So I'm a hypocrite. I haven't blogged the last two days, not necessarily to spite Matt, but because I really haven't had anything edifying to talk about.
After a chance encounter with my friend Kelly, I'm starting to feel more normal. I'm so glad I ran into her! I told her about my random crying spells and she said she's been dealing with them, too, and has heard of other girls with the same problem. Maybe it's something in the air. Today in Typography I almost lost it when Bruce told us about his older brother John Robert who died in a "horrific car accident" at the age of two. It was Compassion International chapel all over again. Makes me feel pretty pathetic for being sad for no reason.
I've almost decided to drop typography. I'm feeling rather ambivalent about it, though. I love the class, but I also hate it. I love working on projects, just sitting there and making something with my hands. I like not having to think and write papers. I like not having to analyze arguments. I can just zone out and paint. Then I hate the class when Bruce lectures for the full two hours and I can't understand half the things he says. Sometimes, he'll just be talking to me from two feet away, one-on-one, and I still can't hear a word coming out of his mouth. Speak up, man! I also hate how much time I must spend on the projects. I can't just whip something up five minutes before class. I hate finishing a project and realizing how flawed it is and how I really should do it again but it's 3 a.m. and the project is due the next day. UGH!!! Should I stay or should I go?
And now for a random excerpt from Girl, Interrupted:
Susana: Should I stay or should I go?
Dr. Wick: Am I sane or am I crazy?
Susana: Those aren't courses of action.
Dr. Wick: They can be. For some.
I need to watch that movie.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Monday, September 27, 2004
Quote of the Day
And the quote of the day goes to Dr. Mark Cosgrove, my physiological psychology prof.
"It's a lot easier to punch someone and knock them out than to spend a lot of money to get people to vote for you."
"It's a lot easier to punch someone and knock them out than to spend a lot of money to get people to vote for you."
The dreaded missionary barrel... The blackhole of English Hall
Someone put my slippers in the missionary barrel. Who does that? Margaret had been looking for her slippers and she found them in there along with mine.
I have a horrible habit of taking off my shoes in people's rooms/random suites and leaving them in there. I guess this time it caught up with me. But in all my years of leaving things in other people's space, this is the first time someone's tried to give my stuff to charity. On second thought, that could be what happened to my 2CE hoodie freshman year. :(
I have a horrible habit of taking off my shoes in people's rooms/random suites and leaving them in there. I guess this time it caught up with me. But in all my years of leaving things in other people's space, this is the first time someone's tried to give my stuff to charity. On second thought, that could be what happened to my 2CE hoodie freshman year. :(
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Sunday Morning= Vacation
Last night I was talking to Emily in the DC and she asked me what it would be like if I just didn't do any work for an entire day. At first, this sounded crazy to my workaholic ears, but the more I thought about it, the more possible it seemed.
This morning at MAC, I realized anew how much I love being in that church. I'm a half hour away from all my school stuff and I can truly focus on worshipping my God. I can't even picture sleeping in on Sunday mornings like I used to all freshman year. I truly find rest when I'm at MAC.
There were all these international delegates in the service this morning. They talked about this impromptu worship session they'd had last night at Guy and Judy's where they all sang for a solid hour in their own languages. It made me long for China again (although I've been longing for China all week anyway).
At MAC, I'm starting to understand what the true body of Christ looks like. I'm also starting to see what eternity looks like and I'm not so afraid anymore.
This morning at MAC, I realized anew how much I love being in that church. I'm a half hour away from all my school stuff and I can truly focus on worshipping my God. I can't even picture sleeping in on Sunday mornings like I used to all freshman year. I truly find rest when I'm at MAC.
There were all these international delegates in the service this morning. They talked about this impromptu worship session they'd had last night at Guy and Judy's where they all sang for a solid hour in their own languages. It made me long for China again (although I've been longing for China all week anyway).
At MAC, I'm starting to understand what the true body of Christ looks like. I'm also starting to see what eternity looks like and I'm not so afraid anymore.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.-- "It is Well with my Soul"
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Childhood as a psychological disorder
While "working" in the Writing Center today, I flipped through my Abnormal Psychology textbook and an article caught me eye called "The Etiology and Treatment of Childhood" by Jordan W. Smoller. It's rather hilarious, identifying childhood as a "syndrome" marked by such symptoms as dwarfism, knowledge deficits and legume anorexia. Hahaha. Ok, I gotta get back to studying real abnormal psychology.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Biting the hand that feeds me
There's just no way around it. The Grille is a terrible, horrible institution and it's going down!
