Good ol' alma mater...

This is the LSA theme at the University of Michigan this year. Wicked awesome.

My 2006/2007 Personal Mission Statement is centered aroudn the theory and practice of local and global citizenship. No kidding, I have a document called "Personal Mission Statement 2006/2007" I update daily, and the introduction is SO similar to this LSA theme, nearly word for word. AHAHAHAH. Wow UM, you ahve brainwashed me so well! Super super grateful for the education though... one focused on critical thinking and social change. It has been a huge force in shaping my identity and undoubtably, my future/destiny. The incredible power of education... at once awesome and sobering... just thinking of the state of education in the US (still need to read "savage inequalities"... GAH!) and globally.

Currently reading "The Kite Runner". Extraordinary. As Amir realized how much his father sacrifices on behalf of Amir's future, it reminds me, while reflecting upon how grateful I am for my university education, how unimaginable it must have been for my own parents to immigrate to the US: not speaking any English, leaving friends, family, and everyday comforts behind... with their main goal being the future of Jenny and I. I sometimes wonder if I will ever have half the courage and humility they have. Everytime I actually try to get into their shoes and picture it, I'm completely overwhelmed.

Is belly dancing for sma?

Hrm. Not sure. Just got back from a crazy performance from an arabesque dance company based out of Toronto... adrenaline is crazy right now. After I see dancing or singing I just want to sing and dance allllll night. Riding my bike out to the show further than I've ever biked when its damn dark out probably doesn't help the adrenaline.

Lots of fun in just a few days. Think my body mind and soul are still adjusting... wary of if this crazy streak is a fad... or at least wondering when I will find balance in my new adventures.

- Sunday I found "the women's bookstore and spent toooo much money!!
"Pink Ribbons, Inc.", "Inclusive Citizenship", and "Women & Citizenship"
** Inclusive Citizenship has a forward by Gaventa... long time no read! :)
- Monday I finally got my library card!! Toronto Public Library's kind of a big deal!
- Tuesday I started my "training" towards ING Ottawa race in May...
- Tuesday went to lecture at UofT Faculty of Social Work during lunch, so goood:
"Shariat Law, Gender, and Social Work"
- Wednesday I biked for 30 minutes
- Wednesday I watched an arabesque dance troop at a place I've never been
- Thursday I am going to a big brothers/big sisters charity event
- Thursday I hope I train again! Need to hit my very first milestone: 25min. :)
Moving mountains starts with one little rock, eh?
- Sunday I plan on going to a Canadian Citizenship course at the library!

I suppose since I'll be on the road for the next two week in 3 provinces, I won't have as much time to go crazy just in Toronto... though we shall see what craziness lies ahead.

Wondering if I should start taking belly dancing lessons. Not sure how I feel about dancing right about now. I only see it when its performed... therefore... it feels as if it is less for the individual and more externally focused. It could just be my perception but I wonder if I shouldn't find a new hobby that isn't more internally focused. Maybe it just depends on who's dancing if its more internally or externally focused...

Best Picture Ever

Let's be honest... we look like freaks of nature (Emo, Bulgarian rockstar, and I)... and its just gooooooood.

Childhood dreams...

Just spoke to a friend yesterday on the phone. She was rushing off to her first violin lesson. It was a childhood dream of her's to learn to play, in addition to her many years of piano... and yesterday, at age 26 or so, she's making it happen. WOW. Inspired. Starting to think... what things did I want to learn/master and let go of? Is it too late to start, or at least try it out?

Well, there was always the drums... wouldn't my team/house mates love that? ;p

wonders never cease

zomg. i saw a drive through starbucks today. it was packed. what in the hell? as always, i sometimes forget to anticipate change. it was bound to happen. maybe i'm actually behind the times... unreal.

Facebook Insanity

Ahahaha... as of midnight last night there was a new feature in facebook... not even 24hrs later, according to this new psychotic feature: mini-feed/news-feed/something-or-other... there are a gajillion groups boycotting it... amongst my circle of friends:

• Event: Sign petition to delete "news feed" and "mini feed"
• Thought: X is wondering how to stop the mini-feed.
• Note: a breach of civility and common sense
• Note: I have never written one of these before, but I need to say... this new "feed thing is creepy. Facebook is getting out of hand.
• Group: If you hate the new facebook, say I.
• Group: I want the Old Facebook Back
• Group: Students against Facebook News Feed (Official Petition to Facebook)
• Group: Anti Facbebook News Feeds
• Group: BOYCOTT THE MINI-FEED

Gong show. Since last midnight! AHAHAHA. Really though... its a scary feature... next thing you know facebook will be broadcasting your pulse rate and how regular your bowel movements and if your investments went up or down as soon as you sign in. If this goes any further I think I'm dropping off of it.

Please People/Be Perfect

Jetlagging. 've been awake since 2am. Am still v. v. sick... coughing up crazy coloured phlegm, throat is incessantly parched. Nevertheless, I feel divine. Grateful. Have been sitting around the last few hours...

• alone
• in silence
• cleaning
• writing/reflecting
• catching up on personal emails
• eating and drinking at my disgression
• not needing to worry about the next session/meeting

Simplicity.

While writing to folks and journaling I found my key re/learning from IC: I'm not perfect. Ha, I still remember the night he he told me "you're not perfect", and I just started crying. Between DLD where I thought about what drives the nuances of my words and action, to personal drama and talking through the tears, I remembered that at least 1/2 the time when I'm upset its driven from feeling like I have to live up to standards I have set and others have set for me... so many different groups of people: family, colleagues, the network, pimppad, bod, partners... coupled with a fear of failure and an inclination to please people. Strange how most epiphanies that make one sane for weeks thereafter, aren't about anything profound you'd never thought of before, but just remembering things you knew.

Peace in simple things. Best time with pimppad at IC:
-- WENA hump night
-- Polish night pimppad photoshoot
-- "Its peanut butter jelly time - GO BLUE!"
-- Hugs and advice and genuine concern on the last day
-- Gabbing on the floor in plenary together re: jackrabbit

Other goodnass:
-- Who's house? MA HOUSE!
-- Yellow dress
-- Legislation love letters
-- Other countries singing their cheers with CANADA instead
-- Krakow at night
-- Conductor Platz!
-- Scout and snow