I'll tell you in another life, when we are both cats...

Something has me thinking about "Vanilla Sky" today. The title of this entry is a direct quote from the film.

Today I was sitting at home after my work out, eating lunch, and flipping through channels. This is an almost-everyday occurrence. Today was different though. Despite my inner objections, the remote landed on MTV, and ignoring my better judgment I began watching "The Newlyweds". If you enjoy the show, fine...whatever. But today, I started thinking about that show, relating it to a bigger picture. In the US we wonder why our divorce rate is so high-- from my research today on http://www.divorceform.org/rates.html, 43 percent of first marriages end in separation or divorce within 15 years. That is insane, but watching this show, is it any wonder? I know this is probably a sweeping generalization, but I am sure there are people out there that are like...aww, newlyweds...look how cute they are? Jessica and Nick have become a picture of just-marrieds for us to relate to. I do not want to relate to these people. Jessica is an idiot. Nick acts like he's 12. She is co-dependent on him, and he treats her like crap...he talks to her like she is an infant (I know she's not that smart, but she at least deserves to be talked to on a semi-adult level). Basically what we have done (we meaning America) is glorified two twenty-somethings with way too much money and little to no common sense. We could probably stick a camera in a middle school classroom and get more intelligent dialogue, and there would probably even be fewer petty arguments. If "The Newlyweds" is a true portrayal of married life, no thank you. Seriously, could television warp our sense of what true marriage is supposed to be anymore than it already has?! Probably.

So, I have been thinking about this all week. Last semester I remember thinking, man...if I could only get more sleep...blah blah blah. Well, this semester, sleep is not a problem, but too much sleep is. I have been doing research on the subject of too much sleep, and all I can find is that it puts me at a 38% higher risk for heart disease. Nowhere on the web or in books, journals, etc. can I find how too much sleep effects you mentally, but I know it does. Take this example for instance: If people sleep as many hours as they are awake, they are in a dream-like state for the same amount of hours that they are functioning in the realm of reality. At first, this was not a problem. Maybe I hit snooze every once in a while because I was enjoying a certain dream, but after a while I was consciously choosing my dream world over reality...and sometimes the two would get confused. Example: I tutor this guy that's a senior in high school. Driving to the library to meet with him I was thinking about my timesheet and I was like, oh yeah...I already gave it to his mother. No...wait. I have never met his mother. That was in a dream. So, that got me thinking about whether or not this could do any real damage...if your dream world and your reality became so intertwined you were often mistaking one for the other as if they were interchangeable. In order for this to happen on a regular basis, one would have to have approx. 10 hours of sleep a night. It may be worth upping my chance of heart disease in order to experiment with this and possibly write about it. Maybe that is one of the many reasons people that are depressed sleep so much-- they prefer their dream worlds over their immediate realities. Anyway, I have started making myself get up, even if I have nothing to do or nowhere to be, because it was completely and totally messing with my mind. It really is crazy what too much sleep can do to you. If you want to participate in my experiment, let me know. I think what happens to our minds with too much or too little sleep is absolutely intriguing.

When you are bored at work...

even surveys seem like a good idea. Here are many things you always/never wanted to know about me. This is a compilation of several pointless suveys, but maybe you are sitting at home thinking...I wonder if Melia likes video games? I wonder if Melia's ever been skinny dipping? Well, I will answer these questions and many more.

