up it while holding my breath until the third crack in the driveway. Why you may ask? This forces the heart to work harder. After that it's a very brief cool down walk/jog or a bike ride to bring my heart rate back down.
Instead of a walk/jog, I went on a bike ride today after my run. I went out out in the country along the back fields and stopped for a little while to listen to the wind over the remnants of cornstalks and leaves. Then I moved on with the gorgeous grey sky above me, whirring down and up a hill until I reached the train tracks over Brush Creek (pronounced crik). All over the guard rails are all sorts of graffiti and underneath the bridge the water sat rather than gently trickled like it did normally. The only noise was the distant hum of cars on the interstate a mile to my west and the steadily increasing whispering of the wind.
Just now we had some pretty intense weather. As the afternoon faded the wind picked up and a storm blew right in. I was excited for some rain, but we basically just got lots of thunder and lightning. At one point a tree in another yard split, that was exciting! But after that there was lightning and I heard something explode, it shook the house. Then the sirens started going off so we had to go down in the basement. Sounded pretty bad upstairs for a little while, but it didn't last long. So now I am sitting here listening to ambulances sporadicly come and go into and out of town. This has me slightly scared and very curious. Ah, a friend has just called me and told me someone's garage has burnt down.
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