I would like to spend some time chatting about something very close to me. I spend a lot of time doing it and it has become an integral and necessary part of my everyday life: procrastination. Procrastination has been a part of my life for about as long as I can remember, but never so much as since I've been in college. Holy Crap, I procrastinate like none other! Today I had to pee and I actually procrastinated it for two hours! Currently, I am procrastinating studying for a test (tomorrow) and doing a project (due tomorrow). Anyway, generally when I have procrastinated in the past it has included the old standbys of procrastination: Facebook, Stumble Upon, My Life is Average, FML, Watching old episodes of Glee, and maybe the occasional game of The Sims for iPhone. But recently, my procrastination has developed a new avenue: online shopping.
Being on campus and having no car has lead to an extreme decline in the amount of shopping I participate in in the real world. First semester, this didn't really lead to much online shopping because I had no money at all. However, this semester I have a little remaining cash from J-term, when I worked full time. SO, I have been spending a ridiculous amount of time online at Macy's, Delia's, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Alloy, Dillards, and Modcloth. I will note that this is also a seasonal shift, as I love to shop in the springtime, when it is becoming cute clothing weather. The thing is that even though I have some money, I was going to try and save some of it. So not only am I wasting my time, but I really shouldn't be buying anything. Last week I got two skirts, a shirt, a pair of shoes, a hair pin and two pairs of earrings. Damn!
My new pastime is insanely fun and entertaining. I love daydreaming about outfits. I love finding new things that are insanely cute. I LOVE finding deals and getting free shipping. But, this is a dangerous activity. I can get lost for hours in the pages of dresses at Macy's. And I can certainly stare at ModCloth's Jewelry for days. So I have decided to use my online shopping addiction to my advantage. I set up a chart, and for every accomplishment on the chart (an A on my History Paper, for example), I get something I found online (elephant necklace!!). If I get straight A's, I get a Coach bag. I love how smart I am. And making that chart didn't waste any time at all. :)
What are your procrastination-addictions?
-Darcy
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Personal Thoughts on Respect and Hate
I want this post to focus on respect. Respecting your family, your friends, your neighbors, those you don’t get along with, those you dislike, your professors, that random person you pass on the sidewalk, those of higher authority and those of lower social standing then you consider yourself to be. Respecting everyone. And I want you to think about how you develop that respect (or perhaps even other feelings) for them.
I think that the social configuration of this campus, as well of current society in general, is ridiculously complicated. I think there is a lot of “hate” being passed around, and some people think it’s cool to “hate on” others. For example, let’s say, hypothetically, that you told me “I hate Justin Bieber.” What are you actually saying? Are you saying that you disapprove of his lifestyle? Or maybe you don’t appreciate his vocal or dancing skills? Is it an insinuation that you want me to think you’ve actually MET Justin Bieber, and have thus come to the conclusion that he is a bad person? Take your pick, because I honestly don’t know the answer. In all likelihood, you have probably not actually met The Biebster. You do not know him personally; all you know about him is what the media has told you. Is this really the best way to judge someone?
While I think it is completely right and acceptable to have opinions about people, I think they should be based on true fact and personal experience. These confines DO NOT include crap the media mentions. (When I speak of media, I do not mean legitimate news sources such as CNN, NPR, etc.) The thoughts and opinions you formulate should be (almost) completely of your own deduction (I say almost because you will, without a doubt, be influenced by others’ opinions, whether you think you are or not.). Unfortunately, it is not the good thoughts and feelings about people I am talking about today; it is the negative ones.
You know there are people you don’t especially like or don’t get along with. Please do not say that you hate them. Hate is such a strong word, and has too many connotations that go along with it. (Without elaborating excessively on the topic of connotations that go along with the word ‘hate,’ I will just say it creates a type of ambiguity when it comes to defining its meaning.) Which brings me back to the Justin Bieber idea. Do you really “hate” him? Or do you just dislike his singing? Because if you just dislike his singing, I completely respect that opinion. You have based it off of something legitimate which you have personally judged. The logic makes sense. This legitimate “dislike of Justin Bieber’s singing” that you harbor does not mean that you hate him. This is good; hate is the last thing anybody needs directed toward them. Instead, everyone should get respect directed toward them.
