WRI 2730- Essay # 1: Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

Self-contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus

Equipment is packed, legs are shaved and caffeine has been ingested. Time of departure: 5:00am. 

After a short drive we arrive at a dive shop. Immediately I want to own everything I see, I fantasize about diving every weekend with my own equipment. Taking days off of work to go on very elaborate diving excursions. I notice a pair of pink snorkels, those will be mine. 

In 2009 I was 25 years old and suffering from quarter life crisis. I had a co-worker friend who would share fantasies of doing really cool things. We took rock climbing lessons together and wrote list after list of things we could do. Business was good so I took the extra cash I was making and decided to take up a new hobby.

Scuba diving.

I signed up with my co-worker, Jan who was conveniently dating a scuba diving instructor, who was also a pilot and a motorcycle instructor, oh, and my land lord. Timing was perfect.

There were about a weeks worth of classes where Jan was very close to giving up. She has issues with taking orders from her boyfriends, like “listen” or “pay attention.” There were a few instances where she quit but was on board again by morning. Nothing a little wining and dining couldn’t fix. 

We train in the shallow end of a private pool, first with the snorkel. Just to get comfortable with “living” under water. I lived in Hawaii when I was younger and spent a lot of time in a snorkel. This was very different, not only because I was in a pool, but because I was preparing for something. My mind was in a very different place. I swam away for a second to get away from the very panicked Jan. I wanted to think for a second, take advantage of the silence. The only sound was my breath through a plastic tube and my heartbeat coming from my head. My breaths were short and fast at first then rhythmic once I coaxed myself to calm. 

Why was I doing this? 
Was I really doing this for myself or for bragging rights? 
How many people did I know who dove? 
Does that matter? 
Is bragging about diving worth the $400 it took to get to the pool with a snorkel? 

Bottom line is there’s no going back. If for nothing else, than the nonrefundable deposit.

We pull up to the quarry and my first thought is how murky the water looks. I hear there's a ship at the bottom. I take my camera out to document this whole experience snap a couple of pictures with the quarry as the back drop and get into focus mode, after all I could die. 

The golf cart shuttle takes a hand full of us who are diving to the edge of the water where we will prepare ourselves. I grab my wet suit and head to the bathroom with Jan. Trying to put that god dammed thing on was the most horrific experience of my life. In the 20 minutes it took to slip it on, I had an epiphany. I know exactly what Ms. Kubler Ross felt when writing On Death and Dying. I myself, experienced denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, all in a public restroom, and all in front of a very traumatized Jan. 

Irritated, anxious and nauseous, I put the rest of my equipment on which weighed about 50 lbs. Waddling to the pier with my fins I pose for one more quick picture. 

In the dichotomy of people who jump in the water and people who take there time, I am the latter. With the skin tight wet suit and heavy equipment I didn’t have a choice but to saunter. So saunter I did, until the water reached my chin. We waded around absorbing water and the last bit of class we needed before we went under. My heart is racing for that moment I’m breathing underwater. Then my head goes under and I can see clearly. Fish swim by and seaweed sways below me. Bubbles release from every ones regulators. That is the moment I realized why I decided to do this. Because it was fucking cool. 

Diving Instructor, Mark Chandler
RIP my friend. 

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

It's the little things in life, they say.  
Little things like catching your sibling bosses catching up over breakfast before a very long shift. 

I'm a mentor this year, a few upperclassmen get to pair up with the first years and pretty much take them under their wing. I chose section 3, of course. Being a tripod alumni, myself. This guys seem like some really cool cats. 

I don't get a lot of free time, but when I do I like to make jewelry. I recently found an exciting piece to make. 

http://www.etsy.com/people/christenehurley?ref=si_pr

Freedom Writers (2007)

Year Two has kicked off nice and smooth like a popcorn kernel in my gums... but I survived the first day. The bombarding of 15 page syllabi and grueling discussions of attendance and participation. I also survived my first screening and i.did.not.fall.asleep. Which I seem to be infamous for.
I haven't met many first years, but they seem as lost and scared as I was last year so I will forgive them for taking my comfortably huge Main theatre.

