Coffee with a splash of Dream...

Boring!!

2011-03-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been lazy and boring. Doing the same thing every day...thats not me!! I need to be exciting and crazy again! Not sure how to do that, but I will figure it out. Today, I am going to buy a lottery ticket. Not really crazy, but the jackpot is at $304 mill. So, I think it may be the right thing to do. Yes, yes it is.

Fresh start

2011-03-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well, It is lent. I am trying to view this time as a new beginning. No job, no man, nothing holding me down. It's really a great time to get to know me. So, I have applied for grad school, and am gearing up to do alot of theatre. Also, I am making a serious effort to hit the gym six days a week. Seven seemed a bit lofty.
Yesterday I bought myself a wall calendar and a day planner. Organization and staying active seems to be the best idea right now. If I keep myself busy and goal oriented, I operate much better. My first month of unemployment was rough. Suddenly I have all this free time, which is actually really depressing. I have to face my old hurts and combat them with new things to be happy about. It is certainly a constant, uphill climb. There is no better time than now though, for an Elissa makeover. Emotional, spiritual and physical. I'm cleaning out my closets. The closet of my soul, and the ones in my house. So, that being said, I will have some things to give away soon. I'll give the emotional baggage to Jesus, and the physical is totally up for grabs.

Black and White ball!

2010-10-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

After years of dreaming about it, lusting over gowns, and being invited to one, then being un-invited, I finally went to a ball! In Columbia, they have an annual "Black and White ball" around Halloween, so I went! I grabbed my girl, Samantha, we bought beautiful gowns and headed out on the town.

It was great. Lots of food, open bar (which I, being the adult that I am, did not abuse!) live music and people watching to the extreme. My favorite part was being able to dress up and feel like a "frincess" . However, not having a date made it impossible to find anyone to "dance with me like a frincess"(Sophia knows what she's talkin' about!). Noted. But, I will most certainly go again next year, as long as I have a date. Heck, I'll just take my dad. He will certainly make me feel like a frincess!

Snow day!

2010-02-15T04:01:00.000-08:00

It snowed! It started falling at about 4pm on Friday, and I believe we got about 4-5 inches. Of course, it was almost completely melted by Saturday. Still, it was nice to see. I haven't been in the snow since I resided in the WV.

-Pictures provided by Megan Powers

The Southern Swoop. Legitimate Style...or Red Flag??

2010-02-13T04:51:00.000-08:00

**Disclaimer** This post is based solely on my own study and observations. I am in no way implying that all men who rock the "Southern Swoop" are a menace to society or morally corrupt...I'm sure there are one or two young fellas out there who shun all the Swoop stands for, and wear it strictly for stylistic purposes.**

The Southern Swoop. Since I have begun my journey as a southerner, I am trying to embrace the culture, by learning and experiencing as much as I can. That being said, there is one part of this new culture I cannot allow myself to take seriously. That would be this "Southern Swoop" I speak of.
Now, let me define the SS for you. The SS is a hairstyle, most commonly worn by young (13-36yrs.), native men. It is a longer cut, almost mimicking a bowl cut, but with bangs that can be side swept using either the hand, or more commonly, the "hair flip"*. Also, hair gel is greatly discouraged, as it pulls away from the integrity of the true style. Luckily, men with curly hair have no chance of ever achieving this style.
The more time I spend here, the more comical this style has become to me. It just looks silly. It annoys me. But, Enough about my feelings toward it. Back to facts.
Frat boys and womanizers have, thus far, been the main bearers of the SS. Rest assured, if one decides to hit up the local hangout on any night of the week, thou shalt be surrounded by the SS. At least 72% of the clientele at said hangout, shall be sportin' the swoop. This also makes for a very lame/frustrating outing. The swoopers hang in packs. Normally frat buddies. Laugh extremely loud, wear North face vests, drink far to much (cheap)* beer, and don't care if you catch them looking at you as if you are their next meal.
All this being said, if you know these facts, living in these parts suddenly becomes easier. The SS is now a red flag for me in the dating world. When one approaches me, I quickly turn the other way. Disaster averted.
You may wonder: "Where does all this hatred come from, sweet girl?". First, it is not hatred, it is simply a character study, that has many negative tones to it. Not my fault! Show me a man with a southern swoop who can prove me wrong! I long for this, pray for it! For I enjoy believing, though it may be naive, that all people are good, they just sometimes do bad things.
However, my interest in this study, does have a beginning...
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of going on a date with a true southern boy..SS included. Unfortunately, he lived up to this stereotype, and then some. The southern gentleman status did not even last through the whole date. We went to dinner at a disgusting, hole in the wall greasepit. A favorite place of his frat brothers, whom he still hangs out with regularly. He is 30 years old. Things only got more exciting from there. I'll spare you the silly details. His actions prompted me to dig further, maybe provide some help to other young women venturing into this strange world. Not to say this has caused me to dismiss southern gentlemen. They do exist, for I have met quite a few since living here. Wonderful, considerate men who would bend over backward to make sure a lady is treated with respect and care. Not one of them has a SS...
In closing, please don't read this and I think I am complaining. This is part of the experience. For every man I see with the dreaded swoop, I know there is another, right around the corner with a nice crew cut, a bald head, or hey, if I'm lucky, a mullet! The possibilities are endless and every day is an adventure with new opportunities...maybe even a southern gent who just happens to be swoopin'....