Yes, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to you. It is my personal belief that even if you dislike a person, their lifestyle, or their actions, that you should still have respect for them as fellow Homo sapiens. Respect includes, but is by no means limited to: not badmouthing (aka making fun of, saying bad things about, spreading rumors, etc.) them behind their back, not badmouthing them to their face (however, respectful discourse is permitted and even encouraged in these cases), listening to their thoughts and logic, not abusing them or their belongings in a malicious manner, and a large assortment of other disrespectful actions. You ARE entitled to your opinion about everything and everyone (as long as it is logical…), but please do not include disrespect or outright hate in your opinions unless it stems from an ordered and consistent source. If you’re going to think something bad about a person, then think it! Please don’t feel the need to share your hurtful thoughts with others—in most cases, doing so would help no one (except for if you are psychologically imbalanced—like a murderer or something, in which case you probably have much larger problems to take care of and you SHOULD go talk to someone about your feelings). I believe the old adage holds true; “If you’re not going to say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” Again, I want to clarify that this does not hold true for debates and things of the like, because without disagreement, the world would be a boring place. If you are going to disagree with someone, please do it respectfully. If you dislike someone, please do it respectfully.
[On a side note, I would like to mention that disliking a person’s actions and disliking a person are two entirely different concepts. I would also like to acknowledge that sometimes, loss of respect for and genuine hate of a person are completely okay (take the majority of people’s feelings towards Hitler, or other mass murderers, for example).]
I encourage you to think about how your opinions are formed, and for what reasons they stand. And please, don’t lose your respect for people too easily.
I think that the social configuration of this campus, as well of current society in general, is ridiculously complicated. I think there is a lot of “hate” being passed around, and some people think it’s cool to “hate on” others. For example, let’s say, hypothetically, that you told me “I hate Justin Bieber.” What are you actually saying? Are you saying that you disapprove of his lifestyle? Or maybe you don’t appreciate his vocal or dancing skills? Is it an insinuation that you want me to think you’ve actually MET Justin Bieber, and have thus come to the conclusion that he is a bad person? Take your pick, because I honestly don’t know the answer. In all likelihood, you have probably not actually met The Biebster. You do not know him personally; all you know about him is what the media has told you. Is this really the best way to judge someone?
While I think it is completely right and acceptable to have opinions about people, I think they should be based on true fact and personal experience. These confines DO NOT include crap the media mentions. (When I speak of media, I do not mean legitimate news sources such as CNN, NPR, etc.) The thoughts and opinions you formulate should be (almost) completely of your own deduction (I say almost because you will, without a doubt, be influenced by others’ opinions, whether you think you are or not.). Unfortunately, it is not the good thoughts and feelings about people I am talking about today; it is the negative ones.
You know there are people you don’t especially like or don’t get along with. Please do not say that you hate them. Hate is such a strong word, and has too many connotations that go along with it. (Without elaborating excessively on the topic of connotations that go along with the word ‘hate,’ I will just say it creates a type of ambiguity when it comes to defining its meaning.) Which brings me back to the Justin Bieber idea. Do you really “hate” him? Or do you just dislike his singing? Because if you just dislike his singing, I completely respect that opinion. You have based it off of something legitimate which you have personally judged. The logic makes sense. This legitimate “dislike of Justin Bieber’s singing” that you harbor does not mean that you hate him. This is good; hate is the last thing anybody needs directed toward them. Instead, everyone should get respect directed toward them.
