Ricefield Collective: knitwear from the Philippines

photo via Ricefield Collective's Kickstarter campaign

I look forward to my weekly Projects We Love email from Kickstarter. It's always fun to see highlights from the wide range of projects that pop up. But a few weeks ago, one stopped me in my tracks: Ricefield Collective.

Overlooking rice terraces in the Philippines, Meredith Ramirez crafted a plan to combine knitting and tradition with local Filipina women. Together, they're creating a collection of knitwear inspired by the ascending lines of the mountains they call home.

Thanks to my Filipino heritage, this project pulled my heartstrings. Ifugao is not terribly far from the areas we toured while visiting my family in the Philippines a few years ago, where we saw people struggling to maintain their culture while navigating in a changing economy. The women in this knitting collective are desperate to make enough money for their families to stay on their ancestral farms. Growing up in Kansas, this too is a story I understand.

On top of the emotional draw to this project, the hats and scarves look amazing. I already had my eye out for a cute new winter hat, since my trusty go-to is beginning to look the worse for wear. What could be a more perfect replacement than a beautiful piece handcrafted by a Filipina, supporting her and her family as they carry on an important piece of Filipino heritage? I backed the project at the Spiral Slouchy level (photo below), after deliberating between all of the well-designed options.

photo via Ricefield Collective's Kickstarter campaign

The project is already fully funded, which means Ricefield Collective is getting the money needed to expand operations and help more women (and backers are guaranteed their rewards!). But they aren't done. They've created new gifts as motivation to reach a new goal: $85,000. This would allow them to create a permanent home base in Ifugao and employ even more women. They have one week to reach this goal, and still need another $18,600 to make it.

Today, on a cold and gloomy spring day in Boston, it seems like the perfect time to spread the word about something so warm and cozy. If you could use a stylish new hat and/or scarf next fall, make a difference with your purchase! Meredith, Jean, and the other members of Ricefield Collective will thank you.

hope and heartache

This past weekend, we headed up to Wichita to join Aunt Patti for Race for the Cure and watch Ren kicking at Bethel's first home game of the season.

We arrived Friday night in time to enjoy some dinner with Ren before heading to bed — we had to leave by 8 a.m. (i.e. 7 a.m. mountain time) for Race for the Cure. The three of us arrived at the mall bright and early while the guys slept in a little longer. After checking in, we wandered around, scored some free swag, and took photos with some wandering stormtroopers. It was so exciting to see so many people there (nearly 7,500 racing), raising money and awareness for breast cancer. There was so much information about risk factors and early detection, and with the money Susan G. Komen raised and continues to raise, hopefully the cure is one step closer.

The walk, our race, started at 9:15 a.m. When we arrived at the starting line, I couldn't believe how many people were walking.

After 5K, we finally arrived at the finish line.

addition: I just found out we made it on TV! If you watch close (we go fast), you can see us girls walking in the video clip here, and you can read the article here (we aren't quoted or anything, just if you're curious).

We made our way back to the stage and vendors, where the guys met us to visit more booths (including free Starbucks!). We picked up a little more free swag before heading to the Good Egg for lunch. My banana-coconut pancakes were fantastic but if I were to do it over, I would get a single pancake instead of two — they were massive!

I took a much needed power nap, and we all got decked out for Ren's night game against Kansas Wesleyan. Ian's cousin Alli made it to the game, and we got to meet Carson, our first cousin once-removed, for the first time.

Bethel played great — it's a tribute to the coaching staff and players that they were able to come back and play well after a heartbreaking loss in the last seconds at their game the previous weekend.

In the fourth quarter, Bethel was trailing KWU by six points. After recovering a fumble, they put together a solid drive to score, and Ren nailed a perfect point after to pull the team ahead with 15 seconds remaining in the game.

The defense did a fantastic job, and after two plays — an incomplete pass and a completed pass that fell short of a touchdown, the clock ran out and Bethel started running out on the field. KWU's coach started arguing with the referees, saying he called their final timeout with one second remaining. The refs conceded and put back one second on the clock.

As KWU ran their final play, their quarterback scrambled and finally launched a pass into a mass of players around the five-yard line. Bethel defense was doing its job, then one of the KWU players pushed off a defender to catch the pass. In the newspaper article the next day, the player admitted he pushed off, which should have incurred a penalty. After catching the ball, he looked to the refs, then seeing no flag ran in for a touchdown, making the final score 19-14, KWU.

I've never seen refs run off the field as fast as they did Saturday night. The Bethel crowd was in disbelief and angry at the series of events that ended the game. The refs allowed an additional play for KWU at the request of the KWU coach (perhaps correctly — I can't watch replays), then they missed a big offensive interference call that even the offending player acknowledged to the newspaper. Perhaps KWU would have managed to score after a penalty, but we'll never know.

It would be one thing to lose in a heartbreaker to a classy team after a tough and evenly matched game. What makes this loss hurt more is what we witnessed at the game: the lack of class shown by the Kansas Wesleyan coaching staff, players, and fans. Near the beginning of the game, a KWU player threw a very late hit, punching a Bethel player in the helmet. While they received a penalty, he was not ejected or pulled out by their coach — he continued to play. Fans shouted obscenities at the Bethel players as they headed to the locker room at halftime. After the game, a player chanted something along the lines of "you can't stop us" although the win leaves room for questions and was by no means a blowout.

I'm very thankful for the coaching staff at Bethel, knowing the character that Coach Moore instills in his players. To him, football is much more than winning or losing. As painful as the game was, I'm thankful for Bethel's integrity and class and I admire their resilience in the face of defeat. I wish them luck in their next game.

The Bachelor: After the Final Rejection

So you don't watch The Bachelor. That's okay, because these are my thoughts on the concept of love perpetuated by American culture. Actually, I've always thought The Bachelor was a ridiculous show, but it's great for girls' night!

