I had this conversation with a Mormon friend of mine ~ lo and behold! ~ a 'Dear John' letter to a missionary ON A MISSION! I doubt someone would be so cold...still, it made me laugh (hope I don't go to hell for that).
(names and places have been changed)
Dear Belle,
I want you to know that you mean the world to me. I will always treasure the moments we spent together, and I know we will have many more of those moments in the future, considering that I'm marrying your sister Claire in two weeks! Yeah, isn't it crazy! We had wanted you to come to the wedding, but we decided we couldn't wait that long. We're getting married on May 6th in the Temple.
I know you waited for me on my mission and I promised to wait for you, but I know God had something better in mind for both of us. But we're thinking that we might name our first daughter after you. That would be nice, wouldn't it? I hope we can still be really good friends, otherwise Clair would feel bad.
Anyways, have a great day!
Jeffrey
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
walking through the park and reminiscing...
When I moved to Los Angeles, I knew one person - my roommate, Peggy. As she spent most of her time with her boyfriend, I was left to acclimate alone. One night, during a tearful phone conversation with a friend from home, I learned about the California Tip Toppers Club, the tall club of Los Angeles. Laugh, snicker and mock - go ahead. This group gave me life.
When I joined in 1995, I was shy, unsure and introverted. As I became more socially involved in the club, met people and made friends, the true me began to emerge. I felt comfortable and secure and confident which, up until I'd moved and joined the club, were foreign to me.
In the winter of 1996, I was approached by Debbie, the club's reigning Miss Tall Los Angeles. She was recruiting women to participate in the pageant. I didn't even bother to suppress my laugh. Seriously. I'd never seen a girl who looks like ME in ANY pageant. Ever! I relayed the story to Marie. As I laughed, she remained silent.
"What are you afraid of, Ris?"
"People. Humiliation. Swimsuits. Humiliation. And, embarrassment!"
"Think about it." Her parting words.
I did. I thought long and hard. I called Debbie every few days, peppering her with questions, demanding details, every single detail this pageant involved. When I was guaranteed there was no swimsuit involvement, I seriously considered. I had moved to LA with every intention of trying new things. I had allowed myself to be stiffled by Sean, allowed him to dictate my day, my feelings, everything. Time to think and do and feel for myself, damn it!
"OK, Debbie, I'll do it." Ai yi yi! WHAT am I doing?!
A woman was brought in to 'coach' us - Brandy. She helped us (there were to be only 3 contestants) with all the pageant stuff as she was a former judge and coach to the Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen franchises. I guess she knew WTH she was talking about. So, I practiced walking, practiced sitting, practiced my appropriate pageant answers, even practiced smiling! I thought of it like my debut - the new me.
The day of the pageant arrived ~ April 20, 1997. We had individual interviews with the judges. I'm much better at conversation, casual chats. These pre-set questions the judges were asking were truly absurd. But, I put on my pageant smile, recited the pageant answers and played along.
I wasn't really afraid of the interview part. It was the TALENT portion of the program that had me shaking. I had rehearsed only a handful of times with Peggy and twice with Brandy & the other two contestants. I didn't show Debbie or her pageant helpers my 'skit' but all were well aware of what I would be doing - a song in sign language. Debbie chastised me "How can we help you if we don't see what you're doing?" "It's sign language. Do you know sign language? Would you know if what I did was right or wrong?" That silenced her (though she would critique and chastise me regarding everything else I did). The song was 'Finally' by CeCe Peniston, an up-tempo, fun song. I had the crowd clapping along, my family was going crazy and the judges had huge smiles on their faces. It was a total rush!
When all was said and done, I had won. Shut up, I know! (to brazenly quote Micah) I was Miss Tall Los Angeles 1997.
It was the beginning of a year that would lift me up, crush me, show me who my true friends really were and lead me to discover a wonderful new person.
When I joined in 1995, I was shy, unsure and introverted. As I became more socially involved in the club, met people and made friends, the true me began to emerge. I felt comfortable and secure and confident which, up until I'd moved and joined the club, were foreign to me.
In the winter of 1996, I was approached by Debbie, the club's reigning Miss Tall Los Angeles. She was recruiting women to participate in the pageant. I didn't even bother to suppress my laugh. Seriously. I'd never seen a girl who looks like ME in ANY pageant. Ever! I relayed the story to Marie. As I laughed, she remained silent.
"What are you afraid of, Ris?"
"People. Humiliation. Swimsuits. Humiliation. And, embarrassment!"
"Think about it." Her parting words.
I did. I thought long and hard. I called Debbie every few days, peppering her with questions, demanding details, every single detail this pageant involved. When I was guaranteed there was no swimsuit involvement, I seriously considered. I had moved to LA with every intention of trying new things. I had allowed myself to be stiffled by Sean, allowed him to dictate my day, my feelings, everything. Time to think and do and feel for myself, damn it!