Yes, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to you. It is my personal belief that even if you dislike a person, their lifestyle, or their actions, that you should still have respect for them as fellow Homo sapiens. Respect includes, but is by no means limited to: not badmouthing (aka making fun of, saying bad things about, spreading rumors, etc.) them behind their back, not badmouthing them to their face (however, respectful discourse is permitted and even encouraged in these cases), listening to their thoughts and logic, not abusing them or their belongings in a malicious manner, and a large assortment of other disrespectful actions. You ARE entitled to your opinion about everything and everyone (as long as it is logical…), but please do not include disrespect or outright hate in your opinions unless it stems from an ordered and consistent source. If you’re going to think something bad about a person, then think it! Please don’t feel the need to share your hurtful thoughts with others—in most cases, doing so would help no one (except for if you are psychologically imbalanced—like a murderer or something, in which case you probably have much larger problems to take care of and you SHOULD go talk to someone about your feelings). I believe the old adage holds true; “If you’re not going to say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” Again, I want to clarify that this does not hold true for debates and things of the like, because without disagreement, the world would be a boring place. If you are going to disagree with someone, please do it respectfully. If you dislike someone, please do it respectfully.
[On a side note, I would like to mention that disliking a person’s actions and disliking a person are two entirely different concepts. I would also like to acknowledge that sometimes, loss of respect for and genuine hate of a person are completely okay (take the majority of people’s feelings towards Hitler, or other mass murderers, for example).]
I encourage you to think about how your opinions are formed, and for what reasons they stand. And please, don’t lose your respect for people too easily.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Who dat?
When lying in the bed at night, I have a perfect view of the sidewalk leading off-campus, out in the “backyard” of my dorm. Multiple sets of fresh footprints in the newly fallen snow follow the path as it guides them away. Whose footprints are they? Do they belong to a couple aimlessly meandering about, enjoying each other’s company? Or a person and their dog who decided to stroll through campus for a little exercise after dark? Perhaps some students going into town, or to their residence off-campus? Or maybe one set of footprints belongs to a 5’ 10’’ white man with medium build wearing a sweater? It will forever be a mystery.
Last night, the footprints were not all I could see from my cozy cocoon. There were more cars than usual trafficking the intersection which is visible, yet slightly obscured by pine trees, from the window. Police cars as well as regular cars, and campus safety vehicles were out and about.
After two assaults (one on a far end and one in a very central place) on campus in one weekend, needless to say everyone is pretty upset. The suspect is (as of the information they have given out so far) still at large. And to make things worse, it is an averagely built white man, of average height, wearing a sweater. Because this person, that could potentially be half the humans in the entire state of Minnesota, would definitely not be able to change his clothes… Has someone compromising discovered our tiny community, up here on this hill?
I’m not going to lie; one of the reasons I chose this college is because of the feeling of community. Everyone is super friendly, and willing to get to know and help you. And most importantly, the campus feels safe. I think the feeling of community contributes greatly to the sense of security. I always feel safe walking around campus by myself in the late hours of the night, or even wee hours of the morn. Doors left unlocked rarely disturbed. Things lost are almost always returned. Maybe not so much anymore.
In the beginning of the school year, the administration, peer assistants, and practically every authority figure on campus encouraged the school’s “Be a Buddy” motto—saying that when going places after dark to always bring someone else with you in case you encounter trouble, and that if someone asked you to be their buddy to always say yes because the risk of having the other person go alone was not worth it. Of course, this worked in the beginning of the year, but as the days wore on people stopped going places together and started braving the elements, walking to the library, music building, and other places by themselves. Emergency whistles were also distributed, which my friends and I jokingly played around with, thinking they would never actually be needed. I now realize how important buddies and whistles are, and will be taking them more seriously.
