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11:40 p.m. - 2017-02-22
Where am I? How did I get to this point? Where do I go from now? PS Fox News was on for 4 of the 5 TVs @ the gym today
Wow, been awhile. Gonna try to catch this up in less than 10 sentences.

Finished the Peace Corps after a full 27 months. Best experience of my life, has changed me in so many good and not-as-good ways, challenged me and made me so much stronger. Fell in love with a guy named Delfim, native of Moz. On the peripheral e's had some cheating issues and has two kids in Moz. But at the full core I love him so much and I truly feel I am my best self with him, he helps me be my best self and I love being around him. He visited me in the states upon my formal return home and loved it. We now want him to move here but are trying to figure out how... I am starting to have reservations as to whether it should or could even really happen. And I'm also trying to figure out where the fuck I go from here in work and life and everything.

Ok, we're basically caught up. Oh, and I'll note that fucking Donald fucking Trump is our so-called-President. Fuck.

People say to enjoy being young and it's the best part of your life and blah blah blah. It has some nice things but my God it is hard. I hate indecision and not knowing things and right now my life IS indecision and knowing nothing. It is so uncomfortable and saddening and the worst thing is is that is has no end date. No Dec 1 2016 when I leave Peace Corps, no May 5 2014 when I graduated college, just... vast murkiness with many trails all secluded, windy, and dispersed.

As I said above, I really love Delfim. I would love for him to be American and for us to continue to date and have more time together and to live together. But he is not American and is not in America. People love to say "Oh if it's meant to be it will be" but that is complete shit. Even if this is meant to be it's going to take an enormous effort on both of our parts to get it to the point of maybe working -- and even if we do desforcar assim, there's no guarantee that it would even really work because a ton of steps of us being together would be completely out of our hands.

I am so incredibly envious of my friends here in the states who live with or near their loves and get to follow these normal paths of having relationships and jobs or grad school and then getting serious and whatever. I am happy for them, really I am, but I am also just so sad for me and Delfim not being able to have any of that. It physically hurts.

So part of me, the rational part, thinks that it's probably time to call it and cut it off and cut my losses. It would undeniably be the easier and simpler course for both of our lives not to force this to work.

But the other part of me that feels and loves is so saddened by that thought. By the thought of breaking both of our hearts and then trying one day again to find something like this... I don't think I'd ever want to feel this way again. I want Delfim to be who I come home to and hang out with and grow with.

I've applied to 20+ jobs in the Denver area (lab tech or quality assurance, $30,000/yr max) and nothing replied to me at all. So I tucked my tail between my legs and applied to Epic. I had some skills exams and a preliminary phone interview this weekend, I'm pretty sure both went fairly well. If I got the job I could make $65,000/yr. Much better. I still kinda think I eventually wanna go back to grad school (Chem Engineering or Materials Science).

If Delfim comes over it's feasible that he won't be able to work for the first while or that he'll be in school so he won't be working at all. Having more money for some wiggle room would be so beneficial. But I do not want to live in Madison again. At all. I'm so ready for something new and fun and Colorado-y. But I just don't think a job out there is in the cards, everyone my age is trying to move out there so the jobs are scarce and the rent is so so high (even higher than Madison).

I just don't know what I want. I'm trying to follow "How to not give a Fuck" and decide what it is that I'm willing to suffer for.

I think part of my depression right now is that for the first time in my life I'm realizing that I maybe can't do something. I.e. move to Denver or keep things going with Delfim. I've honestly never really failed to do something I wanted (except maybe Quantum but fuck that I never wanted to do it, just had to). Maybe I'm more of a pansy Millennial than I thought.

5:47 p.m. - 2014-10-30
First time of trial in Moz
Ugh. Get me outta here. Ish. Not really. But really.

I was super sick on Sunday and Monday. Had tons of stuff due this week. My mae fired Christina. I fucked(ish) Morgan this past weekend and things are weird. If I could click my heels and be home I would have multiple times this week. I have a fairly important verbal exam tomorrow. I've learned practically no Portuguese. I feel like I can't do this and a sizeable part of me doesn't care. I kinda wanna cry but at the same time I don't care enough to. I don't know what to do.

Think I'll just immerse myself in studying. Try to block everything else out. Hope that works.

:-(

12:50 p.m. - 2014-10-26
#5, ladies 'n gents
Woah, I've been in Africa for a month! Holy crap.

This month has flown by. Day-to-day the feeling varies between having been here for years vs. feeling so inadequate/helpless that I'm certain I was born yesterday.

So there's a ton to say about my life here, obviously, but in keeping with this here DiaryLand diary I am here to talk about boys.

It's really amazing how quickly and completely I'm over Steve. It's almost kinda sad. I told him I loved him for the first time just over a month ago and I felt it so strongly (I think?) but it is gone. Gone 100%.

To no surprise, he has been/was nearly impossible to keep in touch with. I talked to him (/at him) a lot the first few weeks and wrote him really good letters (never sent... gonna keep them as part of my journal) but I'm now done being the one to put forth effort. Whatever.

So there's a guy here. His name is Morgan. He's 27, from North Carolina (very cute slight southern accent), professional harmonica player, attractive in a rugged way, and super funny/easy to talk to. I slept with him last night!

Woooo #5 yayyyy!

And I didn't even think about Steve or my emotions for him one single time. Zero guilt, zero remorse. I seriously do not care.

Feels kinda good. I feel like I'm back to doing what I actually wanna do. Things with Steve prior to leaving were just so emotional and forced and pushed and as good as it felt to 'finally' (why finally? I'm 22 for christ's sake) have a person like that (but did I?), I feel so much better now being emotionally detached again. Plus I had/have a super crush on Morgan in a way I never did for Steve, not even at the beginning, so it's fun to feel like this again.

So yeah last night was fun. A whole month/month.5 without sex was no fun. He agreed. He has a really nice, large penis. I was looking forward to having sex with him and I grabbed a condom and put it on and then he deflated. He informed me that he doesn't do condoms, it's "his bad" but he just doesn't. To which I replied "Well...uh...I don't not do condoms." ((especially in fucking Africa)) To which he replied "That's extremely responsible" and I agreed saying "Yeah that's my name, Sierra extremely responsible Fox." (because it basically is/should be)

So we laid there naked and cuddled then made out then fondled then, oh, what's that? Had sex without a condom? Yes. Yes indeedy we did.

Ugh. :-/ Not sure what to do about this. Next time we are together I hope to have a semi-candid convo with him about it. I have the feeling that he's just never gotten used to wearing one or maybe one time he was and there was a malfunction so now he has a thing against them. I don't know. But I don't think I'm gonna let no condom sex fly.

I don't not trust him but I don't positively trust him either. When it comes to HIV/AIDS I prefer to make decisions based on earned trust not on neutral trust i.e. trust has not been lost.

The fact is I've only known this guy for 1 month. He seems trustworthy and concerned for others enough to want to protect my health and his own, but ya never know!

It'll have to be a conversation, I guess. Hopefully it goes well.

12:49 a.m. - 2014-09-21
Whoa there, emotions.
I leave for Africa in four days.

It's happening.

Lots of "see-you-laters" have been shared.. I'll start with Steven.

So last weekend we went to a Packers game with Lindsay and Evan. Leading up to the Sunday game, I stayed with Steve on Friday and Saturday night. Friday was fun because he bought me flowers and we had a lot of (awesome) sex. Then on Saturday while we were cuddling and stuff in the hot tub I asked Steve how he was feeling about me leaving. He kinda beat around the bush at first but then asked me what I was thinking in regards to the relationship. I told him that I was pretty conflicted, that it wasn't clear to me anymore what we should do (because it wasn't/isn't). And he said "Well, just so you know, regardless of if we stay together or not I'm going to wait for you. I can't really picture myself not waiting for you." :-) And this whole summer has just been amazing and fun and relaxing and wonderful so I said "I was hoping you would say that" even though before that very moment I hadn't really considered the possibility. I don't want him to hold back but yet I can't imagine completely letting him go, not after how perfect things have been. So Saturday was a great night. Then we all went to the game on Sunday; it was a great game with great weather and great company. In the car ride home on Sunday night I was crying a lot because I couldn't stop thinking about how it would be my last night with Steve, everyone kept texting to plan their goodbyes for me, and I realized it was my second-to-last weekend in the States. When we got to Steve's house and cuddled I kept crying and he held me and got a little sad but then pulled us both up, reminding us that it was a happy thing that I'm preparing to do and that I'll only be gone for awhile, I'll be back before we know it. We decided officially our relationship is "on hold" aka a break (verified that if either of us sleeps with someone else it isn't cheating. We both agreed that the likelihood of that happening is next to zero, for both of us, and that we would tell the other in due time if we start seriously seeing anyone). We talked for awhile longer and started kissing, then...

He got his nervous Steve voice on. This adorable, slightly high-pitched, fast-paced, trying-too-hard-to-be-suave voice that I love because it lets me know when shit's gettin' real. And he said "You know, Sierra, I think..I think..I think.." - "You think what?" - "I think.. I think I love you"

!

And I smiled and exhaled and said "Aw Steve, I -know- I love you."

:-)

He then proceeded to say that he hasn't said that to anyone in a long time and he's never felt it for anyone else the way he feels it for me. I told him I can see us being together for a long, long time, and he agreed. We semi- agreed on at least attempting (well, me attempting) to meet wherever he is in MedSchool (fingers crossed) when I get back. Which I would be okay with - I get back in November 2016 so I'll have awhile to take whatever test I need for grad school (likely MCAT. Possibly GRE n shit. Who knows.) Maybe work in a pharmacy or bar tend or whatever while I'm doing that. Then we talked about what age each of us picture getting married (not explicitly to each other but c'mon look at the context) and both said ~30 and kids ~33. He asked for clarification because I've told him before I don't really want kids and I said even though I say and feel that, I conflictingly can't really picture a life without them. He laughed and said "Okay, well don't worry, I'd only make you have two." ! :-O Haha woah, but it was cute.

So, yeah. That was an emotional roller coaster! This whole thing has been. One moment I'm beaming with excitement and pride in myself, the next I'm numb and calling myself crazy, the next I'm sad-crying then scared-crying then happy-crying then it all starts again. It has been exhausting.

I just said bye to Levi tonight. Definitely the hardest friend to say goodbye to. He's just been such a constant presence in my life for -so- long (to be exact: 17 YEARS long) and it's hard to imagine 2 years of life without him near me. But, technology is awesome and he's pretty into computering so I think we'll be fine.

Truly saying goodbye to basically everyone has been so much easier knowing that Skyping and messaging (please God give me a site with good phone service and Internet and at least intermittent electricity).

I'm really scared and sad to say goodbye to Panda. He's 14 so there's a rather small likelihood that he'll be around when I get back. But it's kind of okay. He knows and I know how much I love him and he's in really good hands with my parents. I'm more worried for them than me about his passing. It's gonna just defeat them. But they'll be okay. No one can live forever, not even the very best dog to ever walk this planet. I'll love you forever, Panda Lucky.

11:25 p.m. - 2014-09-01
-
Well.

23 Days til I leave for Philadelphia.
24 Days til I leave for Africa.

13 Days til Steve and I break up.

If I'm not careful and I let my mind start wandering like now I get caught all teary-eyed. I cried when I was with him (!) the last night I was there after our cabin then Wash, D.C. extravaganza. (Which was a total and complete blast!) (Got to hang out with Paige a lot!) (And stay in a fancy hotel with Steve!)

This is really, truly, painfully... sad. And I'm so scared to leave. I have so much left to do.

It's finally dawned on me that this is all actually happening and It's really scaring me.

9:43 p.m. - 2014-08-13
Shower thought the other day
My heart is stubborn but my head is strong.

9:32 p.m. - 2014-08-13
Panic!ish
Hello, hello.

I should be practicing Portuguese right now but I don't want to.

I'm all moved home to Black River! Which means, for all intensive purposes, summer is over. Kinda.

So I graduated! And worked weekends, chilled, traveled (Midwest destinations only), spent time with Steve and friends and family. Wonderful summer! Capped off with two super-fun weddings, the second of which Steve came to! The Fox family -loved- Steve. Absolutely loved him. Which was both awesome and super sad. I'm just glad that a person who I like/love/whatever and chose is someone they like too. It's a good sign. Funny thing is Steve, truth be told, isn't(wasn't?) really my true type. Oh well.

We're still not planning to keep things going once I leave. But I guess right up until when I leave? His birthday is the 21st of September and I leave roughly the 23rd. He's asked/requested me to spend his birthday with him a few times but I don't know. Lord knows I don't want us to break up on his birthday! Sheesh.

