[I started a few posts over the last week or so, but something about them just didn't sit well. Kind of like Mexican (or as my dear pal Tracy lovingly refers to as "Messican" - which I think sums it up)... You know, it looks pretty good, especially when you need something filling and quick; but you realize it might be a bad idea in the long run. For whatever reason I decided I didn't like them, I've got them tucked away in the vault of useless ramblings; and I may pull one of them out in a pinch. Just wanted you to know I haven't been slacking!]
It dawned me that I'm at the half-way point of my VISTA term. We were warned of the dreaded six month shlump during our pre-service orientation and here I am, raging with apathy. I kind of wandered blindly into this experience back in August; looking back on it, what I'm doing now isn't what I thought I was getting into. I don't mean that in a bad or negative way. I just feel I've wandered so far off the path I had originally planned on going down, and now it doesn't make sense to find my way back and continue on as if the last few months didn't mean anything. I remember not too long ago going to lots of various meetings, helping out at the front desk, being introduced to some interesting people, and helping out with lots of cool projects. Now I feel like I'm wasting time on reports that will never see the light of day, reading the same material over and over, and waiting to see if all the stuff I have done might actually be worth more than wiping your butt with it. Le sigh. At least I'll always have my afternoons in the schools where I get to help out with homework, recreation, and essentially be a mini-celebrity among North Charleston afterschool kids. Not to mention, my mentees in the area schools continue to grow and get more comfortable with me, and I really hope they get half as excited as I do with our weekly visits. Even if I leave little impact in the mayor's office, I'll have a small consolation that I left a few North Charleston "youths" with a few fun memories - and I have a stack of colorful drawings and scribbly written letters to prove it.
Honestly, I think that's the nature of the AmeriCorps beast; I don't know a single AmeriCorps member who didn't experience a whole array of frustrations. I was in the same predicament last year in Jacksonville, and it ended up turning out okay (with lots discussions and a little extra work on all parts, as you'll recall). This year in North Charleston I'm one of two 1st-Year VISTAs at my site, and I almost felt confident that it would get to this very point where the motivation had dried up and the routine had become monotonous. Now I'm a little frustrated with myself I didn't come up with a back-up plan sooner. To make matters worse, there's no such thing as a spring break for VISTAs... I don't even get a chance to shake off the funk and come back with a little more energy (and a killer tan!) to push through the last few months.
To further my urge to beat my head against the wall at work, I've had a lot of great outside experiences happen over the last couple of weeks -- and there's still so much more in store. I'm living for my nights and weekends these days, which makes the 40 hour work week feel, obviously, much longer. Here's what's up, fools:
a) Taking Improv classes is by far one of the best things I've done while here in Charleston. It's certainly nerve-wracking and bears obvious pressure, but OH MAN. The results? Hilarious. It's such a freeing experience to get out of your head, and I genuinely miss being on stage. It helps having my fellow VISTA, Kelly, there - it's so hard explaining what happens in class, so it's nice to have someone I know well to experience it with me! We're having a "recital" at the end of this month on Tues, March 23rd. All are welcome to attend. :D
b) When I first moved to Charleston, I made a wild attempt at getting into the local
modeling scene. After finally feeling comfortable with my smile (
most of you know my 4 year ordeal with constant oral surgery and other procedures - I'll take you for coffee and tell you the story if not) and working hard to be healthy and fit, I thought I just might have what it takes. Instead, I was batted around a few different agencies who could "make me a star!"... if I coughed up $1,500 for pictures, classes, training, talent competitions, etc. I may be blonde, but I can smell a scam - and these wreaked of self-tanned BS. I walked away, but not without seeking other avenues. I stumbled on a network of photographers and models and put my "profile" out there. I didn't get much response in the beginning, but then I had a few folks asking me to work with them. I jumped on it (
doing my homework, of course!), and set up some shoots. I feel like the details are better in the album, so check out what I've got so far!:
Charleston portfolio.
c) Yup. Got a new round of fitness classes starting this week into next month, and I'm so ready to get pum-ped (*beats chest*) up.
d) I've been a huge fan of American Idol for the last couple of seasons. I managed to get John into it a while back, but obviously law school gets in the way. However, I started keeping regular "G-Chat" dates through Gmail with my Jacksonville crew during the show (which is really just Erin and Virginia - and I prefer my posse to be intimate, thank-you-very-much). If you're into AI and like to share some commentary, hit me UP! Side note: I didn't think I would like Ellen, but she's quickly becoming my favorite judge.
e) I need... more... Facebook... SCRABBLE! (Except if you're Stan S., who apparently felt the need to make me his Scrabble biatch.) Find me!
f) In a recent conversation with John concerning social media (we're dorks. SHUT IT.), he started to show me the inner-workings of Twitter. I'm pretty loyal to Facebook, and honestly didn't think I could come up with an interesting slew of status updates. (Does taking a good poo warrant a "tweet"?) Anyhow, he explains to me how it's more of a news -- not networking -- site, like a mini-blog in 140 characters or less. Wellll! When you put it that way, I'm a blog fanatic and could possibly put it to work. Poll: Should Celia get a Twitter account (or keep her good poos to herself)?
On that note, I'd better shut it myself and contemplate the meaning of life -- or at least give my smelly dogs a bath. Speaking of AI, the top 10 girls are competing tonight; and if they stink half as bad as they did lat week, at least my dogs won't.
"C"-crest, OUT!