This semester's schedule:
Tues/Thurs morning-  Creative Non-Fiction: Writing the Personal Essay

I'm taking this class with a very small group and my Academic Advisor, Joe. The first day was very satisfying. We wrote. We talked about writing. What I learned? Ideas are like birds... they'll fly away... if you don't write them down.

After writing for a little exercise I learned, it's possible to find new things in old places..

Essay comes from he french word essayer which means "to try." I found that really beautiful. Joe asked a very important question: Why do you want to write? 

The following are a few quotes I came across while studying:

"Writing is indeed a solo act, but the result is meant to be shared" Dinty W. Moore

"I write to discover. I write to uncover. I write to meet my ghosts..I write because it is dangerous, a bloody risk, like love, to form the words..I write as though I am whispering in the ear of the one I love."
Terry Tempest Williams

I found a great point in my creative writing assignment that put into words what I could never. Writing is fun. Although I would love to know every word in the dictionary, I don't. The closest I got to it was when I was studying for a year to take the GRE and submerged myself in beautiful words in the vocabulary section of a study guide. Since then I've started reading more. I come across a word I don't know, I look it up. Then I make a mental note to try and use it in a sentence when it's relevant. But then there are those 'novice' writers who think that good writing is nothing but multisyllabic words. Anyone can pick up a thesaurus and write a wordy sentence. But you'll use your reader, trust me. The game of 'look up the word I don't know' is fun the first three times or so. My text book said it perfectly:

"Novice writers often trip themselves up trying to sound weighty or cerebral, but the truth is that expressing yourself in simpler words requires more craftsmanship and skill than using multisyllabic, flowery language, and it almost always works better."

"The best writers never settle for the insight they find on the surface of whatever subject they are exploring. They are constantly trying to lift the surface layer, to see what interesting ideas or questions might lie beneath."D. W. Moore

I also found some great advice from the author: "Step outside of our own thoughts, to imagine an audience made up of real people on the other side of the page. This audience does not know us, they are not by default eager to read what we have written, and though thoughtful literate readers are by and large good people with large hearts, they have no intrinsic stake in whatever problems (or joys) we have in our lives.

Next on Tuesdays I have Directing with Mr. Janos Kovacsi. This first class was so full of great information and knowledge. It was hard to keep up. 4 1/2 pages of notes later... 

We screened clips from: The Cotton Club (1984) Directed by Coppola; Raging Bull (1980) Directed by Scorsese; and Vertigo (1958) Directed by Hitchcock. Mainly we discussed shooting ratio which is a pretty interesting concept. 

I also learned about a new camera angle: The Choker. lol

Tuesdays end with The Fundamentals of Visual Storytelling with Ron Roose. This is going to be a fun class. Our first class we screened The Conformist (1970) Directed by Bertolucci. 

Thursdays are Creative writing, Producing and World Cinema. Then nothing! 

The Anniversary Party (2001)

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. A year ago I wrote my first entry to a blog I didn't think anyone would care to read. Since that post I've received some really good feedback and some great advice and it's become something I really care about. 

I really look forward to blogging, sometimes when I'm really stressed I put those feelings aside, write, and everything is better. If I can't find anything that interests me to blog about, I just wait until I do. It's become a journal for me. And at times, like during finals, it's a studyguide. 

Am I excited for school to start? I can't really tell. I'm excited to know what a normal week will look like in my planner. I'm anxious to see how I'm going to balance 2 jobs, being a full-time student, and meeting the crewing requirements. (36 hours in the Fall, 24 in the Spring) Directing students were assigned homework over the summer. Have I completed them? Ask me in about 2 days. :)

Do you remember my nervous blogging about a Safety Exam a year ago? Yeah, well that exam is this Saturday. Remember my poor luck where that exam was concerned? I really hope that doesn't happen again. I'm over prepared this time. 

Films I've recently seen: 

In my desperate attempt to find something to watch on Netflix the other night I came across Mary & Max (2009) an Australian clay-animated black comedy-drama film. This was exactly what I didn't know I was looking for. Refreshing and different, I was very much satisfied. So much so that I considered watching it again!

