As I Live and Learn

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Don't Ask Me Why

Because I don't know why. But, as with everyone else, there's always been a part of me that wants to be accepted by others. As much as I don't really care what other people think about me, especially those I don't even know, there's still that tiny little part of me that does care. Or rather, that part of me that occasionally would like for others to view me favorably, even though I don't need it because I have friends and family who love me, accept me, and think I'm a great person, and even I know I'm a good person and like myself for the most part. I guess I just want recognition for what I already know.

But mostly, for the last many years, that part of me has wanted to attempt to become an actress... or win a beauty pageant. I have know idea why a beauty pageant. Why I want to be known as the prettiest.

Which is where today comes in. *sighs*

A couple years ago I looked into the Miss Michigan pageant. After all, that was one of my nicknames growing up in Mass, and my pageant fantasy was at an all time high at that point. Today I looked into it again, as I didn't remember anything of what I had learned before. What I learned is that I'm ineligible. For more than one reason, and none of them are that I'm not skinny enough! First off, 24 years old is the top limit on age. Secondly, I have to be in my Senior Year of High School or first of college. After all, it's a scholarship program first and foremost. Hah! I have no use for a scholarship at this point in my life, unless I miraculously decided to quit my job, give up the standard of living I have, and follow a different one of my thoughts of going to get a Masters Degree.

So I looked into the Mrs. Michigan pageant. Which I am also ineligible for, but only for one singular reason: I have to be married. Otherwise, it's completely a beauty pageant without any entry limitations the average U.S. citizen can't meet on any given day. And the swimsuit competition is worth the smallest amount, even though that's still 25%. In fact, in looking for more information on the pageant and the Mrs. America pageant, I found this news article about how one contestant of a Mrs. State pageant entered and discovered she was going to the Mrs. America pageant because she was the only one who entered the State pageant and so she won the crown by default! Last year only 10 people entered the Mrs. Michigan pageant. Sounds like good odds to me. For me. Especially at my age.

Oh wait, I'm not married.

*sighs again* Oh well.

In the meantime, while reading through that article I mentioned, the woman listed some of the questions asked of her, and I found myself answering them as if I had just been asked. And you know what? I liked what I was saying, so I thought I would record them here.

Who is a hero of yours?
My Mother. I know it sounds cliche, but she really is. My Mom is an amazing person. When her husband walked out on her, and didn't even tell her he left at first, she took two really young children, moved half way across the country, and started a new life. We never felt neglected. She made it fun for us growing up. She always made us feel loved, we always knew we were loved. And somehow she managed to keep us from feeling the depressing life she was going through. She worked hard too. She raised two successful children. She got her dream job. And now she helps other children, those who don't have the advantages we did. If I could do half as much as she has done to make this world a better place, I would be happy.

What is success?
Success is being happy. It's finding what you want. And going after it. And being happy with life along the way. That's success.

What message would you like to deliver as Mrs. D.C.?
Hmm. {Long pause.} You are going to grow up. You might think it's too hard. You may not think you'll ever get through. But you will grow up. Whether you want to or not. Everybody does, and you will too. But just because you grow up, doesn't mean you can't still want the things you wanted when you were young. You can still try to get them. There's still time. Just look at me! It's never too late to go after what you want.

How did you like being pregnant?
I have never been. I assume the judges would know not to ask this question of me.

At the end of the article was the following:

During my interviews with the judges, one had asked what my daughter thought of my being in a pageant.

"She says I should do what I want to do," I'd said. "But she thinks what you look like is not very important."

"You have a smart daughter," said the judge.

"I do," I said.

And you know what? They aren't wholly right, but they aren't at all wrong. On reading that my pageant desires immediately fizzled as perspective was restored to my world. But I do know that while what you look like isn't the important thing, it is important to be able to look at yourself and to be healthy. Both of which I can say, I am.

Posted by: trekker9er : 8:17 PM

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Friday, March 03, 2006

Things I've Learned Recently

My grandmother broke her ankle the Sunday before last, and has been in the hospital and then rehabilitation institute since then. I've visited her twice, the second time on her birthday, and during our talks have learned a bit more about my family.

Her father (my great-grandfather) was a handy man and landscaper for rich people. Ma said he was really good and landscaping and made yards beautiful. Later she also said he wasn't around much, and I think she said it was because he was Indian though I don't understand how that caused him to not be around. (He's actually half, but that still gets him considered Native American.)

Her mother (my great-grandmother) didn't work. And she was fun to grow up with. I'm not sure I've ever heard Ma talk about someone like she did about her mother. I think it's love I heard in her voice.

My mother was into everything growing up. Clubs, events, whatnot.

My mother and father actually first met in elementary school during a chess tournament!

She remembers my Dad being a nice person. Whenever he came over to pick up Mom, and she wasn't ready, he would sit and talk with Ma. She said he was always pleasant to talk to.

Posted by: trekker9er : 10:42 AM

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Monday, February 27, 2006

This billboard appears on Main Street in Ann Arbor, MI to South bound traffic a few blocks below M-14 (which is the North side of Ann Arbor).

It is SO well done, I think it's fantastic. But there are no words on it. No phone number, website, or anything to indicate what it is advertising.

It's pretty scary at night, at least the first time you see it, because it really does look like someone, or some thing, pushing through from the other side! These pictures don't do it proper justice.

Can anyone help me out as to who put it up and why? Does it mean anything or just meant to look cool?

Here's one taken during the day:

Posted by: trekker9er : 11:18 AM

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