"OK, Debbie, I'll do it." Ai yi yi! WHAT am I doing?!
A woman was brought in to 'coach' us - Brandy. She helped us (there were to be only 3 contestants) with all the pageant stuff as she was a former judge and coach to the Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen franchises. I guess she knew WTH she was talking about. So, I practiced walking, practiced sitting, practiced my appropriate pageant answers, even practiced smiling! I thought of it like my debut - the new me.
The day of the pageant arrived ~ April 20, 1997. We had individual interviews with the judges. I'm much better at conversation, casual chats. These pre-set questions the judges were asking were truly absurd. But, I put on my pageant smile, recited the pageant answers and played along.
I wasn't really afraid of the interview part. It was the TALENT portion of the program that had me shaking. I had rehearsed only a handful of times with Peggy and twice with Brandy & the other two contestants. I didn't show Debbie or her pageant helpers my 'skit' but all were well aware of what I would be doing - a song in sign language. Debbie chastised me "How can we help you if we don't see what you're doing?" "It's sign language. Do you know sign language? Would you know if what I did was right or wrong?" That silenced her (though she would critique and chastise me regarding everything else I did). The song was 'Finally' by CeCe Peniston, an up-tempo, fun song. I had the crowd clapping along, my family was going crazy and the judges had huge smiles on their faces. It was a total rush!
When all was said and done, I had won. Shut up, I know! (to brazenly quote Micah) I was Miss Tall Los Angeles 1997.
It was the beginning of a year that would lift me up, crush me, show me who my true friends really were and lead me to discover a wonderful new person.
NaBloPoMo - I'm not in love, so don't forget it
I am crazy about you - and you have no idea.
There. I said it.
When I'm around you, my brain disconnects making it impossible for words to come out. And if words *do* escape, I'm not sure any sense can be made! Sometimes I want to open up to you, tell you how I feel. But, let's be honest - I'm too scared. I've been open and honest with you about a lot of things; just not this. Maybe you already know...
One day, I'll be brave and blurt it out during one of our long talks. Until then...
Love,
Rissa
There. I said it.
When I'm around you, my brain disconnects making it impossible for words to come out. And if words *do* escape, I'm not sure any sense can be made! Sometimes I want to open up to you, tell you how I feel. But, let's be honest - I'm too scared. I've been open and honest with you about a lot of things; just not this. Maybe you already know...
One day, I'll be brave and blurt it out during one of our long talks. Until then...
Love,
Rissa
Saturday, April 05, 2008
NaBloPoMo ~ from my Dad
"Little One,
You need to take better care of yourself. You were doing so well with your trainer - Mom & I know you can do it on your own. I'm proud of you for going back to the gym.
When are you coming back uptown?
Love,
Dad"
You need to take better care of yourself. You were doing so well with your trainer - Mom & I know you can do it on your own. I'm proud of you for going back to the gym.
When are you coming back uptown?
Love,
Dad"
Friday, April 04, 2008
I don't need this pressure on...(update)
Y'all know I have five weeks to get my blood pressure down/under control, right? Right. This week, I started back to the gym, joining the one on the Lot because, quite frankly, it's convenient. I mean, get to my office, park, walk to the Lot, workout, shower, dress, walk back to my office. Done. Handled.
Anyway, I worked out 3 of the 5 days this week ~ yay me! I've created a pretty good routine: at the gym by 6-6:15 a.m., cardio, arms or legs, abs and back, cardio again, cool down then hit the showers at 7:30. Excellent! And I only forgot to bring shoes once.
Just took my blood pressure: down 30+ points from the ridiculously high reading last week at the ER. Nice! It's still high - I totally recognize that! - but it's coming down. Relief.
As far as food goes...sigh...I've really become conscious of sodium in food. And it blows. Things I think would be okay to eat? Yeah, not so much. It's tough; this girl loves to eat.
Well, I'm doing it. I am. I'm totally proud of myself :)
Anyway, I worked out 3 of the 5 days this week ~ yay me! I've created a pretty good routine: at the gym by 6-6:15 a.m., cardio, arms or legs, abs and back, cardio again, cool down then hit the showers at 7:30. Excellent! And I only forgot to bring shoes once.
Just took my blood pressure: down 30+ points from the ridiculously high reading last week at the ER. Nice! It's still high - I totally recognize that! - but it's coming down. Relief.
As far as food goes...sigh...I've really become conscious of sodium in food. And it blows. Things I think would be okay to eat? Yeah, not so much. It's tough; this girl loves to eat.
Well, I'm doing it. I am. I'm totally proud of myself :)
Thursday, April 03, 2008
NaBloPoMo: C is for Creative Writing Class
Next week is my final Creative Writing class. I can't believe it! We started in January; it's now April. Time sure has flown by...