*Hair Flip: A quick throw of the head in either direction, to remove hair from eyes. A move that used to be reserved for only women and emo, teenage boys.
*(cheap) beer: Budweiser, Miller light, pee in a bottle...dont even suggest a higher quality...you will be exiled from the hangout, because they know EVERY bar-tender in town.

Here comes the sun

2010-02-12T04:02:00.000-08:00

This past winter in good old Columbia has been less than awesome. No, I haven't been pounded by snow like almost everyone else in the united states. Instead, pounded with the reality that growing up is inevitable and that there are only so many things we can control: What we eat, how we spend our precious time, and choosing to love others and see them, not through our miserable eyes, but through the eyes of God. Not that any of these things are easy, but, at least I have control over them. For the most part.
These observations have also shown me that I am an undercover control freak. I always thought I was a "go with the flow" kind of gal, which is half true. I am more a "go with MY flow" type. Shocking, and I only realized it because its true what they say: Everything, (really) is slower in the south.
And I have so much to say about that....

Living the dream...or just life

2009-10-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, So life isn't perfect, but I am trying hard to make the most of this small town/we wish we were a big city place called Columbia, SC. My job is going well, I live in a great little duplex in a nice area with lots of trees but just steps from downtown. I have my buddy and a good close friend. The more I think about it, there are alot of good things happening.

Today is Halloween. I have a dish of candy waiting for trick-or-treaters sitting on my counter and some pumpkin muffins in my oven, making my house smell Oh so delicious! At this point, I have been here a little over three months, and the first two...I was completely miserable. But, things have taken a good turn recently. I really appreciate my job, seeing how so many others are struggling to find one or barely getting by waiting tables. The gym has become a friendly place to visit instead of a pain in the butt now that I started taking a spin class. It has boosted my energy, self-esteem and given me the ability to get up at 4:30 am with little (or not as much) trouble. But, the most exciting thing to happen has been meeting a fellow musician who has taken interest in my voice. We are currently working on putting together an album of songs that I have written, and he will contribute his instrumental and mixing skills. This is something I have wanted to do...forever! It is really feeding my need for artistic expression. Not being able to find any acting gigs recently was getting me down, but now having this musical opportunity is bringing me back up.

Now, I'm not trying to brag and say how wonderful my life is, because there will always be things I want to change, but I am finding some sort of groove here, and I like it. The lack of friends is still a struggle, but with time, I know I will make more. All in all though, the good days completely outnumber the stinky ones!

At work...goofing around with the bikes and awesome cycling gear!

http://www.glorycycles.com/ Just couldnt resist!

Meeting Gavin Degraw after his concert in Charlotte! Such a talented artist...and quite nice to look at as well!

A lovely sunday afternoon with Buddy, painting and enjoying my screen door!

Tailgating! Made some good friends and had some awesome food!

no more boring wall!

2009-10-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

My walls were getting very boring, so I found some of these fun wall stickers on amazon! I got some for my living room too. I think they really jazz it up

A spectator no more

2009-09-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last night was a good night. Went to see a Jason Mraz concert in Charlotte. Its about an hour and half from here, but worth the drive. We danced barefoot on the lawn, sung at the top of our lungs, smiled at complete strangers and got lost in some beautiful music...
Sadly, I was slightly, but only for a short while, irritated with the silly kids behind us. Fresh-faced high school seniors, who would rather mock those around them instead of enjoying the music! Luckily, I was too lost in my own good time to realize their shenanigans until the night was almost over. It makes me wonder though...was I like that? Are they just being kids? Yes. and no. I do manage to enjoy the world around me more these days, and realize all these moments are gifts from God, but I too, was once more concerned about watching those around me, trying to come into my own. However, I never have been much of a person who finds joy in making fun of others. Yes, we may look ridiculous, but at least we are having a good time while doing it.

Getting back on the horse(bike)

2009-09-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Many have heard about my traumatic incident on a bicycle which took place...almost ten years ago. If you haven't, to sum it up...I wrecked, had to get stitches, witnessed child abuse, and almost had the burden of a baby with a concussion on my shoulders...and I was very far from the comfort of my home and family. Alot to handle, and I still get a little sweaty just thinking about it. However, I work for a company which sells bicycles, it is pretty much my life right now. I find it very silly that I do not ride and think it is time for me to conquer my fear! There are so many things in life that are much scarier, yet I face them daily without even a second glance. Phobias are weird to me. A few years ago, I was watching Maury, and there was a lady who was deathly afraid of tinfoil and cotton balls. I laughed at her and still chuckle at the memory of her running across the talk show studio when they made her face her fear. That crazy lady though...in a way..is me. No more running for me. If I am going to try to escape something, its going to have to be via bicycle.

...love...

