Pride and Prejudice, Racism and Size

Welcome to Pride and Prejudice week, everyone. In honor of P&P Week, KJ and I are watching the A&E six-hour mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, plus we played the Pride and Prejudice game. We are also adding certain words and phrases to our vocabulary in honor of this great work of literature. For instance, "I'm all astonishment!" I am officially a fan of Jane Austen.

Allow me to point out that I HATE cold weather. Why are we still having cold and rain in March? Perhaps I will boycott the outside world until it starts acting properly with the season. I'll just refuse to go outside until the weather is warmer and more March-like.

So, there was a protest on campus yesterday in response to a blatantly racist article that was published in one of the student newspapers. I read the article, and I am appalled. How can someone be so ignorant and prejudiced in this day and age? And how can something so terrible as that be published? I know that we have freedom of speech and freedom of the press, but who would be so stupid and racist as to put those words on paper and spread them all over campus? I am almost glad that it was published, however, because it gets this subject out in the open. There is a great deal of racism on campus, despite the University's attempts to assert that it is a diverse and welcoming place. Only 5.9% of the students on campus are from minority backgrounds. Clearly there is a need to address these issues on this campus. There must be something wrong if so few minority students choose to come here. Also, why are there separate organizations for the traditionally black Greek organizations? Why can't all of the Greek organizations have ONE governing body? I'm not Greek, and I'm not totally clear on the whole system, but it seems to me that the separate organizations are just another form of segregation. I just hope that this offensive event serves to bring out dialogue about this problem.

Also, a study came out this week of 10,000 people in America, and it disproves the old ideas about average size in America. The average dress size for an American woman is actually 14, NOT 8, as previously thought. And for all you guys out there, the average suit size is 44, rather than 40. So, there's hope. We're not as relatively FAT as we might be. And now the McDonald's supersize is being phased out, so there's hope for us after all.

So, there's the good news for the day. Hope you enjoy it.

Wesley and Boredom

Hmm... so, another weekend gone by, only 5 days of classes until spring break. And, along with that, some random thoughts and stories that need to be spilled.

First, my weekend was dedicated to Wesley stuff. Friday I finished the whole Powerpoint thing with Meg, which was fun. I haven't had a chance to catch up with Meg in a long time, and it was good to talk to her again. Saturday was the Full Board meeting, which was pretty uneventful. If made me feel, as it usually does, like I'm much more of an adult than I actually am. I wonder sometimes whether I should give up the childishness, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it. I mean, I love the freedom and wonder, and I don't want to lose it, even if it does make me less professional or whatever. So much for being grown-up.

So, this morning we had the WOW at MUMC, which was really fun. I mean, I love preaching, even though I get nervous and everything. I love helping the people learn, and seeing the recognition and emotion register on their faces. I spent almost the entire day in an adrenaline cloud, with more energy than I've had in weeks. And if I made a difference to even one person in that congregation, it was worth it.

Anyway, otherwise the weekend was pretty boring. I played some Euchre, wrote/edited papers, and tried to get all of my other junk under control. The only really strange event was getting asked on a date (for May) by my best friend's evil ex-boyfriend. I don't understand how anyone who hasn't seen or talked to you in two years can ask you out on a date the first time that they talk to you. Honestly, after all the crap he did to my best friend, he thinks I'd date him? Exit delusion, buddy, take a swig from the bottle marked "drink me" and return to reality.

On the other hand, I was talking to some of my friends from home today and looking at the pictures on my desk, and the more I thought about it, the more homesick I became. It made me wish that I could smell my mom and hear my dad's laugh and hug my sister and talk about nothing with the high school crew again. I miss going into my home church and knowing every single person, sharing smiles, embraces, and kind words with people who watched me grow up and were practically family. I mean, I love college and the people here, but every once in a while I just miss the other important people in my life.

Coming out of the weekend I feel like I'm ready to handle the first two days of the week. I have the papers written (and edited, thanks to the Wonderful Wombat!!!) and nearly all of my reading done for the week. I just have to get ready for my huge midterm on Wednesday and shop, prepare, and pack for the Peru trip. It will be a stressful week, but when it's over I'll be on my way to Peru and BREAK!!!

Well, goodnight all and have a blessed week. Songs for the day: "Hazy Shade of Winter", "At the Zoo", "The Boxer", and "The Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel; "Save Me" by Dave Matthews Band; and "Paved Paradise" by Joni Mitchell.

Lemmings Do My Homework

Welcome to another week. The weekend was uneventful, lots of euchre, some chilling, some movies, and some homework. We had our last meeting for the Peru trip, and I'm extremely excited about it. I'm not entirely sure what to expect, which means that I am really flexible about the whole thing, and I can't be let down. I'm only a little nervous that I'm going to forget something important. The only things I have left to do are shop, pack, and finish the typhoid vaccine series.

The weekend was more eventful for some of my friends, however. Sarah got a potential date offer from an adorable prospect. Stef got pulled off the dry bar at the Vu and sprained her ankle during Rally Night.