 

I feel a kindredness to Mary, simple things like eating Spam sandwhiches and wishing she could peel her birth mark off like a band aid. It doesn't make sense, I know.  

I went hiking up Hanging Rock recently to ease nerves. Hiking serves as a cheap and painful therapy. It's like living a metaphor. Once I got to the top and recovered from the chest pains, I was able to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Danbury, North Carolina. 

I wish I made more time for physical activities like hiking and my other hobbies. Summer went by so fast and I filled my days with many random things, but I have to say, being outdoors wasn't one of them. 

This milestone means that summer is officially over for me. Tomorrow is the first meeting for school followed by registrations and advisement. Let's make the best of it! 

Second year, I'm ready for you! So bring it!!

The Anniversary Party (2001) Written, Directed by and starring Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh

PS! Check out my bffs new blog!! I promise things will escalate quickly!

http://uncsawriter.blogspot.com/

David Fincher

David Fincher

"As a director, film is about how you dole out the information so that the audience stays with you when they're supposed to stay with you, behind you when they're supposed to stay behind you, and ahead of you when they're supposed to stay ahead of you."

David Fincher is a name I could not escape during my first year of film school. Before school, I tended to identify films by their actors. But I've learned that a film by David Fincher is mainly that. A film by David Fincher. And everyone involved plays a part to his vision and style. 

Directed: 

Se7en (1995)- 

A thriller/horror/neo-noir film that is not appropriate for an 11 year old. (Which is when I saw it) In my parent's defense, I BEGGED to see it and hid any residual fear it caused.  About 20 years later this remains one of my favorite films of all time. I have a thing for structured and established numerical things like the 7 Deadly sins. (The 4 Noble Truths, The 10 Commandments)

Fight Club (1999)- 

A favorite film while in high school, this movie made me want to be a boy. This is one of those films most people wish they made themselves which proves it's a great idea. As I got older I was introduced to Chuck Palahniuk as a writer. I read a few books and was pleasantly disturbed. When in Barnes and Nobles I tend to skim the aisle and catch up on the sleeves of his new books. I've only been brave enough to read Haunted, Snuff and Pygmy.

Reading about Fight Club, it's hard to believe that it was poorly received when it was first released. Once the DVD was released and sales were high, then were the criticisms retracted. 

Zodiac (2007)-

Fincher's first digitally shot film and the most recent I've seen. Although I think it's a damn good film, it's my least favorite. I found myself missing a lot and having to rewind to catch what I missed in dialogue. It's always fun to catch the trademarks of certain filmmakers, the bird's eye of a moving car through traffic is probably my favorite. 

Zodiac was a star filled cast with really great performances, but the eery 'Fincher feel' was just missing for me. 

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)-

Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it's one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen, (I think Cate Blanchett had a lot to do with that.) It's trip through decades reminds me a lot of Forest Gump (1994), with good reason: Same writer. Eric Roth. 

TCCOBB is the first Oscar trumping film with 13 nominations. 

The film rights were purchased in the mid 80s and it took a couple of decades to get together the proper crew and cast to make it work. They chose to take advantage of the filming incentives in Louisiana and filmed in New Orleans. 

The Social Network (2010)-

This semi-biographical film, in my opinion, depicts the youth of the ivy league scene in a very believable way. It was almost dark and eery with a little help from Trent Reznor. Another nomination frenzy.

Fun fact: Harvard has negated most filming on location after Love Story (1970) cause significant damage to the campus. 

The first scene in the film (Zuckerburg & girlfriend) took 99 takes to finish. I can't imagine 50 takes of the same scene!!

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)-

Based on the Swedish novel of the same name, it was one of my most anticipated films of 2011. I accidentally bumped into the Swedish trilogy a few years ago on netflix and loved all 3. Then I heard Fincher was remaking them and to be quite honest, I wasn't uber excited. I felt like it was still fresh and great and Noomi Rapace was such a pioneer it would be hard to top that performance. But I don't think Rooney Mara fell short. 

