Week of September 16-22

(Edited on 9/20/2012)

When I initially wrote this blog at around 11 p.m., I was having a hard time falling asleep. It was somewhere around midnight that I could even do so, meaning that I had around 5 hours of sleep, probably even less. An hour later, I caught the 6:15 bus, transferred to another one, and arrived somewhere before 7 a.m. I bought some breakfast at Bruegger's Bagels, having only had a cup of coffee at home. Actually getting through security at the County Courthouse wasn't too bad, and I had filled the necessary form within 5 minutes of arrival, as I was to be there by 7:30. Within the hour, my group had left to go to the City Court. We then met with the judge, the plaintiff (a Tucson Police Officer), the defendant (who was convicted of a D.U.I. with Blood Alcohol Content over the legal limit), the Prosecutor, the Defense Attorney, and the Bailiff (there might've been someone else, but I can't remember). Of the potential jurors, we were narrowed down to a final six--the rest were either dismissed or asked to be part of a different jury. As far as names of the Plaintiff and Defendant are concerned... I probably shouldn't release that. Long story short, the defendant was found guilty of being over the legal limit (above 0.13, and our legal limit is 0.08), but we couldn't technically find her guilty of driving while impaired. It was over before 4:40, and my Struggle for the Presidency class would have been over by then.

Wednesday afternoon, I had a Study Session for Exam One in POL 206-- the class I'm a Preceptor for. Yes, I know I've mentioned that Preceptorship fact before... I guess that's a habit of mine. Anyhow, I figured that 10-15 people would show up, we'd just have a question and answer session, clear up a few things, and it'd all be good. There was around 40 students, at maximum, who came--we had to move from the prescheduled 3rd floor room in the Main Library to near what's called Manuel Pacheco Integrated Learning Center, or the ILC, which is basically a huge computer lab/part of the library. Though I completely forgot to go over the actual exam before I did all this, I knew from my experiences from spring semester and what we (Teacher's Assistants and Preceptors) discussed two days ago what to expect--the fact that the multiple-choice part of the exam wasn't that long was also very helpful. Once my mind shifted gears from "Oh, it's just questions and answers." to "They're looking for more details!", I gave them an overview of what'll be on the Exam and what all to expect without giving away too much. Admittedly, during that time and when it was over (even when I was trying to sleep, no less!), I was nervous over the idea that I said more than I should've. (On the other hand, when I was in this class as a student, I didn't even bother to show up to the study session, if there was one. Didn't hurt, though.) I have no idea how the other Preceptor, Kate Worland, fared. I'll try to remember to ask her how it went, and the exam itself for that matter.

As for my current writing project, Rosethorn, I'm hoping to have Chapter 4 done by the end of the week. As much as I hate to say this, it'll probably be shorter than the other chapters so far. This one is where the main characters--Alexander, Erin, James, David, and another character yet-to-be featured--and the rest of the first years are Sorted. I hadn't planned on who all those would be, aside from Katie Bell and Cormac McLaggen (both canon characters), the four I already mentioned, and the "dog pack"--Lucas Thompson and friends. As there's typically 40 in total, that's 30 more I have to figure out and 30 more that'll be there permanently. Yesterday, I started to write down some idea for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor; in Harry Potter, ever since Voldemort/Tom Riddle was denied the job, there was supposedly a curse placed on it that no teacher would be there holding that job for more than a year. So, in other words, the line of succession went like this (warning: spoilers ahead--read at your own risk):
(Character I need to make up [tentatively named Gérard Macmillan]) --> Quirrel --> Lockhart --> Lupin --> Moody Crouch, Jr. --> Umbridge --> Snape (Slughorn was the Potions Professor in Half-Blood Prince) --> Amycus Carrow. After the Battle of Hogwarts, with the death of Voldemort, the "curse" is broken. I should  also state for the record that, yes, the Rosethorns and the Carrows are related by marriage--adding to what I said in Chapter 3, Flora and Hestia (the Carrow Twins) are third cousins to Alexander and Leo. Given what I have right now for the full story, I can't say too much about it but the Rosethorns are not proud of Alecto and Amycus Carrow (both of whom are Death Eaters); they love the rest of the family, though, and they feel likewise.

