Saturday, October 16, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Glee tackles religion
I'm sure no one who reads this blog watched Glee, but I need to make a point. Unfortunately, I've found myself watching the last 2 episodes on Hulu. In my defense, I really do not understand why everyone loves it so much and feel it's not nearly deserving of all the hype. But when every other Facebook status of my feed is about the latest episode, I get curious.
This week's episode began when Finn (sp?), the football playing songster, made a Grilled Cheesus - a grilled cheese with Jesus' face burned into it. Then Kurt, the gay songster, had a fight with his father, who had a heart attack a few days later.
Finn, after some successful prayers to Grilled Cheesus, feels convicted to devote his life to Jesus. He approaches the Glee Club and announces that he wants to devote the week's songs to Jesus. Everyone freaks out and thinks he's super square and gets really uncomfortable talking about Jesus (all but the black girl of course). Kurt protests, claiming religion and gays are not compatible and that he does not believe in God. Second freakout commences, except this time everyone is shocked that Kurt doesn't believe in God. How could he not? How can he know for sure? That's so sad. Let's pity him and spend the entire episode trying to convert him.
I have a major problem with this scenario and I think it is very telling about America's feelings toward religion. I may not be able to articulate this well, sorry, but I still want to say it.
I can't cite this, but I would bet the majority of White Americans identify as Christians. Many of them go to church, and many of them do not but are spiritual. But there are still vast numbers who choose to identify this way, but do not practice anything nor have any daily connection to religion. They talk about Heaven when a loved one dies, go to church on holidays (maybe), and claim that they have been blessed, but ask them the last time they prayed or talked about Jesus to someone else or and you'll see them shift uncomfortably in their seat and cast their eyes about the room.
(*Note - I'm not referring to people who celebrate Christmas yet admittedly don't believe in God, nor those who believe and choose to worship in alternative ways, or people raised as Christian who claim to have no connection to it.)
From my point of view, it's like everyone is expected to believe in God, but not too much. If you're too vocal about it, or make it too much a part of your life, you risk social outcast status. We want to feel protected and have something to turn to during hard times, but those other rules about being virtuous and giving are an inconvenience. We're Christians, but our relationship with Christ is not tangible enough to be part of our identity.
Yes, as a Christian I should not judge others, go ahead, wag your finger at me. I'll claim instead that I'm not judging, I'm wondering WHY. This seriously doesn't make any sense to me. Why are people who supposedly believe in him so uncomfortable talking about Jesus? Why can't I say I go to church, but I also can't say I'm an atheist? And why does a stupid shit show like Glee have to perpetuate this behavior? AND WHY DOES NO ONE NOTICE? I honest to goodness truly don't care what other people believe in, but I care when claims and behaviors don't match. Rereading this just now, I guess I'm just making the age-old complaint against hypocrisy. But it's not even that I care whether people are following Biblical doctrines enough, I certainly don't. It's really the matter of comfort, of why people are so afraid to admit to any kind of real devotion, of why I get nervous about the reaction every time I tell a fellow Christian "I can't, I'm going to church".
There's really no conclusion to this, I s'pose that's the end. Not at all preaching, it was just on my mind.
This week's episode began when Finn (sp?), the football playing songster, made a Grilled Cheesus - a grilled cheese with Jesus' face burned into it. Then Kurt, the gay songster, had a fight with his father, who had a heart attack a few days later.
Finn, after some successful prayers to Grilled Cheesus, feels convicted to devote his life to Jesus. He approaches the Glee Club and announces that he wants to devote the week's songs to Jesus. Everyone freaks out and thinks he's super square and gets really uncomfortable talking about Jesus (all but the black girl of course). Kurt protests, claiming religion and gays are not compatible and that he does not believe in God. Second freakout commences, except this time everyone is shocked that Kurt doesn't believe in God. How could he not? How can he know for sure? That's so sad. Let's pity him and spend the entire episode trying to convert him.
I have a major problem with this scenario and I think it is very telling about America's feelings toward religion. I may not be able to articulate this well, sorry, but I still want to say it.
I can't cite this, but I would bet the majority of White Americans identify as Christians. Many of them go to church, and many of them do not but are spiritual. But there are still vast numbers who choose to identify this way, but do not practice anything nor have any daily connection to religion. They talk about Heaven when a loved one dies, go to church on holidays (maybe), and claim that they have been blessed, but ask them the last time they prayed or talked about Jesus to someone else or and you'll see them shift uncomfortably in their seat and cast their eyes about the room.