So I think I don't actually love him. It's been this whole thing for so long and maybe I'm just burnt out on it but I actually don't think I do. Because he doesn't really like me for me, or like me for the real me? Not sure but I know that there's a lot of things I hide/tone down about myself around him because I know or expect he doesn't like it. Which obviously isn't a great sign. Something to keep in mind for the future.

Mike is still on my mind a lot. Well, actually, it comes and goes. Sometimes I'll go 4, 5 days (usually days in which I'm with Steve the whole time) and Mike will not cross my mind once. Other days, especially over the last couple of weeks, I think about him all the time. Jenna had an interesting insight and said that when people like me are planning to make major life changes/moves, they often feel the need to "batten down the hatches" and tie on tight to anchors in preparation for leaving. I've been feeling this drive to lots of people and maybe, for whatever reason, I'm just feeling it towards Mike, too. Not sure.

I need to practice lots more Portuguese and figure out what fucking timezone Moz is in and figure out what clothes to pack and find a mosquito net tent thingy and figure out what kitchen shit to bring and write up a thing for the BJournal and lots of other stuff. So imma go. Peace (corps) out.

12:07 a.m. - 2014-07-01
< 3
So. Let's play catch-up for a bit.

Things turned around big time with Steve (as you can probably gather from the last post). Thought about telling him I love him, because I do (!!), but then got scared out of it because we planned our break-up.

Labor day weekend. AKA two months from today basically. Saying it could help make these last two months amazing but I think it will definitely make the end worse.

Today he asked me if I would spend his birthday with him (Sept 22). :-( I leave the 23rd.

Timing just sucks. No other way for me to put it.

In other news, I met up with Mike a few times last weekend! First we chatted at a bar (kinda awkward, he would barely even look at me..) where he told me he forgot the souvenir he got for me in HK (!). So we had icecream at the Terrace and walked around campus (his last walk through). He got me this adorable panda Hong Kong mug. Today is Mike's birthday. Hm.

He had a girlfriendish thing in Russia. He asked me to be careful and to keep in touch. I honestly had never bought into people telling me they thought he love(d)(s) me, but the look in his eyes after we hugged for the last time for awhile/ever..... It was there. I think. But I don't really know.

I loved him too.

I love Steve now.

Timing just sucks.

3:12 a.m. - 2014-06-27
Giving head on a school bus (at age 22)
Spoiler alert: the entry 'head'ing is the spoiler.

I just gave Steve head in the back seat of a moving (and bouncing) school bus.

Sometimes I get concerned that my life seems to be a patchwork of weird experiences/fuck-ups.

Other times, I just smile about it.

Tonight... I'm smiling.

11:43 p.m. - 2014-05-08
Prepare for the post-finals break-up. It's a-comin'. He has no idea.
If there was a "break up button" I would press it right now with no remorse.

Steve's never been good at texting or at texting back at a reasonable rate, etc. But he has been ESPECIALLY bad for the last...2 weeks? He literally did not text me once on Sunday. He was at home, his phone was dead, but Lindsay said he just didn't want to get up to get it. Then Monday he texted me "Hi Fox." around noon.

Fuck this. I'm out.

1:22 a.m. - 2014-05-08
Veils
He doesn't text me back. Ever.

"Guys don't want to talk to you, Sierra"

Him: "Sex is the best part of this thing."

"They just want to have fun with you. Relax."

They're all the same and none have them have even ever really liked me. Let alone anything more.

10:31 p.m. - 2014-05-03
-
It's so weird how you can have so much intense history with someone and not even have a picture with them on Facebook. Actually, come to think of it, I'm not even sure that I have a single picture with him at all...

Weird how with a history like that a statement like "Man, the best part about this thing is the sex" from your boyfriend can immediately fly you back into the position of fuck buddy. Piece of ass. Sex object.

Do either of them truly see me as anything more? Have any of them ever?

4:02 p.m. - 2014-04-30
�My skin is soft, but my heart is cruel, and my bite is deadly.� -Woman at Point Zero
They are all the same.

Last night Steve came over. My phone had just lost all its data, he didn't care. Didn't say anything.

We listened to this extremely poignant and well-spoken African American man talk about the banning of the racist owner of the Clippers for life from the NBA, and how this was a moment (one tiny moment) for whites to jump on board and look like anti-racist heroes when really, this situation is but a drop in the massive ocean of racism that still has hold over the U.S. today. He talked in particular about the South side of Chicago and the interstates that rush over it such that whites in the South -suburbs- need not make any stops through the South side. And how now families on the South side are trying to enter the South suburbs for better schools and housing but are being redlined.

After the video was over, I said like 2 sentences to Steve about a plan that I thought might help to clear out gangs from the South side. I've thought a lot about how to fix the problem of generational urban decay. Then I said "I'm not really sure it would work.. What do you think?"

And he said "I don't know... But until then," took off his glasses, and started making out with/groping/etc. me.

"Guys don't want to hear about your problems, Sierra. They just want to tell you about their day, relax, and have a good time with you." -MK

"You don't need to, like, throw the fact that you're smart in guy's faces, Sierra. Like that periodic table poster. You should just have posters of your favorite TV shows or nature scenes or whatever." -MK

�I now knew that all of us were prostitutes who sold themselves at varying prices, and that an expensive prostitute was better than a cheap one.� -Woman at Point Zero

What price am I willing to sell myself at? How much of myself am I willing to hide from potential suitors so as not to delay them from their ultimate and only goal of fucking me? How much talking can I get away with before I need to shut up and put out? Keep quiet till they ask me "Do naughty things... what kind of naughty things should we do, Foxy?" -SH (last night.)

Steve said the words "I love" then caught himself last night. This is the second time he did it... The other time was when we were walking together so not both have been sex related.

He does not love me. He does not. And he better not tell me so because that's not love. He loves the fact that I'm his girlfriend and that he gets to win the award for having the hottest girlfriend amongst his roomies and he says "I love your legs" "I love your eyes" "I love your quirks" "I love getting your clothes off... I prefer you with your clothes off."

But that isn't love.

We've been together 6 months now. I don't know what all this means. But I can't help but realize these parallels. I just laid there last night while he had sex with me and held back tears and just played back things that guys have said to me for so long and just... No one is different. (Disclaimer: my Father is the best man that I know and he is the reason why I know all these guys are wrong. It's not me I'm looking to 'fix.' I'm just fine. What I don't understand is why the men I'm involved with always just want me to be quiet.)

�But I feel that you, in particular, are a person who cannot live without love." "Yet I am living without love." "Then you are either living a lie or not living at all.� -Woman at Point Zero

3:53 p.m. - 2014-04-27
Looking forward to Summer (2014)!
Things I'm looking forward to this summer:

1) Laying in bed whenever(ish) I want to
2) Watching Orange is the New Black, Parks & Rec, House of Cards, all the movies I need to catch up on
3) Learning Portuguese!
4) Making a packing list and acquiring stuff for Moz!
5) Visiting home and seeing Panda
6) Warm summer nights on the Terrace
7) Swimming/sailing/canoeing/sunbathing
8) Lots of tennis!
9) Maybe trying to get better at soccer?
10) Cooking lots of good (healthy+tasty) food
11) Going to the gym a LOT and toning up. Want to be in the best shape of my life for Africaaa.
12) Trips down to Chicago or up to the cities?
13) NOT HAVING ANY CLASSES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 years. First summer not taking them in 3 years.
14) Hopefully saving up some $$
15) Drinking lots of Corona/Spotted Cow/Beer in general
16) Going down to Iowa for visits and weddings
17) Hopefully having a visit from the sister!
18) Driving in my car with the windows down in the evening, listening to Sleepyhead.
19) Grilling!
20) Swimming! Rope swing/jumping/etc
21) Porch nights w/ Ellen/Paige/Jenna/Sam(x2)
22)

I think Steve thinks he's in love with me. He is mistaken.

7:37 p.m. - 2014-04-07
Don't.
Hello, myself in a few months.

Are you thinking of continuing this relationship thing long distance?

Don't.

He sucks at virtual conversation. He never, ever replies in a timely manner. Rather than being polite and preemptively cancelling plans with you, he waits and does it passively. He never accomplishes almost anything he says he's going to, no matter how large or small the goal. This situation is not suited for the commitment to communication required to keep it going.

He needs to be with someone else. Someone more carefree, spontaneous, and someone who likes dancing and singing in the car. That's not you, and that's okay.

You need to be with someone else. Someone more motivated, focused, and someone who understands your introverted qualities and doesn't fight them. That's not Steve, and that's okay.

You're in your early 20s. Be a free bird. It's gonna be hard, but it will also be so much fun.

End it before you leave. It's better for the both of you in the long run.

10:19 a.m. - 2014-04-02
The huge elephant in the room that was acutally a mirage
So Steve braved up and asked me what the plan was for 'us' when I go to the Peace Corps!

The talk went really well (even though it happened at about 2am, post-sex). He said that he thought we had a lot of potential and wanted to stay together during my service, but "either way" hoped that we could re-evaluate after PC. His overall tone was that he wanted to end up together, whether or not it was during the entirety of my service.

I told him about how it's not the two years I'm concerned with, but instead the return and the unspoken but implied pressure for me to move near wherever he's started med school. He interjected and said "No matter what, Sierra, never change your life plans for me. I wouldn't want you to do that." And I said "No, I know, I never would" which was a little harsh but whatever, I wouldn't. He didn't really counter that too much... After some more discussion that I can't quite recall he ended by saying "Well good, I'm glad we're on the same page then."

Which isn't quite right... We're in the same book, but definitely not the same page. So. All in all, good first talk. I think it'll take many layering discussions to truly piece out exactly what we both want to have happen.

I want to have it solidified, both with myself and him, by early September. His birthday is two days before I leave and I don't wanna break up right then, of course.

Time will tell! But at least the giant elephant in the room 1) was actually not giant at all and 2) has finally been addressed!

8:25 p.m. - 2014-04-01
An account of life right now
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and happiness towards how wonderfully my life is going right now in this very moment.

I'm a woman in the US graduating imminently from one of the best universities in the country with two science degrees that I obtained in four years. I have no debt because of my parent's hard work and extreme generosity. I have beautiful curly red/blonde hair and long legs and I love my body. I am strong, both physically and mentally, because I have trained and grown up with wonderful guidance.

I've gotten into the Peace Corps. A long-time dream of mine. After all these months of waiting, I've gotten into the exact program I wanted, the program that for some unknown reason called out to me, and I'm going! I'm moving to Africa. I'm going to teach science and make a difference -- not change the world, but be a catalyst for change everywhere I go and an example of a strong woman for all people I meet.

Right now, I live in a beautiful city in a country where I'm completely free. I have the BEST friends, both here at college and people from my childhood supporting me from dispersed locations. My family is supportive in -every- way possible. Absolutely each and every way. I have a boyfriend that digs me, respects me, and is so good and supportive and cute and cuddly and good-in-bed-y and perfect.

Life is awesome right now.

10:01 p.m. - 2014-03-30
PEACE CORPS, BABY!!!
I AM MOVING TO AFRICA!

Mozambique. September 23rd. It's happening!!!!

I've been accepted to volunteer as a science teacher for the Peace Corps! Something I've always had in the back of my mind as a goal for 'someday' is actually gonna happen!

Holy cow. Ecstatic. Also this means I have the next two years of my live figured out! Great all around.

5:52 p.m. - 2014-03-06
Why the fuck did I do this?
Why did I do this?

What the fuck was the point of starting this relationship. So stupid.

Nothing good is going to come from it.

I thought maybe experience with a relationship, being a girlfriend, yadda-yadda would be good. But c'mon it's not like it's hard. It should be like nothing, you shouldn't be trying to hard or forcing things in relationships. What should there be to practice? So unnecessary to practice being oneself.

And now I look heartless. Maybe I am. I don't know.

So do I let it continue to its inevitable doom or do I cut it out now?

Not sure.

10:44 p.m. - 2014-02-26
Fuck you, Mike.
Fuck the way that your cologne smells so wonderful and is so popular on this campus.

Fuck you and your facial structure that is so generic, handsome, and prevalent.

Fuck the way you keep in very infrequent but persistent contact. "Go badgers"

Fuck the way that everyone seems to wear khaki pants and your black Swiss army backpack.

Fuck the way that I can't walk past the business school or your old house or Pres House without thinking about you.

