An Exception to the Rule

I Am Not Your Average Girl

2010-04-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

My name is Marissa Galin, and I am not your average girl. I am strong-willed, driven, and passionate about what I do. I enjoy working in the arts, and I enjoy working with people. I enjoy work far more than anyone I know. I feed off of the success and enlightenment I receive for every job well done. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, with my parents and my younger brother. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, whether it is visual, musical or performance. Even when I was little, I was a ham in front of the camera. Now I like working behind the scenes as well as in the limelight. I know that my determination, poise and experience will take me exactly where I want to go with my career.

I am a woman, an artist, a technician, an actor, a musician, a writer, a student, a daughter, a lover, a sister, a friend. I am an extroverted, sensing, thinking, judging human being. I am constantly changing—whether physically, mentally or spiritually. I value knowledge and truths greatly, and I struggle with theories and speculation. I value perspectives and thought, from others and my own. I am strongly aware and observant, and I do not like to be sheltered. That is who I am. My goal is to abolish the barrier between who I am and who I want to be. I have pushed myself to limits I never thought possible; I am achieving my dreams because I am working for them. I am never going to let myself believe that something I want can’t happen. Everyone has the power to create his or her own destiny. I believe that no one should be held back by fear of rejection or failure. Failure is growth, but it’s not the end; it is the fuel that can be used to work towards greater things.

I have only lived a small portion of my life, but these beginning years are crucial to shape who I will be in the future. I know I am going to change. I know hard times are ahead. I know that my future holds greater experiences than I can imagine. I have never been more excited to wade out of the shallow waters of the home that I know and love and dive into the deep, dark waters of the world and explore.

I know that CalArts is exactly where I need to be to achieve my dreams, and I am beyond excited to be here. I am excited for the opportunities that will be presented to me in these next few years, and I hope to pursue both Stage Management and Technical Direction in my time here. As stubborn and determined as I am, I know what I can handle and I know what is best for me. I only hope to convince those who dictate my education that this is true.

Characteristics, strength and weakness, advice for Cancer-Leo Cusp - Between July 26 to Aug 02

2010-03-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

CHARACTERISTICS :
Zodiac sign of Leo A are 2-11 degree Leo, season midsummer, Flement Fire, Ruler sun, symbol Lion. This is a weak of authoritative and good intuitive people. It can be linked with the most successful personalities of the world. They are generally the most successful individuals. It is a very high range of confidence in Leo-A. That is why they can be authority in given field, they can be linked to growing children. They are teacher, spiritual, guide, philosopher and good actor too. In any mentioned field they are trusted and successful. They are known successor in their field. They are very magnetically, exciting and confrontational character. They are born to be on the top of world. Those born under these week, in spite of being courageous and magnetic but very doubtful and egoistic also. Many time they loose the game because of their this particular approach. Because of their over confidence they seldom react to negativity of the situation. They should learn to relax and have fun or risk burn out those who can seduce them away from their work and their intense pre-occupations will play important roles in their lives.

STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS :
They are truth loving , authoritative passionate and loyal, but they are egoistic self centered and frustrated.

ADVICE FOR THEM :
Learn to adjust in the most tricky matter and except people with their positive and negative attitude. If you are diplomatic you will be more successful. Though you are good at taking decision but to see that it reaches success over look others mistakes some times. http://www.solutionastrology.com/sunsignbasicdetails.asp?sunsignbasicid=248

Guiding Someone Through the Steps

2009-12-12T20:09:00.001-08:00

Of A Major Event in Your Life...

1. You’re asleep in your bed

2. You hear the door open and your dad asking you to get up and come talk to him and the rest of the family.

3. You slunk out of bed wondering what he’s doing home so early in the morning when he’s supposed to be at work.

4. You walk into the office where your mom and brother are waiting patiently to hear what your father has to say.

5. He asks you to sit down and shuts the door.

6. He fidgets a moment, trying to find peace. You stare patiently, thoughts racing through your head. You have no idea what is going on.

7. You watch him as he opens his mouth and says, “I have leukemia. It’s a rare form and they caught it early. I just thought I should let you all know. “

8. You sink into your chair. Time suddenly stops. All of the warmth leaves your body. You are in completely shock.

9. You get up as tears are running down your face and give your dad a hug as he breaks down and cries.

10. You become the comfort to the one person who you have always looked up to, who has always comforted you.

-Marissa Galin

The Theatre Wiki Response #4, CalArts

How I Relate to Other People

2009-12-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

How I Relate to other People

Venus Conjunct Mars with an orb between 1 and 3 degrees

Yours was not a happy childhood and, while there is nothing you want more than a close love relationship, you may also fear it. You probably have an active sex life but may have some discomfort acknowledging feelings of love, dependence or vulnerability.

Mercury Conjunct Venus with an orb between 3 and 5 degrees

Intelligence is sexy to you. If a person you find physically attractive isn't also bright, verbal and someone you can talk to, you're not interested. You have a highly developed aesthetic sense and are drawn to people of taste, wit and charm.

Sun Opposition Saturn with an orb between 3 and 5 degrees

Your self-esteem is based less upon what you are in your own or others' eyes than on what you do. You may become so compulsive about achievement that you cannot relax into a warm, enduring relationship until you have achieved some success in your career.

Venus Trine Uranus with an orb between 3 and 5 degrees

There is nothing humdrum about the way that you love. You have a flair for the unusual and the creative and are drawn to those who shun the conventional. You shy away from those who tend to be over-possessive. Your love affairs are also wonderful friendships.

The Leo

2009-12-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

Leo! About Your Sign...

The Leo type is the most dominant, spontaneously creative and extrovert of all the zodiacal characters. In grandeur of manner, splendor of bearing and magnanimity of personality, they are the monarch's among humans as the lion is king of beasts. They are ambitious, courageous, dominant, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident there is no such a word as doubt in their vocabularies, and they are self-controlled. Born leaders, either in support of, or in revolt against, the status quo. They are at their most effective when in a position of command, their personal magnetism and innate courtesy of mind bringing out the best of loyalty from subordinates. They are uncomplicated, knowing exactly what they want and using all their energies, creativeness and resolution to get it, as well as being certain that they will get whatever they are after. Their followers know where they are with Leonians. Leonians think and act bigger than others would normally dare; the ambitiousness of their schemes and idealism sometimes daunt their followers, their practical hardheadedness and ability to go straight to the heart of any problem reassures those who depend on them. If Leonians meet with setbacks they thrive on the adversity.

On the whole they are powers for good, for they are strongly idealistic, humane, and beneficent. They have powerful intelligence and are of a broad philosophical, sometimes religious, turn of mind. Those who are devout may become very obstinate in upholding traditional beliefs and will cling tenaciously, but with complete sincerity, to practices and doctrines which liberal thinkers regard as absurdly out-of-date. These will be found as the 'lions' of industries, and in the forefront of the cutting edge of technologies.

Their faults can be as large in scale as their virtues, and an excessively negative Leonian can be one of the most unpleasant human beings imaginable, displaying extreme arrogance, autocratic pride, haughtiness, and excessive hastiness of temper. If jealously suspicious of rivals, they will not hesitate to use cunning, lies and trickery to discredit them. Self-centeredness, greed for flattery, boastfulness, and bombast, pomposity, snobbish superiority, and overbearing, and intolerant disdain of underlings; to whom they will nevertheless delegate the carrying out of minor details in their grandiose schemes, and from whom they are not above borrowing immoderately if an occasion necessitates it. Any of these can be characteristic of Leo. Add to them a passion for luxury, a lust for power, unlimited sexual lust, and emotional indulgence, and a character emerges that no one would want to know either in public life or private. But their pride may go before a fall, as uncontrolled impetuosity is likely to bring them low. Fortunately it is rare that a Leo is so undisciplined as to give way thoroughly to this list of vices, and their tendencies to them are usually balanced by an innate wisdom. Those who are afflicted with them also have the intelligence it takes to consciously and actively overcome them.