In my opinion, I couldn't imagine this film being any better, and then Fincher puts his twang on it and made it his own. I'm happy to report that he's signed on for the whole trilogy which started filming this January and will be released this Fall. 

An interview with David Fincher:

Get Him to the Greek (2010)

Leave it to me to find one of the best kept secrets of Winston Salem, O'so Eats. A Greek owned restaurant that serves everything from a Seafood Fradiavolo to Meatloaf. A Thank You to my friend, Milo, who referred me for a job, I am currently employed!! :) By the end of my first shift I found myself annoyed that I hadn't been in to eat before. The food looks FANTASTIC and the prices are definitely something to write home about. Take a look: 

http://www.osorestaurantgroup.com/

It was a huge mistake to work my first shift on an empty stomach. As the servers swooshed passed me delivering entrees I felt the hunger bury deeper inside until I finally convinced myself to order something. "Forgetaboutit" A citrus Alfredo pasta and chicken dish. 'Incroyable!'

Nana's Foster

I've made it a personal goal to try everything on the menu! Starting with a few employee favorites which have not disappointed yet. I've met some really awesome people already that I can't wait to work with more. Let's hope this year's schedule is allowing, because Mama needs to make some money. 

PEACEHAVEN Community Farm

I recently had the pleasure of being introduced to a very inspirational cause:
Peacehaven Community Farm. One of my very best friends, Austin's family founded this farm and he shared the story with me which has really touched me. 

From the website:
http://peacehavenfarm.org/index.html

Peacehaven Farm will be a place where adults with intellectual and physical disabilities can come and live permanently. The farm will have individual homes where the residents and assistants will live. Many different farming activities are being considered including having a community garden. We are also actively exploring the possibility of having a fiber farm. Wool from our sheep could be sold as part of a cottage-industry.

Inspiration came from their experiences. Peacehaven Farm is inspired by the family members of the farm's leaders: Tim and Susan Elliott, and Buck Cochran. All are parents of children with special needs. They have experienced the joys, the heartaches, the quest to "fix", and the awe and wonderment of having someone they love with intellectual disabilities become all they were meant to be.

The Elliott's twin son had a brain hemorrhage shortly after birth. They wanted to ensure that not only was their son cared for, but that he was also in a learning and loving environment. They began looking at different opportunities for their son. Then they met Buck Cochran, a former associate pastor at the Elliott's church. Buck had long had an interest in people with disabilities and in the ministry of L'Arche communities. The L'Arche model pairs residents with assistants and it is in that space, Cochran said, lives are transformed. The residents become our teachers and we all grow. In the fall of 2007, the three began transforming a place called Peacehaven from a dream to a reality.

In 2009 Susan lost her battle with cancer but her vision continues to inspire the board, staff, and many volunteers who brought the farm and its programs to life in 2010.

Home on the farm. Peacehaven Farm focuses on three areas: growing, healing, and community. A farm was conceived because it epitomized many of the values the Elliotts and Cochran believe:

Everyone is valued.

Everyone can contribute.

Everyone can become the person they were meant to be when in a nurturing, supportive environment.

"Growth in the personal, spiritual, vocational or even in the practical nature should never be underestimated. While living on a working farm, the residents and their assistants, volunteers, and staff will see growth all around them as they grow into the amazing people God wants them to become."

"Throughout their lives, people with disabilities and their families have faced physical obstacles, stares, good intentions, rejection, invisibility. Peacehaven farm was not created to accommodate people with intellectual and physical disabilities -- but to celebrate them. The founder of L'Arche, Jean Vanier, describes such places as "communities where people whatever their race, culture, abilities or disabilities, can find a place and reveal their gifts to the world".

How to help? The needs of Peacehaven Farm will change with time, the seasons, and with the members of the Peacehaven community. Your help now is needed to focus on the many details that lie ahead. Thier email newsletter is a great way to stay up-to-date on farm happenings and volunteer opportunities. Click here to be added to the news letter:

https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/phf/survey.jsp?surveyId=1

Located in Whitsett, NC. Very close to Greensboro and Winston Salem for anyone interested in volunteering, let me know and I will join you! :)