Fuck the way that you're 8000 miles away,
yet always within an inch of my mind.

8:39 p.m. - 2014-02-23
I'm the worst.
Rumble rumble rumble crash boom rumble.
^^Storm is a'brewin.

I'm gonna end up hurting Steve :'(

So I got an email from the PCorps that I can be considered for an earlier assignment to Tanzania if I want! ... Leaving July 7th. I was discussing this with Steve and excitedly researching Tanz. When I told him it was largely more remote than Moz, he said, "Well how are we going to communicate...?"

..... :( ..... :'(

And I brushed it off and said "My Mom will not be happy." But I was thinking to myself... We aren't. Because we aren't going to be together.

I don't know why he's assuming that we will be. I hope I'm not totally in the wrong having gone into this basically knowing that it wasn't for the long haul.

I really like Steve, but there's a few pretty crucial things that day-to-day aren't a big deal but lifestyle wise make him someone I wouldn't wanna be with 'forever.'

1) Never washes his freaking hands
2) Always says he's going to do things (go to the library, go to the gym, get such-and-such assignments done today, etc.) and never does them. Definitely polar opposite of me and not an attractive quality.
3) He keeps reminding me of Black River. I'm wondering if he's kinda the high school boyfriend I never had? He is WAY more intelligent and mature and funny than anyone I knew there, but still.


So what do I do? If he were to come out and ask me to talk about future plans I would definitely be honest with him and say something along the lines of "I've been wanting to do the Peace Corps for 10 years. I've pictured deserts and valleys and mountaintops and tundras but I've never pictured having a boyfriend back home during it. Communication will be so difficult and it's so central to any relationship. I don't want to feel constant guilt for something that's out of my control, and I don't want you to, either. We're both going to do a lot of changing in the next 2 years. You're going to start med school somewhere! When I get done with my 2 year assignment, even if it's unspoken, I'll feel an obligation to move to wherever you are. I don't feel this is a good way to spend my 20s. I know this is selfish, but unfortunately I laid these plans far before you were in the picture. It's not easy for me to picture not having you in my life.. You've become a very central part of it. If our life paths meet up again someday I'll be very happy; but, I don't want to force them to."

Whiiiiich sounds like / is a break-up speech! Right?!

So. Don't quite know what I would -actually- say. It'd be deceiving to say "I don't know yet, let's talk about it later." Even though it would imply at least a slight chance things weren't going to work out. Which I kinda think he needs to hear because... I think he's in love with me.

I didn't think so at all til a friend posted this cute pic of us in which Steve was looking longingly at me..as a joke..I thought.. til all my friends and coworkers pointed out the look in his eyes. And then when I was with him I started to allow him to hold my gaze more and.... I think he does.

And I want to just throw caution to the wind and cast away the walls and all the cliche shit about allowing myself to fall in love with him.

But I'm just not going to.

6 months (tops, with this new sort-of-offer thing being only 4(!!!)) til I'm gone. And we're not together anymore.

Makes it easy for me to reel the feelings in. Maybe it's only fair that I tip him off, try to give him a fighting chance at reeling his in, too.

Timing is the worst. Also, I'm the worst. I. feel. so. guilty. And I'm truly at a loss of what to do.

10:11 p.m. - 2014-02-17
Are we having fun yet?
Well!

I had the best date of my life the other night with Steven, day after Valentine's day. We're getting so comfortable with each other and having a lot of fun. I'm starting to fall for him. Hesitantly and while kicking and screaming...in certain ways... but it's happening. I want to badly to just let it happen, but it's nearly impossible for me to 'just let' anything.

Mike still keeps in very infrequent but persistent contact. The fucker is doing the whole "Go Badgers" thing over again. Fuck him.

Steven and I had sex 4 times the night of the great date.

Still no news on the Peace Corps front. Went to a fun fancy announcement thing the other day for it though! Met some recruiters n stuff. They told me not to start holding my breath about Invitation news til at least March. So I'm trying to give my waiting self a break. Much easier said than done.

Not feeling very med schooly anymore. I just look at the type of people that get in to Med Schools and know that I desperately do not want those to be my comrades in my profession. In less flowery language: they fucking suck. Almost all of them. NO THANKS.

But, "Well then, Ms. Pretentious, what the fuck DO you wanna do?"

And my reply is:
.......? Idk.

My plan is to just clear my mind while at PC (god willing I get in!!). All this thinking and churning thoughts, over and over and over in my head, is getting me nowhere. When my brain starts to push my feet to journey in the correct path I'll know it. This summer shall be the summer of shadow shadow shadowing. Should be a fun time!

So yeah. Lots of ?????????s. But this unknowingness and unpredictability is fun. This is supposed to be fun. It's supposed to be fun.

8:50 p.m. - 2014-02-06
Lose lose.
I am so angry at Mike for doing what he's done and saying what he's said and for his timing and for the fact that I still feel for him. I don't want to. I want to forget about him and accept the fact that he's a pretty shitty guy and not someone worth having these emotions invested in.

I read a FANTASTIC article the other day that basically encapsulated my college experience. To the T.

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/relationship-advice/college-dating-screwed-up?src=soc_fcbks

"Why is College Dating So Screwed Up?"

Among many other things, it describes the popular game that college men and women play with each other. The "who can care less" game/challenge.

Exactly what Mike and I were doing.

Sad to say, I think we both lost.

11:11 p.m. - 2014-02-03
A conservative literal
Disclaimer: Being with Steve does make me happy especially when I'm physically with him. Also we just went facebook official which is cool. I regret that all that's on here is negative. This ends the disclaimer.

I'm an extremely literal person. I say exactly what I mean exactly when I mean it. This goes for everything from "I like you" to "That sounds fun" to "Yes, I'm free later. Let's watch a movie." etc. So when Steve makes these claims early in the day, ("Study tonight!?" "Meet me at the library around 8?" etc.) I take it to mean he actually plans to follow through with them. Tonight, yet again, he has passively canceled, i.e. I've texted him saying "Hey I have a spot!" way later than he had planned to meet up and then after awhile says "Oh this is taking longer than expected I don't think I'll make it. Evan and I are working on English." And just now Evan snapchatted me a picture of a bunch of beers and a bag of skittles saying "You can't beat this!". So obviously they're drinking and eating skittles and Steve was happy at home.

1) That's fine! If he woulda just said that rather than the 'taking a long time' excuse (uh, no shit, why do you think it's taking a long time?) I wouldn't care.

2) He shouldn't have suggested the plans in the first place. I'm not needy and not only do I not mind him hanging out with his friends -- I'm super glad he does! I couldn't stand a guy who was with me all the time and lost his friends because of it.

Since I'm such a literal person, I expect others to be as well. I take their statements to be true and literal. When Steven does this it not only annoys me on the case-by-case basis, but it also discredits other things he says to me. Things like "I like you", "I'm so glad we're together", "Ow owww" (when I take my pants off). That last one is a bit of a joke, but it's grounded in the fact that I'm already a little insecure in the thought that someone actually likes me. Him downgrading the validity of his statements isn't helping.

Am I over-analyzing this? Yes. But am I at least a little bit onto something? Yes.

12:19 p.m. - 2014-01-28
The distance from Hong Kong to Madison, WI
It's amazing how a guy 7,676 miles away can manage to put so much distance between me and my boyfriend who's currently sitting across across the table from me.

Fuck him.

"1/27, 9:53am
Mike Keim

I have a bit of a confession, albeit wine confession.
If there's one thing I regret regarding girls in college, it wasnever actually dating you.

lo siento. it's like 9am there and you're probably like wtf"

......

He had over two years to say this. Countless opportunities. It was all I wanted for so long, whether I admitted it or not, but no. He had to wait until now. Til I'm starting to move on and forget him. Til we are likely not even going to see each other again for more than 2 years.

Coward. Cruel. Selfish.

Heartbreaking.

12:52 a.m. - 2014-01-20
Steven
So from the past entries you may see that I tend to kick myself repeatedly after saying "I think he is different."

But here's the thing.

Steven IS different.

He's been different for almost 4 months now. He is incredibly complimentary of me and positive. He worships the ground I walk on in many ways. I am starting to warm up to him and I'm going to let it happen. Timing be damned. This will be a healthy exercise for me. Something new.

It's not fair to hold past boy incidences against Steven. He has done absolutely nothing to earn my level of apprehension and fear. It is not him I'm afraid of; it's my past.

But now his presence is my present. Forward.

7:31 p.m. - 2014-01-19
A Final Ode to Mike Keim
Part of me doesn't want to write this because it is kind of an admission of my failed (2.5 year) attempt at true friend with benefits (and nothing else) experiment with Mike. I've discovered lots of ruminating feelings towards him over the last month or two and on this, the day before he jets off to China (not even an exaggeration. he's literally moving to China.), I thought I would give him one last diary entry. One last of so many... Way too many entries, of which I just read through.

I haven't felt the well-known ecstatic excitement of having a crush, as I did on every guy leading up to and including Mike, since I became involved with him. I haven't had the butterflies and anticipation and nervousness and joy. I'm so much more scared, apprehensive, and self-conscious now. I had never put myself out there as much as I did with Mike and it didn't pay off; worse.. it blew up in my face. He broke my heart. And I just hate to admit this, absolutely hate it, but I think it kind of broke me.

Some ridiculous part of me thinks someday I'm going to end up with Mike. I know that sentence makes NO FUCKING SENSE given the entire preceding paragraph, but in this weird way I can so totally see myself ending up in Chicago after Peace Corps (verdict's still out on PCorps, btw) and running into Mike and hitting things back off. Which is stupid. There's so many people in Chicago, let alone the fucking world, so I have no idea why I would hedge these sorts of bets. I think it's to calm myself now so that I don't feel as though I'm never going to see him again (what with his studying abroad this semester and me leaving for PC possibly before he gets back). But in all likelihood I will never see him again so I should just drop it.

I think I need to start a new chapter. Carry over some choice characters, namely all of my friends and Steven, and leave Mike and Adam and TN boy and Cameron and all the other stupid fucks in the dust. They didn't want me back when they had the shot and they are not allowed to screw around with my present.

Steven is a good guy and I don't think he's out to hurt me. I think he actually likes me. And I'm pretty sure if I allowed myself to, I could really like him back. And I think I should. I have to fix my mindset when it comes to guys. I have to be brave enough to try again and again. I have to know that things that have happened in the past that I've chalked up to being my fault haven't always been my fault at all. Mike may have broken me but he's not gonna fix me 3 years from now in Chicago. I'm going to fix me now.

5:16 p.m. - 2013-12-17
-
I have absolutely no good reason to miss Mike.

Except with him, I was kind of in control of things. I didn't like him (usually) so I wasn't gonna get hurt. He was fun to be around and there was no pressure/confusion/expectations. It was easy. Empty(ish) and easy.

And so I do miss him.

He's with a new girl now named Avery, till he leaves for china maybe? Idk. But I found out via snapchat and then have Facebook monitored the situation. So stupid. I don't know why I do these things.

Likely because there's some leftover feelings hanging about.

:-(.

Poop.

12:00 a.m. - 2013-12-15
I'm not yours. I'm not anybody's. I am me and I am mine and mine alone.
Ugh.

I regret that all I say about Steve is negative things. It's not been all bad. Not at all.

But right now, maybe it's overtired and stressed and disappointed and overwhelmed finals-itis but...

I'm big time regretting this.

He is way too confident in me 'not going anywhere'. I'm fiercely loyal, loyalty being one of my favorite and most important qualities about myself, but I'm also kind of a hot commodity or whatever. He doesn't seem to be very grateful for me being with him and the hundreds of other opportunities I've turned/turn down. He seems too comfortable already. He should still be in his "Holy shit is this real-life?" phase.

I know this sounds conceited. Well buckle your seatbelt cause I'm diving deeper into it. As Lindsay said "In every relationship there's a reacher and a settler. And clearly, in your relationship, Steve is the reacher." And I have to agree with her. He's cute but I mean.

Why am I doing this? The sex is great, the dates are fun, but... It's a glorified friends with benefits. Which is kind of fine. Except for he gets this claim to me. And I don't get to be single. And he's all like "There's no competition. She is mine." And I really, really don't like that.

I like doing my own thing. He is not clingy, not at all, but still. I am not really digging this ownership of each other thing. It's weird and I'm 21 and why am I doing this? I don't even have giddy 'I like him so much' feelings. At all. Not remotely what I thought having a boyfriend was gonna feel like. We are one month and one week in and I already feel like we're past the plateau.