As I watched this season with my wonderful girlfriends, I thought I'd have fun and write a post with a tough-love counseling approach to the most memorable Bachelor rejections. Then the finale aired. For non-watchers, Jason proposed to Melissa, then 6 weeks later dumped her on national television and asked Molly, runner up, to take him back. Keep in mind prior to this fiasco, none of the other bachelorettes thought he was a jerk and he had come across as an all-around good guy.

He's just following his heart.
Jason kept repeating how he tried to focus on his and Melissa's relationship, but "I can't control my head," and "you have to follow your heart." It sounds familiar. Our culture tells us we can't help falling in love (Elvis croons this), and you should follow your heart. The American dream romance is falling in love. We pursue and end relationships based on whether or not we're "in love."

So is Jason really a bad guy for the decisions he made (excluding his decision to break Melissa's heart on national television)? Isn't it considerate he broke up with Melissa as soon as he realized he wasn't "in love" with her? Following his heart sounds romantic, but excuses a broken promise to Melissa, a choice made while "following his heart." What if, later, "following his heart" means leaving or cheating on Molly?

C. S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity,

the most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one impulse of our own nature and set it up as the thing you ought to follow at all costs. Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing.

Jason chose to follow his heart above all else, leaving broken hearts and broken relationships in that pursuit. Being in love, while a good thing, isn't the be all and end all, so "you cannot make it the basis of a whole life."

I will always love you?
What the phrase "in love" means to our culture is falling and being in love, which naturally leads to commitments and promises — think Whitney Houston and "I will always love you," or Jason originally proposing to Melissa. Yet, Lewis points out, "being in love" is a feeling and if one promises to always "be in love," then "he might as well promise to never have a headache or always to feel hungry." Feelings don't last. Can we commit to a relationship because of something so inconstant as an emotion? Yet those emotions drive us to these promises.

What is love?
While "falling in love" inspires us to make big commitments, in American culture there is not point in remaining together after "falling OUT of love," except maybe "for the kids' sake." So what about that commitment? Melissa called Jason out on this: you chose Melissa, but you won't fight for Melissa. Lewis writes,

The promise, made when I am in love and because I am in love, to be true to the beloved as long as I live, commits one to being true even if I cease to be in love.

Are we doomed to choose between broken promises and loveless marriages? Not according to Lewis.

ceasing to be "in love" need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense — love as distinct from "being in love" is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both parents ask, and receive, from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself. They can retain this love even when each would easily, if they allowed themselves, be "in love" with someone else. "Being in love" first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.

We keep the promise, even when we aren't "feeling it" because we experience love in an infinitely deeper and richer sense. It's worth it. You move beyond the feeling and have new and exhilarating experiences with your beloved. The point of falling in love is to not always feel in love, but to move beyond it, just as the point of feeling hungry is to move us beyond it to nourishment.

I can't help falling in love with you.
But Jason fell in love with Molly. Staying with Melissa isn't fair to her if his heart is with Molly, right? True, but that's assuming he couldn't help but fall in love with Molly. Lewis also addresses this issue.

Another notion we get from novels and plays is that "falling in love" is something quite irresistible; something that just happens to one, like measles. And because they believe this, some married people throw up the sponge and give in when they find themselves attracted by a new acquaintance. ... When we meet someone beautiful and clever and sympathetic, of course we ought, in one sense, to admire and love these good qualities. But is it not very largely in our own choice whether this love shall, or shall not, turn into what we call "being in love?"

We allow ourselves to "fall in love" because our culture has trained our minds to do so, not because we have no choice. It was Jason's fault he fell in love with Molly because he let himself constantly think about her and indulged in his emotions toward her (of course the experience of the show encouraged this).

But who cares what C.S. Lewis wrote?
I realize I'm using arguments from a Christian book. However, I think most people long for a forever relationship. Molly, I'm sure, expects Jason to be true to her. Melissa was upset because, instead of fighting for their relationship, he broke his promise to be true to her. She wanted that ring to mean forever. Deanna, from the previous season, came back and her advice to Jason was "LEAD your heart." We long for love, but we don't know what love is.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. —1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is selfless and beautiful. I'm reminded again God's standards aren't to limit us, but to bring us fulfillment. I'm so thankful Ian and I have true love (even though we're imperfect), and I hope we can continue to share that with others.

I'm tired of you, Anonymous.

So the Phillies made the World Series. And everyone there is excited. It's enough to make me contemplate retracting my statement that I would never cheer for them, because their fans are jerk-faces who can't realize it's JUST a game. This is, of course, generally speaking from our experience, both as opposing-team fans at a Cubs vs. Phillies game, and as objective observers at two other Phillies games. At our first game, we were verbally attacked multiple times at the game and cussed at out car windows when we were walking dejectedly home, 30 minutes away from the stadium. At another game, we witnessed a crowd of teenagers cussing loudly and making lewd remarks (spurred by a 50-something woman who was completely intoxicated and flashed the crowd) in front of a large group of young children. Their fans are known to be horrible, although not as "passionate" as Eagles fans.

Despite all this I was making a slow transition until tonight, when I get a comment from "Anonymous" who says "get over yourself and go back to your state, we don't even want you in philly." (If you're such a proud Philadelphian and Phillies fan, why can't you take responsibility for your words?)

Thanks, we got that message at our first game, multiple times with multiple words I will not repeat. Obviously you didn't read the post to see the reasons for my position. I'm not thinking about myself. I'm thinking about the thousands of people you cannot behave decently towards because you can't get over yourself. You are only reinforcing my conclusion. I'm horrified at how you, to "support" your team, verbally attack anyone not wearing Phillies gear. I don't believe anything, sports, politics, religion, gives you an excuse to to treat another human being like dirt. How is that supporting a team? I can't bring myself to join a group of people who, collectively, act in this manner.

