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Goodbye, BrickPhone — it’s been swell.

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WHEN I SIGNED MY LIFE AWAY to Alltel back in the spring of 2006, I had no idea what kind of claptrap I was getting myself into. Everything seemed to make so much sense at the time, all of the phones seemed glistening and functional, the salesman wore a cheesy peach-colored polo. Scribbling a John Hancock on the dotted line seemed like a good idea — it seemed like an even better notion when they handed me my state o’ the art Kyocera BrickPhone TX-3489023478 Remix. Everything pretty much collapsed around me at that point except that of my newfound cellular telephonic device, an ancient artifact in my hand. One would have thought it was the greatest acquiring since the Louisiana Purchase.

I yapped into that thing night and day. It was practically oxygen to me, except it made up about 92% of my atmosphere instead of 20. One could have sworn I’d lathered a layer of Krazy Glue to my palm and affixed it to my hand, and even my father managed to make note, “You think you’re so special.” He’d got that right — I was!
Through bouts of anger, breakups, and sisterly cat fights the phone prevailed. So, too, did others. I gradually noticed that either my phone had been gaining weight, or others had been getting smaller. Soon everyone and their eighth cousins had Razors, Crazrs, Cr8zies, L-Oh Em Gee’s or whatever kids those days were in to. For as much as I wished my Kyocera had gained the Freshman Fifteen, I knew deep down that the BrickPhone Remix was sadly going out of style.
I watched in disgust as each day one of my friends showed up with a new phone that could sing, invert, walk on water, solve differential equations, disintegrate, time travel, or make their bed. I became increasingly disheartened; my .836 megapixel camera wasn’t so fancy, the ‘Happy Cricket’ ringtone was suddenly sadder, and somehow the ‘cer’ in ‘Kyocera had rubbed off — Kyosucka. The best part of it was, Alltel had me on a leash for two years and as far as they were concerned, I was their little puppet (I don’t know how they sleep at night).
The tables have turned, and this past week has brought tears of joy to my eyes as my contract expired. The shackles of cellular mobility have, at long last, been abolished. Hooray! Sweet cellular freedom.
I have been rewarded with a new phone, brand spankin’ new digits, and most importantly, a new provider. My poor Kyosucka BrickPhone Remix is on its final days, saddened by its LG enV2 replacement. No more Happy Cricket or Oh, Canada! ringtones — just love.
Wired,
jc

Aw, Babydoll!

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SHE CALLED AT HALF PAST FIVE, while filling her car with gas. 
“I’m just about to hit the road,” she said. I could hardly contain myself.
An hour and half later she was here, in my arms amidst a joyous reunion. We spent the evening sauntering, dining, basking the in pleasure of one another’s company. 
I love this girl, as much as one can love their best friend. 



Pack rat.

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In response to this photo, one jpgmag.com user stated:

“…it seems the most creative people are also “collectors.” It seems we have the hardest time letting go of stuff because you never know when we might need it…”

I’m not certain that I am entirely creative, but no doubt, a collector.

Like water, down a drain.

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NOT SO LONG AGO I was acquainted with a young lady my age who, after all of the years she spent with her nose to the grindstone at everything and anything she did, was accepted to the prestigious West Point military academy.

She was deserving, I’d say; well, anyone who is accepted to such an institution certainly does not get there on looks or street smarts alone. No one knew of her acceptance into the academy, however, until she informed all that she’d declined it.
Not only did she kick the reputable institute to the curb, she did so with class. Less than a year later she revealed that she was engaged to her fellow McDonald’s employee/lover, and that’s not all: there was definitely a baby on the way.
My only question is, who on earth does these things? My mind spins with exasperation at the mere thought of all the USMA-hopefuls tearing up their rejection letters and crying themselves to sleep. If they only knew that she’d had the chance, a chance she threw away…
…but really?! Who gives up their future at a highly acclaimed school, just to chase a deep-fried love that blossomed amidst Big Mac’s and Happy Meals? For bassinets and dirty diapers? For the LOVE OF PETE (figure of speech, not his actual name)?!
I always wondered this, but I now believe that I am starting to understand. Sure, love does crazy things to you, and yes, love is a battlefield (thank you, Pat Benatar); but not only was she in love, she did what she wanted.
She did what she wanted, regardless of the consequences, the criticism, the never-ending ‘how could you’s’. She knew she could get into the academy. She knew she could go far, and rise above, and get what she desired; she proved it, and she walked away.
And today, she doesn’t have a West Point education, no; just a husband, a baby, and some weird 2-year online nursing degree from a community college. Aside from the 14 hours a day she’s bending over backwards and wiping feces off her child’s rear end, I’m sure she’s living the dream.
This story does have a point.
I am here now, away from where I was. Many minutes — many, many minutes of each day, I wonder. I wonder if I would have been wiser to stay home this summer, to “save money” (the default excuse every college student uses for living at home), to be closer to my family, to save.
It all comes down to the bank. In Minot, I would be living each day with a little more in my pocket, but the bottom line would be misery; I would not be happy. I’d be in a boring comfort zone consumed by mornings of over-sleeping in and driving down Broadway through construction. I’d be subconsciously having the life sucked out of me, depleting like water down a drain. 
Like water, down a drain.
I am becoming more independent, I am becoming stronger. These minutes that I have spent wondering have become my enemy, and ultimately now, my affirmation. I must be doing something right.
I do not suggest that you turn down a much sought-after invitation to a top military academy to have a tot and marry Ronald McDonald or who have you. Certainly this choice was not the brightest! In the same regards, my choices, too, may not be well-reasoned — I am currently working to live and living to work. Nevertheless, my glass is half-full and the sky’s the limit.
I am doing this, for whatever it takes. 
—jc
ps: Happy birthday in the sky, Gramps! You are missed.

