I by rights should have something very exciting to say--after all, new school, new city. But I don't really. Right now a Lego monster is staring me in the face--a "present" from Avery who is, at the moment, peacefully listening to "Twinkle, Twinkle" on his Suzuki Method violin tape.
The godless liberalism here doesn't bother me that much. I was bemused when I saw two guys walking around holding hands on the Diag. My friend, Abbey, smokes but I just stand up wind. I did raise a half-hearted objection the other day when my classmates were arguing that there should be no moral standards in what children have access to in libraries. Really, though, it isn't Sodom or anything around here, especially where I live. I'm sure the bars in the undergraduate areas are icky, but I don't really go there.
Tolerance is a beautiful thing. People can live together. Still, I think something can be said for Christian schools. Coexisting peacefully isn't the same thing as building your philosophy of the world together. For most people, their undergraduate education doesn't seem to have been as important in shaping their philosophy, and I wonder if it is because schools without an explicit worldview try to avoid the subject entirely.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Ha Ha
Em's sign, "Virgo," is even funnier--she's supposed to be orderly and detest squalor!!! And my ruling planet is Venus!!!
My Zodiac Sign
I never thought much about my Zodiac sign--I always felt guilty about reading the horoscope in the papers. But all the other people in my group project were talking about being Aries, so I was curious about what my Libra characteristics were and went to www.astrology-online.com/libra.htm to find out. I'm convinced--astrology is bunk! Read on.
"Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac, all the others representing either humans or animals. Many modern astrologers regard it as the most desirable of zodiacal types because it represents the zenith of the year, the high point of the seasons, when the harvest of all the hard work of the spring is reaped. There is a mellowness and sense of relaxation in the air as mankind enjoys the last of the summer sun and the fruits of his toil. Librans too are among the most civilized of the twelve zodiacal characters and are often good looking. They have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.
"They have good critical faculty and are able to stand back and look impartially at matters which call for an impartial judgment to be made on them. But they do not tolerate argument from anyone who challenges their opinions, for once they have reached a conclusion, its truth seems to them self-evident; and among their faults is an impatience of criticism and a greed for approval. But their characters are on the whole balanced, diplomatic and even tempered.
"Librans are sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift, sometimes to an almost psychic extent, of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with their own innate optimism - they are the kind of people of whom it is said, "They always make you feel better for having been with them." They are very social human beings. They loathe cruelty, viciousness and vulgarity and detest conflict between people, so they do their best to cooperate and compromise with everyone around them, and their ideal for their own circle and for society as a whole is unity.
"Their cast of mind is artistic rather than intellectual, though they are usually too moderate and well balanced to be avant garde in any artistic endeavor. They have good perception and observation and their critical ability, with which they are able to view their own efforts as well as those of others, gives their work integrity.
"In their personal relationships they show understanding of the other person's point of view, trying to resolve any differences by compromise, and are often willing to allow claims against themselves to be settled to their own disadvantage rather than spoil a relationship. They like the opposite sex to the extent of promiscuity sometimes, and may indulge in romanticism bordering on sentimentality. Their marriages, however, stand a good chance of success because they are frequently the union of "true minds". The Libran's continuing kindness toward his or her partner mollifies any hurt the latter may feel if the two have had a tiff. Nor can the Libran's spouse often complain that he or she is not understood, for the Libran is usually the most empathetic of all the zodiacal types and the most ready to tolerate the beloved's failings.
"The negative Libran character may show frivolity, flirtatiousness and shallowness. It can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, colorlessly conventional and timid, easygoing to the point of inertia, seldom angry when circumstances demand a show of annoyance at least; and yet Librans can shock everyone around them with sudden storms of rage. Their love of pleasure may lead them into extravagance; Libran men can degenerate into reckless gamblers, and Libran women extravagant, jealous and careless about money sometimes squander their wealth and talents in their overenthusiasm for causes which they espouse. Both sexes can become great gossipers. A characteristic of the type is an insatiable curiosity that tempts them to enquire into every social scandal in their circle.
"In their work the description "lazy Libra" which is sometimes given is actually more alliterative than true. Librans can be surprisingly energetic, though it is true that they dislike coarse, dirty work. Although some are modestly content, others are extremely ambitious. With their dislike of extremes they make good diplomats but perhaps poor party politicians, for they are moderate in their opinions and able to see other points of view. They can succeed as administrators, lawyers (they have a strong sense of justice, which cynics might say could handicap them in a legal career), antique dealers, civil servants and bankers, for they are trustworthy in handling other people's money. Some Librans are gifted in fashion designing or in devising new cosmetics; others may find success as artists, composers, critics, writers, interior decorators, welfare workers or valuers, and they have an ability in the management of all sorts of public entertainment. Some work philanthropically for humanity with great self-disciple and significant results. Libran financiers sometimes make good speculators, for they have the optimism and ability to recover from financial crashes.