Having said that, I do know some great Phillies fans: friends from church, William (the homeless guy near our old apartment), and others. And for their sakes, and their sakes only, I will be happy if the Phillies win.

$40 million a week in political advertising.

I just read an article in the New York Times about how much money Obama and McCain are spending in advertising for their campaigns. Just this past week, Obama spent over $30 million, and McCain a little under $10 million, if I read the graph right. Both are spending lots in negative campaigns against their rivals. Obama has the money (his campaign is expected to announce they raised over $100 million in September) to put out both positive and negative ads, being his own "good cop bad cop" as the article states and blowing out McCain's ads.

Quite frankly, I'm baffled that in one month America donates, with the economy in crisis, such a large amount of money for a single politician, and I wonder if we care that much about other causes, like poverty, the millions of homeless people here, or the starving children in Africa. I hope so. Right now I'm disgusted with politics. Everyone is spending oodles of money attacking everyone else. What a waste.

A dose of CNN

I wrote this in June, and sat on it. But I reread it today while I was waiting for the bulletins to finish printing and thought I'd still post it. Two reasons: I feel smart because I called the recession, and I feel it is still relevant in terms of our current economy woes and the upcoming election.

While my family visited, I got a dose of The Road to the Presidency 2008 via CNN. One evening, there were four almost consecutive pieces that caught my attention.

1. A discussion of Obama and McCain's positions on rising gas prices and their solutions.
2. A legal firm that helps foreign workers obtain visas was audited for being too involved in their clients' hiring process, hurting middle-class Americans' job opportunities.
3. The rising cost of everything, from food to mortgages.
4. The controversy over Dr. Dobson criticizing Obama for his Biblical interpretations, versus Obama saying faith and morals should impact public policy.

These all connected in my mind. Hopefully my big ideas and revelations will make sense. And if I offend with my soapbox stands, I am unapologetic. Offenses are unintended, but I don't think my criticisms are undeserved. And keep in mind I am making generalizations — I'm analyzing our overall culture and realize there are exceptions, sometimes large ones, to the statements I make.

Our society has unrealistic and contradicting expectations and we refuse to take responsibility. We expect our government to fix things for us and make our lives better. The McCain camp and Obama camp spoke loudly over each other about how their candidate will fix things, and his opponent can't. But I don't see a big movement towards encouraging us to change our lifestyles to help with the problem. In fact, lifestyle changes due to lack of options (not driving because we literally can't afford the gas), are treated as an inconvenience, not a long-term solution. We just focus on how the government should fix the problem for us.

This thought continues into the story about American companies hiring foreign workers. The people interviewed said they want companies to do the "right" thing, not just the "legal" thing, inferring the companies hiring cheaper foreign labor have a moral obligation to hire US workers. However, our economy is all about making money. Companies have to pay higher wages to Americans, which would translate into smaller profits. Wouldn't that hurt our economy and drive prices up even more? So while you would have a job, it would cost you in other ways. Yes, I understand the frustration. But when it pays to (legally) hire foreign workers and we condition them to chase increased profits, can we blame them?

Moreover, companies propagate the condition by constantly tell us to spend our money so they can increase their profits. Promos for everything you "need" are everywhere, like a new giant flat screen HDTV or designer clothes. Spend, don't save. Who cares if it is on a high-interest credit card. People outrun their coverage, and get stuck when they have to start paying. Now, when situations drive up the cost of necessities like food, people are crunching to cover the bills.

I know that this isn't the case for everyone. But think about it. You pick your priorities. Do you spend money on more than basic food, protection from the elements, the cheapest way to work, basic clothing needs? I include myself in this. I don't mean spending money for enjoyment is wrong. We just need to be responsible and save for a rainy day so when things happen out of our control, we don't lose everything. Work for what you get, and spend only what you have.

I don't mean to say people's problems are small. I refuse to say if you are struggling right now, too bad, you are responsible, get over it. I empathize; and I think it shows our culture needs to reevaluate. Even the government assumes we will spend all the money we get — we received the economic stimulus payment to increase sales to help the economy. Our economy needs to constantly be growing. While I am not an economist, it seems inevitable it will eventually see a recession.

With the news constantly rehashing our woes and unintentionally highlighting the seeming futility of politics, you think I would feel depressed. But I don't. It reminds me while men fail, God doesn't. We can rely on him. I appreciate Obama saying faith does have a place in government: political positions based on religious beliefs shouldn't have to be checked at the door. That doesn't mean I'll blindly vote for him. I need to weigh his faith and positions against the truth I know. But I hope this gets people talking and thinking. I look at our problems and I know God has answers.

I think of what C.S. Lewis wrote about how we get polarized: Democrats and Republicans, for example, and not exclusively right or wrong. We focus too much on one area, and we lose other vital things. A real, wholly biblical community would scare the pants off everyone because it would be so radical — not in a violent political sense, but in a way that contradicts our society and is unlike anything we generally see today. Love, selflessness, giving up our wants for others' needs, responsibility, much more than I can summarize here. C.S. Lewis sounds much more intelligent than that, but I think that's the general idea. Read Mere Christianity for the whole picture. These ideas also connect with a few quotes from Velvet Elvis I thought would conclude this nicely, in regards to God's call for us in our society.

Ultimately our gift to the world around us is hope. Not blind hope that pretends everything is fine and refuses to acknowledge how things are. But the kind of hope that comes from staring pain and suffering right in the eyes and refusing to believe that this is all there is. ... It is in the flow of real life, in the places we live and move with the people we're on the journey with, that we are reminded it is God's world and we're going to be okay.

It is our turn to rediscover the beautiful, dangerous, compelling idea that a group of people, surrendered to God and to each other, really can change the world.

I will never cheer for the Phillies.

Random photo while sitting in Independence Mall: the outside of Ian's office building. They are on the top floor of that corner.