For those of you unfamiliar with Taylor University's meal options, we have two major centers of food distribution on campus. The Dining Commons (more commonly known as the DC) is where everyone eats every meal of every day. We also have The Grille which provides sustenance to seniors and people who can't make it out to the DC during regular meal hours. It's considered a special treat to eat at The Grille, although I don't know why; their food is nasty and greasy and always makes me sick.
I have a Grille transfer for Tuesdays and Thursdays because I have class and work through my lunch hour. I usually get my food, wolf down the main course and stick the rest in my office for later. I hadn't bothered to order a sack lunch because each time I've been to the Grille so far this semester, I've gotten through fine with the regular meal. So today when Shaun let us out of Digital Tools 20 minutes early, I rejoiced at the prospect of enjoying my lunch before I went to work at 1 p.m. in the library (No food allowed. They're fascist). I was pretty hungry by 12:40, since I'd slept through breakfast while I was dying of nasal drainage.
I got to the Union, grabbed a pizza, yogurt and a caramel apple, and headed for check out. But NO... Martha stopped me right there. She said, "The line doesn't open until 12:50." It was 12:45! Nevermind that I'd been through this line every Tuesday/Thursday for the past three weeks without problem. Sometimes, I even went between my 11:00 and my 12:00 and got away with a meal. But five minutes??? Give me a break.
So I waited. I verbally railed against the system, but I waited. When I at last made off with my lunch, I stuffed the entire pizza in my mouth and stashed the rest of the food in the Echo office on my way to the library.
The whole point in having Grille transfers is to feed students who don't have time. Then they make us wait! I don't even like the Grille. I didn't want to miss lunch in the DC on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but there was nothing I could do with my schedule. Meal transfers are just not worth the trouble they cause.
For those of you unfamiliar with Taylor University's meal options, we have two major centers of food distribution on campus. The Dining Commons (more commonly known as the DC) is where everyone eats every meal of every day. We also have The Grille which provides sustenance to seniors and people who can't make it out to the DC during regular meal hours. It's considered a special treat to eat at The Grille, although I don't know why; their food is nasty and greasy and always makes me sick.
I have a Grille transfer for Tuesdays and Thursdays because I have class and work through my lunch hour. I usually get my food, wolf down the main course and stick the rest in my office for later. I hadn't bothered to order a sack lunch because each time I've been to the Grille so far this semester, I've gotten through fine with the regular meal. So today when Shaun let us out of Digital Tools 20 minutes early, I rejoiced at the prospect of enjoying my lunch before I went to work at 1 p.m. in the library (No food allowed. They're fascist). I was pretty hungry by 12:40, since I'd slept through breakfast while I was dying of nasal drainage.
I got to the Union, grabbed a pizza, yogurt and a caramel apple, and headed for check out. But NO... Martha stopped me right there. She said, "The line doesn't open until 12:50." It was 12:45! Nevermind that I'd been through this line every Tuesday/Thursday for the past three weeks without problem. Sometimes, I even went between my 11:00 and my 12:00 and got away with a meal. But five minutes??? Give me a break.
So I waited. I verbally railed against the system, but I waited. When I at last made off with my lunch, I stuffed the entire pizza in my mouth and stashed the rest of the food in the Echo office on my way to the library.
The whole point in having Grille transfers is to feed students who don't have time. Then they make us wait! I don't even like the Grille. I didn't want to miss lunch in the DC on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but there was nothing I could do with my schedule. Meal transfers are just not worth the trouble they cause.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
The demise of Handy Andy
Handy Andy is gone. In it's place we find a red-roofed imitation called Circle K. Let the tears stream down. Don't be ashamed.
While the only things that really changed were the roof (which used to be blue) and the name, it feels like a void exists where there once was none. Sure, the Circle K will operate in much the same way as Handy Andy, offering breadsticks, soda, coffee and donuts at all hours of the day and night, but that's not the point. We won't be able to go on "Handy Andy runs" anymore. We'll have to go on "Circle K runs." That's not right.