Here you go...
What is your full name? Melia Adrianne McFarland
Birthplace: Abilene, Texas
Current Location: Abilene, Texas (It's like a vortex...or a black hole.)
Backstreet Boys or Nsync? Gay and gayer.
When was the last time you showered? Today at noon.
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: Mexican and Irish (Genetically I should have a horrible temper and a crazy high alcohol tolerance.)
The Shoes You Wore Today: Chuck Taylor's or "Chucks" (aka Converse All-Stars)
Your Weakness: Sometimes letting people walk all over me.
Your Fears: I don't like bugs or rodents of any kind. I am not a fan of large crowds either.
Your Perfect Pizza: Canadian Bacon and Pineapple.
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: 4.0 GPA; saving money.
Your Most Overused Phrase on instant messenger: "Hey you", actually I have no idea.
Thoughts First Waking Up: Gosh Melia, you are so lazy.
Your Best Physical Feature: I have no idea. I am going to take a shot in the dark and say eyes.
Your Bedtime: 1am-ish
Your Most Missed Memory: Hanging out with my old roommates, Kim and Danielle, anytime I wanted to.
Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke, baby!
McDonalds or Burger King: McDonalds
Favorite Video Game? Video games are for losers. That was mean, sorry. Umm...Halo is okay.
Single or Group Dates: Depends. Probably start off in a group then end up one on one.
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Who cares? How about Chicken E sweet tea? Okay, I will go with Nestea.
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate.
Cappuccino or Coffee: How about Frappuccino?
Do you Smoke: No
Do you Swear: Umm...if not at all means sometimes...then not at all.
Do you Sing: In choir on Wednesdays and Sundays, and sometimes in the car.
Do you Shower Daily: Yes, yes I do.
Have you Been in Love: Yes, yes I have.
Do you want to go to college: Apparently I do...for the rest of my life.
Do you want to get married: Eventually, when I am head-over-heels in love.
Do you believe in yourself: Yes.
Do you get Motion Sickness: Not usually, but sometimes. I experienced sea sickness on the way from London to Paris...not fun.
Do you have a dream car: Audi A4 or TT. I also like Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport Sedans.
Do you think you are Attractive: It depends on the time of day, approximate time I had to get ready, where I am, what I am wearing, and who I am standing next to.
Are you a Health Freak: During the week, most of the time. On the weekends, no.
Do you get along with your Parents: My family is of utmost importance to me.
Do you like Thunderstorms: Yes. I love to stand outside and watch them...on a covered porch of course.
Do you play an Instrument: I am mediocre on the guitar.
In the past month have you drank alcohol: Grammatically, the chosen tense"drank" sounds weird, but I think it's correct. Hmm... Oh, and the answer is yes.
In the past month have you Smoked: No.
In the past month have you been on Drugs: No illegal narcotics.
In the past month have you gone on a Date: Yes. See previous blog entry.
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: Yes. Does the Abilene mall count as a real mall?
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: The whole box?! No.
In the past month have you eaten sushi: The idea makes me want to vomit.
In the past month have you been on stage: No. It makes me sad. I miss it.
In the past month have you been dumped: No.
In the past month have you gone skinny dipping: It's been too cold. No.
In the past month have you stolen anything: No.
Piercings: One in each ear.
Tatoos: No.
Ever been drunk: Yes.
Ever been called a tease: Yes.
Ever been beaten up: Nope. Though I have known people that have wanted to punch me.
Ever shoplifted: When I was little I stole a slap bracelet. My mom made me take it back.
How do you want to die: Either at home with my family or doing something awesome that everyone just thinks about and is like, "Man, that Melia was crazy!"
What do you want to be when you grow up: I would like to teach or do something that changes everyday so that I am never bored (ie. not a desk job). Something that keeps me on my toes. A job where I get to interact with people and that I look forward to going to every morning.
What country would you most like to Visit: France. I miss it so much.
What color pants do you have right now? Jeans, so...blue.
What song are you listening to right now? Damien Rice- The Blower's Daughter
What is the last thing that you said? "I'm sorry...what did you say about Janet Jackson?!"
What is right next to you? Diet Coke and a legal pad with notes scrawled on it.
What is your computer desk made of? Wood.
What are the last 4 digits in your phone number? 8048
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red.
When is your birthday? June 1st, 1982
Who do you want to spend the rest of your life with? A caring, gentle, romantic, beautiful guy that I love with my whole heart and that loves me just the same.
How many buddies do you have on your buddy list? 200...but there are never more than forty people on at any given time.
How's the weather right now? It's raining. I love this weather! It reminds me of Seattle...or England.
What did you do last night? I had classes, then a meeting, then I went to Java City with the guys.
Last person that you talked to on the phone? Kim Jackson