In professional life they do well at any vocation at which there is room at the top. As politicians they are content with nothing less than a powerful position in government. In business they may be the chairman of their company's board, or at least directors or managers. They are excellent organizers and overseers, often laying the groundwork for new projects. If from the artisan ranks of society they will aspire to become the boss, partly because they are ambitious by nature, partly because they dislike manual labor, preferring to take charge of others doing it. If artistic, Leos can become stars of stage or screen (their bent is serious rather than light drama), maestros as musicians where they will gravitate toward the grand instruments or activities, such as the organ or conducting of orchestras and as painters; anything grand in conception and scale appeals to them. Leo women make exceptionally good welfare workers.

In his or her relations with others the Leo type is open, sincere, genuine and trusting. Outgoing, spontaneously warm hearted and plain spoken, though never lacking in kindliness, Leos are more disillusioned than the average if let down by those they trust. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to favoritism and an exaggerated faith in their followers which too often ends in disappointment. They have a strong sex drive and are so attracted to the opposite sex that they find it hard to be constant; they can be so intensely sexual as to become dissolute. They may have numerous love affairs for their love of pleasure and beauty is liable to drive them from one attractive partner to another. They are very much inclined to deceive. Their marriages may fail for the same reason, yet they are sincere and generous to their lovers while love lasts, and will remain attached to their homes so long as it is run for their benefit. They demand service but are incapable of giving it.

Going to California

2009-11-30T01:27:00.001-08:00

After a much needed break from the chaos that is CalArts, I must inevitably return to the place that I was so desperately trying to flee. I worry of the drama that may have ensued as I enjoyed life back at home... Having a clinically insane roommate doesn't help matters much at all either. And being thrown around and used like a dirty sock really can take a lot out of you. All I need to do is survive the next 2 weeks and I'll be back in the 480, maybe I'll even get to visit Flagstaff or NYC too. In the mean time, I'll be living on high doses of Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Incubus. Maybe throw in some Kings of Leon and some Regina Spektor, with a little sprinkle of some classic rock oldies ontop. Exercise. Sketch. Work. Sleep. Homework. That's the drill.

Here. We. Go.

Backpacking Across Europe

2009-10-29T18:02:00.000-07:00

(This Trip was planned my sophomore year of highschool. I never got to go, and I now want to go more than ever.)

January 8, 2007 - Monday

Backpacking through Europe
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Travel and Places

Let's Go. As soon as I graduate; I'm gone. It wont necessarily be legal yet, but I'm still outta here. I'm going to aspire to be like Lorelai & Rory; save up some cash and see Europe through the back door. No fancy hotels, i'll refrain from tour busses; I wanna see Europe myself, not on someone elses watch. If i wanna climb the stairs of the Ifle Tower, I'm gonna climb the stairs of the Ifle Tower. I'm not settling for ten minutes to see the Ifle Tower; then hopping on a bus rushing through the rest of Paris. Europe is something you live. You dont just see it, you experience it, as a whole. I'll sleep on benches and in houses like the Globe Trucker guy does in the movies we watch in Spanish Class.

I even have roughly determined my list of possible/preferible destinations.

I'll fly into Lisbon, Portugal, then Ill see Madrid, Paris, Switzerland, then hit Milan, Rome, Venice, go back up to Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, England, and end in Dublin, Ireland.

Always Second Best

2009-10-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

All throughout my life I have run into instances where I have been put below par. Not good enough. “Could afford to be a little better.” Plain. Ordinary. I was always in the second-best classes; the average reading group. And growing up going to a private school, surrounded by life’s future rocket scientists and politicians, if you’re not one of them, you don’t have much going for you.

Picture a tall, gangly girl with “boy-short” hair in the 5^th grade. At my school, we were assigned to read certain books in a set amount of time, and then we were to take a test to see who the most attentive readers were. Then from there we were set into groups based on our score. Of course, I, not being the type of person to read any book that’s put in front of me unless it’s relatively interesting. I was not attentive with my school work and cared about the more important things of 5^th grade. Like boys. So when the time came for each group to get together and have competitions against each other, I didn’t feel so great being where I was.

Imagine the same girl, now in 8^th grade, sitting in a math classroom with some of her older schoolmates and a couple from lower grades, struggling with their work. I, having already finished my work, was reading or writing or doodling or whatever I saw fit on that particular day. Upstairs, there’s a class with all of my best friends; the highest math class in the school. Missing the entrance to that class by only 2%; I was excelling in my own math class, but still not good enough to make it to the next level.

Back then, I really didn’t know how to view myself. I didn’t feel very special. I didn’t feel like I was a valuable person. I didn’t really know my place in the world. Yet.

That very same year, my art teacher encouraged me to enter into a media-sponsored competition. This contest was in effort to rekindle the relationship between the US and Israel. Without even a twinge, I went home with a reference to some architecture in Jerusalem. I came back the next day with my finished product, and gave it to her to turn in. Then it was completely gone from my mind. I made her happy. I got the grade. No big deal. Then a couple weeks later, my mom calls school. “Hey Marissa. Do you know anything about some contest with Babaganewz?”

“Um...yeah, why?”

“Oh, nothing really, except you won.”

I was one of 4 international students chosen from 1800 kids. Finally, I did it. I’m number 1. I wasn’t just another knick-knack on the shelf. I was finally a trophy to the school. I felt like an asset to my family. A jewel.

Then when I got to high school, everything changed from what I was used to. I was surrounded by teenagers who were not as educationally advanced as me. People who hadn’t gone to elevated private schools. I was in the top classes, because those were the requisites available to me. I was in an environment I was used to; full of kids who love learning and love school.

Today, when I look at life for what it is, I realize the amazing opportunities that present themselves. I realize how fortunate I am to be receiving a good education, with teachers who respect me and trust me and know how much I cherish knowledge. I realize the good in my friends and how much I like some people more than others. I realize those people, or that person, who just stands out of the crowd-who are not afraid to be themselves. Who love life and make the most out of it. I realize how much I wasted on some people just because I believed in my feelings for them. I realize how they're throwing their life away and how they were never as amazing as I thought. I realize my mistakes, yet don’t regret them because everything happens for a reason. If I hadn’t have done those things, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I wouldn’t love my life and the people who are in it. I wouldn’t be excited to go to school to learn and to see friends. I wouldn’t want to be so involved with theatre and spend all my time not sleeping and devoting myself to putting on some sort of production. I wouldn’t have realized those few people who are good for me and make me genuinely happy. Now I truly know what my life is about.

It’s really true; life is what you make it. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the absolute best in others’ eyes; it’s how you view yourself that matters most. With that, others will perceive you based on how you see yourself. I’ve lived by that for 17 years now, or as long as I’ve understood what that phrase means, and its working better than I could have ever imagined.

(October 5th, 2008

Second Draft of Self Paper: Creative Writing

...I'm not quite sure what happened to the final paper.)

Never in My Life

2009-10-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Did I expect to be

typing this—reliving

the experience that

I have dread most.

May 21, 2006

Basket Case

Mood: Drained

Category: Life

it truly was the

most horrible

experience of

my life.

I knew that it

was because I

thought there

was no one who

could help me with

my problems; no one

who wanted to hear

what I had to say.

Unfortunately I

Still feel this way,

Which is why I

Know this anxiety

ATTACK will not

Have been my last.

This poem will

Probably stay private

For the entirety of

Its life, or at least

Until I decide to

Get rid of it.

I never thought

That something

Like this would

Ever happen to me.

I am a pretty in

Control-of-my-life

Person; nothing in

My life has ever

Gotten this out

Of hand. All I

Can say is that

I hope that maybe

I’ll find someone

Who understands;

Someone who wont

Look at me and say

Get help. Someone

Who will look at me

And say “I understand.

And I’m here for you

Always.

I promise.”

(yet another poem from Creative Writing. We were prompted to write about a difficult or life changing experience. I wrote a poem based on one of my previous blogs from 2007.)