First off, a quick rundown of the week before the game. We got a baseball mitt for me and got to play catch, we watched the Final Four games with a big group of friends from church and got to meet new people, we got more wedding thank yous written, finished our taxes, I made my grandma's barbeque meatballs recipe (which is part of my concrete aspirations list, making the recipes from my mom), and I saw a man listening to rap music and smoking a bright blue hookah outside our building, right before I stepped into the crosswalk and was almost hit by an old man driving a black Lexus. Spring and warm weather are here!

Which brings me to our excitement last weekend: the Cubs/Phillies game. I'm going to criticize again. I promise I'm keeping up my thankful list, I'm not bipolar, and I'm not just a generally angry person. But Ian and I were very disappointed by our first Phillies game experience, and not just because the Cubs lost.

We were very much looking forward to the game.

We intended to cheer for the Cubs, of course, but thought we'd cheer for the Phillies in other games, since, after all, it is our city, even if only for a short time. We arrived, thought the stadium looked nice if a little generic, and got excited about seeing a Chickie & Pete's crab fries stand. After wandering around the concourse and consuming cheesesteaks, we meandered over to our seats. I was mildly pleased there was a decent handful of Cubs fans around us. The game started, and one of the Cubs fans in front of us, a rather rotund and jovial man most likely in his early 20s, started heckling the Phillies player in front of us (we were sitting behind right field, second row up. Yay StubHub!). This is fairly normal to happen both ways, and doesn't really bother me. What bothered me was what ensued the rest of the game. A good portion of the Phillies fans around us, even a dad with his young son, proceeded to make fun of this fan, mostly for his weight, even though half of them were as big as he was, and even though they were heckling Soriano (for the Cubs) a lot more than the Cubs fan was doing to their player. As we left the stadium, the group sitting behind us yelled "welcome to Philadelphia!" Yeah, thanks, you're over three months late with that one. Walking back from the subway station, other guys in a car yelled even nastier words at us that I cannot mention because I'm a lady. Ian and I have vowed to disassociate ourselves with Philadelphia sports teams, which is opposite of our original intentions. Phillies fans, you lost two potentials because you don't know how to be good sports.

I understand that fans get competitive, but do you really have to make fun of fans personal appearances to make yourself feel better, especially when your team is winning? And might I point out, the fans didn't win the game, the players did. You can share in their joy, but trust me, your not-so-skillful yelling techniques did not help score a run or cause an error for the other team. Just because your team beat our team, it doesn't make you better than us. I don't appreciate fans like that.

this is me irritated at the fans. Well, not really. Ian just likes taking funny pictures of me.

Positive notes about the game. One of the security ladies down our stairs was really nice, and a good baseball nut — she knew who Harry Caray was and lots of obscure baseball facts, and we got a baseball during the Cubs batting practice.

Another note, why is the Phillie Phantatic green?

image from Matt Watts on Flickr

Their colors are red and blue. And he is scary. He looks like the pot-bellied, estranged alcoholic green cousin of Big Bird with an inverted beak. Their little skit in the middle of the game pitted the Phanatic against Darth Vader who, gasp, is a Cubs fan. They had a light saber duel with storm troopers cheering on, and to defeat Darth, the Phanatic had to distract him to actually land a hit on his helmet. He concluded by stomping on Darth's Cubs hat. It was pretty lame. And why is it okay for the Phanatic to dance around on top of the opposing team's dugout and jiggle his fatness during the inning, serving as a very possible distraction to the opposing team's pitcher? Is that legal?

Anyway. Three other quick things, because I want to share pictures.

First, the Sunday after the game, we used Philly Car Share for the first time (got a mini cooper!), so we could go to Crate & Barrel and get our silverware, etc. And we drove around and saw Bryn Mawr and Villanova. Unfortunately , I got carsick (perhaps because it's been so long since I've ridden in one?), so we stopped on the Schuylkill and wandered around the cherry trees. Fun photos!

Second, the LOVE Park fountain was on this past Wednesday for the first time this spring. And the water was green for some event. It looked radioactive.

Third, the plumeria are growing!

Well, this is superbly long, and I want lunch. Have a lovely day!

to "redneck" who reads random blogs at 2 a.m.

This is going to be quite different than my thankful list or my concrete aspirations list (3 posts in a week, I think this is a record!), but I received this comment last night to a post I made in June 2005.

I happen to be a country boy and the sexy women around here like the starched wranglers because it shows what you have in the frony and back. They think horse riding, mud ridin, and lawnmower pulls are the best things to do. I take pride in the rebel flag, boots, starched wranglers, and cowboy hats. They also think spittin tobacco and smoking cowboy killers (marbolo reds) shows you are a man — redneck

Now, redneck, I'm not sure how you found my blog, or why you decided to read a 2-year-old post. But I do want to reply, in the event you regularly read my blog. Even if you don't, I feel the need to vindicate myself, because, quite frankly, you've irritated me. Not because you have several typos and I am an English major, or because you revel in the cowboy culture and I don't. It is your right to love all things cowboy. But it is also my right, as a gal who grew up in the Midwest and loves Kansas, to hate this subculture.

First off, while I did voice my distaste for starched jeans, my main complaint was the fact that, as part of my job, I had to slave for 8 hours every day turning these pants into cardboard, which I found ridiculous and sometimes even painful.