Facebook Timeline and something I'm working on

For those reading this--I'm assuming that, thus far, most if not all of my readers are my Facebook friends--you're probably aware of the new(ish) Facebook timeline. I was actually hoping to hold out on it until I made my final decision as to whether to accept it or not, but Facebook made the choice for me. To be honest, it felt a little odd--having a visual record of all of my posts and other stuff that I've made since I got on there. I've been looking over it, reminiscing somewhat, and pruning the more spammy bits off of it. And I think I can live with this.

• It was odd reading the status updates that really had no context behind them. I mean, normally, I can look on there, find a random update, and understand why I did that. And then I find one that makes me go, "...huh?"
• I'll have to go through more of these updates and such, but I enjoyed finding those past updates that either meant a lot to me back then for different reasons or became something greater. Even if I know it means next to nothing to anyone else that doesn't get it.

For a few months, I've been not-completely-seriously working on a story based on the Harry Potter series. Right now, I'm only giving out the link (here) to the "Brainstorming/Ideas/Rough Draft" Document for it. All of that will hopefully become the Final Draft, which I'm hoping to post on here--more than likely, chapter by chapter.

The story centres on the character Alexander Rosethorn, a reasonably good (with all things considered) Slytherin, and his journey through Hogwarts and life, along with the rest of his friends. He's a contemporary of Harry and his friends, so out of wanting to match things up with the books I was planning on making each part correspond with each book. Which I'm sure I'll end up undoing, but it's what I've decided on doing right now. So, I see Parts 1 and 2 being the ones where the characters are established and fleshed out, though I'm not sure yet what to do about Parts 3 and 4. Part 5 is when things get interesting.

I'm also posting this because I'd really appreciate it if you read it, commented, and maybe throw out some (hopefully positive) suggestions about it--I'm basically looking for a beta reader (or readers) to go over it. I'll be honest and admit that while I'm decent enough with coming up with ideas, the whole getting-it-off-the-ground bit is a completely different matter. When I said that I wasn't completely seriously working on it, I'm either not sure what to write or just can't be bothered to do so--having someone to prod me into developing more of it will be very helpful. That, along with the fact that I haven't read the books in quite a while (I basically stopped at Goblet of Fire), haven't seen any of the movies after GoF, and I'm just trying to learn what I can off of the internet on occasion. There's a couple of other things that are nagging me about this, but it's not really worth going into.

(For Yani/someone whose English isn't perfect/someone who's just confused: if anything I've written doesn't make any sense, just ask. I was writing this partly under the assumption that my readers knew what I was talking about, but I have to remind myself of these things.)

"Jesus is Coming"--a short play

Jesus is Coming

Written by Larry Nester and Lee Goodrum

CAST OF CHARACTERS

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

ASSISTANT

SINGERS

TEEN #1--DAVID, if male, ELIZABETH, if female

TEEN #2--ISAAC, if male, REBEKAH, if female

OLD LADY

CROWD

JESUS

JESUS' ENTOURAGE--DISCIPLES, FOLLOWERS, MUSICIANS, and DANCERS

PROPS

HORNS/SHOFARS* (If possible)

FLUTES

TAMBOURINES

LUTES (If possible)

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Everyone, everyone! Jesus will be here shortly. I repeat, the Messiah--our rightful King, our Liberator--will be here in Jerusalem. (Beat) Now, where are those...

ASSISTANT: Musicians... and singers have already left--yes, they know where to go.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Right, aren't we supposed to be having some people dancing, praising, bowing down... Paving the way with...

ASSISTANT: Palm leaves?

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Right, right.

TEEN #2: (Runs up to COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN with TEEN #1) That's us!

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Ah, yes, you two are finally here! And that's everyone, right?

ASSISTANT: (Reading off mental checklist) Yes, that's it--we're good to go!