Of course we'll still call it Handy Andy. No amount of red paint can change that fact. Like a triumphant warrior rising from the fall, Handy Andy will survive, if only in the hearts and minds of TU students.
While the only things that really changed were the roof (which used to be blue) and the name, it feels like a void exists where there once was none. Sure, the Circle K will operate in much the same way as Handy Andy, offering breadsticks, soda, coffee and donuts at all hours of the day and night, but that's not the point. We won't be able to go on "Handy Andy runs" anymore. We'll have to go on "Circle K runs." That's not right.
Of course we'll still call it Handy Andy. No amount of red paint can change that fact. Like a triumphant warrior rising from the fall, Handy Andy will survive, if only in the hearts and minds of TU students.
Friday, September 17, 2004
A place that needs to be believed to be seen
In an effort to escape Open House madness, Janell, Jenny, Margaret and I went to the Union for the Steve Stockman forum. Stockman wrote the book Walk On which chronicles the spiritual journey of U2. Basically, we just went there to listen to his Irish accent and drink coffee, but we got more than we bargained for.
As the other girls (who have already been to Ireland) waxed nostalgic, my excitement for next semester grew. The talk wasn't even about Ireland. It was about the role of art in the Church and how U2 has ministered to the world of rock. I was so expecting a pointless TMatt "Faith, Bruce and U2" lecture, but instead of a self-righteous American guy who looks like a dung beetle, I got a "stocky" Irish man with a heart for art in faith. Every Irish nuance triggered a thrill deep within me. I want to know the Irish people. I want to understand their history, their pain and their turmoil. Just a few more months!
For now, I'm in Upland and I guess that's cool. There's something inside of me, though, that longs for something more. Presently, I'll have to be content to dream of the Wicklow mountains, ancient castles and blue shores.
As the other girls (who have already been to Ireland) waxed nostalgic, my excitement for next semester grew. The talk wasn't even about Ireland. It was about the role of art in the Church and how U2 has ministered to the world of rock. I was so expecting a pointless TMatt "Faith, Bruce and U2" lecture, but instead of a self-righteous American guy who looks like a dung beetle, I got a "stocky" Irish man with a heart for art in faith. Every Irish nuance triggered a thrill deep within me. I want to know the Irish people. I want to understand their history, their pain and their turmoil. Just a few more months!
For now, I'm in Upland and I guess that's cool. There's something inside of me, though, that longs for something more. Presently, I'll have to be content to dream of the Wicklow mountains, ancient castles and blue shores.
Living in covenant, profs included
Anders and I got into a debate last night over whether or not professors should sign the Life Together Covenant. He believes that because "non-traditional" students at the Ft. Wayne campus do not have to abide by the LTC, Upland profs should be able to drink and dance if they feel like it. Anders thinks maturity level should dictate to what extent one should follow the LTC.
It's not that I don't think our profs can handle a little fun; I'm sure most of them can. But I think the power of the LTC lies in the fact that although we can all do the things it tells us not to do, we choose to give them up for the good of the community.
I've always liked the idea that professors at Taylor abide by the same rules students do (i.e. they can't drink, have extramarital sex, gamble or dance). The giving up of these four activities leads to a stronger community. Sure the profs don't live with us, but neither do off-campus students. The community aspect of Taylor lies not only in its resident students but in all of its faculty and staff as well.
If fact, the LTC binds the Taylor community together. Since profs don't live with us, they sign the LTC as an act of participation in the community. One of the things I love about Taylor is that we don't really have any rules forced upon us by the school. Instead, we voluntarily commit to a set of guidelines which help us live out our faith in community. Granted, everyone at Taylor is required to sign the LTC, but if you don't want to sign it, why go to Taylor? I can understand some students are forced to come to Taylor by their parents or what not, but what is forcing a professor to work at Taylor? If they don't want to participate in the community by submitting to the LTC, why don't they work someplace else? It's not like we pay them anything, anyway.
The issue arose last night over the trouble with dancing. The LTC forbids "social dancing," but what exactly does that mean? I think there's a difference between clubbing (which is what I'd define as social dancing) and a husband and wife sharing an impromptu dance in the kitchen. A social setting usually involves more than one other person and usually takes place in a public arena. So within the limits of the LTC, I believe married professors (and students) can dance in private settings. The covenant's provision was established to condemn bumping and grinding, not romance.