Second off, I don't like people assuming I love country music and cowboys just because I am from Kansas, or perhaps assuming I don't find it attractive because I am not currently living in the Midwest. Just because people in a region fit a stereotype, it doesn't mean it is true for everyone. Not all "sexy women around here" (wherever "here" is) melt for cowboys — this coming from myself (although I refrain from categorizing myself as "sexy"), who has grown up around this culture. I don't want to see "what you have in the frony and back." (What is your frony anyway... okay, just had to). I grew up going to the county fair every year, and while I enjoy these activities for the week, I don't think they are the epitome of a good time. I enjoy Jane Austen, classical music, hard rock, oldies, dragging main, and visiting my grandparents' farm. I don't personally find the classical cowboy look to be appealing. I like my husband much better. And I absolutely detest "spittin' tobacco" (you forgot your apostrophes, by the way, which you need when you drop letters) and smoking in general, not just in cowboys. Unhealthy, revolting, and decidedly not the definition of a man. And I know lots of other women who are surrounded by cowboys as well and would agree with this. A man is a good leader, responsible, a gentleman, takes care of what he needs to (family, friends, other responsibilities), remains loyal, stands up for what he should, loves well (love, in this instance, not referring to sex or "what he has in frony"), admits when he is wrong and works to correct his mistakes and learn from them... and much more. A cowboy can be a man on equal footing with a classical violinist on equal footing with a punk rocker. "Clothes don't make the man" as the cliche goes. Neither does anything you mentioned in your comment. Whether or not you are a man goes much deeper — to your character. It is not in wearing too-tight jeans or using tobacco products.

So from a technically-country gal to a "country boy," you enjoy what you do, I reserve my right to dislike and avoid it, despite my roots. And I find your definition of manhood quite shallow.

Apartments, invitations, politics, and fake love

I've been meaning to blog all week, but haven't gotten around to it until now... so... this may seem like a random collection... it's basically my thoughts and events this week.

First, apartments. Ian's been looking for apartments in Philly for us, and he found one that seems very promising! It's called The Cosmopolitan. Flexible lease lengths, good location, safe, and, in our price range (he called and it's cheaper than listed on the site), all things considered (location means less gas, washer/dryer means less travel and less laundromat, etc. etc. etc.). No definites yet, but its pretty exciting! We'll see how it pans out.

Second, invitations. We got the invites printed at Copy Kats, after a week of issues with the files printing funny and lots of tweaking, they still got them finished when they said they would! And with the help of some of my lovely bridesmaids, they are addressed, sealed, labeled, and stamped, ready to go. It's so crazy to think we're at this point in everything... 68 days away, sending out invites, getting ready for dress fittings, the bridesmaid dresses should be in in a couple of weeks... We're both so excited though!

Third, politics. I just have to say, I'm incredibly saddened by Sam Brownback leaving the presidential race. I admire him — he lives and votes his values, and I agree with the ones that I care about... human rights, Africa, abortion. I think he would have made a solid president... We'll see where his political career takes him, but I hope he is able to continue effecting change in big ways. I wish we had more politicians that cared about people and making a difference. I'll have to do some serious research and evaluation to pick a candidate now... Hard to find someone that fits what I care about... I've realized I'm a blend of many parties. Although Jonas informed me in the newsroom last year he thinks I fit the Libertarian party (mainly because I said people should be more responsible for themselves, like saving for retirement, instead of spending so much extra money to have the government do it for them, and this is just one example...) ... and then my core issues also fit into Republican (moral conservatism, a.k.a. my views on marriage and abortion), Democratic (social justice, for example, although I think this is more personal — everyone should care about others because Jesus told us to, instead of government-mandated [so this doesn't exactly clash with my personal-responsibility ideas]... but in our fallen world, that doesn't happen), and Green (I believe God wants us to be responsible and take care of the environment, not just roll over it because "He made it for us to use" although I refrain from the whole don't-pick-fruit-because-it-hurts-trees extremism) parties, and I don't even think my issues fit together realistically. Ahhh, so complicated.

Fourth, fake love. I've been watching The Bachelor this season with Meg. It's great bonding... and great comedy entertainment. People think they're actually going to find true love in 6 weeks when a guy has millions of dollars and event planners for their dates... seriously. The people on the show make comments like "it's surreal" ... which nails why the relationship crashes with reality. But this time around, I realized it's tragic. They are looking for fulfillment in another person, and they won't find it, not really. They think they know what they want, but it's not what they need. God is the only one who can completely fill that void and give our lives meaning and fulfillment. A special someone is just icing on the cake. Not to take away from true love, obviously, it's huge and so amazing (yet so hard at the same time and worth everything!). I will also semi-connect this to a commercial Ian and I saw the other day for some car, talking about how society forces instant gratification on us, and then when we aren't happy we do something new. One example was a spouse, and if you stop being happy, you divorce. "What happened to commitment and standing by our decisions" it cried. Of course, this was to tout the car's extended mile warranty. But I admire it — a company who stands by the product in the long run.... and the message stuck with me. People think they should perpetually be "happy" and drop something as soon as the rush is gone. The Bachelor would definitely provide a huge infatuation high and immediate perceived happiness, but relationships (I include friendships in this too), ones that matter, ones that last, take hard work and time. They are infinitely more rewarding, as is anything you spend time, energy, and money on. On the whole, America has lost that, I think... work ethic, commitment, honesty, patience... But I hope and pray that those of us who realize this take the time to pass it on, and let it reflect in our lives. God has a higher purpose for us, and a much deeper joy, when we are who we ought to be, instead of just self-satisfaction junkies. And this really came out rather jumbled, all just to say, life can be better, it is supposed to be better, and I hope that God can use me to share that with others.

I'll conclude by saying I enjoy the new show "Pushing Daisies." Quirky, a little morbid, funny, Seussian (according to Steven, and I agree), but delightful.

another night in the newsroom

So I'm sitting at the sports desk, waiting for pages to read/t-copy and watching Star Trek with William Shatner while reading my homework and discussing, on and off, passive voice. In journalism, passive voice is unacceptable, apparently in any context.

Passive voice, generally, in fiction, is good to avoid. You want to show, not tell, and passive voice hinders that. However, we discussed in class, it's acceptable when making a character feel not in control. For example, If Jack is frustrated at the way Jill is planning their weekend, you could write, "plans were made" to give the reader that same sense of feeling others are acting on you.

