Boys will be boys

Saturday Night I attended this Student of Color Connection Lock-in. There was a bunch of different activities planned for the night. One of them was a poker tournament (no limit Texas Hold'em). I will be honest...I have no real experience playing this except with my other inexperienced friends and I also watch it on Celebrity Poker Showdown and other Poker games on ESPN. There were about 8 guys, 7 girls playing. The guy leading the games split the group into two, and the top three of each would play each other. Well, he wanted to split the group into the experienced and the inexperienced. Without really asking who has played and who hasn't, he makes it a girls table and a boys table. Ugh. I wouldn't have taken so much offense to it if the girls didn't know how to play, but there was only two girls who had either no idea at all or very little idea of what to do (the latter being me). What made me really happy was when the completely inexperienced girl made it to the final table. Take that you stupid boy.

A reason I am glad I am not a teenage boy

This will be long because it deserves a lot of explaining but it is definitely worth a read. Not too many people that know me personally have heard of this story. It had remained a secret between me and two other girls that have witnessed the "indecent" act (ok, so maybe each of us had told a few people that we could trust not to blab the story around school). The reason I think I, along with the other girls, never repeated what we saw was not so much to save the character/face of the individual we witnessed (which was the reason for me) but it was more of saving our own character/face for not only witnessing it but for not doing anything about it. So now, I guess you are wondering what it is I am talking about. Well here it goes: *Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Phoebe, Monica and I sat together in the back of Ms. Comer's sophomore English class. We were not friends outside of the classroom, but we enjoyed each other's company while inside the class. Joey sat to the right of our group and didn't really talk to anyone, he was a loner. Some kids made fun of him. He had that dorky facade. Anyway, one day while we were listening to our teacher, out of the corner of my eye I noticed Joey rubbing his hand over his pants. It wasn't a gentle brush, but rather more of a vigorous back and forth motion. I was shocked and looked away, telling myself to ignore it and it would go away. I hate to use this term because it is cliche, but it really was like witnessing a car wreak. I couldn't stop looking. It blew my mind. "How could he?" I thought. (You must remember too that seats were assigned, so I couldn't leave my seat).

As it turned out, this was a daily thing, almost on the dot timing. I never turned to look at Phoebe or Monica the first few days, I guess I was too shocked. But finally, one day while Joey was in action, I looked over at Phoebe and she was looking in Joey's direction as well. She noticed me looking at her and gave an embarrassed giggle. I mouthed "I know!!!" Then Monica noticed what we were looking at and joined in our little secret.

As the semester went on, he never knew that we knew and he never ceased. Monica, Phoebe and I were deciding what to do about it. We didn't want to embarrass him, but as time went on we didn't want people to know that we have been watching for that long. Joey even upped it by unzipping his pants and putting his hand inside. That day I let out a quiet yelp, that luckily no one noticed. That day also started my smooth hand-on-the-side-of-my-face in a "I'm concentrating really hard" pose that helped me divert my eyes from the mess. (At this time I should also mention that Joey was not blatantly doing this. He seemed to be trying really hard to do it discreetly). Eventually we were able to move seats, and so ended my daily show. Monica, Phoebe and I would always continuously mention it to each other. It bonded us. Phoebe even wrote about it in my yearbook (using code words of course). Ah, traumatic moments in high school.

It is odd that I go from talking about babies to talking about this. I don't know what has made me think of this and want to write about it. I think I've been watching too much Stella and now my mind has gone in the gutter. By the way, the teacher's name was not intentionally created. I needed inspiration for a last name and it just so happened that it was my psych book author's last name. It was completely coincidental.

I wonder what the babies are thinking

As I was walking down State Street on my way to class, I saw this adorable baby in one of those infant carrier-harness things. The baby looked about 4-6 months old. It had on this big thick winter suits and a colorful hat. It was pretty cold outside around 5 degrees with wind chill, so I felt bad because the cold was still able to get to his/her face. The baby looked pissed off. Its eyes were squinty with a furrowed brow and its mouth was all pursed (it still looked cute).