The other point of contention hinged on alcohol consumption. At Taylor, alcohol is out of the question even if you are 21. Considering I've never enjoyed an alcoholic beverage (Mmm... beverage), I'm content to say alcohol is not a necessary part of life. Save your money for lattes. While I may not be the most authoritative person on alcohol, the point is not that alcohol is bad, but that it could be a stumbling block to other people in the community. Alcoholism is a serious problem in the United States today. Denying such would be ignorant.
The point? The LTC isn't really about rules and legalism. We spin it that way so we have something to argue about. As the covenant says, "We acknowledge that it is impossible to create a community with expectations that are totally acceptable to every member. Nevertheless, certain expectations must be specified to assure orderly community life. When individuals join the Taylor community, they freely and willingly choose to take upon themselves the responsibilities outlined in this covenant."
The LTC is about maintaining supportive relationships within the community. It would be a sin to exclude professors from this system just because they're old.
It's not that I don't think our profs can handle a little fun; I'm sure most of them can. But I think the power of the LTC lies in the fact that although we can all do the things it tells us not to do, we choose to give them up for the good of the community.
I've always liked the idea that professors at Taylor abide by the same rules students do (i.e. they can't drink, have extramarital sex, gamble or dance). The giving up of these four activities leads to a stronger community. Sure the profs don't live with us, but neither do off-campus students. The community aspect of Taylor lies not only in its resident students but in all of its faculty and staff as well.
If fact, the LTC binds the Taylor community together. Since profs don't live with us, they sign the LTC as an act of participation in the community. One of the things I love about Taylor is that we don't really have any rules forced upon us by the school. Instead, we voluntarily commit to a set of guidelines which help us live out our faith in community. Granted, everyone at Taylor is required to sign the LTC, but if you don't want to sign it, why go to Taylor? I can understand some students are forced to come to Taylor by their parents or what not, but what is forcing a professor to work at Taylor? If they don't want to participate in the community by submitting to the LTC, why don't they work someplace else? It's not like we pay them anything, anyway.
The issue arose last night over the trouble with dancing. The LTC forbids "social dancing," but what exactly does that mean? I think there's a difference between clubbing (which is what I'd define as social dancing) and a husband and wife sharing an impromptu dance in the kitchen. A social setting usually involves more than one other person and usually takes place in a public arena. So within the limits of the LTC, I believe married professors (and students) can dance in private settings. The covenant's provision was established to condemn bumping and grinding, not romance.
The other point of contention hinged on alcohol consumption. At Taylor, alcohol is out of the question even if you are 21. Considering I've never enjoyed an alcoholic beverage (Mmm... beverage), I'm content to say alcohol is not a necessary part of life. Save your money for lattes. While I may not be the most authoritative person on alcohol, the point is not that alcohol is bad, but that it could be a stumbling block to other people in the community. Alcoholism is a serious problem in the United States today. Denying such would be ignorant.
The point? The LTC isn't really about rules and legalism. We spin it that way so we have something to argue about. As the covenant says, "We acknowledge that it is impossible to create a community with expectations that are totally acceptable to every member. Nevertheless, certain expectations must be specified to assure orderly community life. When individuals join the Taylor community, they freely and willingly choose to take upon themselves the responsibilities outlined in this covenant."
The LTC is about maintaining supportive relationships within the community. It would be a sin to exclude professors from this system just because they're old.
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
My Man Mitch at TU
Indiana governor hopeful Mitch "My Man" Daniels talks biology with TU student Kaitlin Getz. Daniels visited Taylor today to mingle with his large student/faculty following at the private Christian college. Note the always attractive Taylor baseball hat. Nice touch, Mitch. (Photo by me)
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Chained Bible
Today in Typography, Bruce was mumbling on as he usually does, but somehow amid his swift, slurred speech and the hum of the air duct so aptly placed at the front of the classroom, I understood a story about his trip to New York with senior art students. They had visited the International Bible Society and got to look at all the old Bibles. One had a long chain attached to it and was completely handwritten. He asked why it had a chain on it and the Society people told him it was so no one could steal it back in the day. Back then, Bibles were in such short supply they actually had to chain them to the table so no one could walk off with them!