In journalism though, I can't write "Billy was trampled by the bull." I have to say "the bull trampled Billy." Even though I think that Billy should be the main focus. And the article is not about the accident. It's about how a rodeo is in memoriam of him. So I don't think the accident should be jumping out at the reader. *sigh* I understand, but it's going to take some getting used to. Journalism rules, unlike English rules, generally aren't made to be broken. And, as most of your aren't English majors, I'm sure you've quit reading by now. But I just feel I need to share how complicated paper-making is. Everyone complains about all the problems and errors, but seriously, it's tough.

On another note, a weird she/he person passed out/died on Star Trek, and his temple had a red glowing dot that appeared, then quickly disappeared. And there's a lady in a shiny dress. But I don't know what the heck it's about. But hey it's got Spock!

Well, I'm going to get back to reading about film adaptations. Oh, and Trading Spouses is an evil show. Don't watch it.

Anna's first Collegian night shift

Ahh... 10:30 and things are going well, I think. T copied a couple pages already, I'm still awake, a bonus. I really do enjoy working at the Collegian. The people are fun and interesting, and discussions always pop up about weird topics. Everyone has an opinion of course, it is a newspaper, but people respect each other (for the most part) when opinions differ.

Tonight however, has united the newsroom occupants against Cyndi Waite, a writer for the Daily Nebraskan (chalk up another reason NU is evil). If you'd like to read her article — I'm fair and won't criticize someone without providing a way for her ridiculous opinion to have a slight glimpse of sun — check it out here: Waite birth control article. Waite basically argues against the government's decisions that ultimately result in an increase in the cost of birth control, because, apparently, consequence-free sex is a right.

It's preposterous! No matter what your moral position on sex outside of marriage (which I feel strongly about, but won't argue about here), I don't understand how you can justify this belief. I mean, do I have a right to drink fancy coffee every day? Should daily coffee be subsidized by the government so my beloved iced raspberry hazelnut latte is a mere 99 cents? Should the government pay for me to enjoy something? Seriously.

Sex without "consequences" — because apparently life, when it is not your own, is a nuisance — is ridiculous. One, there are several other risks created by the kind of sexual behavior Waite refers to — STDs for example. Two, there are consequences for ALL of our actions, period, and our decisions should factor in those consequences. I don't have a parking permit for campus. The ticket price went up and I can't afford to pay $50 to park in the O lot. I can't handle the consequences, so I don't take the risk. If I can't afford birth control and I can't afford a kid, I don't have sex. It's that simple.

Sex without "consequences" merely means sex for pleasure. Should the government be required to cover the cost of enjoyment? No. We have the right to PURSUE happiness. The government doesn't provide it. Nor should we expect the government to eliminate any and all consequences of our actions in the pursuit of self-satisfaction. There are more important things for the government to take care of. Waite should consider thinking of others, and instead of wasting that $38 on her vagina and fleeting pleasure, perhaps she could use that money to cover the cost of living for an orphan in Africa for a year. Something that really matters.

i hate wranglers

This is amazing. Its summer, I'm working, and I'm posting twice in one week! Mainly for the fact that I need to vent again. Not about the girls who occupied our house previously and couldn't clean up after themselves or their cat, but about wranglers, and more specifically, starched wranglers.

Now, I've never been particularly fond of cowboys and their two-sizes-too small jeans. (or anything country for that matter. like overplayed country songs. and you thought boulevard of broken dreams was hell, huh, Ian. but I'm getting off subject...) I don't understand how anyone in their right mind can find a cowboy attractive. I understand the purpose of the clothing for more functional reasons... but the appearance is one I personally find revolting. But to each his own, I suppose. My problems comes when said cowboys bring in umpteen pairs of jeans, and want them heavily starched and pressed. Honestly, how can they be comfortable like that? When you literally have to jump into your slacks, I think there are some serious mental issues there. Perhaps they've been with the cows just a little too long. At any rate, these jeans require a lot of work. First the starching, then the hang drying, then taking these boards, I mean pants, spraying them down with a mist until you can slightly manipulate the fabric, then pressing around the tops. That's the easy part. Then you have to spray down the legs. First one,then somehow wrestle with the leg until you get it lined up correctly (virtually impossible with the starch), then you press the front half of the leg, and leave it sitting for a good 10 minutes to dry. Then you press the back side of the leg. Then you repeat with the other leg. And not only do you have to worry about fighting the solid fabric, but wrangler's had this fabulous idea. "lets put metal bits everywhere on the tops of these jeans." For reinforcement, right? Nope. They wanted to brand their logo into the hands of every person who presses them. I've come close, but fortunately have managed to escape... so far. And not only is the metal hot, but the fabric is hot too, when its straight off the sizzling griddle, i mean press. Then you hang the jeans. Which really isn't an appropriate term. they kind of arch over the hanger, and the pants feel like cardboard. Then you start all over again on another pair.

Now, I really do like my job. The people are great, and I don't mind the laundry and pressing in general. I just take issue doing something that takes forever and seems to serve no point other than to torture the wearer of the jeans... really, and they PAY for it! Alas, it is something we must do. As for all the starched jean wearers out there, I have nothing but ill will, and wishes that your chicken is raw... wow, I need to stop listening to those country songs... *sigh*

on a final note, don't forget to check out the one campaign!

hollywood's newest trend: making babies

I hope that I am not the only one disturbed by the snippets of fact and gossip that is currently flurrying around Hollywood. It started last year with Britney Spear's public announcement of her desire to be a mother. After marrying a bum who's name eludes me at the moment... feder something... I shall call him fedora... speculation began about who would be the next starlet to produce offspring. Focus on Jessica Simpson began (although I bet this is dying down with rumors of her and Nick's breakup). But now, apparently it is Heath Ledger and his new girlfriend, who is best known for her role as the bad girl on Dawson's Creek (one of the many shows I never watched). If you want more info on this new development, click here. And I would not be surprised if this trend continues.