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: And we have... (Checks left wrist--NO WATCH!) Just a few minutes until Jesus arrives? (To TEENS) Well, what are you waiting for?

TEEN #1: Yes, sir! (Runs off with TEEN #2)

ASSISTANT: (Ad-libbed discussion with COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN--goes on for less than a minute)

OLD LADY: Oh, I can't wait to see Jesus, the Messiah and King! (She stumbles and falls)

TEEN #2: (to TEEN #1) Hey, aren't we supposed to go that way?

TEEN #1: Oh, right! (Beat) Can you believe we'll get to see Jesus?

TEEN #2: (Excited) That has got to be the hundredth time you've asked, and I still can't contain my excitement! I told you about my friend and how she saw Him turn all that water in those pots into wine, right?

TEEN #1: Yeah, and He raised... what's-his-name? Lazarus? From the dead!


TEEN #2: And wasn't your cousin working with Peter—you know, one of Jesus' Disciples?--when he ended up with all that fish? We ate on that for days!

TEEN #1: Yeah, Jesus took some kids lunch—some fish and a bit of bread, I think—and, like, multiplied it to feed a whole crowd.

TEEN #2: No way!

TEEN #1: Way

(In the middle of the path lies an OLD LADY. She is dressed in ragged clothing covering much of her body)

TEEN #2: Whoa, check it out!

OLD LADY: (Moans)

TEEN #1: I think she's hurt.

TEEN #2: Yeah,you're right. She looks bad.

TEEN #1: What are we going to do? We can't stay here—Jesus will be coming soon.

TEEN #2: (Becomes incredulous) Excuse me?

TEEN #1: (Is confused) You were just telling me how excited you were to see Jesus, weren't you?

TEEN #2: Yeah, but that was before this. (Points to OLD LADY)

TEEN #1: Look, we don't have time for this. How about we just find someone else to help her.

TEEN #2: Find someone else? In this crowd? On this day? (Folds arms and rolls eyes) By the time we find someone to help her, she'll be lucky to be alive!

OLD LADY: (Moans)

TEEN #1: We'll send someone. We've got a job to do!

TEEN #2: And what are you going to tell her family when they find her dead? DEAD, (TEEN #1)! “Oh, I'm sorry guys. We totally found her alive, but I was too stupid to help her to somewhere safe...”

OLD LADY: (Moans louder)

TEEN #1: Okay already, but let's hurry. (to OLD LADY) We're going to get you to some help.

TEEN #2: Maybe if we're lucky, we can catch a glimpse of Jesus.

TEEN #1: A glimpse of the Messiah? I could live with that. Now, help me take her to my Aunt Esther's house.

TEEN #2: Will she be home today?

TEEN #1: We don't have a choice. (As they pick her up) Careful, CAREFUL! There!

(TEEN #1 and TEEN #2 carefully walk with OLD LADY to AUNT ESTHER's house—a small one-bedroom mud-and-brick house. Once they approach, TEEN #1 knocks on the door)

AUNT ESTHER: Whoa! What is this?

TEEN #1 She's hurt bad.

AUNT ESTHER: (Opens door) Aren't you kids supposed to be out there greeting...?

TEEN #2: We were, but you see...

AUNT ESTHER: What happened to her?

TEEN #1: We don't know. Can you help her?

AUNT ESTHER: Come in, come in—, just try to get her on the bed over there. I'll see what I can do to help. SAPHIRA (her daughter), bring me some moist towels and some water.

SAPHIRA: Yes Ma'am (as she goes to get towels)

(Teens gently place the old lady on bed)

AUNT ESTHER: All this fuss about this Jesus. After all I here He's just a carpenter from Nazareth. That hardly qualifies anyone to be King.

TEEN #1: Have you not heard of His Miracles?

AUNT ESTHER: He's still just a man.

OLD LADY: Oh, no. He's more than that. He's the Messiah that was prophesied by Isaiah (then passes out).

AUNT ESTHER: Hurry with that water and towels!