What makes you happy? When someone understands you. Rainstorms. When you are so close to someone that you don't have to say anything because they already know, and even the longest silences aren't awkward. My brothers. Vanilla Diet Cokes. A good book. Road trips. Laughing so hard that it physically hurts. Getting flowers. Sleeping in. Being with my mother and grandmother. Hugs. Friends that you grew up with. When you have nowhere to be. Traveling. Someone holding you when you're sick or upset. Getting mail. Being with my friends. Coffee shops. Getting dressed up. Massages,definitely massages. My dog. Naps. Music. Snuggling up under all of the covers and watching TV or a movie alone in my room. Little kids. Buying something new. Just sitting around and talking about everything...or nothing. Surprises! Many little things.
Fave CD right now? Rachael Yamagata- Happenstance
Nicknames? Mel, Melsie (only Kimmy Haynes and the Wiggins call me this!), and Fire (that's for you Ash)
Age? 22
Hair color? Brown
Eye color? Brown
Height? 5'6
Do you wear contacts? Yes, and subsequently, glasses.
Siblings and their age? Chad 26, Miles 19, Mason 9.
What school do you attend? Hardin-Simmons University
What do you like to do? Watch movies with friends, travel, work out, ski, have conversations that make me think or question myself, listen to good music, go to concerts, go to museums, go to coffee shops, walk around when it's nice outside with a friend, sing, write in my journal, play tennis, take naps, read, watch TV, try new things, and laugh!
Pet Peeves:1) People crunching ice 2) People smacking gum 3) People rattling cellophane wrappers in movies 4) Cell phones in movies/plays/concerts/church 5)People not listening(this also goes along with having to repeat myself) 6) People that interrupt noticeably and constantly 7)Whistling-- just shoot me now. 8)People who procrastinate and/or are lazy.
Fave month? November or April.
Fave girls perfume? Hugo Boss or FCUK
Fave guys cologne? Hugo or Paul Smith
What will your first son's name be? I really like the names Harrison, Daniel, Benjamin, Isaac, Cole, Reese, and Whitaker. First daughter? I like the names Elizabeth, Katherine (Kate), Madeline, Peyton, and Paige.
Favorite drink? Diet Coke, sweet tea, or chocolate milk.
Favorite quote:
"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
So I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
So close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
So close that your eyes close as I fall asleep."--Pablo Neruda
What are some things you will never do? I will never eat sushi or drive a mini-van. I will never be an astronaut. I will never cheat on my husband or hit my children. I will never spend more than $150 on a pair of shoes. I will never deny my faith. I will never attend a football game to actually watch the game. I will never go to Africa or Greenland. I will never knit. I will never have more than 3 children. I will never eat a cup full of worms for $1,000. I will never give up my dreams. I will never settle. I will never get over my fear of roaches and spiders. I will never be on Fear Factor. I will never stop laughing and loving.
If you were forced to put out an ad in the paper looking for a spouse, containing your criteria for the "one", what would it say? SWF looking for SWM. Attractive, motivated, and loving. Must love the Lord and his family greatly. Must love art, music, and literature. Constantly seeks knowledge. Likes to travel. Doesn't mind watching romantic comedies. Chases dreams with fervor. Exceptional hygiene. Not a cheapskate. Hopeless romantic- thoughtful and surprising. A provider. Passionate and compassionate. Wise and a good listener. Likes to sit around on the weekends, watching movies and cuddling. A giving heart. Gentle and warm. Beautiful inside and out.
Favorites:TV show: (All re-runs) Friends, Sex and the City, Seinfeld
Movie: Garden State
Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek
Book: The Bell Jar
Magazine: Entertainment
Song: Rachael Yamagata- Worn Me Down
Smell: Gain detergent
Ice cream: Chocolate or Cookies 'n Cream
Have you:
Broken the law: Yes.
Ever run away from home: Yes. I packed my suit case and walked to the end of the sidewalk in front of our house. I stayed out there about five minutes and went back inside. I was six.
Snuck out of the house: No. My parents were pretty cool about me going out.
Gone skinny dipping: Yes.
Made a prank phone call: Yes, of course!
Used parents credit card: I don't think so.
Skipped school: Yes. Today for instance.
Fell asleep in shower/bath: Yes.
Been in a school play: Yes, several.
Let a friend cry on your shoulder: Yes. I would even let a select few blow their noses on my sleeve.(Garden State reference)
Love:
Boyfriend: Not applicable at this moment.
Been in love: Yes.
Been hurt: Who hasn't?
Turn ons: Kindness, confidence, compassionate, good heart, selflessness.
Turn offs: Stupidity, co-dependency, rudeness, selfishness, arrogance.
When/What was the last:
Time you cried: A few weeks ago, probably at a Lifetime movie or some crap like that.
Time you received a letter: Do bills count? If not, a few months ago.
Time you received e-mail: Today, from my friend Mike who is in Iraq.
Thing you purchased: Jeans at the GAP.
TV program you watched: Friends
Movie you saw: Million Dollar Baby