Tearin' Up My Heart

2009-10-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Marissa Galin

P.3 2/6/09

After only seventeen years short years, Marissa Galin has completely a short novel, several short stories and poems. She is lately exploring the art and style of lyricism. Creative and well-read; Marissa enjoys using allusion to her favorite songs, TV shows and movies. She also enjoys art, music, but most of all—theatre. The theatre has shaped Marissa into who she truly is; the skill of acting and the value of trust between actors and peers has helped her in countless ways in her life. She has suffered through hardships that also have matured her and inspired her help others later in life by teaching her passions and sharing her insight. In response to some rough, “teen-angsty” experiences in her early high school years, she was inspired to write this poem.

Tearin’ Up My Heart

My soul burns in the fiery depths of despair

You have shred every bit of joy from my life

You said you once loved me without hesitation

But now you stab me in my heart with a knife!

I am so depressed

My life is over

I can’t live without you

You left me to

DIE

In this cold harsh world…

how could you?

I can’t go on

my life is ruined

leave me to die

why don’t you?

I hate you

I love you

Please come back to me.

I’m too pretty to die.

(I have a feeling blogger will butcher my formatting. But its really cool in the original. This poem was written to be a mockingly funny poem based on all of the ridiculous teen-angsty poems/novels that are all the rage these days.)

30 Minutes to Curtain

2009-10-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

You put in your little white ear buds

And scan to your favorite song.

You’re On.

You walk the maze of hallways

Making sure everything is set

clean;

that everyone is on task

ready to go.

You’re pulling the ropes.

20 minutes to Curtain!

You set the stage with the legs

borders.

You help prepare the crew— set the opening number

sweep the stage one last time.

You’re Set.

10 minutes to Curtain!

Stage lights out

Flash house lights

Last minute make-up touch-ups

Circle

Zap

Break-a-leg!

You’re flying.

Eagle Eye.

You’re in control.

You crack your knuckles.

You feel the warm, comforting hands of support

releasing the tension from your shoulders.

You’re ready.

The whole world is on your shoulders.

Everyone is watching.

Waiting. Waiting in suspense.

You’re at the top of the world—

You’re calling the cues.

House lights out.

Curtain!

Cue FS1 & FS2.

Cue music.

You’re gone.

(Another poem from creative writing.) The format on the carbon is much cooler than it appears here.

Good Health is Hard to Find

2009-10-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

Been going through all of my writing that I can find to post it all up here. Working on shows kept me from writing a lot this past year.

Marissa Galin

Sample Section

Philosophy Paper

Good Health is Hard to Find

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

~World Health Organization, 1948

I believe that keeping good health is very important, and should not be taken for granted. Throughout my life I have had countless doctors visits, when I visit my pediatrician my file got to be so big that the office needed to start another. I also have had my fair share of hospital visits just this year; admitted three times in two weeks with two emergency room visits, all because of my gall bladder. Once I got that little bugger out, it all went downhill from there. Since I have visited many doctors seeking an answer of what is wrong with me. The more and more we search, the farther we get from a solution yet grow vastly in the possibilities. Having to go to the doctor a couple times a month becomes extremely depressing—and even a little scary.

Since I was a child I had many doctors’ visits. I was diagnosed with strep throat more times than I could count. Even just last year I had walking pneumonia three times in six months. I have horrible allergies; I’m practically allergic to the entire state of Arizona. I have asthma. I been diagnosed with multiple stomach problems, and the diagnostic tests just keep on coming.

I truly believe in doctors and the work that they do, and I don’t appreciate when people neglect to take care of themselves because they’re afraid, ignorant, or just naive enough to think they don’t need doctors. Even just an annual checkup is important and can help keep someone healthy and even save their life. Going to the doctor once a year is hardly a blip in the timeline of life; but the simple trip is essential to keeping yourself from pushing daisies. If it weren’t for an annual check-up, my father never may have found the rare form of leukemia multiplying inside of him. He may never have gone through chemotherapy, or even have found it in time. You can never put things off, life is too important and it’s too risky to wait, even just a day.

A friend of my father’s just died this weekend. He was 29, a father of three. Very sudden. Two weeks prior he only complained of fatigue. This past week he complained of a headache, and ended up in the emergency room with a bloody nose that wouldn’t stop. He then suffered a stroke, and after only a short while they discovered a rare form of leukemia. He discussed chemotherapy briefly with my dad, asking for advice and about my dad’s experience. Later that night he suffered from a series of three more strokes; put on life support, and later the next day passed away. All of this, no warning, no chance to help him.

After experiences like these, how can someone not be more aware and worried about their health? I have developed a great trust and respect for all of my doctors—they work not for the paycheck but because they truly want to help people. They have helped me to become more physically active; making me realize how important exercise and a proper diet is to staying healthy. I believe that if you are not medically healthy it is proven that you will not be mentally, physically nor spiritually healthy. Doctors do what they do because they care about the well being of their patients, and no matter who you are it is important to visit at least one doctor once a year. It is also important to help yourself by staying in check and doing things that make you feel good. Don’t compromise your health and well being just to look or feel cool. Take care of your body and your person, your health is one of the most important assets you have. This I believe.

“I’ve Always Got My Health”

By: Bette Midler

I'm always a flop at a top-notch affair,
but I've still got my health, so what do I care?
My best ring, alas, is a glass solitaire,
but I still got my health, so what do I care?

By fashion and foppery, I'm never discussed.
Attending the opry, my box would be a bust.
I never shall have that Park Avenue aire,
but I'm in such health, why should I care?

The hip that I shake doesn't make people stare,
but I got such health, what do I care?
The sight of my props never stops a thoroughfare,
but I still got my health, so what do I care?

Your face is your fortune, so some wise men spoke.
My face is my fortune, that's why I'm totally broke.
My ship ain't come in, but I grin while I bear,
'cause I got my vitamins:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
I still have my.
Got no diamonds, got no wealth.
I got no men, but I got my health.

January 19th, 2009: 25 Random Things

2009-10-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Even though this was almost a year ago, a lot is still true.

25 random things

Rules:
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged . You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it?s because I want to know more about you.

**NOTE: You do not HAVE to do this...but it's fun...so you should ;) **

1. I can't live without my music. I always have my phone or iPod on hand just in case.
2. I used to proudly collect Pokemon cards; and my friend Ciara and I accumulated 2 3" binders full of cards.
3. When I was 10, after only 5 years, I received my 2nd Degree Brown Belt in Judo, and was well on my way to becoming the youngest Senior Black Belt in Judo in (at least) AZ.
4. I eat all the time, I'm a bottomless pit.
5. I've been ready for college since the 8th grade.
6. I play acoustic bass and electric guitar and I am learning how to play drums.
7. I have always hated rap and country, but when I was 4 I was obsessed with a song by Diamond Rio.
8. I am a very indecisive person, but my friends seem to chose me to make decisions.
9. For years I seemed to have always fallen for the "bad boys."
10. I love hugs. Period.
11. I would kill for a 1971 Dodge Challenger with a 426 Hemi.
12. I am deathly afraid of elevators. I wont step foot on one unless I'm forced.
13. I have never worked a real job in my life.
14. I am an 1/8th Cherokee Native American, but I am a true Heinz 57. I am Welsh, Dutch, Irish, Scottish, Russian, German, and Cherokee. There's more but those are the more prominent in my bloodline.
15. I've always enjoyed dressing differently and have my own sense of fashion.
16. I've gone through a total of 10 RAZR cell-phones in 2 years.
17. My secret passion is writing.
18. I want to backpack across Europe. My trip has been mapped out since the 9th grade.
19. I want a Greyhound puppy and a Pitbull puppy. They're my weaknesses. :)
20. For years I was convinced that I would never get married simply because no one would love me enough to marry me.
21. I am in love with babies. Brandt is convinced I'll have a really hard time saying "no" as a mother.
22. Ventriloquist and Porcelain dolls are probably the only thing that might actually make me piss myself--(I'm right there with you Gomba!)
23. When I grow up I pretty much want to be a Theatre Geek; I want to Direct, Produce, Act, Design, Manage, etc...
24. I have Assistant Stage Managed Broadway 2007 and the Rocky Horror Show for NNT, and Assistant Directed/Stage Managed- The Good Doctor by Neil Simon, Broadway 2008, and am currently AD/SM for Horizon's production of Seussical the Musical (March 5th, 6th and 7th) and have loved every minute.
25. I read, write and speak English, Spanish, and Hebrew.