Now that you have background, I shall commence my tirade. (And no, I don't generally keep up with Hollywood... all this information is garnered from standing in line to Wal-mart during visits, and clippits that I hear from other people... its really hard to NOT know info like this, especially as a female, and in a female dorm) WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE THINKING! Perhaps Britney and Fedora won't be the absolute worst parents in the world, but in my opinion, they aren't the type of people I consider to be even remotely fit to raise a child. And Heath and whatsherface? I guess, from my impression of what I see of them, I don't understand how they would be mature enough to carry the responsibility of raising a child. My sympathies are with these children. They are doomed for a lifetime of therapy. Living in Hollywood is difficult and vapid enough, but to be completely submerged in it from birth, with pop star parents who carry around a froo-froo dog and treat it like a kid, and spend ridiculous amounts of money on trivial things, and are in this constant social whirlwind, there is no way you can maintain even a sense of normalcy for these children, who are going to have ridiculous expectations of how life will be, and will constantly be disappointed. Its difficult enough for seasoned Hollywood-ites to raise a child... I honestly think that its just the new thing to do. While on spring break in LA, K-Lub made the statement that Californians in general, just jump on the bandwagon of trends, instead of being practical. Such as the movement to buy bikes like those out for rent on the beach, instead of a more sensible bike. Just because its the new trend. I have a feeling that this is potentially the case when it comes to the stars having kids, mixed in with a severe case of keeping up with the Jones. Maybe some of them honestly want a kid (say for example, Britney and hat), but no matter the reason, I still pity the poor, innocent kids.

May God have mercy on their souls.

that window and siding company is ruining my summer.

As the title states, that window and siding company is ruining my summer. "What window and siding company?" you may ask. Well, I shall tell you.

It all started this past November, when my parents decided to finally shell out to have our house sided, and new windows installed. Six months later, my parents are being swept into a fun legal battle, because the company, quite frankly, did a pathetic job, which could mess up things in our house, cost us a lot more in heating and air conditioning costs, and make replacements for these new things come a lot sooner. So my parents, unsatisfied with the job, didn't pay, because they wanted to get everything fixed first (just like the Kansas Attorney General states... satisfaction with the job, THEN payment). But then the owner gets mad and claims my parents are just trying to get out of it, which is very not true. Honestly, is it too much to ask for a job well done, especially when it's as expensive as this sort of thing? And they won't own up to the fact that they messed up. So my parents have to pay for a lawyer, and all the costs that go along with trying to get this thing all figured out, which isn't free by any means. And there could be hearings, and a trial, its insane. So, if you're going to have windows or siding put in, talk to my family before you select the company.

"Okay, yeah, that's super annoying, but how does that relate at all to your summer?" you are probably now wondering. Well, I shall tell you.

The costs that this legal proceeding is consuming, on top of paying for a new car to replace the dying nova and insurance with Nathan as a driver, means that the wonderful Orlando vacation that my entire family has been hoping and looking forward to since last summer is probably not going to happen. Also made more unlikely because we will have to be around for potential hearings and trial. And my parents are going to be busy with all this stuff, so enjoying my last summer at home with my family is not going to be the easiest thing in the world. All this on top of the fact that I may be certifiable by the end of the summer for many other reasons: possible lack of a job, Brit and Linds staying here, Ian busy at home, and most of my hometown friends being in various parts of the country, or the world for awesome summer missions trips and such... it all means that I will probably fall into a permanent vegetative state over the summer. Not good when classes come around again. I was counting on fun family times, and that vacation, to keep my sanity. So now I don't know what I'm doing for the summer... I could still go home, try and get a job nearby, and just work all the time so I don't have time to think about everything, or I could stay here and do the same thing. Or perhaps I shall move to South America and live at one with the monkeys in the treetops. I'm starting to stress out about this, which is not good. And I'm miserable because allergens here right now are horribly high, and I'm suffering severely. But Brit was a doll and went therapy shopping with me, and an outfit later, I'm a little better. Anyhoo, now that I've vented (I'm still steamed at that company though), I do feel even more better. So I think I'll try and get something accomplished.

Have a better day than me, and beware those siding and window people.

Procrastination and Sexed Up TV

So today's been a pretty good day. Getting up for class was a bit difficult, but well worth it, because when I got to my first class, I found out that I got a wonderful present, our teacher is giving us Friday off, AND a homework postponement because "you should have to do any homework over spring break!" French wasn't too terribly bad... but that's skipping over Earth in Action. We discussed about meanders, oxbow lakes, natural levees, and learned a valuable lesson... "Head to high ground when the dam breakage sirens go off." "but we'll talk about that in a second, okay, the second's up." Ahhh, isn't Radioactive Bob fun! And Anna is lucky and got to run errands for her scholarship application, AND work on a take home test for 2 hours, and she isn't even halfway done. whoohoo for school... but she is taking a break now (code name for procrastinating), because she is stressed... you can tell because she's talking in third person. Okay, not really, she just likes third person. And watching LOST, where two people are swimming to the bottom of the lake and swiping loot from the creepy submerged dead people.

This television watching I just mentioned, in combination with Lindsey's post yesterday, has prodded me into pulling out my soapbox once again. I shall refer to the problem as sexed up tv. This evening's encounter began the moment I turned on the TV to program the VCR to record my usual Wednesday night programming. But that was to be expected, after all, ET is all about Hollywood, which is sexed up anyway. I didn't begin to get riled up until I saw the Victoria's Secret commercial. at seven. SEVEN. The time when little kiddies are still up and can see the TV. This was followed by a chick on LOST sunbathing in a string bikini... then a little less when she decided against tan lines on her back, followed by an extended conversation with someone while sitting up, and covering what was necessary with a towel. This was followed by a Burger King commercial (BURGER KING!!) for the "tender crispy bacon cheddar ranch" burger, complete with scantily clad cowgirls seductively singing and eating the sandwich. This was followed by a commercial for the new show "Grey's Anatomy" which had a ridiculous amount of references to sex for just a 30 second commercial. I could go on, but I don't think I need to. It's pathetic, and scary. The next thing you know, these images will be incorporated into Sesame Street and Saturday morning cartoons. And its not just kids that are affected. This severely messes with a girl's self confidence, and puts expectations into a guy's mind. From skanky girls on campus, to tv, to music, to movies... when will America finally get rid of its trash?