Maybe it's because we're busy and stuff. I don't know though. I just. He never really chased me, he didn't win me over, and he has no right to think that he's got me for 'good' (good meaning for the next few months let alone any longer than that.)

I'm gonna stick this out at least til the beginning of next semester because I'll have nothing going on over Christmas break anyways, but... as of right now, all bets are off after that.

:-(

7:39 p.m. - 2013-12-09
:-( Get me outta here, outta college, outta Madison, outta the country!
Ughhhh.

I just want to leave. Now. Now now now. For anywhere. I'd go anywhere.

I got my hopes up way too fast on the PCorps front. I've been nominated.. now time to fill out legal paperwork, other papers, and go through 'competitive selection' for the individual program and deal with some Placement Specialist to find the program best suited for me. I.e. we're a long ways off from knowing if/where I'm going. I need something to look forward to.

Things with Steven are making me feel so fucking guilty and shitty. He's so nice and great but I'm afraid it's just not there.

I am the worst. Parts of me are so bad. This is one of them. Ughhhh. I am the worst.

11:03 p.m. - 2013-12-08
Peace Corps! Mozambique! Small world! Huge world!
Whoa!!

I'm accepted to the Peace Corps! Time for nomination to a specific program! I've thrown my hat into the Mozambique ring. Looks like a beautiful country, relatively safe and stuff. Holy cats! This might really be happening!

In many ways, I'd leave tomorrow if I could. I'm looking forward to this summer though, FINALLY NOT TAKING A SINGLE MOTHERFUCKING CLASS. Gonna be beautiful.

Things with Steven are going well. I'm still a little jealous on the Lindsay front. I've gotten to the bottom of it: I really really like spending time with her, and I really really like spending time with him, and I love spending time with the both of them, so obviously I am jealous when the two of them hang out. Just like I would be if they were both friends. So it's not a relationship-based thing.

My world keeps revealing itself as being smaller than expected. Steven went out Friday night. "Hey I'm at a hosue at Mifflin to pregame -- Feel free to join!"

Guess who's motherfuckin' house he was at?!

Mike's (and Adam's).

Yep.

Luckily Mike is out of town somewhere. But Adam was there.

Steven's (and mutually Mike's) friends/roommates were asking about me and Adam picked up on it and started grilling Steve. He didn't tell him much apparently.

Hahahaha. Oi. My life.

Steve was SO cool about it. And I believe him totally. Don't think he's putting on an act whatsoever. He asked if I still talk to Mike and said he didn't care if I did or not, blah blah blah.

Not trying to be mean/diss him here at ALL but he's surprisingly confident about me. Probably more based on my loyal and trustworthy character than anything else, but still. He seems comfortably certain in other guys not being threats. Also non-intimidated by me. Which is awesome!

We're gonna do the Colorado/Yellowstone trip I did last summer this summer. Which will be nice.

God though....Can't shake the stop sign I've given this thing. The expiration date. I enjoy my time with him but there are such clear, distinct boundaries I've constructed. But I think that's smart. No need to be broken hearted at the start of Peace Corps! I just don't know where he is on the subject but if he's smart, which he is, he's thinking the same things.

I've come too far and become to strong in my convictions to let this hurt me. Just gonna ride with it and enjoy the wave. Nothing serious.

I feel pretty confident in not going head-over-heels. Not because of Steve, but because of my brain/gut. The two forces together should be more than enough to guide my emotions. No problemo.

7:46 p.m. - 2013-11-20
Where's the 'command-Z' for relationships?
Ugh.

I kinda wanna go back 3 weeks and undo this entire thing.

I don't need this shit. Seriously, I don't. Everyone I ask for advice is like "Oh well you have to learn how to work through these things. No one is perfect."

And I agree, no one is perfect including (sometimes even most of all) myself. But do I have to work through these things? No.

Plan as of one month ago: graduate. Peace Corps. Be involved with whoever the fuck I want whenever I want. Come back, live in Chicago. Live it up. Single. Free. Whatever. Settle down? Maybe someday. But not now.

Why did I get myself into this? The highs have been really high and Steve is great, none of what I'm feeling is his fault, it's my own fault for internalizing it all so damn much and taking these stupid things personally.

But I don't need this. I don't want this. So what am I doing?

9:44 a.m. - 2013-11-19
My whole life seems to be me expecting others to do things I would do and then being disappointed when they don't.
Ughhhhh

Okay

So first kind of bad thing that happened. This weekend when Steve and I were drunk right after sex I said the whole "I really like this" thing that he always says, then he replied with "I'm just so glad I found somebody. Have I ever told you how attracted I am to you?"

....

Second -much more major- bad thing that's happening.. He and Lindsay are going to a Packer game on Sunday. Totally fine. Great! But.. they're going to his house on Friday night, staying there Friday and Saturday, "studying all day Saturday", then going to the game...

Never once did either of them say "Is that weird for you?" or "Is that okay?" Not that they need my okay at all, just it would of been nice if either of them could have emphasized or even realized at all how odd it is that Steve is bringing home a girl to meet his whole family for an entire weekend who is not his girlfriend. Not that I'm dying to meet the family now or anything of the sort but.. God it's weird.

Here's an analysis.
1) I'm jealous of both of them going to the Packer game and getting to spend the whole weekend with each other. What I mean is I really wanna go to a game and also would love to hang out with either/both of them the whole weekend. Lindsay had actually asked me to go to the game at one point, but then said "My sister is bringing her boyfriend and told me I have to bring a boy." .... your best friends boyfriend for your boy? really?

2) They're going to his house. With his parents. And Lindsay is awesome and they're so fuckin flirty that I'm nearly certain they're gonna say something along the lines of "Wow Steve - sure you're not dating Lindsay? -nudge,nudge-" Not something I really wanna have on my mind when/if I ever meet them.

3) Not once did either of them recognize the awkwardness and address it/apologize for it/ask about it/anything about it. Not even joke about it. So that's making it more awkward, at least for me.

4) Now not only do they have the car ride to fall in love but an entire weekend together. Slightly unrealistic since they claim to think of each other as siblings but honestly you never know.

5) I'm already insecure about him even liking me anyways so this of course is not helping. Last night he pulled some blankets over me and I said thanks and he was like "Well you know I do care about ya quite a bit" and then snuggled me and I instantly thought "ha. sure you do." and did my uncomfortable arm-crossed curl up thing I used to do with Mike when he hurt my feelings. God damn it. I'm such a basket case.

I just wanna go back in time and undo this relationship thing. Things were a little sadder... although I'm pretty damn sad right now... but at least they weren't so awkward and thought consuming and interfering with how I felt about my friends.

9:44 p.m. - 2013-11-16
Weird.
It's crazy how polarizing my outlook on Steve is from day today. Actually even hour to hour.

Last night with him was very fun, as was Thursday night date night to old fashioned, piano bar, and Paul's club.

Then today I went to the badger game with Steve and Lindsay. And to the passerby, I would be extremely unsurprised -actually I would expect- that the passerby would have thought Lindsay and Steven were the couple, not he and I. They interact a lot. They pick on each other and then end with a glare or a side poke or a shove or a kick or a head pat, etc. It's enough that even if I wasn't dating Steven it would raise my eyebrows. It's weird.

Also Lindsay is taking him to the Packers game next weekend. Which is fine -- all of this is in a way fine with me because Lindsay is a good friend to me and I don't think she would ever do anything like that-- but kind of weird.

Not quite sure what to do about any of this because I think they'd both be offended if I were to say anything because saying anything would kind of mean I didn't trust them or was uncomfortable or something.

But, this is me, so obviously a part of my mind is running with this idea of them actually being the correct couple and the realizing it on the car ride to the game and them talking about how to end things with me and then them justifying it to me a few weeks later and then me realizing that it was stupid to let Steven in and on a larger scale for me to trust anyone at all.

I'm so fucked up in that way.

Or am I? Technically all the above is plausible.

Sigh. Can I just leave for the peace corps now?

7:46 p.m. - 2013-11-12
Gettttt ouuuuuuuuut of here, Mikeim.
Well Mike texted again today (he texted the other day asking if 'This Steven guy' was Steven Hesse). Just about some stupid gif.

But.... I got all excited and on-edge in a good way.

:(. :( :( :(.

Nooooo.

Well, he helped throw at least a little water on the feelings with this comment: "Man, I never realize how stress relieving regular sex is until I don't have it. Lol."

To Mike, Sierra = Sex. Sierra = Stupid. Sierra = the girl who was nice to look at and who I banged twice a week for two years while I also got to sleep with other people. Sierra = the girl who when I felt like talking to a girlfriend I could talk to her like she was mine. Sierra = someone not even worthy of protecting the feelings of. Sierra = nothing.

My feelings, they aren't even really romantic feelings as much as they're just indiscriminately emotionally charged feelings, will subside. Every single time I hang out with Steve I feel better about dating him. Every single time. He seems to really like me, and almost certainly thinks more of me than what Mike does - listed in the paragraph above.

And this is good. Right now this is hard and emotionally uncomfortable and scary but it is good. It is great. It is exactly what I should be doing at this exact moment in time. And I will not --will -not-- allow Mike fucking Keim to negatively affect my trajectory with Steven in the least.

9:45 p.m. - 2013-11-10
Half-full/filling
So I'm gonna get preemptively defensive for a second and suggest if you haven't read any of my past posts to read them first and realize that what I'm saying below is not just cliche or sappy lovey-dovey talk. It's true, 100% true for my situation.

My outlook on love is/was (working on it) so messed up. I swear to God I had written it off for me. Especially anytime soon, like now.

I had been denied so many times that I decided to get ahead of it and deny first.

And that's starting to fall away now. And it feels so good.

But with you
(I'm feeling better ever since you know me)
I feel again
(I was a lonely soul but that's the old me)
Yeah, with you
(I'm feeling better ever since you know me)
I can feel again
(I was a lonely soul)

This song is right on point with what I'm feeling. And I love it.

I've got so many layers of walls up around my feelings but they're starting to fall away. I can feel myself cling to them occasionally out of fear/habit but the more time I spend with Steven the less it happens and the more I'm beginning to trust him. It's frustrating because he has done exactly zero things to make me not trust him, so it's not that I don't it's just that it isn't fully there yet. Maybe that's normal.

My fear is that he just likes me for how I look and how it looks for him to be with me. I'm afraid that when he starts seeing the real me that he will run away.

But.. I just don't think that's gonna happen. I'm not an optimist by nature but something about this relationship is just chanting 'Glass half-full'.

1:07 p.m. - 2013-10-30
-
It sure sucks that I have the strongly held and supported notion that immediately once I start to think "Hey, I think this guy is different than the rest" generally becomes the kiss of death to the relationship. When I so desperately need 'different' as opposed to all the crappy guys I've been dealing with.

Please don't make me regret thinking you're something different, Steven.

10:04 p.m. - 2013-10-28
Google doesn't have very good advice on how to end things with a 2+ year friend with benefits...
I ended things with Mike tonight.

Started seeing him approximately 2 YEARS and one month ago.

Wowza.

Here's a copy of the text convo for future interest:

"So remember when I mentioned that Steven guy to you and you said that I should just like him back? Well, that's actually kind of happening! That's why I haven't texted to hang out lately. I just want you to know that I meant it when I was said I was happy we'd done everything we've done."

And not more than one minute later, he replied:

"Haha yay!! Happy for you!!"

:-)

And all the emotions, everything from the love, like, hate, sad, happy, scared, determined, relieved, terrified emotions before pressing send.. to the shock and happiness and relief and 'aww' of getting the response so soon after.

I went to the bathroom and happy cried for like 5 minutes. I was a mess in a good way.

Wow. Can't believe this! This weird part of me is really nervous that it's going to have been a mistake ending this, in that the Steven thing isn't gonna work out.

Except... I swear to God if I come back and read this in a month and yet AGAIN am wrong...

I think Steven is different.

He's like no other guy I've been interested in in Madison. Or ever. At all.

He's so nice to me. He seems willing to do just about anything for me/ to see me. He compliments me on more than my looks and seems to actually care about me.

It's so scary.

I'll either look back on this and think I was a fucking idiot once again, or I'll look back and think "Wow. I was brave. And it paid off."

I'm hoping...praying...for the latter.

Lord knows it's high time for me to have something work out!

1:32 p.m. - 2013-10-22
Steven
Are you sitting down?

Whoa. Things have changed.