A Little Bit About This Lady...

2009-10-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

I found this while cleaning my room before leaving for CalArts. And considering how I spent a lot of time on the entire paper, I didnt want to lose it.
This is the introduction to my senior Philosophy paper for Creative Writing with Mrs. Prince.
Although I'm now 18, all still applies.

My name is Marissa Erin Galin, and I am not just another blip on the timeline of life.

I am not the type of person who will accept the fact that I am just like everyone else; I am far from ordinary. I am taking my life and I am living it to the fullest, and I am not going to let anyone bog me down. I am confident in the person that I am, and who I am going to be. I come from the love of two great people who decided to live the rest of their lives together—they are the pillars that have brought me up from my foundation. I have incredible friends; they are the walls that surround me and keep me safe from hate and destruction. I am thankful to say that I no longer have to hold up my own ceiling; as Michael Blumenthal states; “someone walks into the room and holds their arms to the ceiling beside you.” At only seventeen, I am fortunate to have fond someone who has helped me discover who I truly am—pushed me out of my comfort zone to investigate the world around me. I have become a stronger, more responsible person, and have found that one person’s callousness can be counteracted with one person’s love. That’s all it takes.

I have experienced my fair share of trials in life. I have gone through things no 17-year-old girl should have to deal with. But because of these difficult experiences, I have grown and matured far beyond that of many people my age. I believe I carry wisdom that comes with trial and error, and I have found that many people confide in me when they need advice. I enjoy being the person people are drawn to, not for the attention but for the fact that they believe in me to help them, and that feeling alone is incredible. I wear my scars like a badge of honor and courage. I have let them positively impact my life and become an influence for my future decisions.

I am a woman, an artist, a technician, an actor, a musician, a writer, a student, a daughter, a significant other, a sister, a friend. I am an extroverted, sensing, thinking, judging human being. I am constantly changing—whether physically, mentally or spiritually. I value knowledge and truths greatly, and I struggle with theories and speculation. I am strongly aware and observant, and I do not like to be sheltered. That is who I am. My goal is to abolish the barrier between who I am and who I want to be. I have pushed myself to limits I never thought possible; I am achieving my dreams because I am working for them. I am never going to let myself believe that something I want can’t happen. Everyone has the power to create their own destiny. I believe that no one should be held back by fear of rejection or failure. Failure is growth, but it’s not the end; it is the fuel that can be used to work towards greater things.

I have only lived a small portion of my life, but these beginning years are crucial to shape who I will be in the future. I know I am going to change. I know hard times are ahead. I know that my future holds greater experiences than I can imagine. I have never been more excited to wade out of the shallow waters of the home that I know and love and dive into the deep, dark waters of the world and explore.

…To be continued…

My Life According to Incubus

2009-10-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on to 15 people and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Pick your Artist:
Incubus

Are you a male or female:
Southern Girl

Describe yourself:
Made for TV Movie

How do you feel:
Out From Under

Describe where you currently live?
Sick Sad Little World

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Wish You Were Here

Your favorite form of transportation:
Drive

Your best friend is:
Priceless

You and your best friends are:
Oil and Water

What's the weather like:
The Warmth

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Talk Shows On Mute

What is life to you:
Crowded Elevator

Your relationship:
Stellar

Your fear:
Agoraphobia

What is the best advice you have to give:
Look Alive

Thought for the Day:
Just A Phase

How I would like to die:
Here in My Room

My soul's present condition:
A Certain Shade of Green

My motto:
Make Yourself

A Brilliant, Benevolent Being

2009-01-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

Such a disesteemed being
So full of brilliant
scintillating
energy.

As dedicated as the busy worker ant
carrying a full load on his back
to the patronizing colony.

Diligent and independent
Supporting the pack
Tending to his cubs.

A man so affectionate
clever
exceptional.

Wise from experience
that illuminates around him;
A prodigy unfound.
Once robbed of comfort,
Replaced with fear
Yet he still trudges on.

What chivalrous, confident, courageous a character,
Boldly bearing through the challenge.

How astounding and striking his person
Influential and motivating
Defying odds unforeseen.

Affectionate, alluring and awesome
so courteous and kind.

Bestowing all knowledge
Onto a very appreciative source.
A daughter who so helplessly adores him
Only wanting his everlasting love.

Such a blessing his existence,
Predominating paternal parameters.
My humble hero.

Redefine

2009-01-20T21:21:00.001-08:00

Redefine

Who you are

Strip the canvas bare
With a brush equipped with paint
Paint yourself

Who you are

Ignore the elitist crowd
Become the swan amongst ducks
Build yourself

Who you are

Wipe the slate clean
Etch new meaning
Create yourself

Who you are

Write your own rules
Shine through the crowd
Be yourself.

(pre-due date & evaluation. but i like it. :) )

Articles of Significance

2009-01-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Articles of Significance

Heading back after a strenuous day
Looking forward to drifting off
In my warm cotton sheets
To ease the tension away.

But excitement comes into sight
Lights flashing
Sirens blaring
People gathered to see the fuss

I pray it’s not my problem as I drive up the street
Coming close enough to see flames
In the discharged windows
Gasping for breath as the tension grows strong

Bright yellow suits are dousing the walls
Scorched to the bones of the structure
Revealing the inner-workings of the shelter
I called home.

I skid to a stop and throw open the door
And run to the ashes of all the things significant to me…
I collapse to the ground in tears
And watch the flames char it down.

Then a car pulls up with a man inside
He comes up to me and engulfs me in his arms
His warmth and love tells me “It’s okay.”
And then I remember…

…I hadn’t lost anything that mattered.

This is pre-butchered, first poem for Creative Writing.

What Is and What Should Never Be

2009-01-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

Living life is by far one of the most difficult things to do. You always encounter people or instances that make you uncomfortable or confused. You always doubt and question what has happened in the past that has brought you to the now; why it happened, how it happened, or even "what" happened. The beauty of it is, you'll never find out. No one will ever explain why they did what they did, or why you deserved it. Things just happen. That's life. Experiencing the bad, as well as the good. It helps to shape you to be a better person. It leads to life changing decisions.

You hear this kind of stuff talked about everyday, and the many ways one can do it- how people live their lives. You can only say "yes" to everything that comes along in life, or you can simply question why it's happening and say "no." You can just as easily say no to eveything and close all doors to any future you might have had. You'll never know what as really meant to happen. Serendipity can run it's course all different ways. It's honestly the way you handle and react to your own decisions--and most importantly others' that really makes the difference.

My Obituary

2008-08-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

Marissa Galin of Scottsdale, Arizona; Founder and Headmaster of The Manchester Theatrum College, was pronounced missing on November 11, 2111 at the age of 120. The date of Marissa's disappearance was also the 100th anniversary of her marriage to her husband, Collin Hamel. Mr. Hamel was also reported missing. "They were a crazy bunch, those two,” said long-time friend Lindsay Fisk.

Born July 31st, 1991 , Marissa instantly fell in love with the arts. She became a published artist at the young age of 13 with her very own International postage stamp. This accomplishment was just the start of her great achievements. Marissa began her theatrical career in high school, and upon graduation she became a member of the American Theatrical Actors and Stage Managers Union. She attended Northern Arizona University for the first two years of her undergraduate degree in Theatre and Stage Management. After marrying Collin Hamel, her high school sweetheart, on 11/11/2011, she transferred to DePaul University in Chicago on a full-scholarship. Together they then opened her highly acclaimed coffee shop “Le Capulus Theatrum.” Simultaneously she also managed to write her first novel, “Trouvaille".