I also remember one night near the beginning of the year when my friends and I were out goofing around after dark. It was probably near 10 or 11 pm, and we were basically wandering around, looking for “the end of the earth”. We had never been there before, and it was supposed to be really cool because when you go there it looks like you’re literally at the end of the earth. Anyway, we were near where the first assault allegedly occurred (which happens to be near an arboretum with lots of trees and vegetation), looking around. Right when we were about to give up, a figure emerged from the woods. Personally, I was a little freaked out at this. One of my friends wanted to confront the figure, find out who it was, and ask them if they knew where “the end of the earth” was. The rest of this didn’t really think this was a good idea, but that did not keep her from yelling at and approaching the mystery person, inquiring about the whereabouts of this fun place. I distinctly remember someone telling her, “No, don’t! What if it’s a rapist?” As it turns out, this person was someone we knew, but did not recognize in the dark shadows. He came with us, and we found “the end of the earth”. It ended up being a good night.
Looking back on this, I wonder what would have happened if the mystery person was not friendly. What would we have done? Would I/we still be fortunate enough to be sitting here, blogging about it?
Now is the time when the community and strength of this college will be tested. Be a buddy to your friends. Be a buddy to your neighbors. Be a buddy to the people you don’t get along with. Be a buddy. Keep your eyes peeled.
Now, when I go places at night or see strangers in the woods, I will ask myself, “Who dat?” And I'll also be on the lookout for average man wearing sweaters.
Last night, the footprints were not all I could see from my cozy cocoon. There were more cars than usual trafficking the intersection which is visible, yet slightly obscured by pine trees, from the window. Police cars as well as regular cars, and campus safety vehicles were out and about.
After two assaults (one on a far end and one in a very central place) on campus in one weekend, needless to say everyone is pretty upset. The suspect is (as of the information they have given out so far) still at large. And to make things worse, it is an averagely built white man, of average height, wearing a sweater. Because this person, that could potentially be half the humans in the entire state of Minnesota, would definitely not be able to change his clothes… Has someone compromising discovered our tiny community, up here on this hill?
I’m not going to lie; one of the reasons I chose this college is because of the feeling of community. Everyone is super friendly, and willing to get to know and help you. And most importantly, the campus feels safe. I think the feeling of community contributes greatly to the sense of security. I always feel safe walking around campus by myself in the late hours of the night, or even wee hours of the morn. Doors left unlocked rarely disturbed. Things lost are almost always returned. Maybe not so much anymore.
In the beginning of the school year, the administration, peer assistants, and practically every authority figure on campus encouraged the school’s “Be a Buddy” motto—saying that when going places after dark to always bring someone else with you in case you encounter trouble, and that if someone asked you to be their buddy to always say yes because the risk of having the other person go alone was not worth it. Of course, this worked in the beginning of the year, but as the days wore on people stopped going places together and started braving the elements, walking to the library, music building, and other places by themselves. Emergency whistles were also distributed, which my friends and I jokingly played around with, thinking they would never actually be needed. I now realize how important buddies and whistles are, and will be taking them more seriously.
I also remember one night near the beginning of the year when my friends and I were out goofing around after dark. It was probably near 10 or 11 pm, and we were basically wandering around, looking for “the end of the earth”. We had never been there before, and it was supposed to be really cool because when you go there it looks like you’re literally at the end of the earth. Anyway, we were near where the first assault allegedly occurred (which happens to be near an arboretum with lots of trees and vegetation), looking around. Right when we were about to give up, a figure emerged from the woods. Personally, I was a little freaked out at this. One of my friends wanted to confront the figure, find out who it was, and ask them if they knew where “the end of the earth” was. The rest of this didn’t really think this was a good idea, but that did not keep her from yelling at and approaching the mystery person, inquiring about the whereabouts of this fun place. I distinctly remember someone telling her, “No, don’t! What if it’s a rapist?” As it turns out, this person was someone we knew, but did not recognize in the dark shadows. He came with us, and we found “the end of the earth”. It ended up being a good night.
Looking back on this, I wonder what would have happened if the mystery person was not friendly. What would we have done? Would I/we still be fortunate enough to be sitting here, blogging about it?
Now is the time when the community and strength of this college will be tested. Be a buddy to your friends. Be a buddy to your neighbors. Be a buddy to the people you don’t get along with. Be a buddy. Keep your eyes peeled.