My family has an entire shelf of Bibles. We've got the children's editions, the Precious Moments, the Teen Devotionals... it's hard to picture a time when these books held such value. That's a sad statement right there if you think about it. Bibles contain the very word of God himself! Why don't we treasure them anymore? Why don't we have to worry about them getting stolen?
My family has an entire shelf of Bibles. We've got the children's editions, the Precious Moments, the Teen Devotionals... it's hard to picture a time when these books held such value. That's a sad statement right there if you think about it. Bibles contain the very word of God himself! Why don't we treasure them anymore? Why don't we have to worry about them getting stolen?
Monday, September 13, 2004
Maybe I'm lovable.
Ok, so this is pretty basic theology, but for the past seven-plus years, this fact has eluded me. It wasn't until today amid the primal roar of yelling Sammy boys that the essential truth of God's love finally clicked for me.
Jay Kesler, our beloved former president, spoke in chapel this morning. Usually, I enjoy his sermons but they're so random, I don't really follow them. Today his message rang true to the core of my being. What a rush!
The topic was love and community. Kesler extracted 5 steps to achieving community through love from the biblical writings of John. First, we realize God loves us, that He initiated this love, that the love is unconditional and that it becomes real when we reciprocate. In the second step, we receive his love, realizing that we are worth loving.
I haven't been able to surmount the third step. It requires me to accept myself. If God loves me then maybe I'm lovable. It's not rocket science, but for some reason I've been denying this truth and when I dog on myself, I'm not being humble; I'm spitting in God's face.
Jay pointed out the opposite of humility is bad, but the opposite of shame is good. I don't need to live in shame any more. I'm free to love and accept myself. Only then will I be able to love others.
The fourth step is to love others. I never put much stock in Roger's comment from Rent when he tells Mimi, "You'll never share real love until you love yourself." Suddenly I'm realizing it's true. The Bible commands me to love my neighbor as myself. As Jay said, if I hate myself, that's bad news for my neighbor!
I will only find community after I ascend these last two steps. It's not going to be easy to undo the mindset I've perpetuated by negative thoughts, but I have a powerful ally who loves me more than I could ever imagine. I am going to believe that I'm lovable because God said it.
Jay Kesler, our beloved former president, spoke in chapel this morning. Usually, I enjoy his sermons but they're so random, I don't really follow them. Today his message rang true to the core of my being. What a rush!
The topic was love and community. Kesler extracted 5 steps to achieving community through love from the biblical writings of John. First, we realize God loves us, that He initiated this love, that the love is unconditional and that it becomes real when we reciprocate. In the second step, we receive his love, realizing that we are worth loving.
I haven't been able to surmount the third step. It requires me to accept myself. If God loves me then maybe I'm lovable. It's not rocket science, but for some reason I've been denying this truth and when I dog on myself, I'm not being humble; I'm spitting in God's face.
Jay pointed out the opposite of humility is bad, but the opposite of shame is good. I don't need to live in shame any more. I'm free to love and accept myself. Only then will I be able to love others.
The fourth step is to love others. I never put much stock in Roger's comment from Rent when he tells Mimi, "You'll never share real love until you love yourself." Suddenly I'm realizing it's true. The Bible commands me to love my neighbor as myself. As Jay said, if I hate myself, that's bad news for my neighbor!
I will only find community after I ascend these last two steps. It's not going to be easy to undo the mindset I've perpetuated by negative thoughts, but I have a powerful ally who loves me more than I could ever imagine. I am going to believe that I'm lovable because God said it.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
-- 1 John 3:1a
Snooze...
I haven't woken up to my alarm the past two days. Yesterday, Jess woke me up for church with one of Margaret's teddy bears. This morning, I don't even remember it going off, but I woke up to my roommate's alarm at 7:15 (mine was set for 6:45). I can't remember hitting snooze, and I know it was set for the right time...
I couldn't go to breakfast this morning because I woke up late. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I have Cocoa Puffs from the Grille.
GET TO CLASS!!! (muahaha)
I couldn't go to breakfast this morning because I woke up late. Don't cry for me, Argentina. I have Cocoa Puffs from the Grille.