Then I started to think. I would be pissed off if I were that baby too. Think about it. Having this ridiculously big snow suit on then being constrained into a harness, in which there is no movement or bending of legs or arms. The baby's 4 appendages were sticking out, it looked like a star. To top it off, the baby was strapped on the dad's chest face out. That would be like a scary ride. You are suspended, from what seems like no where, you have no control of where you are going and you would feel like you could crash into anybody/thing at anytime. Boy am I glad I am not a baby.

It's Janet. Miss Jackson if you're nasty.

In my psychology classes, I have learned over and over again about the three levels of consciousness in Psychoanalysis. You have your Ego, your Superego and your Id. They also have titles which state their purpose which are, respectively, reality principle, moral principle and the pleasure principle. Whenever the professors call the id, "the pleasure principle" I start singing the Janet Jackson song of the same title in my head. I completely lose track of the lecture as I replay the video in my mind. Janet Jackson looking super cool in ripped jeans and a jean jacket with perfectly feathered hair. She was dancing in front of a mirror in what looked like a dance hall. Her dance even included a little "step on a chair and tip that back over" trick. It was major cool. Here's the lyrics for you because I know you want to sing along.

Why have I never heard this before?

I just learned today about a little boo-boo that Bush Sr. (or rather his speech writers) made in a State of the Union. Still dealing with the "war on drugs" which his predecessor started, Bush showed a bag of crack-cocaine which he said was purchased off of the White House lawn. Of course this would cause some anxiety for Mr.. and Mrs.. middle america, who see the drug of the innercity crawling its way to the suburbs. Well, this is what Mr. and Mrs. middle america do not know:

Bush's speech writers knew that showing crack would make a big statement. So they went to the police asking for some crack just to use to show america what to be scared of. Well, not suprisingly the police said no. Then they (not sure if it was still the writers or some other employees) went searching on the streets for some. But here's the thing. They were telling the dealers they wanted the transaction to take place on the White House lawn. Also not suprisingly the dealers said no, knowing that they would get busted. Finally they found a naive 17 year old, who didn't even know what the white house was, to do it. They gave this boy directions on how to get there and what to do. On the day the boy didn't show up, so they called him and picked him up to go through with the transaction!!!!!!! Needless to say the boy was prosecuted.

Some random thoughts:
-In any Vietnam War era movies it is really annoying when they show a montage of war/protests clips and play that "Time Has Come Today" song. Seems too cliche
-If Southerners want me to stop making fun of them, then they have to stop doing things that will make me make fun of them such as: being a redneck, being ignorant, voting Conservatively because it is more "moral" and allow them to keep their guns (Now is this irony or hypocritical? Either way I know it is stupidity)
I know this is harsh, but this is a viewpoint of a liberal Northerner
-Do those Neighborhood Watch signs really intimidate criminals?
-McGruf could not work today. I didn't buy it as a kid.

It's like "the nothing" from Never-ending Story

My Criminology professor was trying to explain what the white blight of the slums in cities was like. He compared it to "the nothing" from the never-ending story. He asked the class if anyone ever heard of the movie. Uhhh, yeah that movie doesn't ring a bell. Are you kidding me? My brothers, sister and I were raised on that movie. I still want to know what the hell Sebastian mom's name was. Well, either way, this professor gets a check-plus in my mind for using such an awesome reference.

choo-choo charlie

What the hell is a choo-choo charlie? I heard someone on Amazing Race use it to describe the host, then I heard it used on an old episode of Saturday Night Live. I think it is a term of praise or something. But I think that CM thinks Peter Brady is a choo-choo charlie. I think his face is screwed up but he is buff.