You may be asking...what is "Catholidate"?

Cath·o·li·date
n.
1. A particular point or period of time at which something happened or existed or is expected to happen with a member of a Catholic church, especially a Roman Catholic.
2. An appointment involving the Roman Catholic Church or relating to those churches that have claimed to be representatives of the ancient undivided church.
3. A term coined by resident- genius Sir Jason Casselberry.
4. A semi-popular new reality series, like its predecessor Elimidate, which features Catholics on the dating scene.
5. February 18, 2005. 6:45 pm. Holy Family Catholic Church. A 27-year-old named Scott.

First Catholic service + first blind date = Catholidate.

Tonight was one of the most random nights ever! Last week Dr. T stopped me after class and asked me if I was still serious about a comment I made last semester. At a wedding shower, I had said that there are no guys my age on campus, and I asked her to keep her eye out for me. Well, how was I to know that five months later she would remember me asking her to keep an eye out? After pulling me aside, she told me that her husband works with a guy that is 27 and goes to their church-- Holy Family Catholic Church. She told me she immediately thought of me when she met Scott because he is really nice and he comes from a great family, blah...blah...blah. It sounded fairly promising to me so I said sure. She told me all about the services at her church and how they are having Friday night services during Lent called "Stations of the Cross". Coming to one of the services seemed like a great way to meet him, especially since they had a time of fellowship afterwards where we could sit and talk, etc. I told her I would be there and I walked away thinking...a blind date at a Catholic service? That sounds like a plot for some sort of warped romantic comedy. I had visions of telling my future children, "So, I met your father on a blind date at a Catholic service."

Anyway, today was the day. This afternoon I went shopping with Rachel, not especially for the date, but rather because I had a gift certificate for GAP from Christmas and I had yet to use it. I needed jeans in the worst way, so that's where we went first. I bought some jeans, but I thought...hmm...what will I wear with them? So we hit Old Navy and I bought a new shirt. I justified all of this, and buying our lunch at Chic-fil-A, by reminding myself that today was pay day. When you know you have money coming your way, everything seems better! I spent the rest of the day tutoring, etc. and then came home to get ready. I showed up at the church and met Dr. T and her husband. I was introduced to her two-year-old son, who is one of the cutest kids I have ever seen, and I fear I paid more attention to him than anyone else, including my "date". When Dr. T. introduced me to my Catholic date, there were no sparks or stars in our eyes, which is okay I suppose, I mean it's not the movies. On a side note, I think Hollywood has really left me disenchanted when it comes to first dates and even relationships for that matter. Okay, back to the main topic. Long story short...the night progressed. I really enjoyed the service, and I am thinking about going back next week. Scott was really nice; he was shy, so it made conversation a little difficult at the beginning, but he warmed up after a while. I can see us getting coffee in the future, because I left wishing I had been able to learn more about him (we spent the remainder of the evening, after the service, sitting at a table eating and talking as a group). I don't think he and I are destined for great things, but I had a great time, and what a story.
"Hey Melia. Have you ever been on a blind date?"
"Yes, yes I have. My first blind date was at Holy Family Catholic Church."