"Possible Health Concerns...
"Libra governs the lumbar region, lower back and kidneys. Its subjects must beware of weaknesses in the back, and lumbago, and they are susceptible to troubles in the kidneys and bladder, especially gravel and stone. They need to avoid overindulgence in food and especially drink, for the latter can particularly harm the kidneys."
"Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac, all the others representing either humans or animals. Many modern astrologers regard it as the most desirable of zodiacal types because it represents the zenith of the year, the high point of the seasons, when the harvest of all the hard work of the spring is reaped. There is a mellowness and sense of relaxation in the air as mankind enjoys the last of the summer sun and the fruits of his toil. Librans too are among the most civilized of the twelve zodiacal characters and are often good looking. They have elegance, charm and good taste, are naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.
"They have good critical faculty and are able to stand back and look impartially at matters which call for an impartial judgment to be made on them. But they do not tolerate argument from anyone who challenges their opinions, for once they have reached a conclusion, its truth seems to them self-evident; and among their faults is an impatience of criticism and a greed for approval. But their characters are on the whole balanced, diplomatic and even tempered.
"Librans are sensitive to the needs of others and have the gift, sometimes to an almost psychic extent, of understanding the emotional needs of their companions and meeting them with their own innate optimism - they are the kind of people of whom it is said, "They always make you feel better for having been with them." They are very social human beings. They loathe cruelty, viciousness and vulgarity and detest conflict between people, so they do their best to cooperate and compromise with everyone around them, and their ideal for their own circle and for society as a whole is unity.
"Their cast of mind is artistic rather than intellectual, though they are usually too moderate and well balanced to be avant garde in any artistic endeavor. They have good perception and observation and their critical ability, with which they are able to view their own efforts as well as those of others, gives their work integrity.
"In their personal relationships they show understanding of the other person's point of view, trying to resolve any differences by compromise, and are often willing to allow claims against themselves to be settled to their own disadvantage rather than spoil a relationship. They like the opposite sex to the extent of promiscuity sometimes, and may indulge in romanticism bordering on sentimentality. Their marriages, however, stand a good chance of success because they are frequently the union of "true minds". The Libran's continuing kindness toward his or her partner mollifies any hurt the latter may feel if the two have had a tiff. Nor can the Libran's spouse often complain that he or she is not understood, for the Libran is usually the most empathetic of all the zodiacal types and the most ready to tolerate the beloved's failings.
"The negative Libran character may show frivolity, flirtatiousness and shallowness. It can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, colorlessly conventional and timid, easygoing to the point of inertia, seldom angry when circumstances demand a show of annoyance at least; and yet Librans can shock everyone around them with sudden storms of rage. Their love of pleasure may lead them into extravagance; Libran men can degenerate into reckless gamblers, and Libran women extravagant, jealous and careless about money sometimes squander their wealth and talents in their overenthusiasm for causes which they espouse. Both sexes can become great gossipers. A characteristic of the type is an insatiable curiosity that tempts them to enquire into every social scandal in their circle.
"In their work the description "lazy Libra" which is sometimes given is actually more alliterative than true. Librans can be surprisingly energetic, though it is true that they dislike coarse, dirty work. Although some are modestly content, others are extremely ambitious. With their dislike of extremes they make good diplomats but perhaps poor party politicians, for they are moderate in their opinions and able to see other points of view. They can succeed as administrators, lawyers (they have a strong sense of justice, which cynics might say could handicap them in a legal career), antique dealers, civil servants and bankers, for they are trustworthy in handling other people's money. Some Librans are gifted in fashion designing or in devising new cosmetics; others may find success as artists, composers, critics, writers, interior decorators, welfare workers or valuers, and they have an ability in the management of all sorts of public entertainment. Some work philanthropically for humanity with great self-disciple and significant results. Libran financiers sometimes make good speculators, for they have the optimism and ability to recover from financial crashes.
"Possible Health Concerns...
"Libra governs the lumbar region, lower back and kidneys. Its subjects must beware of weaknesses in the back, and lumbago, and they are susceptible to troubles in the kidneys and bladder, especially gravel and stone. They need to avoid overindulgence in food and especially drink, for the latter can particularly harm the kidneys."
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Actually...
I'm happy about something besides the weather. I got a job (well-paying actually!) at the herbarium. It is quiet, it has a parking lot, and 1.7 million dried vascular plants, lichen, fungi, etc.
In Honor of the Wonderfully Gloomy Cold Weekend
I’m only happy when it rains
I’m only happy when it’s complicated
And though I know you can’t appreciate it
I’m only happy when it rains
You know I love it when the news is bad
And why it feels so good to feel so sad
I’m only happy when it rains
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me...
I’m only happy when it rains
I feel good when things are going wrong
I only listen to the sad, sad songs
I’m only happy when it rains
I only smile in the dark
My only comfort is the night gone black
I didn’t accidentally tell you that
I’m only happy when it rains
You’ll get the message by the time I’m through
When I complain about me and you
I’m only happy when it rains
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down...
