Leo and Leah

Today in my Folklore and Feminist theory class I was introduced to a girl, Leo (pronounced Lay-o), who is from Ecuador. We were asked to state our heritage, where we came from etc. I was amazed, in this class of 38 girls, that so many had crazy backgrounds and actually knew about their ancestors and roots. Like me, there were also several girls (along with the instructor) who didn't know the answer to that question because we're from right here. We're American women from small towns. We know little pieces about our grandparents but we haven't carried traditions or cultures with us, or at least we don't really think we do. Anyway, back to Leo. She's fascinating. It's crazy but I could listen to her talk for hours, she has the neatest voice and just a rich history and life experience to share. I also was introduced to a classmate in my International Issues class, Leah, from New Zealand. She too had this beautiful voice and an incredible story. I know this semester is going to challenge me immensely, however I am very excited about the classes I am taking. Aside from the two I just mentioned, I am also taking my Magazine Editing course (which is what I want to do and I really think it's going to answer several of my uncertainties about my future as a journalist). I'm taking an intermediate writing class with Prof. Weinberg, who is not only a respected and established author but just a very nice and encouraging mentor. Our section focuses on the criminal justice system and we are partnering with UMKC and UMSL's law and criminology schools on a project entitled The Innocence Project. Basically I'll be assigned to a case to investigate the an individual who is convicted but potentially innocent and locked in one of Missouri's horrendous prisons. Finally I am taking my English capstone, in which I will basically write a 30 page paper on some topic that engages me from Willa Cather's writing. To most this probably sounds tormenting, I'm actually really excited about it. Cather was the editor for McClures, the magazine that several of the muckraking journalist wrote for. Supposedly Cather didn't like the type of work muckrakers produced, yet she edited tons of the work they published. Anyway I figure researching this and writing about it will be a perfect opportunity to tie my Journalism and English degrees. One other thing I did today was talk to an advisor about internships for next semester and summer and I found two I think would work out perfect. Now I just have to apply and get accepted!! If the one works out, I might be on my way to Birmingham, AL following graduation =) We'll see though. Ok this was random but I wanted to write about my crazy day.

Quarter Life Crisis

My friend Jen found this and I thought I would spread the comfort of it's message! I know my best girlfriends and myself are all experiencing what it describes on some level.

They call it the “quarter-life crisis.” It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn’t know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now. You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren’t exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you don’t recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren’t really cold, catty, mean, or insincere, but that they are just as confused as you. You look at your job… and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you. Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because you suddenly realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn’t. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past for dear life, but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward. You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you. Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can’t meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. You go through the same emotions and questions over and over because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future, and making a life for yourself… and while winning the race would be great, right now you’d just like to be a contender. What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out. And really, this is an acknowledment that YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS…..

Long Time Gone

Well it's been over a month since my last blog but I wanted to put up some pics of how the apartment turned out and also some updates on my life.

First, I never thought a change of residence could change the way I live and my happiness but I have enjoyed life more this past month or so than I ever have. First, living on my own was on my 50 before 50 List. It sounds silly, but I'm very proud of the place. It's just things, but it's all mine. I couldn't have completed decorating and everything without the help of my parents and best friend. Anyway it's just funny how much I've come to love home. I especially love coming home, sitting on my comfy couch and watching Friends with a glass of wine after a long night at work (like I am right now).

My summer was perfect. Really. I actually got to spend much needed time with my family, enjoyed a countless number of Girls Nights, and had a wonderful week with Ben just recently. It's funny because I visited my advisor yesterday and got all checked out for graduation. It's just weird knowing life is going to change so much in less than a year. Ben will be back home and I'll be looking for job. Don't know the exact details but I just know it's about to change. Which makes me savor every day and I love it.

Ok well I'm off to bed, about to start a very busy but exciting 2nd to last semester of college!!! Well not if I go to grad school but anyway!

Here's the pics!

This is before couches, I need to take pics with the couches but I'm too lazy. They're cute though, same color as the curtains!