Now, when I go places at night or see strangers in the woods, I will ask myself, “Who dat?” And I'll also be on the lookout for average man wearing sweaters.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Think about things.
Have you ever thought about where you would be and what you would be doing at this point in your life if continuing your education was not an option?
Have you ever thought about how your life would be different if you had made one decision differently than you did? For instance, saying “no” to something instead of “yes,” not getting that coffee after class when you actually did, or flooring it to make it through the yellow light instead of slowing down and stopping for it.
Have you ever thought about the number of people you impact daily without even knowing it? Like the person behind you in line at the store or the person after you that you hold the door open for.
Have you ever thought about how what you read for leisure affects your future choices and being, or how it doesn’t?
Have you ever thought about how the people you socialize with affect your personality and the way you socially relate to other people?
Think.
Have you ever thought about how your life would be different if you had made one decision differently than you did? For instance, saying “no” to something instead of “yes,” not getting that coffee after class when you actually did, or flooring it to make it through the yellow light instead of slowing down and stopping for it.
Have you ever thought about the number of people you impact daily without even knowing it? Like the person behind you in line at the store or the person after you that you hold the door open for.
Have you ever thought about how what you read for leisure affects your future choices and being, or how it doesn’t?
Have you ever thought about how the people you socialize with affect your personality and the way you socially relate to other people?
Think.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
"Ah, music, a magic beyond all we do here!" -Albus Dumbledore
I have been fortunate lately to be able to experience a great deal of music in my life. Just after we got back to school for spring semester, we attended the Gustavus Wind Orchestra Home Concert as well as the Gustavus Choir Home Concert and more recently we went to a Cantus concert. All of them were spectacular. We also received our CDs from our holiday concert, and have been listening to them nonstop and I got a CD of Cantus' music (which I am, in fact, listening to right now). I am also back at school and therefore back in Choir and Voice Lessons.
I love music, and I think that this is something that many people feel. I think that music must be something divine or magical. Someone told me that singing is the way in which they feel closer to God. Whatever religion you are, I think music is something that effects everyone.
I was at an event recently and we broke up into small groups and had to make "self portraits" of ourselves and things that were important to us. Almost everyone in our group said something about music, and I think that that is pretty standard for most of the population. Whether it's feeling the beat in your chest in a crowded club, attending a classical vocal concert, playing in a band, singing in a choir, watching GLEE, attending an opera or musical, dancing ballet or singing in church, I think almost everyone in the world appreciates music. It is a universal language of love and beauty, a touch of the heavens here on earth.
-Darcy
I love music, and I think that this is something that many people feel. I think that music must be something divine or magical. Someone told me that singing is the way in which they feel closer to God. Whatever religion you are, I think music is something that effects everyone.
I was at an event recently and we broke up into small groups and had to make "self portraits" of ourselves and things that were important to us. Almost everyone in our group said something about music, and I think that that is pretty standard for most of the population. Whether it's feeling the beat in your chest in a crowded club, attending a classical vocal concert, playing in a band, singing in a choir, watching GLEE, attending an opera or musical, dancing ballet or singing in church, I think almost everyone in the world appreciates music. It is a universal language of love and beauty, a touch of the heavens here on earth.
-Darcy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A few words about raisins
Grape >>>>>>>>>>Raisin
Just a few words about raisins and my own personal experience with them. First off on the right is a picture of Brendan just before he eats a homemade raisin. Thanks Brendan, you're a champ. About two months ago I placed a grape on a giant vent thing in our section of the dorms. It was really dusty up there. We successfully made a raisin. I checked periodically, occasionally taking a picture. Then I forgot about it for a while and when I remembered about it, it was a raisin! It had shriveled down from its original grape form to a wrinkly raisin. Brendan told us that it did in fact taste like a raisin (hooray!), although it was a little fermenty tasting.
May many more homemade raisins be made, whether on a vent, a library bookshelf, or any other place (I do not recommend bathrooms- the custodians will see them and dispose of them).
-Ashley
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