GET TO CLASS!!! (muahaha)
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Me as a PR tool
My Washington, D.C., story is on the Taylor Web site for prospectives, alumni and parents to enjoy. It's flattering to be the subject of a story for once, but it's also a little awkward. I don't know how I feel about the use of my experiences to draw students to Taylor. Granted, I wouldn't have been in Washington this summer if I hadn't gone to Taylor. I suppose it's fair.
I took the Rotunda photo, but Jim Photoshopped it so the background is lighter. I think I liked it dark so all the focus was on the casket, but whatever.
I took the Rotunda photo, but Jim Photoshopped it so the background is lighter. I think I liked it dark so all the focus was on the casket, but whatever.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Commies (as in Comm. Arts Majors)
I just overheard a conversation in the hall between Ethan Daly and Jen Castellano. Actually it was all Ethan (naturally).
E: You're really girly.
Jen: Well...
E: I mean, did you lose a lot of fights growing up?
I miss those kids. Even though communications classes are out-of-control easy, I miss the people. Last semester, everyday was a party. Now I only see my comm buddies passing in the hall or working in the JLab. Not that I don't like my classmates now, it's just that comm majors are just a different breed. A lazy breed, but a fun breed nonetheless.
E: You're really girly.
Jen: Well...
E: I mean, did you lose a lot of fights growing up?
I miss those kids. Even though communications classes are out-of-control easy, I miss the people. Last semester, everyday was a party. Now I only see my comm buddies passing in the hall or working in the JLab. Not that I don't like my classmates now, it's just that comm majors are just a different breed. A lazy breed, but a fun breed nonetheless.
For the love of Steve
After our coffee maker broke down last night, we turned to Steve (The Echo's favorite barista) to satiate our caffeine craving. Thank you, Steve. The Echo would not happen without you. BTW, Matt Wissman took this photo.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Integrity in printing
I'm working in the ZonLab for the first time today. I have to sit in the really high "Lab Supervisor" chair and type with the keyboard in my lap. The screen is this really nasty yellow color. I tried changing the settings and it looks a little better, but it's still yellow.
I've already caught to kids trying to sneak off without paying for prints. One girl just didn't know and gladly coughed up a quarter. When another guy asked for an IOU slip, I said he could just leave his ID. He threw a dollar at me instead and walked away. I just made the Lab a $.75 profit. Nice.
There's a sign on the printer that says, "Integrity glorifies God. Let's use it. Pay for your prints!!!" Don't you just love Taylor?
I've already caught to kids trying to sneak off without paying for prints. One girl just didn't know and gladly coughed up a quarter. When another guy asked for an IOU slip, I said he could just leave his ID. He threw a dollar at me instead and walked away. I just made the Lab a $.75 profit. Nice.
There's a sign on the printer that says, "Integrity glorifies God. Let's use it. Pay for your prints!!!" Don't you just love Taylor?
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Drop/Add
I'm psyching myself up right now to stroll over to the registrar's office and drop a class for the first time in my academic career. I'm feeling slightly defeated that I couldn't hack it, but early this morning, as I waited for the enlarger in the typography room, I had a revelation. I was taking 4 upper-division psych classes with one of the most demanding art classes offered at TU in addition to working 13 hours a week and editing the campus newspaper. What was I doing to myself?
I like to do my very best in my all classes and in my work, but how can give my best if I'm spread too thin? Yesterday, I spent about three hours on this honkin' paper for Ethics in Psychology. Those hours will forever be lost, but maybe I can save future hours with a simple drop/add form. Yes, I'm dropping Ethics and taking on Digital Tools. I'll still have a 17 hour course load, but the work I'll be doing in Digital Tools will be useful to me immediately with The Echo, whereas I'll probably never use the APA Code of Conduct. Ethics could have been interesting, but compared to my other classes, it held the least value to me (especially since I've already taken ethics courses at Taylor).
So here goes.
I like to do my very best in my all classes and in my work, but how can give my best if I'm spread too thin? Yesterday, I spent about three hours on this honkin' paper for Ethics in Psychology. Those hours will forever be lost, but maybe I can save future hours with a simple drop/add form. Yes, I'm dropping Ethics and taking on Digital Tools. I'll still have a 17 hour course load, but the work I'll be doing in Digital Tools will be useful to me immediately with The Echo, whereas I'll probably never use the APA Code of Conduct. Ethics could have been interesting, but compared to my other classes, it held the least value to me (especially since I've already taken ethics courses at Taylor).
