New Story and some life details!

I feel like we've been distant later, spellreaders. Let me just catch you up with what's up in my life, and then I'll give ya'll a story chunk for just today (working on another new idea for a 3-parter).

First of all, as you all know, I'm back at SLU for the semester. It's been a rough week with lots of work, what with directing rehearsals every night for about 3 hours a sesh (session), but it's been fun and empowering. I'm feeling good about myself these days, and what I can do with what I've got (and how I can learn to do more, so I can do more with what I have, which will be more... is that sensical? ... Is sensical a word?)-- so yeah: life's good, but hectic and I'm all over the place these days in terms of the play and such, which is fun but exhausting. All in all, I'm running my life, but it's running me, too. Ya know?

But yeah-- that's what's up. If you want to suggest story ideas below, or give me positive reinforcement, I'm all for that :)

All right. Now here's a story that I wrote for the Hill News last Valentine's Day, and because I stumbled upon it and felt it was appropriate (since the oh-so-glam day is right around the corner), I figured I'd post it. Again, note that now I'm quoting the Hill News and not so much just taking something from my files, but I still hope that's cool. I mean, I'm citing them. ...It's theres. I just wanted to quote it... I don't know. I'd link it but it's not online. So here it is (and that's my explanation for the quotations... I'm not just that arrogant; I just don't want to somehow get in trouble just because this was officially been published in some way in a college newspaper... but yeah-- this is just me quoting a story, so I figure/hope it's cool).

"Heart-on-sleeve, Tongue-in-cheek

As the holiday season passes and our New Year’s Resolutions are made (maybe this will be the year I party less and study more), only one final winter festivity begs for our attention and celebration: Valentine’s Day.

Worse than D-Day, it’s “V-Day!”

Sure, it’s a few weeks away, but one must prepare oneself for the upcoming onslaught that’s paired with February Fool’s Day. Old couples bathing in their sickening, mushy-gushy love, new couples awkwardly forging through their premiere soiree d’amour, those lone wolves out there starving for recognition and truffles, and our country’s combined consumerism and materialism… this is what’s on the forecast for February 14^th.

“Riley, you sound bitter,” one may note smugly, citing my single status as the reason for my sour tone. But alas, caddy colleague, this is not the (main) reason for my degrading attitude towards this ominous occasion. Nay. The reason for my discontent this winter is due to the total lack of concern for consistent clichés on this lovey-dovey day.

Don’t get me wrong. I can stomach a round of clichés every now and again (otherwise I wouldn’t be able to watch “Glee”), but as an English Major, I can’t simply watch in horror as this festival of overused platitudes mocks both our culture and our native tongue as it’s memorialized.

I mean, seriously! “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’ve heard this before, how ‘bout something new?” Or what about, “Words cannot express how much I love you?” Why not just stick with the last 3 words and call it a day if that’s the best you can do?

Furthermore, if I see one more Snoopy or heart with limbs wishing me a “Happy Love Day” on a packet of chalk-flavored “Conversation Hearts,” I’m hunting down and taking my frustration out on Cupid… that diaper-wearing, bow-and-arrow-wielding Momma’s Boy (“Words Cannot Express” my issues with Cupid)...

Or how about those little card bundles you can buy in a 30-pack? If they’re “Beatles” themed, they say, “Love Me Do” or “All You Need is Love.” If they’re Scooby Doo themed, they range from “Jinkies, you’re cool and hot at the same time! You’re one mystery I can’t solve!” or “You’re what I’d do for a Scooby Snack!” (Okay, maybe the latter examples are not as popular, but that’s beside the point). Can’t kids just make their own cards and make them personal?

Where’s the originality, I wonder with an interrobang?! I enjoy receiving jewels as much as the next sensible girl, but if it’s heart-shaped and sterling silver, save you Tiffany’s gift receipt. I’d obviously appreciate the gesture, but I don’t want to match every girl on campus February 15^th. Plus, a better heart-shaped cliché to offer is a box of chocolates… I’ll let that cliché slide, due to delectability.

How about, to get creative this 2011 season, you go for a lover’s snowshoe hike through the Adirondacks (beware of bears), or throw a Valentine’s Day wild rave (beware of beers)? Or, you could make a sensational YouTube video for your beloved, or buy U2 concert tickets for you two? There are so many ways to avoid clichés!

Every year, it’s the same “slow-song and dance,” sometimes with a different dance partner, sometimes without one. I hope I’m not the only one that notices this and ails at the idea of this continuously cliché holiday.

I guess all I really ask of you this Valentine’s Day, my fellow classmates, is that you do me one favor.

Worry not about consumerism.

Fret not about materialism.

Fear not that I’m howling at the moon like the other lone wolves because my “Alpha Male” is still a “mystery man.”

Just avoid clichés. Please?

Happy Valentine’s Day! Oh, and for a postscript: Donate Blood in town on Valentine’s Day to keep someone else’s heart pumping this season of romance."

Thanks to the Hill News, though it's not like they know I posted this (sorry if this IS bad), and thanks for reading!

"Something Wicked This Way Comes"