On the school front, I did OK on the Geology and Sociology tests that I got back yesterday. I unfortunately balanced this out by sleeping through an important group meeting for GH115. So, I got out of the doghouse in two classes, just to get into trouble in a different one. That is no good.

I also came to a startling conclusion yesterday: guys are like lemmings. They all focus on the same six girls, then go leaping, one after the other, in love with her. They will, with the exception of one per girl, end up heartbroken and depressed. After all, the girl can only handle one guy at a time, so the others are destined to be disappointed. So, why do they all dive off the same cliff? Why don't some of them go find a different geological landmark? And why can't I, just once in my life, be that cliff? *sigh*

Anyway, I think I'm going to take the rest of the evening off and relax, since I've spent the entire day reading Dante and sociology and GH115 and Religious Studies. It's definitely time for some smut reading, coloring, and daydreaming about the ice cream that I'm not allowed to eat.

Songs for the day: "Sucker", "The F*** Off Song", "The Irish Drinking Song", "Trendy", and "Sell Out", all by Reel Big Fish, or "Sadie Hawkins Dance" by Relient K

Please Refrain from Speaking During the Movie

Stupid me. I opened my mouth and, yet again, in trying to say something to help someone, I dredged up feelings that they didn't want to share and upset them. I should really learn not to try to help people. Every time I do, I end up hurting them, or getting myself into trouble... and sometimes both. Perhaps the problem is fixable this time. Next time I start thinking about this, though, I hope that someone out there will just wire my stinking jaw shut. Please.

Anyway, the girls are going out dancing tonight, hitting up the whole Rally Night thing. Not so much for me. I mean, it sounds like fun, but a) I can't dance worth crap, b) No one would want to dance with me anyway, and c) I would feel like the bag of vomit outside my window walking next to Stef, Sarah, Kristen, and Rachel. Plus, I don't know that many of the other people who are going to be there. Instead, I will chill here and play some Euchre with those of us who aren't partying this evening. I'm all about the Euchre. And if I get bored of that, I have The Importance of Being Earnest (GREAT MOVIE) from Kristen, so I can chill.

In other news, I registered for classes today. I got into all the classes that I wanted, and I'll be done by 2 on MWF and 11 on TR. Not to mention that after next semester I won't have to take any more stupid general education classes. It should be all good fun.

Also, I went to see Miracle last night. It was excellent. Definitely a pick-me-up movie, plus it featured one of my favorite sports (hockey) and had several hot actors. A worthwhile movie, I might have to buy it later. Then I discovered that apparently my parents went to see it last night, also, but 4 states away. What a strange coincidence! (At least, I thought it was strange...I have been told that this is not true of others...sorry.)

So, I'm going to go try not to be incredibly lame on a Friday night... check ya later.

Frantic Weekend

It's been a busy, busy weekend (or was, it's now midnight...dang!) So, here's the story (and not of a man named Brady...)

So, Friday night some friends and I got pizza, then we all watched Beauty and the Beast in the lounge. After that I chilled with them a little bit until they took off for a gathering elsewhere. Just as I was about to get ready for bed, three of my guy friends from last year, who barely talk to me anymore, came into my room and we reminisced for a bit. One of them even stayed around for almost 45 minutes, just talking about life and catching up on things. It was a little strange, suddenly reimmersing myself in a friendship that had disappeared for a year. It was almost like going swimming again for the first time when you haven't been swimming in a full year... just stepping into the water feels strange, and cool, but also peaceful and nice.

Anyway, Saturday I studied outside in the beautiful sunshine for a while, before having working at the desk for five hours (BIG fun...) After that, KJ and I went and got some food and watched Bowling for Columbine. At around 9-ish, I went into my friends' room next door, and as 7 of us were chilling in there, we discovered that the lock had stopped working from the inside of the room and we were LOCKED IN. We had to call some staff members and, though we were only locked in for about ten minutes, it made for a really fun evening of chilling in the room and watching a staffer try to fix/reassemble/reinstall the lock. FYI: it still doesn't work.

I had to get up early this morning and go Preach with the Wesley folks, which was awesome, even though there were only six of us. Then I walked some errands with a Zach and worked another 5 hour shift at the desk. Since then I have studied a TON for my geology test (thanks, Wombat!), watched the Oscars, and run to Wally World. Now I'm dead tired and will probably try to get some sleep before my 5 classes tomorrow.

Some observations on the weekend: Being locked in can actually be fun if you're with the right people. It's amazing how much you can miss people, even if they're only gone for a weekend. Just because you don't do anything eventful over the weekend, doesn't mean you're resting. THIS SUMMER IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!!!! My future roommate rocks my socks off. I am way overdue for running, but the frisbee and walking are at least keeping me from being a sea slug. Hooray for LOTR: Return of the King winning a record 11 Oscars... GREAT MOVIE! Congratulations to the new Kappas, you finally made it.

I apologize for not having anything particularly exciting to tell you. I'm sorry I don't have any enlightening insights or off the wall metaphors. But my brain is fried from cramming Historical Geology all weekend. Time for sleep...