(*Note - I'm not referring to people who celebrate Christmas yet admittedly don't believe in God, nor those who believe and choose to worship in alternative ways, or people raised as Christian who claim to have no connection to it.)
From my point of view, it's like everyone is expected to believe in God, but not too much. If you're too vocal about it, or make it too much a part of your life, you risk social outcast status. We want to feel protected and have something to turn to during hard times, but those other rules about being virtuous and giving are an inconvenience. We're Christians, but our relationship with Christ is not tangible enough to be part of our identity.
Yes, as a Christian I should not judge others, go ahead, wag your finger at me. I'll claim instead that I'm not judging, I'm wondering WHY. This seriously doesn't make any sense to me. Why are people who supposedly believe in him so uncomfortable talking about Jesus? Why can't I say I go to church, but I also can't say I'm an atheist? And why does a stupid shit show like Glee have to perpetuate this behavior? AND WHY DOES NO ONE NOTICE? I honest to goodness truly don't care what other people believe in, but I care when claims and behaviors don't match. Rereading this just now, I guess I'm just making the age-old complaint against hypocrisy. But it's not even that I care whether people are following Biblical doctrines enough, I certainly don't. It's really the matter of comfort, of why people are so afraid to admit to any kind of real devotion, of why I get nervous about the reaction every time I tell a fellow Christian "I can't, I'm going to church".
There's really no conclusion to this, I s'pose that's the end. Not at all preaching, it was just on my mind.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The fruits of my labor
Some of my better attempts...I think. They're a little better bigger, if you care to click on them.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
SET YOUR GOALS
I've been spending much of my free time on Craigslist and dejectedly wondering what to do with myself. And the strange thing about being unemployed is...I have a lot of free time. Which translates to a lot of wasted time, really. But no more! Too long I've neglected personal betterment with the excuse of having no time. Now that time abounds, I have three goals expressed on colorful notecards taped to the wall in front of my desk, which I will now relate to you.
1. Run 2-3x per week. No gym membership required, and I get to wear cute clothes. I tried this about a month ago, and after a week or so got mad runner's knee. Not knowing what it was, I got all whiny and stopped running. Lo and behold, The Beginning Runner's Handbook tells me it's one of the most common injuries and easily fixed by a knee brace. I always thought people who wore those were just douche bags who wanted to say "Hey, hey look, I'm a runner". So, after I procure one of those bad boys and an ipod armband, off into the sunset I will run.
2. Limit sugar intake to 40g/day. I guess this really doesn't take any time, but eh. Most people are supposed to get around 50g, and for most people this would probably be plenty. But anytime I've tracked my intake, it's been around 70-80g/day. Which is majorly unfair, because even a banana has 12g. Ugh. But I don't want diabetes. For real though, that much sugar is hella bad for you, and it probably accounts for me being tired and cranky a lot.
3. Take photos at least 1 hour per week. I have a bangin' camera that does not get used nearly enough. This really shouldn't be hard at all, but here's why I haven't been doing it: In Bloomington and Crystal Lake, there weren't many places to go. That is not an excuse in Chicago. I just have to do some research and find someplace new to go each week. Second, it's difficult for me to do something fun when neglected homework is nagging at me. But seriously, an hour of photos is better than an hour of Stumbleupon. And also seriously, I have time for both.
Finally, sort-of-not-really along the same lines, I want to start exploring Chicago bars. Which I guess may have to wait til I have a job, but once in a while can't hurt. So if anyone in the city's lookin' for something to do, holla at me.
There ya have it, friends. Next time you see me, I will be an extremely fit and artsy peasant. How hip.
1. Run 2-3x per week. No gym membership required, and I get to wear cute clothes. I tried this about a month ago, and after a week or so got mad runner's knee. Not knowing what it was, I got all whiny and stopped running. Lo and behold, The Beginning Runner's Handbook tells me it's one of the most common injuries and easily fixed by a knee brace. I always thought people who wore those were just douche bags who wanted to say "Hey, hey look, I'm a runner". So, after I procure one of those bad boys and an ipod armband, off into the sunset I will run.
2. Limit sugar intake to 40g/day. I guess this really doesn't take any time, but eh. Most people are supposed to get around 50g, and for most people this would probably be plenty. But anytime I've tracked my intake, it's been around 70-80g/day. Which is majorly unfair, because even a banana has 12g. Ugh. But I don't want diabetes. For real though, that much sugar is hella bad for you, and it probably accounts for me being tired and cranky a lot.