1001 Things to Fuss About

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YOU KNOW WHAT IRRITATES ME? When I come across a book with a title such as “1001 Things to Do/See/Eat/Scratch Your Back With Before You Die.” Really, do I need to be reminded that I am going to die someday? Also, who really has the time/resources to visit/experience all 1001? Thanks to these mindless works, am I going to feel somewhat less fulfilled upon my passing because there were ___ places that I failed to reach?

I can already see myself at heaven’s gates (granted that I go there, which I am crossing my fingers), pleading with the gatekeeper to let me in, to which he argues, “I can’t; you never made it to [insert 5-Star hotel here] in Torres Del Paine, Chile.”
Shnay!
Who really has time for this? P. Diddy? His stepson (who threw the most ridiculous Sweet “Stunna 16” party that I have ever seen in the history of MTV)? Oprah? Well — certainly not me.
Then again, maybe I should stop judging books by covers.

No one belongs here more than you.

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OUR DEEPEST FEAR is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness which frightens us. We were all meant to shine as children do; it’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Wii Will, We Will Rock You.

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Such a pleasant, relaxing, and enjoyable day.
Job interview in the A.M., lunch with a friend, Wii in the afternoon, followed by a bonding BBQ with the roommates.
I had my first encounter with the Wii, after days of Jessie begging me to “create a Mii, give it a chance, play against her” etc. etc. Not surprisingly, I am terrible — and addicted. I literally broke a sweat while I was boxing, nearly dislocated my shoulder playing tennis, and well near had my camera blasted to smithereens by the unruly forehand of The Heidi.
In light of Memorial Day, we decided to go all out and mix up a pot of 98 cent Bush’s baked beans and a throw a couple packs of Ballpark Frank’s and turkey brats on the grill. Truly a banquet!
Thus far, I really like it here — which is good, because there really is no going back.
love,
jc

SOLD!

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WELL, FOLKS. The time has come — I am employed.

It’s bittersweet, to say the least. Most look on a job as another responsibility, burden, etc. But for some reason, that’s exactly what I’m looking for right now. My life has kind of gotten to the point of boredom that I enjoy any sort of excitement, be it employment or other.
So here it is — my new job, at one of my favorite places in the area.  I am thoroughly delighted to be back in the saddle!
Furthermore, I went the extra mile for dinner tonight and made pasta for my sister! A true culinary extravaganza! She was, to say the least…impressed!
Tomorrow brings yet another interview, classes and work begin on Wednesday, and I can imagine that I will be more than busy this summer. Exactly what I’d hoped for.

Back In Business — Well, Sort Of.

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I GOT TWELVE HOURS OF SLEEP LAST NIGHT.

It was the most mind-altering, sweetly beautiful shut-eye that I’ve ever experienced while laying on several dozen planks with nary a mattress. I feel GOOD.
The fridge was scarce of milk, so I settled for a bowl of sugar-free oatmeal. I hear that’s a good meal to eat before you go searching for a job, and that’s just what I did.
Search — did I ever search! I searched, alllll day, everywhere. I searched for jobs in a box, I searched for jobs with a fox, I searched for jobs here, and there, and everywhere.
Alas, I think I found a few. And tomorrow I have an interview — a real, live interview for a real job! (Why this is so hard to believe, I’m uncertain. Being out of the business for so long will do this to you.)
Also among today’s tasks was memorizing my new address — quite the feat when your former residencies have been no more than 10 characters long.
Right now, however, all I want to do is sleep on my sweet bed without a mattress. For twelve hours.
So. Righteous.