(At the sound of a horn, JESUS and ENTOURAGE begin the procession. The crowd begins praising and waiving  palm leaves. The musicians begin playing and singers begin singing. The various dancers begin dancing as the procession moves down the aisle toward the stage. Jesus is smiling and blessing the crowd and the disciples are waving and praising. When they reach the stage...)

JESUS: (Dismounts noble steed, and holds up his hands) Wait!

(Beat. Then a DISCIPLE comes before JESUS. Although confused by His act, he also knows that He is surely doing this for a reason.)

DISCIPLE: What is it, my Lord?

JESUS: There is someone in need—here in the house! (Points to AUNT ESTHER's house) I must go there.

(JESUS knocks)

AUNT ESTHER: Who could that be now? (She opens the door to find JESUS) Oh my... (A beat passes as she is rendered speechless—JESUS at the door.)

JESUS: I came because I knew there was someone in need of my healing.

AUNT ESTHER: I, uh... Yes, yes! This way!

(JESUS enters in. TEEN #1 and TEEN #2 stand dumbstruck, bowing and clutching each other's hand.  JESUS arrives to the OLD LADY.)

JESUS: Woman, rise up, you are healed.

OLD LADY: Oh, my God... I'm... I'M HEALED! (Instantaneously, she begins to dance and jump)

JESUS: (To teens) And thanks to you two for getting  her here. Join me and my Disciples.

JESUS (To AUNT ESTHER) And bless you too my daughter for helping her. Come let's join the celebration.

TEEN #1 and TEEN #2: (Run up and hug JESUS. He leads them outside to the procession and the celebrations continue, lead by acrobats doing flips etc..)

OLD LADY: He healed me! Jesus healed me! (as she twirls in jubilation)

EVERYONE: Hosana to the King!

__________________________________

Yes, this is the script I wrote for the short play I mentioned in my previous blog. It was completed after a few weeks--Lee, the head of Grace To The Nations' Drama Department, received the basic idea (a short play for Palm Sunday) from one of the pastors, relayed the idea to me after I told him I had a talent in writing (well, at least I could probably do this), bounced ever-developing versions back and forth, and finally completed it. I basically decided to post this as a "Hey, everyone, I made this..." sort of thing. If you ever want to use this for your church production, you'll need to contact me or Lee Goodrum so we can make the final decision--it's nothing personal, and it's not some ego thing, but it is our work and I figure he'd like to have some sort of control over distribution. I mean, sure it's free, but it's also our intellectual property. 
Note: Pretty much none of us are more than amateurs at best--quite a few of us have next to no experience with acting or just recently got into this--and the Grace Drama Department (or whatever the proper name for it is) is sort of new and on a small budget. This play is also intended to be bilingual (the Spanish service hadn't had much experience with these sorts of things). We do this to give glory to God and because we can. 

Introductory Post

Hello, and welcome to my blog LDNester. I see myself using this to write about the things going on in my life, some of my creative writings, interesting things I find on the internet... You know, what many would consider the usual things to find here.

In a couple of weeks, I will be attending the University of Arizona after being a student at Pima College since June 2008, with the goal of completing a Political Science major (and a likely minor in Regional Development). (Despite this, I'll try not to post anything too political--certainly not out of disinterest, but because I'd rather not write anything too inflammatory.) Outside of school, I can see quite a few of my writings to be centred around happenings at church--no, not because I'm particularly religious (or because I'm getting paid by them), but because, frankly, I don't really have much of a life.

As far as creative writings go, I'll go into detail about those in January. Right now, I have a coupe of ideas--one that I'm trying to focus on the most--and at this stage I'd really appreciate some help with that. The truth is, that one I'm focusing on involves not only an actual story--I seem to be good with coming up with ideas for them, but implementing them is another thing--but the fact that it's from an alternate universe which diverges from our own. So, there's both the "I want to tell a good story!" and the "How to keep this all plausible?" factors in play, especially the former. Of course, I can just switch to what I was working on before that before it started to lose steam--don't worry, there's way less of a focus on the Alternate History element to it, and there's some actual story material to it that I can use.

Other than that... Nothing that I really need to go into detail about in this.