3. Take photos at least 1 hour per week. I have a bangin' camera that does not get used nearly enough. This really shouldn't be hard at all, but here's why I haven't been doing it: In Bloomington and Crystal Lake, there weren't many places to go. That is not an excuse in Chicago. I just have to do some research and find someplace new to go each week. Second, it's difficult for me to do something fun when neglected homework is nagging at me. But seriously, an hour of photos is better than an hour of Stumbleupon. And also seriously, I have time for both.
Finally, sort-of-not-really along the same lines, I want to start exploring Chicago bars. Which I guess may have to wait til I have a job, but once in a while can't hurt. So if anyone in the city's lookin' for something to do, holla at me.
There ya have it, friends. Next time you see me, I will be an extremely fit and artsy peasant. How hip.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
But I'm great at APA formatting...
There are two parts to this post, both relating to my employment status (un).
First, until about a month ago, I had never been rejected from a job for which I interviewed. Not to say that I'm so outstanding that everyone wanted me. But as a high school/college student in the 'burbs or central Illinois applying to minimum wage jobs, I would say I was fairly competent, qualified, and impressive compared to some of my peers. Then all of a sudden I was a 22-year-old college graduate preparing to move to the big city, thinking "I have barista experience, surely I'll just find a bar or restaurant to hire me where I will make a fortune being server-extraordinaire". Wrong. No restaurant experience, no job. I've hardly even attempted those jobs because I know the outcome. (Sidenote, this is extremely frustrating because I know that I would be a fantastic server and I would love it, but none of these places care that the only person who can attest to this is my mom).
Instead, for the past 2 months I've been scouring Craigslist, sending my resume to unsuspecting employers, and eyeing every storefront I pass in search of the one institution in Chicago who wants a moderately-experienced but well-educated student to work an inflexible schedule of up to fifteen hours per week. I know it's out there. But seriously, I'm losing motivation. It's tiring and depressing, and I don't know how long I can keep doing it. It takes up nearly as much time as actually working, but I'm not getting paid. Yet if I want to eat more than rice, beans, and oatmeal, and if I want to watch HGTV til 1am Saturday night, and if I want to buy this pumpkin ale staring at me while I type at Whole Foods (where I've been scamming internet for a month), the search must continue.
But what's this, a crepe and coffee cafe wants to hire me but they need someone to work 20-25 hours per week? Well. This brings me to the second point, being that I'm kinda lazy. Not in the sit-on-the couch all day sense, in the "oh I can't commit to too much responsibility because I might have to get less than 9 hours of sleep and then I'll just be cranky" sense. Right now I'm taking three classes and one internship. I know people who have an additional class, 7-hour/week work study, and part-time job. How do they do it???? I'd like to be able to see friends once and a while too. Is that asking too much? Regardless, I need to start being responsible and accept that until May 2012 I will be an overworked student and minimum-wage worker. But at least I won't gawk at the $28 price tag on a resale shop dress.
First, until about a month ago, I had never been rejected from a job for which I interviewed. Not to say that I'm so outstanding that everyone wanted me. But as a high school/college student in the 'burbs or central Illinois applying to minimum wage jobs, I would say I was fairly competent, qualified, and impressive compared to some of my peers. Then all of a sudden I was a 22-year-old college graduate preparing to move to the big city, thinking "I have barista experience, surely I'll just find a bar or restaurant to hire me where I will make a fortune being server-extraordinaire". Wrong. No restaurant experience, no job. I've hardly even attempted those jobs because I know the outcome. (Sidenote, this is extremely frustrating because I know that I would be a fantastic server and I would love it, but none of these places care that the only person who can attest to this is my mom).
Instead, for the past 2 months I've been scouring Craigslist, sending my resume to unsuspecting employers, and eyeing every storefront I pass in search of the one institution in Chicago who wants a moderately-experienced but well-educated student to work an inflexible schedule of up to fifteen hours per week. I know it's out there. But seriously, I'm losing motivation. It's tiring and depressing, and I don't know how long I can keep doing it. It takes up nearly as much time as actually working, but I'm not getting paid. Yet if I want to eat more than rice, beans, and oatmeal, and if I want to watch HGTV til 1am Saturday night, and if I want to buy this pumpkin ale staring at me while I type at Whole Foods (where I've been scamming internet for a month), the search must continue.
But what's this, a crepe and coffee cafe wants to hire me but they need someone to work 20-25 hours per week? Well. This brings me to the second point, being that I'm kinda lazy. Not in the sit-on-the couch all day sense, in the "oh I can't commit to too much responsibility because I might have to get less than 9 hours of sleep and then I'll just be cranky" sense. Right now I'm taking three classes and one internship. I know people who have an additional class, 7-hour/week work study, and part-time job. How do they do it???? I'd like to be able to see friends once and a while too. Is that asking too much? Regardless, I need to start being responsible and accept that until May 2012 I will be an overworked student and minimum-wage worker. But at least I won't gawk at the $28 price tag on a resale shop dress.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Posi
From now on, I'm going to be positive. No more worrying and brooding and intentionally holding grudges. More on the topic later.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
In sum...