The insane-ness of the week and St. Patrick

Its been exactly one week (give or take an hour) since my last post, and I feel like a complete slacker. But then I realized that honestly, not that many people, if any, really read this on a regular basis, if at all, so my posting indiscretion has probably gone unnoticed... and there is a high probability that I could post a ranting on *insert strangest thing you can think of* and no one would ever know. After pondering this depressing realization for a while, I decided that I still get personal satisfaction from churning out lengthy, irrational strings of words, and so I shall commence my overview of this past week.

Honestly, its been insane... I said my last weekend was one of my busiest weekends in recent memory, and this past week and most recent weekend have been equally crazy. But through it all, God has really shown me His grace, love, and support. I am so amazed at the way He has met every single need I have had in the most perfect way possible, and I am so thankful! God is good! And also because of the insane-ness, I now have another reason to look forward to spring break... not only will I be in sunny Southern California, with awesome friends, and get to do really fun things, but I can sleep on the plane! whoohoo!

So what is the insane-ness to which I have referred?

The beginning of the week started out in one of the strangest ways imaginable. I woke up Monday morning and groggily traversed the short distance to the bathroom, toothbrush in hand, to be greeted by the sight of a uniformed officer and the complex director standing in the hallway. Needless to say, I was a little weirded out. As the week progressed, we learned there was an "incident" in my wing, which involved a non-resident of the hall entering the building and someone's room, and said intruder being discovered by one of the room's occupants. No further information could be revealed, due to the fact that it is an ongoing investigation, as well as various privacy issues. Rumor has it though, that it was a pantie raid gone awry.

Which brings me to Thursday, THE PRAGUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA! whoohoo! Ian and I got all dressed up, and Craig and Vanessa played mom and dad and took pictures for us (when I finally get all my pictures developed, they will most definitely be up on my website). We went to Sonic for supper, where were were questioned "so, is there a prom going on or something?" And after a delectable meal, went to McCain, and it was amazing... *sigh of contentment* And afterwards, we went to Radina's, where we were complimented on how nice we looked, and I was nearly killed by a vicious cup of chai that attacked my lungs... charges against the chai pending investigation. I would definitely say that this evening was one of the high points in my life to date. Plus, I got to show off my excellent job on my hair to Britni, and we girltalked, while I intermittently sniffed Ian's wonderful smelling jacket.

Friday involved a nasty Earth in Action test (and we found out our grades today, and I say Andrew stinks, but he is SO my new geology tutor), and plenty of sleep before a fun dodgeball tournament. And I have a great admiration for the sport now. I think every single person that played was sore for at least two days. Who woulda thunk? And The Manchurian Candidate is a good movie, and Brit and I girltalked again, and watched American Outlaws, and cuddled... *teehee*

Saturday was shopping day, and Britni and I really went to town... but its justifiable, it's for spring break, and it was all on sale. We concluded the afternoon with a celebratory cup of coldstone cake batter ice cream with cookie dough bits, and then got into Brit's car to head back. While still in Aggieville (which, before 6 pm, was filled with a plethora of drunks, all wearing green, due to the St. Patrick's Day festivities... I shall continue this thought in a few moments) something went seriously wrong with her car, and JB came to the rescue and put back the belt that fell off. We drove happily off, only to hear a wicked ka-CHUNK-chunk-chunk a few blocks down 11th (it was definitely a God thing that Brit drove straight down 11th instead of turning onto much-busier Bluemont). We pulled over and called JB again... this time, a part had actually fallen out of the car and into the middle of the street! I ran back and got it (JB said it was the funniest thing to see me running with the part on a stick, since it was too toasty to hold). It was FUN. Gotta love crazy car stories.

place in car missing part

JB holding part missing from car

But back to St. Patrick (since no one reads this anyway, I can make it as long as I want. There's a silver lining to everything!). As part of the town's St. Patrick's Day celebration, the bars opened at 6am, or so I heard, and as of around 6pm, just about everyone you saw in Aggieville between the ages of 18 and 50 were pretty plastered. Now, I enjoy watching a funny drunk as much as the next sober person, but I began to think on this. Universally, or at least United States-ally, St. Patrick's Day has turned into a giant drinking fest, due to the stereotype of the Irish in regards to drinking. But this greatly sads me, knowing who St. Patrick was. Any quick google search will reveal that he was an amazing man of faith and was used by God to show the Irish people the truth, and that their faith in Druidism was wrong. And he was willing to go back to Ireland, even though he was violently ripped away from his family and cushy life by Irish mauraders and sold into slavery there, all at the young age of sixteen. Now, I don't know about you, but after this less than friendly treatment, I wouldn't be jumping at the chance to really love on these people, but Patrick did, and God used him in great ways to reach the Irish for Him. With this thought, it is completely appalling to me that anyone would celebrate this man's life by going out, partying, and getting trashed, which coincidentally, is often part of celebrations of the pagan sort. And taking after T (although this is definitely not nearly as good as any of his posts) I decided to use illustrations of saints! I don't think that he (he referring back to St. Patrick, not T, in this particular instance) really looks like the sort of person you want to infuriate by desecrating his special day...

image from Samurai Appliance Repair Man on Flickr

So anyhoo, kudos to you if you've managed to pay attention enough to catch even half of this enormous post... actually, kudos to you if you even bothered to scroll down this far! I hope you all have a wonderful day/week, and God bless!