In 2017, after graduating summa cum laude and obtaining her Masters degree in Technical Theatre from Tisch School of the Arts of New York University, she introduced her first son, Jack, to the world. In 2018, she directed the Tony Winning Broadway production of “The Mariner” written by her dear friend Austin Labau. She then proceeded to receive her PH.D in Theatre Education at Yale University while raising her other two children, Sam and Rory.

Marissa was also a highly acclaimed scenic and fashion designer, and producer of her husband’s beloved, world-renowned band, 23:7. After years of managing the stage for numerous Broadway Productions, touring with 23:7, and guest teaching at her numerous alma-maters, and all of her children had graduated high school; she and her husband set off on a European Excursion. They finally landed in Manchester, where they built their dream abode. There Marissa decided to open her own College, offering majors in all fields of the theatre arts. She humbly tired at the age of 80 passing her reins down to her daughter Rory, as headmaster of Manchester Theatrum, to pursue her love of painting. Recently it has been reported that Marissa and Collin had left their home on a sailing trip on their very own “Pirate” ship to the shores of the Caribbean, where they were last sighted to be in possession of the ancient map with supposed coordinates to the infamous “Fountain of Youth.”

Once Upon A Mattress

2008-01-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

March 12, 2006 - Sunday

Once Upon A Mattress...
Current mood: exhausted

This year is almost gone; we're seriously nearing April. I joined crew for Horizon's spring play 2006, and i had the best experience of my life. I used to think that i wanted to act, but construction crew made me realize that i want to be a techie.

I made so many new friends while on crew, and even somewhat mastered a new game i like to call Spider.

Now that its over, i seriously dont know what to do with myself. haha. I spent my life at school working on this show, and had lots of fun times. I even learned a new curse word. DANGER LINCOLN!
last night senior circle made me realize how fast high school is going to go by, and how it truely will be the 4 best years of my life.

After senior circle, Mrs. Colson said to me "You're going to be there before i know it, aren't you?" and it hit me; my freshmen year was almost over, and it feels like yesterday was the first day of school. This made me realize how fast my last show is going to come; when i get to stand in the senior circle and cry until my eyeballs slip out of their sockets (nice picture, isnt it?) It was hard for me to hold back tears because i have to see my senior friends leave this year. I hope that you guys stay close and keep in touch, other wise ill stalk you and hunt you down like a wild deer! <3

I love all my cast & crew friends and i hope to stay friends.

I have over 100 pictures of cast & crew, so ill post them on my myspace, and they'll be uploaded into my computer & into photobucket; so if you want them, let me know. <3

this blog should be commented about 100 times because i have a lot of friends who were involved in this play. dont be shy. post pictures while your at it!

Basket Case

2008-01-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

this is very old. reading it again is intense....

May 21, 2006 - Sunday

Basket Case (ask to read if you wish...)
Current mood: drained
Category: Life

I'm not sure how to start this blog, and I'm truly at a loss for a reason for writing this blog. I'm listening to my brother read The Dinosaurs are back and its All Your Fault, Edward as I type this so-far-meaning-less-blog, completely avoiding its original subject. Im listening to the ever powerful RATM to help gather my thoughts a little.

Ever since last summer when I found out about my dad things have gone pretty down hill. I found out about my dad 2 days before I was to leave for camp, where I was to stay for a month with only written letters to keep in contact with my parents. That was by far the worst camp experience of my life. I couldnt sleep, or eat, I threw up almost everyday. Ever since then, I think its been hard for me to keep the pressure off. This probably contributes to what happened this weekend.

So, I might as well get down to the point, I guess. This weekend is now home to one of the worst experiences of my life. This weekend, I experienced my first Panic Attack. I know, Im sure its something everyone encounters at least once in their life time. Its nothing to get all riled up about. Or upset about. Its just something that is needed to be talked about. Thats the main reason for its occurrence in the first place, I guess. I was in desperate need to talk to someone, and I felt that there was no one there. I probably sound like a helpless mental patient, but this happened, and I, myself, need to find out why. Was it from the sheer pressure of school? Pressure of my upcoming Washington Trip? Pressure to avoid someone who myself and all my friends hate? The Pressure of my parents? The pressure of wanting to be skinny? Of my grades? Of a boy?

Truthfully, I think its all of this piled up and not being dealt with.

I am a very strong and independent person who knows how to take care of herself and doesnt cave under pressure, and knows what to do in times like this. But this weekend I am at a total loss for words; I was unable to help myself. Im sure the whole experience was even more terrifying for my brother, who was the only one home with me at the time.

It happened last night around 7 or 8 or so. I had just come from washing my hands, and was about to sit down and finish the episode of Drake and Josh I was watching with Michael. Out of no-where I had a very sharp pain in my lungs, and before I could even say ow I was on the ground screaming in pain. The pain had spread from my lungs to the area of my diaphram and my stomach. It took me almost five minutes to order my brother to get me the phone. I called my mother and explained to her that it hurt to breathe. I had been crying and screaming so much it was hard for her to understand my broken words. Eventually, after several phone calls, my father explained to me I was having an anxiety attack. I didnt believe him; my friends have told me of their experiences from Panic attacks and none have ever mentioned severe pain in their chests. I had seriously never felt pain like that, nor had I ever wished that upon myself. My parents attempt to help my brother to find my inhaler and a brown paper bag failed, and I had to wait almost 45 minutes for them to get home. That short 45 minutes felt like extremely long hours to me.

It truly was the most horrifying experience of my life. I knew that it was because I thought there was no one who could help me with my problems, no one who wanted to hear what I had to say.

Unfortunately I still feel this way, which is why I know that anxiety attack will not have been my last. This is why I know this blog entry will probably stay on the Diary setting for the entirety of its life; or until I finally decide to delete my myspace.

All I can say is that I hope that maybe Ill find someone who understands; someone who wont look at me and say get help. Someone who will look at me and say, I understand, and Im here for you always. I promise.

I never thought that something like this would ever happen to me. I am a pretty in-control-of-my-life person; nothing in my life has ever gotten this out of hand.

Im sorry you had to sit there and read this extremely long blog. Theres only two of you on my list; the two that I care most about, or the two that I trust most with this information.

I love you guys.

So....Hows your weekend going?

The Chase

2007-12-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

If you're willing to give something up after 7 months of "fighting" for it; then obviously it wasnt that important to you in the first place.

If you're willing to give it up, then give up. There's no use in putting yourself and others through the shit you're going through just because you're not willing to get your hands dirty.

The only way that you could possibly know that he's not into you is if he tells you. You'll know he especially doesn't like you when he decides that you're not good enough for him and that you should go fuck yourself.

You know what you want; theres no use in denying it. Put yourself in awkward positions, embarass yourself, thats what this is all about. Just have fun with it. Its only high school. Besides think about it; What have you got to loose? against What have you got to gain?

Just go get 'em girl.In this note: Hallory Sindelar (notes)

-Marissa Galin
April 8th, 2007

About Me

2007-12-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Marissa

"I suggest we learn to love (ourselves) eachother before it's made illegal."

my life

Name: Marissa Erin
Aliases: Riss, Rissa, Risface, Ass I Ram
Age: 16
About Me: I’m a Junior at Horizon High School, and I’m a Pirate.,
I enjoy sketching, reading, listening/playing music (especially bass, as well as guitar), hanging out with friends, archery, martial arts, driving, offroading/4-wheeling, watching my favorite TV shows/scary & classic movies, going to shows, painting, oil pastel-ing, Comedy Sports, Tech, Halo & Pokemon Silver & Pokemon Fire Red.
i am very observant, really random, and have been known to have impecible aim as an archer,
i am very easy going and love to make new friends,
i am a published artist,
i am a boarder-line athiest,
i like the color green,
i text message a lot because I hate talking on the phone,
i love my friends and family, without them, the world would mean nothing to me,
if you want to get to know me, just talk to me.
AIM mahrissugh its quite simple. k go.

The End.