So Steven and I have been hanging out a lot. On Friday we watched new girl together. During the first episode we just shared a blanket, during the second our legs were touching, third our arms, and after the fifth we were making out. And he was... A really stellar kisser. Best make out sesh I had had ever. I slept over and when he cuddled me I didn't even hate it -- actually quite to the contrary. It was lovely. I didn't even have to put the brakes on or ask him to slow down. That's the first time at college for sure!

Then Saturday night I was a big ol idiot and slept with mike. That was a mistake. It wasn't even good and I felt guilty since Steven wanted to hang out again. I just thought maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to hang out with him two nights in a row if I wasn't certain that I liked him.

But then I thought waiting til Monday (last night) would be fine I guess. And it was great again! He said the cutest thing... I complimented his kissing by saying "Your kissing is the perfect mix of cute and hot." And he said "Well you keep switching between the two so I'm just trying to keep up." And he said he liked me. Asked me to get dinner with him this week.

And I no longer have any desire to fuck mike or Adam or really any other guys. I've had a great single college run, I think I could be came for a relationship. Steven seems like exactly the kind of guy I should be with right now.

Hopefully this one keeps moving forward! Gotta say, I feel pretty good about it.

12:44 a.m. - 2013-10-10
Weird feelings.
"You could be doin better than me. You should be, you deserve to have something better."

I had these weird lovey feelings for him tonight. Not likey. Lovey.

Am I fucking insane? Truly. Am I?

Someday... Couple years. I don't think this chapter will be over in January. Nope.

7:24 p.m. - 2013-10-03
Sex
Just left Mike's house.

Oh. My. God. That boy fucking knows what he's fucking doing leading up to fucking me.

Jesus Mary and Joseph.

I am so, so happy that I did this friend with benefits thing with him.

And I'm not even feeling as though I 'like' him right now! Yay!

Wow. Just. Just. Oh my wow.

2:01 p.m. - 2013-10-03
Why now? GodMotherFuckingDamnit
Well.

It's happening again.

The 'oh hey it's senior year and I had never really looked before but damn, that Sierra girl is smokin' hot'.

Yeah.

So. I'll go one-by-one.

Mike. And everything with that. Is studying abroad in China this spring so it doesn't even fucking matter.

Nathan. Grew up on a tree farm in Tomah. Super attractive. Dresses SO well. Tallish. Nice bod. Good family situation. His grandpa is one of my neighbors. We've been studying together, had lunch today. Recent development: is studying abroad in China this Spring. God damn it.

Steven. Pharm-tox crush but not real crush. Unfortunately I couldn't/didn't make the distinction. So he's kinda on the prowl I think. He's so fun and easy to talk to but just not my type physically or romantically. He's just too nice. God DAMN it I hate myself for saying that but it's just the fucking truth. No way around it.

Joey. Yeah high school Joey. Probably just bored/looking for a place to crash in Madison for Halloween, but still. He's been comin' at it HARD. Oi.

Adam. Yeah freshman year Adam. That is going to happen at least a few times before this year is up. Mark my words.

And finally, this one barely counts, but Blaine. This incredibly beautiful boy in my Chemistry class. A senior Chem major. With beautiful eyes and slightly flowy hair. And the best body of any of the guys listed above (Not as sculpted as Adam but a little more my type). And also I don't even think he's interested. So whatever.

And me? Completely apathetic. My sights are set far beyond Madison. I've made it the past 3 years of college (and 21 years of life) without a boyfriend so why in the FUCK would I start one now?

I wouldn't. Will not.

12:31 a.m. - 2013-10-02
High school: nerd=loser. College: nerd=commendable.
I'm pretty sure that it's a damn good sign that I have exactly the right kind of people in my life since I posted a new profile picture of me in lab goggles and it got 50+ likes. :-)

5:09 p.m. - 2013-09-26
Lost but not hopeless
A lot of people around me seem to be getting their lives figured out, which is great...

Theirs' will probably be easier, but mine will probably be more fun.

I really do feel lost though. I just don't know what I want to do, or when I want to do it. Hopefully the Peace Corps works out! At least as an option.

The career fair is going on right now but I'm in bed and not wearing pants... so, well, I'm not there. Whatever.

7:31 p.m. - 2013-09-23
Out West
Also, my trip out west was THE BEST. I absolutely loved being on my own, in Colorado especially, taking in the beauty and doing whatever the hell I wanted. Loved it. I'd kill to be able to go again right now. Definitely will be going next summer so long as I have a couple free weeks!

The best part was driving into Rocky Mountain National Park listening to Local Natives, Hummingbird. I couldn't believe I was actually doing it. I felt so independent, confident, excited, and proud of myself. It was a great moment.

7:20 p.m. - 2013-09-23
-
Shit.

Confession time.

I like him. Not even going to try to deny it this time...

Shit.

My timing is just fucking impeccable I tell ya. He's leaving this spring and working somewhere else this summer so even in the very unlikely chance that he feels something too, it doesn't even matter.

This all happened because of a few things that happened this weekend. First I went to his house for a party Friday night, where he was nice to me and his friends seemed to really like me. Then I stayed over and in the middle of the night he kept cuddling me. Which I don't think he does normally. And I'm almost in tears thinking about it for some reason. It was really nice.

Then the next day he came to my pregame and was just really fun and sociable. We played badminton and it was nice to do something like that with him, never really have before.

Then I went to the football game but he didn't. I was bummed because it was International Red Panda Day and at the zoo they were having a free raffle to win a chance to meet the red pandas, but I couldn't go because of the game. Mike texted me around 4 that he was at the zoo but the raffle closed at 3. So apparently he went there to try to put my name in for me. Which is kinda the fast track to my heart, of course.

And so, yeah. I've got it. Got it bad.

:-(.

2:48 a.m. - 2013-07-26
-
Godmotherfuckingdamnit I like him.
When the hell did this happen?
Fuck.

Okay, what do I do about this?

2:31 a.m. - 2013-07-26
Not depressed or an alcoholic
I may be eating Jimmy Johns in my bed by myself at 2:30am

And I may have gotten a 67% on my Achem exam

But Im not depressed.

7:27 p.m. - 2013-07-22
Dr. Fox
So I shadowed an Allergist today! So cool. I really think I want to learn about Medicine. I want to be Dr. Fox.

So...Dramatic music...Trumpets n drums n violins and shit...

I'm premed, folks.

The thing I've been fighting for four years.. I'm giving in.

Nope, not giving in. Stepping up. Stepping up to the fear of probable failure, denial. Stepping up to what I truly think my intellectual, personable, driven and incredibly strong self can do.

I know I can do this. It's going to be hard work but I can do this. It's what I need to do. It's why I'm here.

Things I learned today:
1) Study HARD for the MCAT, it's going to set me apart.
2) It IS possible. It isn't easy, but it's possible
3) You've gotta get all A's this year.
4) You've gotta get in to the Peace Corps or something like it.
5) You've gotta keep shadowing and making connections.
6) Keep volunteering.
7) Take the job with Creative Ability in Madison. It'll look great and be great experience for you to have.
8) Step off the partying a little bit.
9) But don't step off the sex. Gotta stay sane.

Finally, a path. Yesssssss!!! I've always been driven but I've been doing doughnuts for far too long now.

Pedal to the metal. Med school, I'm comin'.

7:58 p.m. - 2013-07-18
Time to steer the bitchmobile towards the entrance to the highroad.
Not sure if I ever mentioned this... I had ended my friendship with Sierra J based on my dislike of constant gossiping and negative-talking with her, my uncertainty of what to talk about with her, my dislike of the fact she's just stringing me along as her 'bff' (BFF BFF BFF) just because she doesn't have any other friends.

Then she texted me about 2 weeks later, 'Sometimes I just wish you were here to talk to. I miss what we used to have and it's hard to go through life without you.'

So I felt like a Grade A bitch, fittingly so. Because I was. What is it off my back really, just to be her friend? Oi.

Anyways we're back to talking. Her poor father has CNS cancer. Prognoses for that aren't generally good... Sure hope he is an exception to the rule.


--Sidebar-- Just had a bit of a revelation because of a YahooAnswers post by a girl who sounded a lot like me; intelligent, confident, attractive, and told she was 'intimidating.' Really liked some of the comments by responders.. In a nutshell, I just have to wait for older guys. Which has been evident so far, 30ish guys love me. Just gotta find one physically attractive enough to keep my attention. Shallow? Maybe. Valid? Absolutely. I'm hot, I think I deserve someone hot too. Call me whatever you want.

I've gotten much more confident about my looks in recent months. I think I've also gotten more beautiful. I really love the way I look in the mirror now, my face, hair, and even most parts of my body too. Feels great! No wonder I'm scaring off the boys though.

Bring on the -men-.

-
-

7:02 p.m. - 2013-07-11
Summer Woooo
I don't want something over-the-top or amazing or love at first sight or I need you forever. I just want something normal. Just one normal thing. Just one normal guy to like me just for a little while. Something to make me believe that's even a thing.

I've completely forgotten what it feels like to 'like' someone anymore. I've trained myself into seeing guys purely sexually and I don't know whether to be sad/grossed out or to pat myself on the back.

Other girls (just today, my friend Mina) score these normal, smart, cute, nice guys. So they technically exist. Maybe just not for me though? Honestly I have no idea.

I'm thinking of becoming an egg donor. $$$$$. With the blonde hair and green eyes thing my egg advisor woman says they'll go fast. They'll bring the sperms to the yard. Etc. We'll see.

Summer is going very well! Class is enjoyable. Still no job hence the egg donation thing.

Can. Not. Wait. For my trip out west!! I need a break from Madison I think. And on a smaller scale from people, too. Not that anyone is particularly on my nerves, I just need some time to decompress and think about some stuff. My future, my current, myself, ya know, the little things.

And with this I think I'm off to get a doughnut because well thats the kind of day it's been. Shame that I can't even go there without fucking worrying Vday Doughnut Boy will be working. Damn.

2:08 a.m. - 2013-06-23
-
Caution: this is another semi-drunken depressing status update of my life.

If there is a title for the woman in the world with the most detrimental taste in guys, I would be the winner. 100% sure of this.

I don't even know what to say. Zach is having a baby, football biology freshman Sam grabbed my hair and every other blonde chick in the bar tonight, Cam is outta town, Mike is too and oh did I mention I like him? Fuck. I know. FUCK. How did that happen? I just. I just don't even.

I just want this year to be smooth and high grades and low drama/sadness boy-wise and the only way I can do that is to keep up this whole "I don't need them" "I don't want them" attitude except that I'm lying about the latter in that I do. I want someone to care about me and to ask how my day was and to hold my umbrella and to look at me like some guys look at girls and to feel about me how some guys supposedly feel about girls. I'm so jaded at this point that I don't even actually believe it when people say stuff but so many people do that I guess it must be true sometimes.

But it's sad/pathetic to be longing for something that simply isn't in the cards so I want to at least strongly come off as though I truly don't want it. Some people buy it but I know when Ellen comes back she's gonna crack me because she knows and cares enough. Jenna too.

But even if they do crack me, all their "You got this Sierra! Everyone is gonna want you!" shit isn't -actually- going to do anything except set me up for disappointment. Pessimistic? Yes. Realistic? Yes. Look at the past 21 years (okay, truthfully like 8 years though since as an infant I wasn't on the hunt yet) and tell me that the next year is going to be any different. The last 3 have all been the same here in Madison.

I'm so tired of it.

1:55 p.m. - 2013-06-14
-
It's come to my attention that most guys upon meeting me decide they don't have a shot with me.


Guess I have two thoughts about this:


1) Most of them are right.
2) I'm not gonna change.

Bitch.

9:54 p.m. - 2013-06-02
Numero tres.
Apparently my new thing is workout-workout-workout, sleep with a new guy, gorge myself with junk food (eating my feelings?), and repeat.

#3. Cameron. Pretty exciting! The actual action wasn't that great though. Timing was off.

What if no one I sleep with is ever as good as Mike? Everyone keeps saying 'oh, it's just the comfort level you have with him' but that's not it. It's more. He is damn good at what he does.

Guess the search shall continue...

2:58 p.m. - 2013-05-15
-
Awhile back I saw this inspirational photogram on Pinterest that made the rounds, it said

"Walk around you house like a fucking champion."

And I thought to myself -- yeah! I am a fucking champion, watch out world while I strut my stuff.

What actually happened:

I realized that throughout my whole life any objects on the floor within a 2/3 foot radius of my path have always been a target for my feet. No matter how far in advance I see something, I generally find a way to get tangled up in it. Especially if it is a cord, a lego, or multiple things stacked precariously, generally my feet find a way of running into them. And don't even get me started on bumps in the sidewalk or folded up rugs -- killers.