Dear Blogspot,
Egad, it's been so long, old friend. I apologize for not having made time for you sooner; this may be the first chance I've gotten to simply sit and catch up on mindless websurfing since being home. Of course, I instantly thought of you (after reading about the Worst Smoothies in America and checking the status of some shipments). What has kept me away so long, you ask? Sit down, my dear, and I shall regale my adventures.
As you may recall, I painted my room recently. I've been meaning to post pictures, but it still looks like a storage room. I spent a good deal of time re-mounting shelves and pictures and bric-a-brac, but they've not all made their way home yet. The garage sale I mentioned was decently successful, yet somehow my bank account inflated only marginally. I'm still not sure where all that money went. Post-sale, Thomas kindly helped me drag the leftovers to the Community Thrift Store, pick up a desk via Craigslist, and inhale large quantities of food. It was a sweaty day to say the least.
About a week ago I started work as a Graduate Assistant! The first day I met Dr. Shweta Singh, whose research interests concern women and global policy, she asked my concentration and I told her I'd like to work with adoptions. Her response: "Did you know that women in India are being paid to have babies for international adoptions?". That's all I'll day about that.
Because of said job, however, I was in Chicago three times last week, typically up at 7 am and home between 10:30 and midnight. This was a result of the 2 hour commute each way. The benefit: I was walking and rushing around so much that I could pretty much eat anything I wanted and not worry about it.
Get this, Blogspot - I saw Chinese folk perform death-defying feats on Friday night! That's right, I saw Cirque du Shanghai at Navy Pier. It's an offshoot of Cirque du Soleil, but I'm fairly certain a little less...something. A little less professional maybe. Either way, it stressed me out. I couldn't handle the suspense, I tell you. A girl on a man on a man on a ladder??? Three men on motorbikes in a spherical cage?!? My blood pressure was shot.
Speaking of Chinese folk, Thomas's graduation party was Saturday, during which I politely conversed with the same people I haven't really known for the past 2 years. Immediately afterward I went home and purchased food for my own party the next day. Have you ever been to Joseph's Market, Blogspot? I must say, the quality of their produce is just to die for. But I digress.
The party went very, very well (although I was sad to hear you couldn't make it). It was wonderful to see my friends, though it still surprises me that people will drive an hour or so just to sit around at my house.
Guess what! Thomas got me a Nikon D3000 for graduation! And the lens form his mother. I nearly cried. I very much plan on turning this in to a serious hobby, but it would have taken me forever to finally but one myself. I've hardly gotten to use it though, with how busy things have been. I forgot to mention, my lovely mother had ankle surgery and my sister (whom the pharmacist now knows by name) did...something to her back, so I (and my father) have been playing nurse/errand-runner.
Additionally, I started classes on Monday! Working with Individuals and Families. First, I would like to say that I'm pretty sure every single student in the Chicago area begins their day with a latte. Second, I am in the vast minority as someone just out of undergrad. That was surprising and intimidating. Third, the class itself was extremely unintimidating. Very basic and general. But, I suppose, pleasantly easy.
That evening, She+Him (headed by Zooey Deschanel) held a free concert in Millenium Park. Now I was excited just because it sounded like something nice to do. But when I got there, you would have thought Lady Gaga was naked on stage. The place was overrun with hipsters. And old people drinking wine. And children. I've never seen so many pairs of TOMSshoes in my life! I mean honestly, the band isn't even that good. It ended up being disappointingly unenjoyable.
And that brings us to yesterday. My first day with no scheduled obligations. I got through about half of my very large to-do list, but spent much of the time playing with my new laptop! Purchased as a grad present courtesy of Mommy and Daddy so that I could have something light and portable to take to the city. I love it. Today I fiddled with my camera, and got 2 free tickets to Arlington Park when I took my sisters car in for an oil change. How do you feel about gambling, Blogspot?
So, all in all, I'm starting to understand why most people value free time so much. But, you know, I like feeling productive. I'm rarely bored, at the least. Now that I'm sitting here though, I'm not sure what to do with myself. Hence this extensive letter. I guess all you really need to know is that things are going well and I'm a very lucky gal.
