I had decided last week that I was going to start participating in the Writer’s Workshop on Thursdays that Mama Kat hosts, but as I read over the writing prompts for this week, I drew a blank. I couldn’t’ think of a story to go along with any of her prompts. A time I stood up for a friend–nothing! A time I didn’t follow my intuition–nope. A time I put off something until the last minute–I’ll think about that one later. I know I have a story to go with each of these prompts, but I also have a bad memory. The bad memory was winning.
Then there was the prompt ‘my confessions’–umm, no. I mean, I’m already pretty transparent on my blog. Everyone knows more or less about my parenting failures, those days I’m a less than stellar wife, and areas of my faith in which I’d like to improve. Shouldn’t I have a little privacy? Besides, I really don’t have any deep dark secrets. The Jennifer V. Davis who blogs is essentially the same woman whether or not she’s typing on the computer.
And then I had a dream, a dream where I had to come face-to-face with the truth, a dream where I had to fess up.
In my dream, I was Jack Bauer’s wife. Not Kiefer Sutherland’s, but Jack Bauer, the character he played on 24. I was madly in love with him in my dream, but to complicate things, I was one of three wives. Even more awkward than being one of three was being one of three with a woman who attends the same church small group as I.
But I was his favorite, and he showed me his love by letting me share his bed. In my dream, ‘sharing a bed’ was not a euphemism for sex; I literally got to share the bed with Jack. The woman from small group slept on a mattress on the floor of the room, and the third nameless wife slept in the den.
I wasn’t comfortable in my status, however, and for a majority of the dream, I dealt with my insecurities, keeping my eye on Jack’s other two wives who were vying for my top position. But Jack assured me with his crooked smile that I was his Rachel, the other girls, Leah.*
When I woke up from this stupid dream, I immediately thought, “Why in the heck am I dreaming about Jack Bauer?” Part of the dream I can explain: The previous week at small group, the sister of the woman in my dream made some comment about the TV show Sister Wives of which I was not familiar and still have no intention of viewing, especially if the show will cause me to dream about being in a polygamous relationship.
But that fact doesn’t explain why I was married to Jack Bauer, and if I’m going to confess everything, why I have dreamed about him once (okay, twice) before. Or why each time I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I have to face the facts. I have to confess: I have a huge crush on Jack Bauer.
I never realized my feelings. I’m not a fan of Kiefer Sutherland, and in all honesty, I was happy when 24 finally ended–I could have my Mondays back. But, obviously, Jack means more to me than even I knew.
Maybe the dreams aren’t about Jack. Maybe they represent the time that my husband and I spent together for the last seven seasons as we shared each ridiculously unbelievable episode together. They represent our weekly dates on the couch as we watched with bated breath to see how Jack would save the day again. They represent something we enjoyed as a couple, and I’m a little sad that the tradition has ended.
Or maybe I just have a huge crush on Jack Bauer.
Perhaps Matt could yell, “Jennifer, Get out of the car! GET OUT OF THE CAR!!” and take care of my longings.
*In Genesis 29 of the Bible, Jacob promises to work for seven years for Laban if he could marry Laban’s beautiful daughter Rachel. After seven years, Laban tricks Jacob and sneaks Leah, his firstborn, into Jacob’s tent on the wedding night. Jacob works another seven years in order to get Rachel, his true love.
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
Oh my gosh, Jen! You make me laugh. I LOVED IT!!!! LOL! This is the transparency I am talking about!!!!!
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Just know that while I think transparency is good, I do NOT plan on sharing my most interesting dreams every week! 🙂
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This is funny, Jennifer! I have to confess I have been married to plenty of movie stars. Except in my dreams they usually ARE Matt, except they look like the movie stars. I don't know if this says I want my husband to look differently…hmmm.
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I am comforted to know that I'm not the only wife to have dreams like these–thank you! And it's probably best if we don't analyze them and just enjoy them while we're sleeping! 😉
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I always hated that Rachel and Leah story – I'm sure you can guess why 🙂
Maybe you could find another show to watch as a traditional date. Jai and I have many shows we enjoy watching together. On dvd of course since we don't have cable.
But anyway, great post!
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We didn't have cable for a while, but Matt had it turned back on for football season. We have a couple shows that we'll Tivo and watch later, but nothing like 24. Matt would not let us miss that one!Sorry about that biblical reference! I shall never write of it again! 🙂
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Jennifer, You could TEACH a writer's workshop! Ialeways look forward to your posts and never know what to expect, but as I have said before, I'm never disappointed! This is hilarious; I laughed out loud.
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yuck find a better crush!
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What, you don't find men who yell and torture others in the name of saving America sexy?!
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I confess I never once watched an episode of Jack Bauer and 24. I know the premise of the show but never watched it. I guess I was always LOST…. great post.
Stopping by from Mama Kat's.
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🙂 I have to admit I've never seen 24 either, but hey, Kiefer is pretty cute.
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Um, who doesn't have a crush on Jack Bauer? 🙂
Bounced over from (in)courage! Nice meeting you.
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I loved the first 2 seasons of 24. I never got around to watching the rest. Oh sometimes one episode would pop up when I had time, but you KNOW you have to watch all of them to get it.
Keifer Sutherland was hotter in the 80s… I'm talking Lost Boys or Stand By Me. I think that's why I'm married to a hoodlum.
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OK, you are too funny!!! I hope a male perspective doesn't offend anyone. I never know who the women think are good looking, cool or whatever. My take is that Kiefer Sutherland has the personality of a box of rocks! I had know idea he was all that. I thought he was at his best in The Three Musketeers, although mediocre at best. I hope I don't start dreaming about the characters on the cooking channels my wife always makes me watch. Naw, no way they can match her cooking!
Great Job, I was captured from beginning to end.
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Girl what a trip! Gotta be real here…I tend to pride myself on being wide-open, then I read this post and I realized I'm a closed book!!! 🙂
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Did I ever tell you about the dream I had about three really gorgeous sexy woman that wanted to be with me for one night. They argued over me for what seemed forever and then they finally decided to
draw straws to see who would be with me. I sat on the sofa feeling really cool and smug and I was trying to envision who I would be with. As I was day dreaming, I didn't see who won me for the night but heard violen screaming and arguing agaiin and then shots rang out. The red head (who would have been my favorite} shot lthe other two woman and then realized she killed her best friends. Then she turned to me with a look of hate and said, "You weren't worth it, even though you are so good looking and hot!" Then she put the gun to her head and killed herself.
Nah, I didn't have such a dream but I'm going to try and dream about it tonight and see if I can change the ending……. just as long as I don't shoot myself.
You arre really getting funny!
Love Dad
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