So now every time I run into one of those things, I find myself sarcastically saying "My God. I am such a champion." And know what? It makes my clumsiness a whole lot more bearable and tolerable.

8:31 p.m. - 2013-05-04
-
Acknowledging that you're a bad person doesn't make you any less bad. It makes you worse. It shows that you know what you're doing and what it's doing to people, and yet you do it anyways. And have the audacity to write it off as something that is out of your control, or that it's something you deem unimportant enough to exert control over.

And so what does it make me for continuously sleeping with this person? I'm indirectly supporting it. Saying it's okay without saying anything. I'm no better...

2:12 p.m. - 2013-05-03
What? Just...what? What is going on?
The following is a brief and extremely random summary of my life right now.

1) Quit at the lab THANK YOU BABY JESUS
2) Not double-majoring in chem anymore
3) Have been pre-optometry for 3 weeks now (comparatively quite a long time!)
4) Slept with Mike last night. Didn't use protection again because I'm an idiot.
5) Heard Adam talking about me while I was over there. Wasn't very nice.
6) Sierra J won't leave me alone and now just told me her dad has a brain tumor and so, of course, I'm going to be there for her.
7) I have 5 finals next week and have not studied a wink for any of them basically.
8) My summer plans are now completely up in the air.
9) I think I might like Steve.
10) I think I might like Mike.
11) Panda is 14 and I'm worried he's gonna pass on soon.
12) I keep thinking about the hot Eric thing and wonder if maybe that was a mistake.
13) Still talking to TN Zach. The fuuuuck?
14) I ate approximately 3/4 of a box of CheezIts today.
15) I think I'm developing alcoholic tendencies to cope with my anxiety that has been pretty bad this whole semester.
16) In exactly 14 days this semester will be over, one way or another.
17) My alarm clock has been set to the incorrect hour, minute, and date for approximately 6 weeks but I haven't had the time to sit down and fix it.
18) My bike tire is still broken and I haven't taken the time to get that checked out either.
19) I missed jury duty and may/may not be having a huge fine coming my way.
20) Levi's coming out story went viral which was weird.
21) Still trying to get a Colorado month-long volunteering getaway to happen.
22) Right now I'm basically hoping for all B's which might not even happen. Don't know where old motivated/good-student Sierra went but I hope she comes back.

9:02 p.m. - 2013-04-29
Persevere
I'm sitting here panic-ing about the next three weeks of my life.

The answer is to not look at it as the next three weeks of my life, but one day - one page - one word at a time.

It will all get done. It will soon be over. I will relax and god-willing get the heck outta dodge for awhile.

I can do this.

10:25 p.m. - 2013-04-24
-.-
What the hell was I thinking taking 18 credits?

It's killing me.

I've learned my lesson... unfortunately I've still gotta live it.

I really hope I can do this.

12:21 a.m. - 2013-04-24
Everyone, together now: "groooooooaaaannn"
Well, sound the chorus.

I did him again.

Here's why: he got an internship in Ohio for this summer. This summer will cut me off whether I'm ready or not. I've always thought of myself as a fairly strong willed person but this situation has proven that's not always the case. I can't believe how much I sound like one of 'those' girls. Ick. Oh well, I truly do not have feelings towards him and only have 3 weeks left in the semester which is like a max of 5/6 more times seeing him so...

Really enjoyed seeing him tonight and I don't feel too bad about falling off the wagon. I just fear the feeling creepin up this weekend... But I'll be home!! Finally back to my dear Panda. God I miss him, he is getting so old and it scares me. Home really won't be home without him.

12:58 a.m. - 2013-04-20
Rough Waters
Just very nearly had Mike over. The diary saved me from making that mistake!

I scrolled back to the entry of when I first met him. "He is simply awesome!"..."I don't want to be let down this time again! Wish me luck! :-)"

^I never feel like this about guys, or really much else, anymore. I've become so hardened. I don't even think it is fear, it is simply bracing for the impact - for the inevitable.

Because it is inevitable. As much as I try to think it isn't, a fight that I wage with myself less and less, history shows that it is inevitable. No guy situations have worked for me in years. Years. There have been nearly 20 guys and not -one- has worked. In any sense of the word.

I'm so. tired. of. feeling. like. this. I need to realize that while I can't control what guys do to me I can choose how I respond and internalize what happens. I've got the realistic/no expectation thing down, and sort of the disconnected thing pretty well, at least outwardly.

What do I do going forward? Part of me thinks I could still sleep with Mike and keep everything in check and still get my fill of sex. Which is a legitimate need. But whether I like it or not sleeping with him is at least a partial reinforcement of what he is doing to me. Especially because he doesn't know that I know. (disclaimer: I KNOW he technically isn't doing anything wrong, it's my perception of it that deems it wrong but get off my dick it's wrong).

The really unfortunate thing is I don't know of a route I can forge on my own given the current conditions in which I end up happy. No Mike=empowerment of some sort but also no sex. Yes Mike=sex (generally very good sex) but the at least occasional feeling of promoting something that I don't stand for as a person: something that I would never think one friend would do to another. Something selfish and belligerent and unfeeling towards me. Why should I let him do something to me that I would just never do to him?

I think I should just cut both Mike and Zach loose. It's no good having them thrashing around in my lake. Maybe they're disturbing the other fish... Or at least distracting me from them.

7:12 p.m. - 2013-04-10
Eat. All. The. Feelings.
Well apparently my newest coping mechanism to deal with my anxiety problem/Zach problem/no more sex problem/no more having to keep up a nice body apparently problem is eating my feelings. Eating alllll the feelings.

Eating greenbush doughnuts and pizza and mia za's pasta ans cheez-its and Easter candy and a fucking Butterfinger since it was on sale for 42 cents or some shit then accidentally eating that one and going back for not one but two more.

Eating alllll the feelings.

Luckily I have my first meeting with a psychiatrist tomorrow. Should be interesting. Hope it is helpful.

1:52 p.m. - 2013-04-07
Listen to yourself, WOMAN!
Well I'm not proud to say this but I did in fact sleep with Mike one more time and it wasn't worth it. He was on his game but my head was so not there that I didn't even enjoy it. Also he fucked Lindsays other roommate so I have one message to the world:

World-- Thank you for your blatant messages to me about this situation in the past month and I am sorry for being a flighty blind frisky little numnut about the whole thing. I have heard you loud and clear all along and wanted to believe it wasn't so but it in fact is so and so is that I am no longer in a friend with benefit's relationship with Mike.

The end (of that story).

Still talking to Zach (Tennessee boy). Pointless. I'm just one of his many text-girls. / sext-girls. Sort of. Nothing nude - ever - but yeah. What the hell? Kinda a nice distraction but I have to keep it in check.

Sheesh what the hell has my life become? What the? I just. I just can't.

Seeing a psychiatrist for the first time next week about the panic attacks. Hoping that will help, been havin' anxiety out the wazoo lately.

What's wrong with me?

10:01 a.m. - 2013-04-02
"You're Just too Good of a Person"
I am FUCKING sick and FUCKING tired of guys telling me what I am or am not.

I define who I am every second of every day of every week. It can change on a dime whenever the fuck I feel like it.

Tennessee boy keeps telling me how I'm "just too good of a person" and how I'm a "good girl" but with a wild side. He knew me for like 9 hours. He saw me make out with and fondle a fucking stripper and even he thinks I'm 'too' good?! What the hell does that even mean? He's saying it in this way that infers I should take it as a compliment or as him being nice but really what he is doing is exerting his control over me and deeming what actions I can or cannot partake in based on his judge of my character and tendencies.

Well, fuck him.

I'm just going to keep banging Mike because I'm sick and tired of men. 20-anything-year-old guys SUCK ASS and I'm through with dealing with any of them. At least having sex with Mike is 100% under my control and he hasn't deemed me as too pure or whatever. Fuck this.

10:47 p.m. - 2013-03-31
I upped my number! Woohooo
P.S. also I slept with hot Eric. Never wrote about that it appears. It was fine, not as good as Mike (probably because we were pretty drunk and it was the first time so those'r never as good, hopefully we can try again). Can't believe I finally did it! Whoop whoop.

10:41 p.m. - 2013-03-31
MOTHERFUCKING SERIOUS
I'm back from Florida! I'm aliiiive

The trip was awesome and everything went very well. I'll tell you more about it (including the part where I went to a strip club and ended up feeling up and making out with the stripper) when I'm in a better mood...

So the guy who lured me to the stripclub was super cute (his name is Zach). He's from Tennessee and has the most adorable southern accent. We made out at the club, on the way home, and in a bed where we like 69ed forever but he refused to have sex with me because I'm "just too good of a person" and he "couldn't do that to me" and yadda yadda.

Why is there always something fucking wrong with me. I'm honest to god getting called out for being a good girl? I WAS FUCKING NAKED I HAD JUST FUCKING MADE OUT WITH A GODDAMN STRIPPER AND FUCKING MOTORBOATED HER TITS AND I WAS HONEST TO MOTHERFUCKING GOD GETTING CALLED OUT ON BEING TOO GOOD OF A GIRL TO SLEEP WITH?

like, for SERIOUS? for MOTHERFUCKING serious?

God.

(**disclaimer this was actually a really really fun night and I don't mean to portray it negatively, I'm actually still talking to the dude and he seems really nice and like someone I'd spend time with you know if he didn't live in FUCKING Tennessee. when is something just going to work?!?!?!?!)

10:14 p.m. - 2013-03-20
-
I've known for awhile that I'm not good enough to be a girlfriend, but am I really not even good enough to suffice as a friend-with-benefits?

9:50 p.m. - 2013-03-20
Day 3.
Okay, well we're two days out on the no-more-Mike front! It's going... alright. I felt a lot stronger about it this morning. Partially because I've been kinda frisky all day, partially because as time goes on I forget about how I feel about this past weekend. I keep reminding myself that what he did [technically] wasn't wrong by the rules, wrong by the morals/respect/non-dumbass-selfish-greedy-bastardness ideals but whatever.

I don't want to regret this--And I don't. Not yet, but like I said before if I let myself 'see' him agian I know I will. You think that'd be enough to keep me from wanting to go over there, but it's easier said than done. I desperately wish I had something(one) to keep my mind off of that.

Florida! I'm going to have my first one night stand in Florida. Where no one will end up knowing him/having slept with him/have a mutual best friend who he is sleeping with as a second friend-with-benefits to you.

Sounds purrrfect.

2:38 p.m. - 2013-03-18
-
Mike sucks.

Just found out he was with Maggie again, on my birthday night, after he'd texted me late that afternoon "Kinda disappointed we didn't meet up last night."

Ick. ick ick ick ick ick.

He is a narcissistic low-down greedy yuck of a person. And I think maybe I'm ready now to say sianara.

My birthday weekend was pretty good! Got super sick the midnight of 21st, oh well. That night (before the sick, during the drunk) I ran into Hot Eric! And, due to the drunk, informed him that I called him Hot Eric all last year. He was flattered, and I honestly don't regret telling him. He and I are going to hang out, we are going to have sex, and I'm going to say "Mike? Mike who?" And then I'm going to go to Florida and have my lady self a wonderful time and I'm going to say "Whamawho? Mike?" And all is going to be well and he will continue to be an awful person and karma will continue to look non-fondly upon him and that will be that.

I don't regret sleeping with Mike in the past but I will regret any times in the future. I know that now and I plan to hold myself to this.

I am letting him go. I am letting go the fear of sleeping with other people (and the fear of "not having anyone to sleep with" hah what was I even thinking? Look at me I can sleep with anyone I damn well please). I am not angry, just awakened to the type of person he is and more importantly awakened to my inability to stand for sleeping with someone like that.

I've let go.

3:05 p.m. - 2013-03-12
-
Been awhile!

So, random, but I've started having panic attacks. Sometimes in the middle of a lecture when I'm fairly calm, other times in lab when I'm definitely not calm.

The first one I had was just a few days before my YES+ (yoga, empowerment, service but mostly meditation) weekend long class. They taught us how to meditate in the morning using short Kriya and it really worked! I still got the anxiety thoughts occasionally during class and throughout the day, but they never lead to a full-blown attack of any sort! Which was good.

I still just don't feel quite right though. I'm still having a hell of a time focusing. Occasionally I can feel myself slip back into.. myself? I don't know, but sometimes - like right now - I feel different. Kind of lethargic, tired, empty. It's weird.