PASSIONS:

Art | Life | Peace | Theatre | Writing | Music | Guitar/Bass | Fire | Food| Sleeping ? |

WHO TO MEET?:
anyone. and prefferably a guy who won't tear my heart out and eat it for breakfast. already found him. :)

my interests
TECHNICAL THEATRE, MUSIC,
I get bored often and easily,
I'm am very easily entertained,
I thouroughly enjoy being in the rain; whether its making an ass out of myself in rain, swimming in rain, or offroading in rain.
I also enjoy writing immensely.
I love art. In every way. every genre.
Sometimes I wish I could trade my vast knowledge of pop culture for something a little more useful, but I probably wouldn't trade my infatuation with music for anything else in the world.
I enjoy school more than the average person, my teachers are fantastic.
I grew up learning that an education is something to be cherished.
I base my goals to learn as much as I can in this lifetime.
I relish in the opportunity to have true discussions with my fellow peers, "hey wut up dawg" just doesn't cut it for me like the rest of the world.
I fancy comic books,
&I fancy British people; "bullocks" "bloody hell" & "bugger all"
And above all else, I consider myself to be a world class dork, and in my book, thats okay. :)

MUSIC:

if music be the food of l♥ve, play on.

I made this music player at MyFlashFetish.com.

Rock | SKA | Classic Rock | Alternative | Punk | Acoustic | Reggae | Experimental| and more :)

FAV BANDS:

7 Seconds, 311, 3 Doors Down, 38 Special, +44, 59 Times the Pain, 98 Mute, ACDC, Aerosmith, Alice in Chains, Alice Cooper, Audioslave, Alien Ant Farm, Artic Monkeys, The Alan Parson's Project, A Flock of Seaguls, The Adicts, The Adolescents, The Aquabats, Agnostic Front, All, AFI, Agent 51, Alkaline Trio, American Nightmare, The Androids, Articles of Faith, Autopilot Off, Avoid One Thing, Black Sabbath, Boston, Bad Company, Bad Brains, Bad Religion, Bad Astronaut, Bambix, Bane, Batallion of Saints, Buck-O-Nine, Bombshell Rocks, The Bouncing Souls, Blondie, Blue Oyster Cult, Black Flag, Black Crowes, The Beach Boys, The Band, The Beatles, Byrds, Beck, Bush, Blink 182, The Beets, The Blues Brothers, Big D and the Kids Table, Box Car Racer, Cute is What We Aim For, The Clash, Chicago, Cheap Trick, Counting Crows, The Cult, The Cars, CCR, CSNY, Coheed and Cambria, Cro-Mags, Circle Jerks, Deftones, Dillenger Four, Disterbed, Def Leppard, Dire Straights, Deep Purple, The Doors, Dr. Dementos, D.O.A., Die Kreuzen, Dragon Force, D.R.I., Dwarves, Dropkick Murphys, Drunk Irishmen, The Eagles, ELO, Eurithmics, Extreme, Evanescence, Eminem, Exile, The Ergs, Foo Fighters, Free, Foreigner, Fleetwood Mac, Flogging Molly, Flipper, The Freeze, Finch, Forgive Durden, Genesis, Gin Blossoms, Green Day, The Guess Who, The Grateful Dead, Guns N Roses, Godsmack, The GoGos, Gas Huffer, Glassjaw, Gentlemen Jack Grisham, The Gos Faster Nuns, Heart, Hoobastank, The Hives, Honeymoon Suite, Head East, H20, Hot Rod Circuit, Hot Water Music, Incubus, I Farm, INXS, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Jimmy Eat World, Journey, Jet, Jerry's Kids, Kansas, Kiss, The Kinks, The Killers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Local H, Lifehouse, Lustra, Lagwagon, Mad Caddies, Metallica, Madness, Madcap, MAN-CAT, Maxeen, MDC, Motorhead, Muse, Meatloaf, Marcy Playground, The Motels, The Middle Class, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Minor Threat, Millencolin, Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Night Ranger, NOFX, Negative Approach, The Offspring, Pearl Jam, The Police, Pink Floyd, Puddle of Mudd, Pretenders, Pixies, The Postal Service, A Perfect Circle, Parasites, Pepper, Presidents of the United States, Queen, Queensryche, Rancid, Rage Against the Machine, Rush, The Rolling Stones, The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, REO Speed Wagon, REM, Radiohead, Rob Zombie, The Refreshments, The Romantics, Ratt, Rifu, Really Red, Rise Against,Styx, Sex Pistols, Stray Cats, Supertramp, Steppenwolf, Santana, Sound Garden, Steely Dan, Stone Temple Pilots, Seether, System of A Down, Slipknot, The Scropions, Survivor, Senses Fail, Scream, Scars of Life, Straight Faced, Social Distortion, Slow Gherkin, Slick Shoes, Suicidal Tendencies, Suicide Machines, Twisted Sister, Tesla, Thin Lizzy, Talking Heads, Temptations, The Tubes, T-Rex, Temple of the Dog, Three Dog Night, Three Days Grace, Theory of a Deadman, Tool, Tenacious D, Thornley, TRUSTcompany, Trapt, Taking Back Sunday, Ten Foot Pole, Thrice, Transmission0, Transplants, UGLY KID JOE, The Untouchables, The Used, Van Halen, Velvet Revolver, The Very Job Agency, Velvet Underground, The Who, White Stripes, War, Warrant, Winger, Weezer, Weird Al, Wolfmother, Yes, YDI, ZZ Top
...yeah, thats only a few...

heroes
my friends. family. US Troops/Medics.

you know who you are :)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers

2007-12-10T19:53:00.000-08:00

live over the phoneis heart breaking
and awe-inspiring at the exact same time
i wish i could be there right now
standing next to my best friend
[who knows everything about me
and can tell
just by listening intently
for two seconds over the phone
when something is wrong]
watching one of the greatest bands
doing what they love to do
doing what they do best

:( life is a sad strange thing.
hopefully everything will turn out okay in the end.

-Marissa Galin

April 28th, 2007

Collection of Thoughts

2007-12-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

The collection of thoughts
Of a teenaged mind
Still exploring the meanings
Of life's simplest-seeming concepts
Of passion and love
Of theology and life
Of belief and religion
Of art and expression
Of even those "forbidden-to-the-youth" concepts;
Of sex, drugs & even rock n' roll.
Life takes you to interesting places
And each and every high and low
That we must experience
Is essential to the balance
Of Life.
And without that balance,
We would be
Lost in translation
Dazed and Confused
All F***ed Up.
Do you know the feeling
Of complete and total calm?
That serene and even possibly eerie feeling,
Where its way too quiet?

Do you know the feeling
Of the ocean spray against your face
The feeling that nothing in this beautiful place
Can ever go wrong?
Do you know the feeling
After hearing the phone ring
And hoping, or even knowing,
Exactly who it was on the other line?
I do.
And sitting on this windowsill
Of this vast open window
In my step-father's 3-story mansion,
I experience all these feelings
All at once.
As I sit here
Concentrating on only
the vast blue ocean
presenting itself in front of me,
I notice

things are a bit too quiet.
Not that I mind,
But I am used to hearing
sounds of verbal abuse, chattering animals,
Sex Pistols blaring
from my brothers room.
And just as I notice
the placid consciousness,
The phone rang.
As I get up to retrieve the receiver
From my bed-side table,
Memories of the past pervade my mind
And instantly I know
who is calling.

My heart skips a beat,
And I take a step back from the nightstand.
I lean over to peak at the caller ID
And not to my surprise,
I was right.
I start pacing around the room.
What does this mean?
Why would they be calling me?
The phone stops short of the last ring.
Someone has picked it up.

[[[[i dont know what i think about it yet. i havent made up my mind. i'm probably going to change the tense.
but other than that its just a brainstorm.]]]]

-Marissa Galin

May 30, 2007

21.5 People

2007-12-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

20 people
1. List 20 things you want to say to 20 different people but you know you never will.
2. Don't say who they are.
3. feel free to comment, but don't confirm or answer anything.
4. Never discuss it again.

This list is in no particular order.
I do not [or at least try not to] put any friends before others, I am there for all my friends and I love them all.
I hope that at least some of you cherish our friendship as much as I do.