This class has truly been a godsend ~ the teacher, the women in the class, the writings. Pamela has created this environment that allows me to be open, to share and feel safe in doing so. I love her active participation in my writing assignments: laughter, nodding in agreement and/or recognition, the "mmm hmm mm" when I've turned a clever phrase. She praises and she suggests; she encourages and allows. She brilliant in every sense of the word - strong, smart and shining.
The women in the class are phenomenal! There are only 7 of us, ages ranging from early 20s to late 50s. One woman has a Masters in Creative Writing, another just decided she'd like to try writing. We share anecdotes after each story assignment is read as it's inevitable that one of us has had a similar experience to one we've just heard (whether the story is true or crafted). Each of us has opened up, written about painful bits of her life, shared secrets. It is truly inspiring.
My writing has improved immensely! I am sooooo amazed. I've developed 2 or 3 characters to feature in a short story (our final assignment due next week ~ EEEK!), I've written descriptive stories in 10-15 minutes which have drawn kudos & laughs, and I've slowly sharpened my writing style. Most importantly, I've learned to just write. It's wonderful!
I've developed friends, admirers and confidence in my writing. A godsend; definitely a godsend.
Maybe I'll share one or two of my writings...maybe my short story...ooooh!
This class has truly been a godsend ~ the teacher, the women in the class, the writings. Pamela has created this environment that allows me to be open, to share and feel safe in doing so. I love her active participation in my writing assignments: laughter, nodding in agreement and/or recognition, the "mmm hmm mm" when I've turned a clever phrase. She praises and she suggests; she encourages and allows. She brilliant in every sense of the word - strong, smart and shining.
The women in the class are phenomenal! There are only 7 of us, ages ranging from early 20s to late 50s. One woman has a Masters in Creative Writing, another just decided she'd like to try writing. We share anecdotes after each story assignment is read as it's inevitable that one of us has had a similar experience to one we've just heard (whether the story is true or crafted). Each of us has opened up, written about painful bits of her life, shared secrets. It is truly inspiring.
My writing has improved immensely! I am sooooo amazed. I've developed 2 or 3 characters to feature in a short story (our final assignment due next week ~ EEEK!), I've written descriptive stories in 10-15 minutes which have drawn kudos & laughs, and I've slowly sharpened my writing style. Most importantly, I've learned to just write. It's wonderful!
I've developed friends, admirers and confidence in my writing. A godsend; definitely a godsend.
Maybe I'll share one or two of my writings...maybe my short story...ooooh!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
NaBloPoMo: Letter B
The clips below are two of my favorites and both are about the letter B ~ enjoy!
the Beetles ~ Letter B
Do You Know Where I Wanna B?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
NaBloPoMo: I send a message - I hope it gets through
National Blog Posting Month is on! Eden's brilliant idea to have monthly themes has caught on. Well, not with me (yet) but I'm gettin' on board - ::in my best Pips impression:: Woo woo!
April's theme ~ letters.
Dear You,
Thank you for reading my blog. Whether you read on a regular basis or just clicked through on a link some place, I appreciate you.
I love writing; this blog gives me a great creative outlet - crafting a story, turning a clever phrase, etc. It's also a connection and interaction with you.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, especially - it means a lot to me!
~ Reese
April's theme ~ letters.
Dear You,
Thank you for reading my blog. Whether you read on a regular basis or just clicked through on a link some place, I appreciate you.
I love writing; this blog gives me a great creative outlet - crafting a story, turning a clever phrase, etc. It's also a connection and interaction with you.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, especially - it means a lot to me!
~ Reese
Monday, March 31, 2008
Day 1 ~ Let's get it started!
Up at 5:50 a.m. Not so bad, really - although Riley wanted to sleep longer. I didn't get out of the house until 6:25 a.m. however: flashback to high school swim team practice at 6 a.m. and collect calls from the locker room pay phone home to Mom - "I forgot my...(bra, underwear, something)...will you bring it please?" at least twice a week. Even though I checked and double-checked the night before, I had to check just one more time. To be sure. *sigh*
Finally made it to work, then across the street to the Lot and across the Lot to the gym - that's a workout right there! The gym had less than a dozen people in - yay. I didn't have to wait for a cardio machine - yay. So, did cardio and abs and legs today. Yay me!
I'm doing it, people! I'm doing it.
Now, the food part. That's gonna be difficult...
Finally made it to work, then across the street to the Lot and across the Lot to the gym - that's a workout right there! The gym had less than a dozen people in - yay. I didn't have to wait for a cardio machine - yay. So, did cardio and abs and legs today. Yay me!
I'm doing it, people! I'm doing it.
Now, the food part. That's gonna be difficult...
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