Later tonight I hung out with my friend Jason. Blockbuster is running this "limited time only" deal where you can buy two previously viewed DVD's for $20, and on top of that it is buy 2, get 1 free! Score! Once again, I justified my purchases with the fact that I got paid today. I bought "Troy", "Collateral", and the token-girly-movie "Princess Diaries 2". In my DVD collection, I am all about symmetry. I cannot possibly own "Princess Diaries 1" and not buy the sequel, I mean...come on people!

This weekend holds relaxation and homework for me. I am excited. Tonight I may actually get into bed at a decent time. I need some sleep so I can get my lazy butt out of bed and to the gym in the morning.

Tonight I was informed that my name is an anagram for "email." Let's just think about that until next time.

Gimme, gimme that thing called love...

Okay, so the themeless restaurant idea was a bust. In four days we only had one customer, and... wouldn't you know it...it was Kevin Bacon, so (of course, because of the manifesto) we had to ask him to leave.

So, today is Valentine’s Day. Happy Valentine’s Day! Some of my friends think that I am bitter towards this holiday, possibly because I say things like, “It looks like a bottle of Pepto Bismol threw up in Hallmark”, but that’s not so much bitterness as sheer truth. Contrary to popular belief, I actually enjoy Valentine’s Day. I love conversation hearts. I love fresh flowers. I love letters. I love chocolate. I love dates. So, seemingly, Valentine’s Day should be my favorite holiday. There is nothing I do not like about it, except for the overpopulation of stuffed animals in all sorts of horrible sizes and colors. Some sort of population control should monitor the production of these things or pretty soon we will have to begin shooting them for sport. I may go to Wal-Mart and try that tomorrow. I am going for the gigantic hot pink bears first, because they make me want to vomit.

I thought this Valentine’s Day was going to be depressing because, for the first time since…well, before college, I did not have a “Valentine”, if you will. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. No phone call to Chris. No frantic last-minute packaging of a gift. I didn’t have to do anything. It was nice to know that I could do (or not do) anything I wanted. I wasn’t expecting anything and no one was expecting anything from me. But, I did receive things, to my delight and dismay. I woke up this morning to a call from my mother telling me that I had received flowers at my parents’ house. Who could have sent them?! I got to their house and saw a beautiful vase full of gerber daisies (my favorite) and lilies, etc. I opened the card: “Happy Valentine’s Day”—Trevor. Trevor?! How sweet is that?! I was disappointed that I couldn’t go to his awesome, blow-out Valentine’s Day party, but the gorgeous flowers made me feel a lot better about sitting in classes and meetings all night. After my meeting I went to coffee with Eric and David, and then stayed to talk to Wade. Wade gave me a box of chocolates, which was completely unexpected, and I had just said to the girl at the counter, “What’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate?” Now I had flowers and chocolate. What more could a girl ask for? I think it’s sad that Valentine’s Day is primarily seen as a day for lovers. (Eww…saying lovers, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.) This year I spent it with friends, and it was the best Valentine’s Day I have had in a long, long time. I saw Rachel, Elizabeth, Eric, David, Wade, and talked to Emily, Ashley, Kim, Cara, Trevor, and Grant. I saw my family and spent some time with them. So, I at least saw or talked to almost everyone I love (minus a few key people, i.e. Kimmy H., Danielle, Grandma, Kris, Keren, and Jason). That’s what this day is all about to me; letting people know how much I love them. I, in turn, felt very loved today, and that is always a terrific feeling! Despite my outward ambivalence, I truly do enjoy Valentine’s Day-- cutting hearts out of folded red construction paper and writing, “Will you be my Valentine?” in black Crayon. I didn’t actually do that this year, but I did it in 1st grade and gave it to John Gardner…he said yes.