Things with Mike are coming to an end. I hate that that, and all guy issues in general, are totally out of my control. Boys are the one and only thing in my life I have no control over and I think that's why I have so much inner turmoil over it. I just have to let it go, let it be.

10:48 p.m. - 2013-02-27
-
I don't like him.

Yes I - no I don't.

I do.

I don't.

What? I do on't.

I do.

I

shouldn't.

9:49 p.m. - 2013-02-24
Girl power.
Know what? Fuck 'em.

This made my night, and quite possibly my month.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/przshly07/what-its-like-to-be-single-as-told-by-jennifer-la-8ttl

8:58 p.m. - 2013-02-24
But really, who's surprised?
Yep, it's official. Guess doughnut boy is not going to reply.

Wow. I must really, really suck.

Not a single guy has decided I'm worth keeping around. Even when all the effort has been on my part.

Wow.

12:11 p.m. - 2013-02-20
Color me surprised.
World record folks.

This one's over even before the flower's died.

My life rocks.

7:38 p.m. - 2013-02-19
Greenbush Doughnut Man of my Dreams
For the second year in a row, Valentines Day has delivered in an unexpected way!

So, I've been trying for months to get a Shout Out posted about this super hot black guy who works at Greenbush Doughnuts. I'd seen him there so many times, and sometimes when I went by myself he'd give me my doughnut for free. None of my shoutouts would ever get posted! Well, until this gem:

#563 SUNDAY, FEB. 3, 2013 @ 12:26AM
ASO to the conspiracy that is none of my very most favorite and flirtatious SOs about the Greenbush doughnut man of my dreams ever getting posted!!! SOC, are you dating him? If so; you go girlfriend, hot damn! (also, fuck you.)

Which, several days later, brought this reply:

#743
TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 2013 @ 3:04PM
SO to #540. Come into GB Valentine's Night and flirt all you want.

Which made me kinda nervous because there are a few guys who work there (only the one who was attractive though), so in hopes of preventing disappointment I wrote this:

#820
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 2013 @ 12:21PM
SO to #743. I'll be there. Will you have your bowtie on? Hope so... It suited you.

Because on Fridays he wears his "Bowtie Friday" bowtie. And looks sexy in it. He didn't get a reply in for this one, but I decided to get a doughnut on VDay anyways because, hey, worst case scenario still equaled one of the best doughnuts in the whole world.

So I went in. Chatted with him, brought up his bowtie, tried to be flirtatious (which was rough based on the fact I'd just completed a genetics exam and had an all-nighter studysesh with Biochem on tap). And he gave me my doughnut for free again, and one of the valentines he had made for customers.

Then I left. Without his number or revealing my identity as ShoutOut girl!

...until I called Jenna who persuaded me to go back and ask for his number.

So I did. Unfortunately this time there was an audience and I was a bit of an awkward mess, but whatever I did it. I got his number, and he gave me a pink rose. So cute!

So a few days later I texted him. He didn't respond...all...day. And -boom- I was taken right back to this time last year where Ethan did the cute red panda valentine chocolate thing and then promptly decided he didn't like me.

I've spent a year thinking I was invincible, unbreakable due to my withholding of emotions, strong and uncaring. Wrongo.

I was devastated all day, felt worthless and dejected again, and was actually in small numbers of tears over it.

Then he replied. And we went on a date which was nice and conversationally easy and approachable. And I was really excited... at first.

But I can't quite shake what an effect just the thought of Mitchell (aka Greenbush Doughnut Man of my dreams) had on me without me having invested any true emotion in him at all. I'm not ready to be vulnerable just for what my heart and head both agree to be a dead end, certain doom sproutling of a relationship.

Especially when I have all the sex I need, any time I need it. All the -good-, damn good, sex I need. With a guy who is yes, less than perfect, but who seems to respect my desires and understand my quirks. Why should I end that just for a possibility? A probable failure?

I just don't feel like doing this whole relationship chasing thing again. It has never been worth it before and I can't decide if it's hurtful memories or current intuition that's telling me it isn't going to be worth it this time either.

4:01 p.m. - 2013-02-04
-
I want to fix him, but I want to destroy him even more.

Weird.

11:21 p.m. - 2013-01-31
Hmph.
Update

1) Life.
Still don't know what the hell I'm doing in the future. Although I think I've realized I definitely want to do the Peace Corps or the one year, outdoorsy alternative here in the states. Buy me some time! Now I'm just not sure if I should take the PCAT/GRE/MCAT etc. this year or next. And apply to a school(?) then defer for Peace Corps? I really don't know. Also, I've been leaning towards the double major lately. Except for the fact that I'm realllly ready to be done with school... and the second major would only prolong it. Hmm.

2) Guys
The other day I was minding my own business scrolling through facebook when what do I see but a picture of Sidney and MIKE TOGETHER AT A BAR. My very first crush from Kindergarten thru 6th grade and my very first sexual partner! Fuckin lovely. In the whoooole city of Madison, how the hell do these two have to be buddies?! NOT OKAY. Also, is this the universe's message of showing me that all men, as I've been feeling for a long time, truly are exactly the same? Me thinks...maybe.

So. Mike. Yes I'm still sleeping with him. No I don't have feelings for him. At least I think I don't.

Uh oh. Bad bad bad bad BAD. This is bad.

Last week we were supposed to hang out, on Tuesday maybe, and he canceled. For the next two nights I had somewhat restless sleep because both nights I dreamnt of scenarios of him ending our friend with benefits stuff. I woke up in the morning not angry or sad, but scared. I feel that fear is even more powerful than sadness, so this concerns me.

It's so strange, I think to myself all the time "Yep... This is definitely on its last stretch here, I can feel something coming." but I also think "I could get used to this."

Sometimes I truly enjoy his company. Truth be told he is really funny, goofy, interesting, and insightful. And he is pretty flirtatious, a part of me thinks that he also might be riding the feeling-train. Other times he's totally disconnected. Same with me too I guess.

It's weird because I still have next to no desire to venture out and find something new. The thought of attempting again just to fail -again- really sucks the emotion right out of me.

But Mike is sleeping with other people (or at least to my definite knowledge at least one other person). Shouldn't I be too? But what's the point in sleeping with someone else when I can sleep with Mike on a moment's notice? And when I'm very comfortable with him, enjoy sex with him, and am right down the street from him? What's the point in sleeping with someone else; just for fucks sake? (bah-dum-dum-chickkk)

I'm worried that my forced repression of feelings for the Mike situation are causing me to be more indecisive in other aspects of my life, and that it's lowering my drive for school too. I really wish I could see into Mike's mind to see how he feels.

But then again, no I don't. Because a relationship between Mike and I is completely, completely, infeasible. Just think about that... After all this time there is absolutely no way in hell a relationship would ever go anywhere. Just think of my friends, our lifestyles, our goals. None of it meshes at all.

So then where does this leave me? I like having sex with him and talking with him/having him in my life, but is this about to cause me pain? And maybe, so what if it is? What's the alternative? I don't think I can really lay off it until I've got something else to think about. I've already denied myself emotions, why deny myself sex, too?

Right?

Yes?

No?

5:37 p.m. - 2013-01-07
Mikey K
Mike is fucked up. Who the hell else puts their "About me" on facebook as:

"I'm a wishful thinker
With the worst intentions."

... I need to make up my mind one way or another about this kid. Lately the thought of him has been making me kind of sad which obviously means it's not worth it. However, I've also really realllly been wanting to have sex lately and since he's kinda my only prospect on that front maybe I should try moving forward and feeling even less like I did at the beginning. When did the feelings start coming back? Know what's weird? I've been interacting with him for like a year and a half. So crazy.

In the last month thought I've been having more thoughts or waves of wanting to 'like' someone again. I've almost forgotten what it feels like to be excited about a guy. I have this weird feeling that the spring is going to bring something for me. Based on past experience this little inkling is incorrect, but who knows, right?

So what do I do until then? In my moment of clarity earlier this semester I ended things with Mike, only to start them back up. Because I didn't have anything/anyone to distract me. Since I'm so torn about whether or not to end things, I think I need there to be another guy in my life before I can end things with him. Or else some very, very strong convictions have to be born within me because going on not having sex possibly ever again, with him as an option right down the street, isn't going to work.

I wanna meet someone this semester. I hope to do it by becoming friends with more guys and then meeting their friendgroups. Easier said than done. We'll see.

10:38 a.m. - 2012-12-15
Remember Newton Elementary
What is this world coming to?!

An excuse of a human being killed 20 little kids. Kindergarteners, children who had done NOTHING and had so much life to live and families who cherished them and now 10 days before Christmas will not see their precious faces light up as they open the presents under the tree. They will instead plan a funeral. For a 5 year old. Shot to death while in an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL classroom, after seeing their teacher and friends meet the same fate.

This is probably not a good view for someone looking to enter the healthcare field to have, but I personally believe if a 'person' is having thoughts of doing something this awful, they should just do the world a favor and kill themselves. They should NOT waste time "finding God" or "talking it out" or even taking medications. If a person honestly ponders killing over 20 children and their teachers while they're in the safety of school, the person deserves to just straight die. Period.

My faith in humanity is -incredibly- low right now. These mass murders have. to. stop. But how?

9:24 p.m. - 2012-11-29
:-(
Well, found three things out today.

1) Adam slept with Lindsay's roommate in the lounge of Pres.
2) Mike has been being friends with benefits with another girl. Another ginger girl. Another ginger girl who is Lindsay's roommate.
3) My taste in guys fucking sucks. (already knew this, reiterated is a better term I guess)

So where do I go from here about sleeping with Mike? The sex is fantastic, I'm in no way ready to look for anyone else to be sleeping with, and yes I can survive without sex but no I don't want to unless I really have to. Do I really have to?

Well, problem is I informed Jenna right away. That was stupid. Shoulda just kept it to myself until I decided what I wanted to do. She hopped on the horse of feminism and convinced-ish me to stop seeing him. Which is probably really for the better. Except I realllllly like having sex, and I like not being in a relationship. So what's the harm?

The harm is I'll be damned if I'm one of Mike's harem of bitches. That's not happening. Also, what if Adam knows what's going on and sees me as this stupid ignorant easy girl? That's not what I want, and also that's kind of what I feel like anyways.

I know I said before damned if I do and damned if I don't, but it's better to be fucked while I'm damned.. But what if I'm getting fucked in more ways than one?

9:53 p.m. - 2012-11-19
Really. Single.
I am feeling reallllllllllly single right now.

But also like I'm not quite ready to do anything about it...

I kinda like doing my own thing but it might be nice to mix things up. After 6 years I think I've had my fill. Sigh.

10:18 p.m. - 2012-11-15
I don't feel right. :(
So I'm at the library and for the thousandth time this semester I don't feel right. I just can't concentrate or seem to give a shit about what I should be studying or about the fact that my exam is in less than four days.

I think I might be depressed which really scares me. The whole lack of focus, feeling blue, not caring about school anymore... I don't know. Fits the signs I've been reading about.

I really don't want to go to the doctor though. I don't want to take any medications that'll make me weird. I just wanna snap out of this weird lull I've been in.

I'm wondering if it's tied to Mike, I just saw him yesterday (received the best head he's -ever- given). Last time I saw him I felt like this in the following days, too. I think I like him. Which is bad. So I guess I probably shouldn't do that anymore. I'll wait until at least after Thanksgiving before getting ahold of him again, that might be good.

Hmmph. What's wrong with me?

7:34 p.m. - 2012-11-03
-
Right now I am facing a test of the universe to see if I can handle it.

And I can.

So there's that.

10:56 a.m. - 2012-11-03
-
Update:

My rear bike tire is now flat and the bus stop by my house has been rerouted for the weekend.

But really, who's surprised?

Gods that I have apparently royally pissed off:

I'm SORRY.

Sheesh.

9:05 p.m. - 2012-11-02
-
Today I decided that seeing other people happy is not going to make me sad.

I've gotta let that go, otherwise it's gonna be a loooong lonely single journey. Other people's success should be celebrated and enjoyed.

9:29 p.m. - 2012-10-31
F with B and a whole lotta confliction
Damned if I do, and damned if I don't.

But being fucked while I'm damned is better than just being plain old damned, right?

6:55 p.m. - 2012-10-18
Boom mothafuckaaas
No, I'm not stupid. That's not it at all. I'm very intelligent and used to be very on top of things, and I'm going to get back to that point. Starting now.