"True friends never leave each other even if one of them is walking on the wrong path of life. A true friend will try to correct the other in a way that it does not hurt the ego of the other friend. Friends don't mind when mistakes are pointed out; rather they try to accept it and change themselves for the better. True friends are those who inspire others to become better."
1. "You are Stellar." This person has changed my life so drastically in a mere 3 weeks, and I cannot deny that its the best thing that has ever happened to me. After countless endeavors with guys, always getting pushed aside and put down, I lost faith in love. This is probably the cheesiest paragraph I've ever written in my life, but I am beyond sincere. After meeting this amazing guy I my life has gone from the depths of despair and confusion to a place I never thought I could be. This person is truly stellar; they're an exceptional musician and is one of the most kind and loving person I could ever hope to know. He is so like me in so many ways that I feel he is my other half. There are hardly words to describe my feelings towards this person, but they know exactly how I feel. We understand eachother, we're telepathic; and hopefully one day soon we'll gain the ability to teleport. But above all else, we are Pirates, and we are in love.

1.5 "When it hurts to look back and you're scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be there." This quote truly describes what you mean to me, and how you have been there for me when I've needed you most. You are the best friend anyone could ever have. I still can't believe I've known you for almost 7 years now! Its wild how we live over a thousand miles away from each other and still manage to be the best of friends. I love how I know that I always have you when no one else seems to be there. Thank you so much for everything. I love you.
2. "If I had one gift that I could give you, my friend, it would be the ability to see yourself as others see you, because only then would you know how extremely special you are." You are my BFFEAEAEAEUWD. You mean so much to me and sometimes I think you might have forgotten. I want you to always know that I am there for you. I also want you to remember that you are a great person and never to doubt yourself. You have the best judgment; especially when it comes to picking and choosing the guys in my life. J I truly wish that you could see how amazing you really are, and maybe you'd be a little less stressed from time to time. I love you.

3. "How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to." You, my friend, have been one of my best friends since I moved in down the street from you almost 9 years ago. We were so close that we were practically conjoined at the hip, and I I was over at your house so much that I practically lived there. We created so many wonderful memories to cherish together. It was one of the saddest days of my life when I had to move away from you. I still think about you everyday and I truly hope to see you more often from now on. I love you and miss you!4. "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Jesus, woman, I have known you for over three quarters of my life! Okay, well not quite, but its very, very close. We were the best of friends when we were in school together from K-8. I remember all those times our teachers mixed us up! We looked so similar we called each other twins! I still think Tobee owes us some M & M's! You, my darling, have been there for me countless times. We have been through so much together, we grew up together, went to Mitzvah together. I still wish we were that close now, but at least we're still in touch. I hope to see more of you this year! I love you & miss you twin!
5. "It is by chance we met . . .
By choice we became friends." Oh, You hill Ferdinand! Babe, you have seriously changed my life for the better. I am so glad that we had Drama class freshmen year or I don't think we would have become as close as we are now! You are my bubbles! We have gone through so much this last year, and we stuck together through it all. We made it! If we can withstand all that shit we went through, we can withstand anything! I love you so much and I seriously think I wouldn't have been able to survive without you this year.

6. "Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say." Man, oh man. We've been through a lot. You are such a great guy, and ever since I first met you when we were in Farce, I have considered you to be one of my greatest friends. You have helped me through so much, even after I put you through hell. I am sorry for everything that I put you through. I am so lucky to still have you as a close friend. Thank you for all you've done for me. You seem to be the one who always knows when something is wrong, and you never seem to rest once it's resolved. Thanks! I love playing Mortal Kombat & baseball with you! Pokemon for life man! 7. "True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost." Babe, you are my Rock Star Twin. I also have to apologize for the shit I put you through too. I am so lucky to have you as a friend, and I want you to know that no matter what I'll always be there for you. You seem to always be there to put a smile on my face. You're going to be famous one day. And I'm going to be lucky to remember that I was your Rock Star Twin. J I love you!
8. "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." I've known you for almost 12 years of my life. You have no idea what you mean to me. I'm touched that you still remembered my birthday even though you're on the other side of the world! I'm so glad that I still get to continue my educational journey with you at Horizon. You are still one of my best friends. You make the best chocolate chip cookies and apple pies I've ever eaten. You are going to be famous someday. Whether you're a world famous chef, a pop superstar, or the world's most influential Rabbi. I love you! Long live the Three Musketeers!
9. "We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere." Its still a mystery to me how we seem to always find each other when we're in time of need; especially because we only see each other on month out of the year, and we live with a few thousand miles in between us. You are such a good guy, and you haven't deserved the shit that has happened to you this past year. I think we really were there for each other because we both were let down by people we trusted and might have loved, and that made us a little closer. I hate that I never get to see you and I hardly get to talk to you anymore. I cant wait to see you this next summer; & hopefully we'll have another amazing summer together. 10. "A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." I'd have to say that we've both been there for eachother when no one else was. When I first met you in the fourth grade you weren't exactly accepted. But I was there for you, and in the end it paid off, because you have been there for me countless times since then. I'm so glad you we are still friends and I'm glad we were able to share the great memories that we do. You are going to go on to do great things girl! Follow your heart, & I hope to see you on broadway!
11. "Friends are the most important ingredient in this recipe of life." You my dear, are my true inspiration for life. You are so happy and inspired all the time. Your writing is beautiful, you yourself are beautiful inside and out and for that I adore you. Without you, I don't think I would've taken such a liking to crew, because you were the first person to actually initiate conversation & teach me the ropes. You are an amazing person and I'll cherish the memories we have. I'm going to miss you this year while you're up at college, but you're going to be the greatest Elementary school teacher the world has ever seen! J I love you! 12. "Friends are the Bacon Bits in the Salad Bowl of Life." You, my little friend, are definitely worth more than bacon bits in my salad. J We have had so many fun times during crew, as well as a few injuries…We are going to have such an amazing year this year during crew! I cannot wait! You are an amazing friend who I will dearly miss when you're off to college. Let's cherish this last year together and make it the best it can be!
13. " I have learned so much from you in these past two years, not just in crew but lessons in life as well. From you, I've learned not to take shit from anyone, and not to care what people think. In some ways, I definitely look up to you. We have had some fun times these past two years, and have made a tradition of stopping at Fry's before the show of opening night. I can tell we're going to have a kick ass year this year! And it definitely wont be the same without you next year.14. "Friends have all things in common." I have to say that our music taste is pretty much identical. Although thanks to you, I have found SKA. I'm not sure what I would do without SKA in my life, so for that I thank you. We've been through a lot. Truthfully, I was never really sure what to think of our friendship. I don't regret anything that has happened, except how much I let what was said ruin my year. All that is over and done now and I'm happy to be buds. We've had some pretty amazing times together. You're a pretty good guy & you have been there for me sometimes. Thanks for all the fun times. Have fun in college & go make something of yourself. <>