So here goes.
Monday, September 06, 2004
Ski Hi Drive-In and the Taylor Tradition
Last night, after slight coersion from Margaret, I blew off my homework to go to the Drive-In with her, Jenny and Janell. See, it's a tradition each Labor Day Weekend for TU students to go to the Drive In. People bring dorm furniture and huge speakers and we all sit out on the lawn. Although I'd seen the movies we watched already (The Village and Collateral), I enjoyed cuddling up in blankets and pillows with three of my favorite Taylor people.
Some of the other Taylor people present were a completely different matter. I've become more and more disenchanted with the ideal of the Taylor man. Somehow I got this idea freshman year that TU guys are gentlemen (I guess because a large percentage of them hold doors open for women). I'd been deluding myself. Chivalry really is dead.
In spite of being annoyed by everyone else from Taylor who attended the drive-in, I had an amazing time. Since I'd seen both movies, I got a chance to sit back and look at the stars for a while. I know I've said it before, but I love the sky here. Even when it's cloudy, it's still beautiful. I'd forgotten just how special it can be to enjoy a movie outside (the somewhat thick woods behind the screen also had an interesting effect on The Village).
Some of the other Taylor people present were a completely different matter. I've become more and more disenchanted with the ideal of the Taylor man. Somehow I got this idea freshman year that TU guys are gentlemen (I guess because a large percentage of them hold doors open for women). I'd been deluding myself. Chivalry really is dead.
In spite of being annoyed by everyone else from Taylor who attended the drive-in, I had an amazing time. Since I'd seen both movies, I got a chance to sit back and look at the stars for a while. I know I've said it before, but I love the sky here. Even when it's cloudy, it's still beautiful. I'd forgotten just how special it can be to enjoy a movie outside (the somewhat thick woods behind the screen also had an interesting effect on The Village).
Saturday, September 04, 2004
Frisbee golf
I'm sitting in my office as a group of roughly nine Sammy II boys pound the outside wall with frisbees. Wes told me to watch out for this. Apparently, the wall outside my plush, editor's office is a frisbee golf "hole." Ok, they've stopped now.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Who needs sleep?
I am so awake right now. I had only two hours of sleep last night, but it hasn't phased me. I stayed awake in BOTH of my classes this morning! I even participated. Also, I had no coffee until lunch because Vecino's wasn't open (the fascists), but I guess I did have a cherry Pepsi in Physiological, so I wasn't caffeine-less. Still, two hours!
The incredible thing is I usually don't function without at least five solid hours of sleep, yet these last two weeks I've been perfectly fine on two. I honestly believe it's God sustaining me and I'm beyond floored at his providence.
In Matthew 11, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I claim this promise. I'm beginning to see just how strong God is in my weakness. Even though I toil away toward some abstract goal, I will only reach my true potential if I trust him to support me.
The incredible thing is I usually don't function without at least five solid hours of sleep, yet these last two weeks I've been perfectly fine on two. I honestly believe it's God sustaining me and I'm beyond floored at his providence.
In Matthew 11, Jesus says, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I claim this promise. I'm beginning to see just how strong God is in my weakness. Even though I toil away toward some abstract goal, I will only reach my true potential if I trust him to support me.
#200859
I just got back from The Echo. We're gonna have to go over some stuff with the staff, but it was a pretty good effort by all involved.
Parking is pathetic at Taylor. Not because there isn't any. People are just STUPID. There was this honkin truck actually pulled through two spaces in the Wengatz lot. I had to park all the way in Olson and walk to English and get jumped and raped because of that stupid truck. Nah, I really didn't get raped, but it can be pretty scary walking by those big trees so early in the morning.
The truck had an Illinois license plate #200859. I think it was black, but everything looks black at this hour. If you see it around campus, throw rocks at it. I mean, seriously. How rude.
Parking is pathetic at Taylor. Not because there isn't any. People are just STUPID. There was this honkin truck actually pulled through two spaces in the Wengatz lot. I had to park all the way in Olson and walk to English and get jumped and raped because of that stupid truck. Nah, I really didn't get raped, but it can be pretty scary walking by those big trees so early in the morning.