(I forgot to mention, the mono thing is sticking around, my big left toe is broken, I have a bladder infection, and also I have a rash on my ass)

So the toe thing has a good story. I was volunteering Monday when we went outside to play football, and some of the middle school boys said to me "Oh look, we have a cheerleader today!" And I said Sierra-snarkily -"I'm not a cheerleader! I'm gonna play!" and I was doing well and throwing well and catching most stuff, when suddenly one of the other volunteers (a black 300-lb comedian, to be exact) stepped square on my big toe. So yeah, there's that I guess. Yay life.

But I'm not gonna let it get me down. I'm going to fight and come out on top of this stronger, even more resilient, happier, and smarter.

5:17 p.m. - 2012-10-18
-
I've been having sex with Mike sometimes without a condom.

Why in the motherfuckingc_lickingsonofabitchfunckinghell have I been doing that?!

A week or so ago, he came out and told me (unprovoked) that he hadn't slept with anyone else in a long time. Which, even though I had tried to remain neutral thinking about it, made me kind of happy. Today, Lindsay (unknowing to my sleeping around with him) told me he took some girls viriginity this past Saturday. And I had sex with him today. And I feel so dirty now and weird. Not sad necessarily, just very used and kind of upset. Which I know is silly because he had/has every right to do that.. Just I don't know. I feel so dirty. I scheduled a STI test for next week. Maybe that'll make me feel better, I don't know. Ugh what have I gotten myself into here? Just a week ago I was sure I was coming down with feelings for him.. Now I somewhat want to kill him which is not even fair because he didn't technically do anything wrong.

It's just that Lindsay said that she knows another girl who slept with Mike for the first time too. I knew that it wasn't special for him but man now I just feel like a part of his sick little virginity-stealing game. God. And I have no idea what to even say to him. At all.

I was stupid enough last week to talk myself into him starting to like me. God I'm such an idiot.

6:18 p.m. - 2012-10-13
whoa
I just had the best sex of my life.

Mind. Blown.

I can't even form words... Just oh my fucking god.

Hot damn.

7:27 p.m. - 2012-10-08
-
In a world where my life is embodied in a chariot race, I haven't even been in the damn chariot for almost a year now.

I've been intermittently being dragged or chasing it in the sharp, uneven terrain.

And the horses have been speeding up and getting more wild without my control.

It's time to get back in the goddamn chariot.

Let's go.

9:07 p.m. - 2012-10-02
VIVA MEXICOOOOO!!!
The one man that's always there for me: Mr. Jose Cuervo.

Mr. Jose MOTHERFUCKIN Cuervo, ladies 'n gents!

(Ms. Corona helps me out too.)

2:08 p.m. - 2012-10-01
-
Mike is gonna rue the day he chose not to date me.

9:50 p.m. - 2012-09-08
Youch.
I've forgotten to talk about this--

I played tennis with Dayna's friend (and now my good friend) Siddharth aka Sid all summer. He's super cute but definitely shy when it comes to girls. He had his chance to make a move all summer and he never really did, except for when he had been drinking, during which he would very meekly try to flirt. So weird.

So we had a party last weekend and he came all the way down from Minnesota in part to see us! Which is cute. Then we were alone and he was trying to get mushy talky and I freaked out and ughhhh why is the world fighting me this week?! I don't get it. FINALLY some guys is fucking interested in me then he has to transfer (which yes is his own fault but still). Also I'm not really sure I'm all that interested, I see him more as a friend than anything else but I wouldn't have minded trying, ya know? But there's absolutely no point. He lives 6 hours away. Game ova.

He keeps texting/fb-messaging me and he wants to Skype. Like what? What is he thinking? I know he's probably just lonely at his new school but I don't want to enable him not making new friends/love interests there when I don't even know how I feel. At all.

Also there is this guy named Alex (another one of Dayna's Engineer friends). We hung out as a group earlier this summer, then again 3 times in the past couple of weeks, he'd text occasionally while out and about. Then I tried to text him earlier this week. He was really slow at replying which is fine and I'm not being (or trying to be) an over-zealous psychobitch but it's a little saddening to feel annoying or unwanted; I woulda preferred him to just say "Hey look thanks for texting but I'm super busy tonight, some other time?" or whatever in the beginning. And he hasn't said anything since that night.

How the hell did I fuck this one up? I'll let you know IF/when I find out. Sigh. Like I said, the world's been pullin punches this week. And also, Mike told me he was busy for the first time ever and he's done it now 3 times this week. Can't even get him to fuck me. Sigh. And also I'm having a mono flare-up again I think. God damn it, why?

10:42 p.m. - 2012-09-07
-
For awhile I had felt like my life was reaching a fork in the road (a fork with many prongs, perhaps), but today I have the feeling it's heading toward a ginormous waterfall.

I can't stand not having direction. I can't stand being so indecisive. Going with the flow has been working but the flow is starting to gush and wildly toss me around and I'm so stressed out because of it. I cannot for the life of me decide on a major, due to the fact I cannot decide on a future career, but I'm 20 years old for Christ's sake. I'm a junior in college though.

This week it has felt as though everything is against me. Every time I think I get over a hurdle, another barrier is staring me in the face. Everything from classes, to research jobs, to friends, to guys. I don't know what to do. I just want to go home. Which isn't an option, unfortunately.

I think I'm having a mono flare-up again. I'm so exhausted. I just don't feel a drive in any certain direction at all, it's kind of scaring me.

Everyone else is making it work. They've got majors, they've got jobs, they've got and continuously get new guys and I just don't. I don't know how much longer I can listen to the "Oh, it'll come, Sierra" or, "When it's meant to be, it will" bullshit. I just can't pin down what's wrong with me. I swear I'd fix it if I just knew.

I'm trying to just keep pushing, but I've been keeping pushing now for years in some aspects and I don't know how much I've got left. I also don't quite see the point in shoving when I have no anticipated destination. That makes it so much harder.

10:30 p.m. - 2012-08-27
-
Bahhhhhhughhhboooodamnnnnbahhh

Grr.

I wish I could make up my damn mind about things. I've been so darn indecisive about things lately! It's weird, I used to be so certain of myself and my decisions but that is so not the case anymore. Sorta like how I can't even fucking decide if I should post this entry.

In other news, I'm breaking up with Sierra J. I just can't do it anymore. She's so loud, and whiny, and negative, and just overall a toxic friend. She complains about money all the time and can only really converse about friends from highschool, mainly their downfalls. Yes I realize that most people from our grade aren't reaching their full potentials at the moment, but some people just need a little while. Get off their freaking backs, ugh I'm just so sick of only trash talking with her. I'm not like that anymore, don't think I ever really was. I just didn't have the backbone to end it, but now I do.

Guess I'm still decisive about something.

3:47 p.m. - 2012-08-08
Power
Throughout with all of my ups and downs lately (up being that I am #1 in my OChem lab section!! Woohoo!!) I've had two nagging thoughts, or mantras if you will:

1) You are -strong-.
2) You will do great things.

I'm feeling physically stronger and more fit every day now that I've coupled eating healthier with my workout routine, so that half explains the first mantra (- -'s around strong because my inner voice adds emphasis on the strong). It's more than physical strength that I've been feeling though, I feel emotionally strong. Powerful. Dominant. Probably partially due to the fact I am in control of the whole friend with benefits thing I'm involved in right now. I feel like I can take on anything and put up a good fight. I can win. A strong fighter. I've been feeling less like things are pushing on me lately, and more like I'm pushing, shoving, kicking. Hard to describe.

The second mantra has been with me for a little over a year now. While in my deepest depths of studying for scary tests (especially Physics and Calculus perhaps?) it has brought me through. Even at my lowest, most braindead end of studying state that little sentence calls out. It's really a nice thing to hear at those moments.

I don't know if both of these mantras are just wishful thinking on my part, or maybe what my brain knows my body needs to hear sometimes, or if maybe I'm just wacky-wacky-doo-da. But for some reason, I feel like they are both true. I'm a hard worker, extremely motivated, and I get along with people really well. I am blessed with supportive and strong family, good health and am working hard to improve my physical and mental strength.

I am strong. I am going to do great things.

3:23 p.m. - 2012-08-05
-
Mmm mm mm.

Sex is good, friends.

And still no emotions! Woot woot, win win. Yessssssssssssssssssss.

4:04 p.m. - 2012-08-04
-
I don't want Mike, really I don't, but I want to know why he doesn't want me (as more than a sex friend).

He seems to enjoy my company, but I don't know. It's weird. Maybe it really is him and not me. I wonder.

8:48 p.m. - 2012-07-23
-
This FWB thing is going really well.

It is the first time I have taken a sucky boy experience and actually turned it into something that made me feel good, rather than just sitting around wallowing and wondering what I did wrong.

My friends want me to do FWB with someone else, but I know that it wouldn't work. The only reason it does is because of the memory of the sad moments with Mike. My friends really don't get it, but what matters is that I do. I wish things were different, but they aren't, so I'm making the best of my situation.

So there.

2:36 p.m. - 2012-06-02
-
I know something is missing, but I don't know what...

All I know is that I'm not looking for it.

11:19 p.m. - 2012-05-21
Explanation!
Alright. Explanation time.

So yeah, I decided to have sex with Mike. Scratch that, I -had- sex with Mike. It just sort of happened one night. To be blunt, I was in the mood and so was he and we were naked and we were there and yeah. I honestly don't regret it (although I do regret not having him wear a condom due to the fact I'd taken the pill late on one of 2 of my most fertile days of the month. Stupid, stupid, stupid Sierra).

But yeah. We have slept together one other time. He's gone now for the summer but says he'll be back to visit Madison, and so if it works out hopefully I'll see him a time or two this summer. Get my money out of this whole loss of virginity thing.

I actually don't really think it should be called 'loss' of virginity. I don't feel as though I gave him anything or that I lost any aspect of myself. I feel more like I completed something, had a new experience, tried something new. Like a new flavor of ice cream or something. I didn't magically fall in love with him, become incredibly attached, or even really change how I see him at all. It was nice, but not some ground-breaking huge deal. And I'm just fine with that.

The pregnancy scare thing was terrible though. Awful, horrible, terrifying. Especially since it was going on RIGHT around fucking finals. That's seriously my luck. Oh well, they went pretty well even though my stress level was honestly on a whole other scale (which is really saying something giving that I'm stressed about 98.3% of the time).

I don't really think I'll keep the Mike thing going into next year. It would probably be a bad idea. At the same time I'm not looking to start a new relationship or a new anything, so it is a nice way to scratch the itch of physical contact. I can't see forming any emotions for him given our history and my newly established "heart? what heart?" method when it comes to my feelings towards men. I'm not even just saying that, it's the truth. I'm not looking for anyone, for anything. I can't go through the motions of starting something just to come up short yet again. Honestly.

9:26 a.m. - 2012-05-21
-
I'M NOT PREGNANT!!!

THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS.

11:29 p.m. - 2012-05-20
? .
Tomorrow I'm going to the doctor to take a pregnancy test.

I know.

I know.

What the fuck has happened to my life? Who the fuck am I? What have I turned in to?

I had sex with Mike. I had sex with him. I don't even like him, we aren't in any sort of a healthy relationship. I had sex with him. He didn't wear a condom. I missed my pill the day we had sex the first time. What the hell was I thinking? HOW COULD I BE SO IRRESPONSIBLE?! I'm NEVER irresponsible. Why the FUCK would I choose that instance to have a responsibility lapse? I COULD BE PREGNANT. (disclaimer: I took PlanB soon after. I kept up with my pill which decreases implantation possibility. I'm not having many signs of pregnancy except I'm missing my period and had spotting but both of those are potential side effects of the pill)

I could be pregnant.

With a being. With a thing.

And what's worse: if I am pregnant, I'm planning to have an abortion.

An abortion.

How could I do this? Why did I do this? What the hell am I going to do? What was I thinking?

8:21 p.m. - 2012-04-16
CHANGE
Hi

So I just got back from meditating. Quite an eye opening experience (badumbum-chickkk)

I'm not happy. The path I've taken this year has not been good to me.

I lost track of what should be my most main focus at this point in my life: my own happiness. Not what others think makes me happy, what I think should make me happy, or what makes others happy. I need to focus on me.

Starting with ending this FWB thing with Mike. I was so so so so stupid to even start that. What was I thinking?

Well I have found some happiness from that (during the actual being with him part), but it in no way substantiates everything I go through the days following seeing him.

Also in my classwork. I used to be tip top, best in my class. When did I lose sight of that? When did I start being okay with sub-par (according to my scale) learning?

I am independent. I am in charge of my own happiness and of my own situation and I know this: it's time for a change.

 

 

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