You can keep me company
As long as you don’t care
I’m only happy when it rains
You wanna hear about my new obsession?
I’m riding high upon a deep depression
I’m only happy when it rains
Pour some misery down on me ...
Garbage
I’m only happy when it’s complicated
And though I know you can’t appreciate it
I’m only happy when it rains
You know I love it when the news is bad
And why it feels so good to feel so sad
I’m only happy when it rains
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down on me...
I’m only happy when it rains
I feel good when things are going wrong
I only listen to the sad, sad songs
I’m only happy when it rains
I only smile in the dark
My only comfort is the night gone black
I didn’t accidentally tell you that
I’m only happy when it rains
You’ll get the message by the time I’m through
When I complain about me and you
I’m only happy when it rains
Pour your misery down, pour your misery down...
You can keep me company
As long as you don’t care
I’m only happy when it rains
You wanna hear about my new obsession?
I’m riding high upon a deep depression
I’m only happy when it rains
Pour some misery down on me ...
Garbage
Thursday, September 15, 2005
This Is My Pulse
Too mind-numbed to post anything substantive or funny. Here is another picture from Europe. It would be a little strange yet to be taking pictures of people here. I brought my old Schwinn bike up this week. It is at least 20 years old...rather an embarassment and it squeaks. I kind of caused an accident yesterday. I was innocently stopping at an intersection waiting for the light to change and a guy who was blocking the crosswalk backed up for me into another SUV. I felt badly about it the rest of the evening though it wasn't exactly my fault. I am combatting mild depression--there are places to go but no one to go with. One of my new friend fell on the stairs yesterday and broke her pelvis and tailbone, so she is out of commission for awhile. I was also quite embarassed today by one of my assignments--I was supposed to go and look things up in print encyclopedias--even World Book!!! Evidently I have to know how to use them because some Luddites still prefer them. Like Emily said, women are baskets of up-and-down emotions. Are guys really different, do you think?
Speaking of Europe, Avery was simply fascinated when I told him about Amsterdam and Venice, where the streets are made of water. I wish life were still that interesting. Was that rambl-y enough?
Monday, September 05, 2005
I'm Still Alive...Barely...
Whew! I just completed my move up to Ann Arbor. Orientation started last week so I got up at 6 a.m. for three days and drove an hour up to a commuter lot, where I caught the bus to campus. Orientation consisted mostly of meeting people, eating food, and going to meetings--most necessary of which was the tech orientation. We went on a scavenger hunt. That was...interesting. I was reminded that I walk much faster than most people. Classes start tomorrow with "Information Resources and Services," where I will actually be working on the Internet Public Library (ipl.org)! My other classes are "Use of Information" (group projects--ahh!!!), "Social Systems and Collections," and "Understanding Records & Archives."
In many ways Ann Arbor is so much better than PHC. There are two huge gyms, swimming pools, ice skating rinks, 14 libraries, free transportation, an arboreteum, a botanical gardens, many libraries, and a planetarium. The School is surrounded for six blocks by different ethnic restaurants.
In another way, I am afraid I will miss much of the comaraderie there was at PHC. People are friendly and smart, but they come from so many backgrounds and belief systems that I feel I must be guarded in what I say (huge challenge for me). Most of them have a different idea of fun than I do--I went to a bar the last evening with a student group and it was BORING! Plus I couldn't drink sangria 'cause I was driving home.... To my knowledge I haven't met one other Christian. I am going to look for a church up here. But, judging from the doctrinally-barren websites of the ones I have looked at, that might be a problem. I am seriously considering the Greek Orthodox church, but I'm sure I'd embarass myself if I just walked in.
I WILL soon write the deserved emails to my witty, talented, loyal, and fascinating correspodents whom I have been so remorsefully neglecting.
In many ways Ann Arbor is so much better than PHC. There are two huge gyms, swimming pools, ice skating rinks, 14 libraries, free transportation, an arboreteum, a botanical gardens, many libraries, and a planetarium. The School is surrounded for six blocks by different ethnic restaurants.
In another way, I am afraid I will miss much of the comaraderie there was at PHC. People are friendly and smart, but they come from so many backgrounds and belief systems that I feel I must be guarded in what I say (huge challenge for me). Most of them have a different idea of fun than I do--I went to a bar the last evening with a student group and it was BORING! Plus I couldn't drink sangria 'cause I was driving home.... To my knowledge I haven't met one other Christian. I am going to look for a church up here. But, judging from the doctrinally-barren websites of the ones I have looked at, that might be a problem. I am seriously considering the Greek Orthodox church, but I'm sure I'd embarass myself if I just walked in.
I WILL soon write the deserved emails to my witty, talented, loyal, and fascinating correspodents whom I have been so remorsefully neglecting.
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