Hooray for ASP!

Today has been a wonderful, terrific, amazing day. Well, getting up early and going to five classes wasn't great. And taking a test that was really hard wasn't terrific. But I got wonderful news and everything since 3 p.m. has be AWESOME, so I really have nothing to complain about.

First let me just say, I GOT THE JOB!!!!! I am SO excited. I mean, I'm also scared to death that I'll screw it up or not be good enough or strong enough, but I'm going to work my hardest and give 900% to make sure that doesn't happen. And I'm SO ECSTATIC about this. Incredibly happy. Whenever I think about it, I want to jump up and down and scream. (And have, several times today) So Rachel and I will both be ASP staffers this summer, serving God and helping people... does it get any better than that?

Next, my sister now has confirmation that she has been accepted to TWO, that's right TWO DMA programs. (That's doctor of musical arts, for all of you non-music people) She now gets to choose between at least 2 schools that she really likes. This also takes a bunch of the pressure off of her last few auditions, since she knows that she already has options.

Last night I got to go see the Count Basie Orchestra, and they rocked my socks off. Seriously. The trumpet players were AMAZING and so was the pianist (and for that matter, the whole BAND...) I was blown away. It gave me enough courage that maybe tomorrow I'll get up the guts to play my trumpet.

Today was gorgeous and it's going to be even prettier tomorrow. It's been warm and sunny, and we've played frisbee almost every day, simply to be together and outside enjoying ourselves. The only problem with this is that I have to work from noon to seven p.m. tomorrow. That's a freaking long desk shift. I took it so that I can go to Sunday Supper, but it's a really long shift. So, who knows, I may be writing a bunch tomorrow simply out of boredom. At least I have things to do. I need to study for my Geology test and read Thomas Aquinas for humanities, plus I need to figure out my schedule for next semester. And I can always take a coloring book and my crochet stuff and a free reading book, just in case.

Sometimes I'm afraid that I hurt people because I say things without thinking. I said something to someone yesterday that I didn't think they would listen to, but they did. It was accurate, but I'm afraid I may have hurt them, and that was not my goal. I need to learn that I can't say everything I think at the moment that I think it. That's never a good idea. So, if I've ever hurt you by doing that, I'm sorry. I'm working on it.

Anyway, off to chill, or maybe sleep. I'll probably write more tomorrow when I'm bored and trapped at the desk.

Jumbled Emotions on Ash Wednesday

So many mixed feelings flying around my head and heart today. Where to start? Probably at the beginning. This morning as I was getting ready to go to class, I got a phone call from my sister. She just discovered that she got into the doctoral program at Cincinnati. I'm so happy for her! It's only one of the several schools that she applied to, but it's a first step. She also got recommended for an assistantship, which would mean that she would get full tuition and an $8,000 stipend. It's awesome.

Also, I got an e-mail from my pastor about our mission trip for the summer. I'm signed up to go at this point, even if I get rejected for a job with the same organization. I really love the program and everything, but I'm not sure I could handle going for a week if I get rejected for the job. Also, one of my close friends from home got accepted to work for the program. I'm really happy for her and I know that she's going to do an AWESOME job, but I'm also a little nervous that I won't get a job. And, while I'm really glad that she got the job, I also really hope that I get one. I don't WANT to have hard feelings about it, and I'm going to work at not being jealous, but it's kind of hard. This is all speculative, however, because I don't know whether or not I got the job. That, too, is freaking me out. I wish they would just tell me that I did or didn't get the job, and not make me sit around waiting to find out. I know that the selection people are really good, and that if I don't get the job I wouldn't have been good at it or able to handle the challenge, but that just means that if I don't get the job I'm really no good. And that's an incredibly depressing thought. So, to sum up my emotions, I'm ecstatic for my friend, but nervous for myself... I really don't know how to respond to this situation.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It's the beginning of a season in which we remember the suffering of Jesus Christ. In order to understand this suffering, we also give up something in our lives to help us remember that sacrifice and get a tiny taste of the misery He must have felt. This year I am giving up junk food. That means all candy, desserts of all kinds, pop/soda/coke/carbonated beverages, sugary cereals, and all fried foods (with the exception of toasted ravioli) are out of my diet until Easter. In other words, I voluntarily gave up all the foods that bring me joy. Until April, I will be drowning my sorrows in fruit juice and consoling myself with lettuce. Eek. The only time that I am allowing myself to get out of this is when we go to Peru for spring break, and only then because I'm not sure what I will be able to eat, plus I don't want to lose the chance to try something completely new to me while I'm in another country.

I took another test today, and it went OK. I didn't feel like I had enough time to answer anything thoroughly, but I knew almost all of the information, so I can't have done TOO badly. Now I just have 2 tests, a weekend of work, a very intimidating meeting, and anxiety about my summer job ahead of me. And it got cold and windy again. Great. "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..." I really am moving to Indonesia. Tomorrow. Forever. Not soon enough.