15. "I'll lean on you and you lean on me and we'll be okay." I felt it was necessary to use a Dave Matthews quote for this person. I've known of this person's existence since my freshman year, but it wasn't until this past year that I've really gotten to know him. He's pretty much a dork just like me, and we share a lot of the same interests like art, writing & love for comics. I think I've been over to his house more than anyone else's this summer which I guess has to say something right? He's a pretty amazing person & a great friend as well. I'm almost positive we're gonna have an amazing time this year. Oh yeah, and thanks for the yogurt. 16. "Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down." I have known you since my first year of high school, and I really only had one year to get to know you. We had some fun times in the beginning. Then, things changed, and we grew apart. I never really understood what happened there, but after a while things changed again and you came back. I was surprised to find that we were close enough to withstand the things that happened, and I was ultimately surprised to hear from you again. I'm very glad you did. We're not as close as we were, but for being in two different stages of our educational lives we've stayed in pretty close touch. I'm glad I was there for you to find love and happiness, and I hope that you're still good. I hope to hear from you more often girl!
17. "Friendship is delicate as a glass, once broken it can be fixed but there will always be cracks." Things this year were definitely fucked up between us. You think I'm a bitch, and I thought the same about you. I couldn't believe you chose some guy you hardly knew over your best friend. You put her through hell, and you think I'm a bitch because I was there for her and didn't support you and your newly found boy toy. I'm not sorry for anything that happened. You made your choice, and things will never be the same. Maybe we'll be friends again, but probably not. But just remember this one thing alright; no guy is worth more than friendship. Was he really worth having while you lost so many friends? Don't look down at us for "abandoning" you. It was you, my dear, who abandoned us. 18. "A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway." I loved you for so long. You were the reason I loved showing up at school everyday. I hated that school with a passion, but you made it that much better. That day in 7th grade I'll never forget. You are one of the greatest guys I've ever met. I'm so glad I got to know you and I got to create many great memories with you. My only wish is that your mother never sent you off to boarding school. I truly believe if you never left, we'd still be as close as ever. You were my first true love, and I will never forget you.
19. "Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure;" A great Jewish saying for a great Jewish friend. I've known you for most of your life! You are truly inspirational kid, and I cannot wait for this year to start when we're finally back in the same school together. You and I have so much in common its sometimes scary! You are such a sweet girl, you really bring sunshine into my life. You are going to do great things with your life, I can tell because you already have. You have done a lot for Darfur already, and you're only 14 years old. I consider you to be one of my greatest friends, and I know we'll probably know each other for a very long time. J ♥ I love you kiddo.
20. "The only way to have a friend is to be one." Last, but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge my little Mexican-Guamanian buddy. We've had so many fun times these past two years and are in for some pretty amazing ones in the future! (Forking the field!) You are so hilarious & you make an amazing cake. You are such a sweet girl and I'm so glad to have befriended you. Thanks for all the fun times, let's make this year spectacular!

21. "The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you." This great cool guy came into my life quite recently after one of my greatest experiences at Horizon ever; The Haunted House of Horrors (2007). He was whooed by my pirate charms and from then on we became fast friends. He is an amazing guitarist (from what I hear, I have yet to hear him play but I'm sure the rumors are true), and is hillariously funny. I have known him only a little while and already he's a close buddy. Hopefully we'll see more of eachother and have crazy poker nights and watch Pirates of the Caribbean, or meet up at Barnes and Noble.

-Marissa Galin
Modified: December 1st, 2007

today

2007-12-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

today

when i look at life for what it is, i realize the amazing opportunities that present themselves. i realize how fortunate i am to be recieving a good education, with teachers who respect me and trust me and know how much i cherish knowledge. i realize the good in my friends and how much i like some people more than others. i realize those people, or that person, who just stands out of the crowd. who are not afraid to be themselves. who love life and make the most out of it. i realize how much i wasted on some people just because i believed in my feelings for them. i realize how they're throwing their life away and how they were never as amazing as i thought. i realize my mistakes, yet dont regret them because everything happens for a reason. if i hadnt have done those things, i wouldnt be where i am today.

i wouldnt be loving my life and the people who are in it. i wouldnt be excited to go to school to learn and to see friends. i wouldnt want to be so involved with theatre and spend all my time not sleeping and devoting myself to putting on some sort of production. i wouldnt have realized those few people who are good for me and make me genuinely happy.

its really true; life is what you make it. i've lived by that for 16 years now, or as long as i've understood what that phrase means, and its working better than i could have ever imagined.

-Marissa Galin

October 16th, 2007

Do You Remember?

2007-12-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

do you remember that night
under the stars
when you whispered
in my ear;
i was the only girl for you,

that i was
a gift from god
that you wished for,
the brightest star
sent down from the night sky
to be with you.

you told me that night
that i was your one and only
the definition of beauty
the perfect girl

what happened
that tainted the love
that inspired happiness,
that ensured trust?

what happened
that dazed the image
of your perfect girl?

do you whisper
in her ear
that she is
a gift from god
that you wished for;
the brightest star
sent down from the night sky
to be with you?

You told me that night
That we were forever;
We were stars.

Now that you’re gone,
Maybe I’ll be sent back up
To the glittering night sky
To be with real stars
Who can never lie
And love me for me,
Until the day my light goes out;
Until the day I die.

-Marissa Galin

December, 2006

Global Warming; Angry Rant

2007-12-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

My name is Marissa Galin, and I'm somewhat of a realist. I look for logic rather than theories, though I happen to concoct some pretty bizarre theories when I get to thinking. Most of the time, that’s a bad thing.

This quote derives from the song "Warning" by Incubus. Everyday, we warn ourselves or are warned by others of the dangers around us, of the dangers we sometimes surround ourselves with. Although we are forewarned, most of the time; we ignore the signs of destruction. I admit, I tend to go looking for trouble. I like the adrenaline rush when I'm on the edge; let’s say I'm flawed in that sense, but I know when to quit while I'm in over my head. (Most of the time.) But when we are warned time and time again, and something inevitably bad happens, isn’t it only logical that we’d retaliate? Let’s take global warming as a common factor of this issue; scientists are discovering numerous causes to global warming that come from our everyday routines (which are often unnecessary) and will eventually melt the polar ice caps and flood the world and all of its contents. This is only one threatening dilemma that Mother Nature is using to get us to open our eyes; to make us realize we’re taking advantage of this gorgeous planet; that we’re destroying it bit by bit. And no one seems to give the least bit of care. The human race is a disgrace. (No pun or rhyme intended, though it was pretty funny non-the-less.) Think about it, what’s the use of having children if we’re just destroying the ground upon which they and their children and their children’s children plan to live on. One day, this whole glob of molecular mass we call “Earth” being supported in the solar system by gravitational pull will disintegrate into nothing. Matter will no longer exist; the pull will throw off the whole balance of the solar system and quite possibly the universe and could quite possibly through off the balance of the place every hopeful person thinks their souls are going after death.
[[ I’d like to state that as of this moment it is 2:43 AM and I am having trouble sleeping so I thought I’d get up and pass time by going on myspace. How sad is that? ]]
So how about, instead of living in the past, wallowing in our self-pity and grief, talking about what really should have happened; why not just go make it happen. Potential is everywhere. I see it in people I know who I don’t think will ever come around to using it. They’re living as if they don’t give a care about anything; Misfits, Rebels, Retards, whatever they call themselves. They’re only hurting themselves in the end. Right? Well, when it all boils down to it, they’re hurting everyone plus themselves. Every person can make a difference, if they tried. Now I’m not saying that I’m holding the weight of the world upon my shoulders and I’m doing everything I can to help make the world “a better place.” I’m not. I admit it. I do little things to help. I don’t publicize my accomplishments but I take pride in knowing I helped make a difference.
So this is my angry rant against humanity. It probably doesn’t make any sense to you people, but it does to me, or at least as much sense as it could make at 3 o’clock in the morning.
And I’d just like to say that I finished the latest of the Stephanie Plum novels and I’m very depressed and desperately need a life. And I’m tired. And I have horrible insomnia. And the fact that I’ve stayed up until 4 AM everyday for the past few days probably doesn’t help any.

So those of you to whom I sent this to; you are not included in this rant. But you are, however, the poor bastards who happened to be the ones I sent this rant to; and are probably even reading it too. I appreciate that. So If you actually took time to read this, you can come on over to my house tomorrow and have some cookies that Jesus and I (Buddah) just baked today.
Feel free to call me. I’ll probably be up. If I don’t answer, leave a message. Or text message me. Or…send a flare….or the NAVY…or Ranger….&Morelli….then I’d probably never answer my phone…again….

-Marissa Galin

January 3rd, 2007

She

2007-12-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

She's different from the rest of the girls.

She's not fake; she can tell you "good" music.

She likes to dance, sing, & act crazy with her friends.

She will over-analyze everything you can possibly say,

she can argue but she hates to.

She hates drama & can live without it & the people that cause it.

But the one thing that she will never understand

is why he can't love her the way that she loves him.

-Marissa Galin

June 22nd, 2007