I was listening to the soundtrack from the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie", and found this song to be fitting for the occasion.

"Gimme, Gimme"

A simple choice, nothing more
This or that, either or
Marry well, social whirl, business man, clever girl
Or pin my future on a green glass love
What kind of life am I dreaming of?
I say gimme, gimme ... gimme, gimme
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I want it
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I need it
Highs and lows, tears and laughter
Gimme happy ever after
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I crave it
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I'll brave it
Thick and thin, rich or poor times
Gimme years and I'll want more time
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I'm free now
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I see now
Fly, dove! Sing, sparrow!
Gimme Cupid's famous arrow
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I don't care if he's a nobody
In my heart he'll be a somebody
Somebody to love me!
I need it
Gimme, gimme that thing called love
I want it
Here I am, St. Valentine
My bags are packed, I'm first in line
Aphrodite, don't forget me
Romeo and Juliet me
Fly, dove! Sing, sparrow!
Gimme fat boy's famous arrow
Gimme, gimme that thing called love!

I rock on as I've always rocked on...

alone! --www.mcsweeneys.net

This is a note to my future self: Melia, when a friend calls at 12:30am, despite the overwhelming urge to talk, do not answer the phone.

I was on the phone with Rachel until 2:30am. I need someone to knock some common sense into me. You know it's late when you start reciting lines from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers songs, giving lyrics as everyday advice.

Me: You know Rachel, 'some days are diamonds, some days are rocks'.
Rachel: What are you talking about?!
Me: All I am saying is that 'even walls fall down'.
Rachel: Umm...okay.

So, today I woke up and decided that I am going to become wealthy. Right now I am trying to come up with different ways to achieve this goal. If you have any ideas, let me know. My theory is: there is a lot of money out there to get my hands on, so it's just a matter of figuring out a way to go about it. I also think that if you are fairly intelligent, there is no reason why you should not have money. How many idiots have money? Too many to count. We just have to be creative and work hard...then the money will practically make itself. I am with my friend Eric who said, "I don't really worry about having money in the future...it will just be there." Yep, I want that to be me. Dr. Brunner was talking about money this week and he said he wants enough in the bank so as not to have to worry about making ends meet, being in need for anything, etc., but not so much that he has to worry about it. I think that's perfect. So my future monetary goals are these:

1) Get hands on money through creative endeavors.
2) Constantly be thinking of advancements to make in order to achieve said goal.
3) Have more money than complete idiots.
4) Always work harder than the people around you.
5) Be able to relax and know that the money will "just be there" if goals 1-4 are achieved.
6) Have enough to enjoy the finer things in life, but not so much that extended family whom you have never met is constantly at your door with their grubby little paws extended asking for Porches and crap.

Ways to achieve these goals:

Well, I am not going to go into great detail. I truly only have two ideas right now, on top of the one I am about to share. The one I post here is really more of a ruse than an actual idea, but how great would it be?! Okay, the most illogical scheme right now is...wait for it...a themeless restaurant. This is the manifesto for my themeless restaurant. I think it could be a big hit. Let me know what you think. Also, if you have any money-making schemes and you would like a partner, whether it be in crime or not...well, I would rather make money the honest, American way, contact me. Actually, that is so funny...the honest, American way...I crack myself up. Okay, onwards and upwards. Here it is:

M A N I F E S T O F O R T H E M E L E S S R E S T A U R A N T

• Fridays will be treated like any other day. Same with Saturday. Wednesdays will not be referred to as Hump-day.
• There will be no ketchup on the table. Patrons requesting ketchup will be asked to leave.
• Baseball hats will be discouraged.
• Message-bearing T-shirts will be confiscated.
• The restaurant will not employ actors.
• The words "Best," and "Super" will not appear on the menu.
• Waiters will wear a button declaring their disdain for buttons in general.
• Any patron resembling Elvis will be refused entrance.
• No sideburns.
• No food will be served that can be traced to a specific region, ethnicity, or trend.
• Nothing on the menu will taste like chicken.
• Any person or persons caught celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine's Day will be asked to leave.
• So as not to risk loosening anyone's resistance toward theme restaurants, and to avoid embarrassing sing-alongs, no alcohol will be served in establishment.
• To avoid overly cheerful soda displays, and to avoid hearing the phrase, "Do the Dew," the restaurant will not serve soda. Therefore only plain water will be served. In a plain glass. No straw.
• Any celebrity who can be traced to Kevin Bacon will be refused admittance.
• Kevin Bacon will be refused admittance.
• And his brother, the music man -- no admittance.
• The restaurant will sponsor one open-mike night. The names of those who participate will be duly noted and they will be banned from the restaurant for life.
• Anyone wearing cowboy boots, a construction helmet, or a uniform of any kind, must show proof of employment in said field. Anyone without proof will be forced to change into neutral clothing. Cowboy hats will be banned altogether.
• The jukebox will only play hits from February 1983.
• Dining will take no longer than 22 minutes. After 22 minutes patrons will leave.

Barely out of Tuesday...

Woke up Tuesday morning
staring at the ceiling
hoping for deliverance
from the distances in you.
This room feels like an oven
somewhere south of nowhere,
north of nothing.
Barely out of Tuesday
seen seven hours of Wednesday
and I guess got regrets.
Maybe you could leave a light on,
leave a light on for me.
Can you see her waiting
there down by the sea
with a hat on,
with her eyes in there looking for me?
If you see me coming home, turn me away.
Everybody tries to go back somewhere someday.
Won't you give me the distance?
Fifty-two weeks later, your still the same.
I'm standing in my basement
making my arrangements,
waiting for the telephone
to ring,
to ring,
to ring.
So I left for Minnesota
where the weather is getting colder,
and people are changing.
Maybe you could leave a light on,
leave a light on for me.
Can you see her
waiting there down by the sea
and how arrangements are made there for welcoming me?
If you see me coming home, turn me away.
Everybody tries to go back somewhere someday.
And for all this distance, ain't going to bring you to me.
What's the point of all this patience?
It's not your nature.
You just keep what you need,
and you got some pictures of me.
Woke up Wendsday morning,
sometime Wednesday evening,
hoping for a piece of
something easy to believe.
We live out on the border
of everything and nothing;
there's nothing but waking and dreaming.
Barely out of Tuesday
there's no one to receive me;
nothing is changing.
Maybe you could leave a light on,
leave a light on for me.
Can you see her
waiting there down by the sea?
There's a light on, but there's nobody waiting for me.
If you see me coming home, turn me away.
Everybody tries to go back somewhere someday.
Everybody tries to go back somewhere someday.
Everybody tries to go back somewhere someday.
Everybody tries to go back somewhere....

I can bend and not break...

or I can break and take it with a smile. --Dashboard Confessional

Friday night I watched "Saved" with Eric and David. I have been thinking about the film ever since. During the first hour or so of the movie I was thinking...this is hilarious, but oh-so-sacrilegious. During the last half I realized how truthful it is. It really makes you think about the true intentions of Christians and what we say versus what we do. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I laughed so hard I cried, but it also really made me think. Check it out. I left Eric's knowing that I was leaving for Dallas early the next morning, but for some reason I still stayed out until 3am. Why? Well, Rachel and Ruth wanted to go grab coffee, and I will never say no to coffee with friends. Starbucks closed at 1am, so we basically drifted until 3-- my apartment, my car, Rachel's parents house. I had a wonderful time, but the next morning I was like, why Melia? Why?! You know you're getting old when six hours of sleep no longer cuts it.