2009-08-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Every 4 months or so, I get very frustrated at the fact that a nice, respectable, interesting young woman like myself cannot find a decent man. Yet, it seems everyone around me is falling in love or like. Yes, the cry of the single girl. Nobody wants to hear about it, but I am upset! When this tri-annual event comes around I go through my life re-evaluation. Am I doing everything I can? Where can I meet people? Do I dress too conservatively, or maybe not conservative enough? Luckily, I was raised right and don't take then easy road of running out to the nearest bar and heading home with a cute stranger. I know better, and that would solve zero problems in the long run. So, last night, as a desperate attempt before going to bed, I BEGGED God to send someone to love me. This was not a polite request, I meant business. I thought the kicking things around my house and tears was also a helpful tactic....
To try to improve my every day living, I subscribed to a daily email that sends encouraging quotes and what not, to get you through the day. Upon checking my email this morning, I received my daily quote...

" Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved, as to love."
-St Francis of Assisi

Avacado

2009-08-20T10:14:00.001-07:00

...Is so delicious! I have recently started eating it. First, it was just my sandwiches I would put it on. But now, pretty much everything...I made and omelet last night and added a whole bunch. Delish!

Wake-Up call

2009-08-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

2 am. I wake up as many often do because your side has fallen asleep and its time to turn over. My phone rings. Looking at who is calling, I realize I didn't wake up to turn over, but to answer this phone call. Its that special bond that best friends/sisters share. You know when they need you. This one is unique. I will be the first to admit, I have not been the best of friends lately. With both of us going through many interesting life changes this year, we have, like many do, grown apart. This has saddened me much more than I realized. Sitting on the phone, in the dark, talking with a friend who might as well be family, I am taken back to when we only lived right down the road from each other, talked every day, and our problems could be solved with donuts and mocha's...Things were so much easier when one of us could just drive to the others family home, and sit around for hours just talking about all the things we couldn't wait to do.
Here we are, years later, kind of living our dreams, but separated by much more than distance. I miss my best friend. That's really all I can say at this point.

Working for the weekend

2009-08-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

"Everybody's working for the weekend..." What a silly song. But, I understand it now. I love my job, and I am so thankful to have one. It's not just a job, but we really are like a little family. I mean, I can bring Buddy to work with me. Perfect. However, I really appreciate the weekends now. After years of working in retail stores and restaurants with unpredictable hours, and nobody really taking their job seriously, weekends and weekdays all seemed the same.
Another stepping stone on my journey to be a grown-up. Weekends are now reserved for doing laundry, cleaning the house, catching up with all the people I have lost touch with over the week and maybe even a little fun. Things are changing. People, personal goals, beliefs, ideas...everything looks so different to me now. Weird to think that what was important to me 3 years ago, means nothing now.
Seriously though, thank God for the weekend.

bring back the spark

2009-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.sparkpeople.com/

I joined this website years ago and forgot about it until now. After countless weeks...ok months, of yo-yo ing back and forth from moderately healthy eating to meals which consist of a frozen pizza, a bowl of lucky charms, a little chex mix and ice cream with chocolate shell for dessert, its time to stop killing myself. Seriously, this is a road I dont want to be on. Of all the things in life we can't control, why do I choose to abuse the thing I can? Sad, but, I know I'm not the only one. This site, however, is awesome. First, its free. I am all about anything that is free. Second, it pretty much plans your life for you. You put in your goals, it makes meal plans, workouts and even printable shopping lists. Not that I can afford to make all the meals it suggests, but it is a great guide. It also has alot of support pages for all the challenges one may face. So, I'm going to give it another shot. I am trying really hard to be a grown up right now, so I think taking care of myself is probably a good place to start.

Get your butt out of bed and do something...

2009-08-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across a Young woman this morning, tears in her eyes, fire in her heart, too much coffee in her belly, and an unworn copy of Cyrano de Bergerac held tight to her chest by chipped, red fingernails.... Truly a pitiful sight. Like something out of a cheesy movie. What is wrong with her? Who is she? Oh. Ok. She is me. Now, I feel a bit foolish. Have I really let myself become this stereotype? The tortured artist who has fallen away from her art. Lets all pity her. Pity, however, is something I do not want. What I want, is a good slap in the face, and I think I'm the perfect one to do it.
I realized this morning how much I miss doing theatre. It is what got me into acting in the first place. There is nothing more enjoyable for me. Telling people you can't spend time with them because you have rehearsal, makes some feel a little guilty. Me? Saying "I can't, I have rehearsal." brings me an almost sick, satisfaction. Sometimes, I want to follow it with a loud laugh, and say "Yes, I have rehearsal, and you don't!" Sounds horrible. But, I think I'm a nice, giving person. Let me have my moment!
All these things being said, I'm going to start auditioning again within the next few weeks. I'll take whatever I can get! As long as its a speaking role...

Oops!

2009-07-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

I forgot I had a blog. I guess I should make use of it...

Why not?

2009-05-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Seeing as I live so far away from many of the people I love, I guess a blog is a good idea. I currently dont have a camera though...so pictures shant be happening for a bit. But, I am excited to start recording the moments of my life!