The truck had an Illinois license plate #200859. I think it was black, but everything looks black at this hour. If you see it around campus, throw rocks at it. I mean, seriously. How rude.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Oops.
So here's the deal. Someone stuck my refrigerator on the top shelf in the storage room so I can't get it down by myself (I tried last night), but I need to get it out by Friday so Hall Council won't take it and ransom it. Problem: I don't have any time to get it out.
Actually, I had twenty minutes today, but when I went down with Amy and Katherine, the key broke off in the door (hmmm... reminds me of Anna our freshman year), so now no one can get to our stuff. Muahahaha!
I guess I don't care about it because I'm not using my refrigerator, but I also paid a good $40 and I don't want to have to pay again to get it back. It's a funny situation, tho. I must admit.
Actually, I had twenty minutes today, but when I went down with Amy and Katherine, the key broke off in the door (hmmm... reminds me of Anna our freshman year), so now no one can get to our stuff. Muahahaha!
I guess I don't care about it because I'm not using my refrigerator, but I also paid a good $40 and I don't want to have to pay again to get it back. It's a funny situation, tho. I must admit.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Like a drill bit to the head
A few years ago, building contractor Donald Wright, 54, of Toronto fell from a step ladder, skewering his brain with a 3-inch drill bit. After he regained consciousness, Wright calmly walked to the bathroom where he saw the drill buried to the hilt in his right lobe. He plugged the drill into the socket, said goodbye to his reflection and put the drill in reverse. Incredibly, he survived without any major health issues. His story has become psychology folklore.
Today I heard this story for the second time. It still amazes me to think how lucky this guy was. But was it luck? Lots of people die from brain injuries, yet lots of people survive. Crowbars, bullets, nails... When I think about the things people stick in their brains, I'm find myself in awe of God's creation. How resilient. How miraculous.
Dr. Mark Cosgrove, perhaps Taylor's most respected professor, knows plenty about the brain and its ability to bounce back. He's been studying the brain and its intricacies for as long as I've been alive. My freshman year, he suffered a brain aneurysm. Most people straight up die from those and the ones who survive have immediate surgery. Cosgrove had to wait two weeks before he found himself in an Indianapolis OR.
His eventual surgeon, one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, said Cosgrove should have died three times during those two weeks. Yet here he is, standing in the Student Union meeting room, teaching my Physiological Psychology class. What a blessing! What a testament to the power of prayer and to the wonder of God's creation!
I remember when Dr. Cosgrove got sick freshman year. The whole Taylor community lifted the beloved professor up in prayer. Meanwhile, Dr. Cosgrove said he barely thought beyond simple constructions, as John Eldredge puts it, "alert and oriented times zero."
I'm excited about this year and what I'm going to learn from my professors, my friends and mostly from God. It's definitely going to be a challenge, but it'll also be a blast. I'll be sticking a lot in my brain this year. Hopefully nothing sharp, though. :)
Today I heard this story for the second time. It still amazes me to think how lucky this guy was. But was it luck? Lots of people die from brain injuries, yet lots of people survive. Crowbars, bullets, nails... When I think about the things people stick in their brains, I'm find myself in awe of God's creation. How resilient. How miraculous.
Dr. Mark Cosgrove, perhaps Taylor's most respected professor, knows plenty about the brain and its ability to bounce back. He's been studying the brain and its intricacies for as long as I've been alive. My freshman year, he suffered a brain aneurysm. Most people straight up die from those and the ones who survive have immediate surgery. Cosgrove had to wait two weeks before he found himself in an Indianapolis OR.
His eventual surgeon, one of the top neurosurgeons in the country, said Cosgrove should have died three times during those two weeks. Yet here he is, standing in the Student Union meeting room, teaching my Physiological Psychology class. What a blessing! What a testament to the power of prayer and to the wonder of God's creation!
I remember when Dr. Cosgrove got sick freshman year. The whole Taylor community lifted the beloved professor up in prayer. Meanwhile, Dr. Cosgrove said he barely thought beyond simple constructions, as John Eldredge puts it, "alert and oriented times zero."
I'm excited about this year and what I'm going to learn from my professors, my friends and mostly from God. It's definitely going to be a challenge, but it'll also be a blast. I'll be sticking a lot in my brain this year. Hopefully nothing sharp, though. :)
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