Saturday I went to Dallas with Carrie to see Kim in "Educating Rita". I know I am somewhat biased, but the show was incredible! For those of you who have never heard of "Educating Rita", it is a two person show, and Kim had 80% of the lines; I don't know how she did it in only three weeks of rehearsal. The two characters are 1) Rita- an uneducated Brit who, though stuck in a controlling marriage, knows there is more to life and nothing will keep her from achieving her goals and 2) Frank- an older English Literature professor who becomes Rita's tutor. Frank is won over by her charming independence and stubborn motivation, and he sees her potential from the start. To top it off, Kim had a Cockney accent that was both hilarious and mind-blowing. Matthew and Trevor came to see the show, and since they had never met Kim, they were thrown off when after the show Kim began speaking in her normal American accent. It was that convincing! She impresses me to no end, and I cannot wait to get my hands on a video of the performance! I know she will go on to do great things, both in community theatres in Dallas, as well as when she moves to New York! I am so proud of her!

The rest of the weekend was awesome, aside from me feeling sick yesterday and today. I felt so blessed while in Dallas because I got to spend time with friends I have not seen in a while. The girls and I stayed at Kris' in Ft. Worth, which is always a blast. I got to see Kim, though not for long. I spent quality time with Carrie, singing Dashboard Confessional as I drove her Malibu (I only drove because she hates navigating through the traffic in the Metroplex). I saw Elizabeth for a little while and caught up over a cup of coffee. Trevor, a friend from high school, and his friend Matthew drove in from Keller to see the play and hang out. All in all it was a terrific weekend, heightened by the fact that not only was I out of Abilene, but I was reminded of how blessed I am to have such incredible friends. I always loved being reminded of that!

Last night I was feeling kind of crappy. (Side note: Ashley, I hope you feel better!) I took a bath, followed by a shower. I couldn't shake the feeling that it was below freezing in my apartment. The thermostat says 68, but I think it's lying to me. I said no to Super Bowl parties, more because I hate football than the fact that I didn't want to go. However, despite strict orders, I did join up with a party for Ruth that I was supposed to go to. I loved just sitting around with the girls at Rebecca's house, drinking coffee and talking about...everything. I left around 11 and was in bed by 12, which was wonderful! Sleep is highly underrated. I just want to say a quick thanks to the friends that offered to keep me company (you know who you are) or bring me dinner (Wade); I am so thankful for you all and I hope I can be the kind of friends that you have been to me. If you ever need chicken soup or hot tea, I am your girl!

Random tidbits: As for today, classes were good. I am feeling better, though still a bit lethargic. This week is kind of crazy, with tests and such. My roommate is leaving on Wednesday and will be gone all weekend. :( My parents got a new dog...super adorable. My literature professor is trying to set me up on a blind date. Levi Smith is playing at The Bean Counter tomorrow night! As you can see, mucho randomness. Let me know how you all are, and if I saw you in Dallas this weekend, thank you again for making the time.

Wherever you go for the rest of your life...

it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast. -- Ernest Hemingway

I woke up this morning completely homesick for a place I have never lived. I have only been to Paris twice, and when I add up all that time I have really only spent a month of my life in France, but I miss it so much. As a tribute to the grandest city in the world, I have posted photos from several of my favorite places.

I mean, really...who wouldn't want to be in Paris?

Je souhaite que j'aie été ce soir à Paris. Si vous emballez vos sacs mon amour, nous pouvons être là par demain.

So I got thirteen Chinese finger traps...

The connotation: Eric won 130 tickets at Mr. Gatti's last night and they had no good prizes.
The realization: David came in from his car carrying an armload of something. When I asked what he was carrying, Eric said emphatically, "Thirteen Chinese finger traps!"
The questions:
1) Why Chinese finger traps?
2) Why do I hang out with these guys?
The answers:
1) Because, for some reason, it made sense at the time.
2) Because I get to hear hilarious crap like this almost daily.