Well, I'm off to take a gander at the newly released Lollapalooza schedule and 'Alejandro' music video. If you're ever at a loss for something to do at 6:00 on a Monday morning, give me a call! I'll be looking for something to keep me awake on the train.
Yours Truly,
ellynvictoria
Egad, it's been so long, old friend. I apologize for not having made time for you sooner; this may be the first chance I've gotten to simply sit and catch up on mindless websurfing since being home. Of course, I instantly thought of you (after reading about the Worst Smoothies in America and checking the status of some shipments). What has kept me away so long, you ask? Sit down, my dear, and I shall regale my adventures.
As you may recall, I painted my room recently. I've been meaning to post pictures, but it still looks like a storage room. I spent a good deal of time re-mounting shelves and pictures and bric-a-brac, but they've not all made their way home yet. The garage sale I mentioned was decently successful, yet somehow my bank account inflated only marginally. I'm still not sure where all that money went. Post-sale, Thomas kindly helped me drag the leftovers to the Community Thrift Store, pick up a desk via Craigslist, and inhale large quantities of food. It was a sweaty day to say the least.
About a week ago I started work as a Graduate Assistant! The first day I met Dr. Shweta Singh, whose research interests concern women and global policy, she asked my concentration and I told her I'd like to work with adoptions. Her response: "Did you know that women in India are being paid to have babies for international adoptions?". That's all I'll day about that.
Because of said job, however, I was in Chicago three times last week, typically up at 7 am and home between 10:30 and midnight. This was a result of the 2 hour commute each way. The benefit: I was walking and rushing around so much that I could pretty much eat anything I wanted and not worry about it.
Get this, Blogspot - I saw Chinese folk perform death-defying feats on Friday night! That's right, I saw Cirque du Shanghai at Navy Pier. It's an offshoot of Cirque du Soleil, but I'm fairly certain a little less...something. A little less professional maybe. Either way, it stressed me out. I couldn't handle the suspense, I tell you. A girl on a man on a man on a ladder??? Three men on motorbikes in a spherical cage?!? My blood pressure was shot.
Speaking of Chinese folk, Thomas's graduation party was Saturday, during which I politely conversed with the same people I haven't really known for the past 2 years. Immediately afterward I went home and purchased food for my own party the next day. Have you ever been to Joseph's Market, Blogspot? I must say, the quality of their produce is just to die for. But I digress.
The party went very, very well (although I was sad to hear you couldn't make it). It was wonderful to see my friends, though it still surprises me that people will drive an hour or so just to sit around at my house.
Guess what! Thomas got me a Nikon D3000 for graduation! And the lens form his mother. I nearly cried. I very much plan on turning this in to a serious hobby, but it would have taken me forever to finally but one myself. I've hardly gotten to use it though, with how busy things have been. I forgot to mention, my lovely mother had ankle surgery and my sister (whom the pharmacist now knows by name) did...something to her back, so I (and my father) have been playing nurse/errand-runner.
Additionally, I started classes on Monday! Working with Individuals and Families. First, I would like to say that I'm pretty sure every single student in the Chicago area begins their day with a latte. Second, I am in the vast minority as someone just out of undergrad. That was surprising and intimidating. Third, the class itself was extremely unintimidating. Very basic and general. But, I suppose, pleasantly easy.
That evening, She+Him (headed by Zooey Deschanel) held a free concert in Millenium Park. Now I was excited just because it sounded like something nice to do. But when I got there, you would have thought Lady Gaga was naked on stage. The place was overrun with hipsters. And old people drinking wine. And children. I've never seen so many pairs of TOMSshoes in my life! I mean honestly, the band isn't even that good. It ended up being disappointingly unenjoyable.
And that brings us to yesterday. My first day with no scheduled obligations. I got through about half of my very large to-do list, but spent much of the time playing with my new laptop! Purchased as a grad present courtesy of Mommy and Daddy so that I could have something light and portable to take to the city. I love it. Today I fiddled with my camera, and got 2 free tickets to Arlington Park when I took my sisters car in for an oil change. How do you feel about gambling, Blogspot?
So, all in all, I'm starting to understand why most people value free time so much. But, you know, I like feeling productive. I'm rarely bored, at the least. Now that I'm sitting here though, I'm not sure what to do with myself. Hence this extensive letter. I guess all you really need to know is that things are going well and I'm a very lucky gal.
Well, I'm off to take a gander at the newly released Lollapalooza schedule and 'Alejandro' music video. If you're ever at a loss for something to do at 6:00 on a Monday morning, give me a call! I'll be looking for something to keep me awake on the train.
Yours Truly,
ellynvictoria
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