Chronic mastication

I had this dream on Christmas Eve night and this is how it went: I was sleeping in my bed in Madison, total strangers came charging in, ripping the comforter off of me. The were checking my body up and down and accused me of constantly pleasuring myself (uhhhh which I totally do). Next they told me that my parents were going to send me to a mental institute for lack of drive because I have yet to decide what I am going to do after I graduate. I woke up wanting to cry because I was so upset. I wonder what people who interpret dreams would have to say about that one.

I can feel it in my throat

I am starting to get a cold. I can always tell because it starts as a scratchy throat, or burning throat where is hurts to swallow. Next comes the runny nose. Then full blown head cold. I am so glad this is happening to me during finals.

Um, yes

I say a tow truck, towing a tow truck. It was weird and made me laugh.

Ok smarty pants, what movies are the following from...

1. It's a party. Who brought the chips?
2. I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to.
3. "I want you inside me!"~~" What did you say?"~~" I'll see ya later"
4. California!!!

If my family is a bunch of dorks (which they are) I am the queen of the dorks

When I was back home for Thanksgiving, I was watching an episode of Friends in which they were challenging each other to see who could name all the states. I thought this easy, since I know the state song, I can name all of them. It would be more of a challenge to name all the state capitals. So I challenged myself to naming them all. I got my pen and paper out, wrote down all the states and began. Harder than I thought. My mom asked me what I was doing. I told her and she started helping me out and even got out this USA puzzle map we have that names all the capitals for the answers when I was done. I got about 27 out of 50.

Later on in Madison, when my family was visiting, I told my sister what I did during Thanksgiving. Being a very competitive family, she wanted to she if she could beat me. So while she was writing down her answers, my dad was trying to help her. I believe she did worse than I did. But my point is that my family, me especially, finds weird things to do and actually has fun doing it.

I told you, I blew a fuse when I totaled that electrical tower. I was checking out some daisies.

Ok, what movie is that from?

If I had a weekly syndicated column in newspaper across the US, it would be entitled "Listen to me Piss and Moan." That way more people could have a chance to read it, and they would also be warned to not read it, if they do not want to read me ranting and raving. It would also prevent hate mail, because they shouldn't have read it in the first place if they would get upset, the title should give them fair warning that it might anger them.

Also, CM and I are now determined to finish Megaman 2, any tips to defeat Airman and Fireman would be appreciated. (I can only defeat Metalman and Crashman by myself.)

Update: I meant Heatman, not Firemean and I now can beat Airman. Ouch take that Courtney Mary

Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me.

It really sucks having a birthday right next to finals, it sucks having a birthday that is after your 21st. This birthday was so uneventful. Remember when you were a kid, and everyone magically knew it was your birthday. You would get a big party where all you friends would be. You would get gifts, cake and ice cream. This year my parents came down (granted it was also the weekend of my brother's orchestra concert) and took me out to breakfast and my mom took me out shopping for a birthday gift. My sister eventually said, "Oh yeah, happy birthday." My friend Kim called me and wished me Happy Birthday (she always remembers). And then I went to stuff holiday letters for the donors of my scholarship (which we didn't even end up doing because the letters weren't ready). The girl that is in charge of birthday greetings for all the scholars was there and she wished me happy birthday. Other than that, no one else really acknowledged my birthday. Perhaps it is because I don't go calling it from rooftops "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!" Oh well, I got a new pair of jeans so I am satisfied. Now I will finish my great day by writing a three page paper that is due tomorrow.

If you are innocent, you might want to close your eyes to read this one

For one of my classes, I had to read this article on why "the gays" should not be parents. They use the normal arguments that the children would lose some kind of gender role/figure and grow up all screwed up and stuff. I am sure that there are tons of articles to disprove that theory. The argument that I liked best, that was used in this article, was how if the kids grew up in a household were homosexual relationship were socially acceptable, then they would think homosexual behavior would be ok, and therefore be more likely to partake in that type of behavior (I ALSO DISAGREE WITH THIS, BUT IF IT IS TRUE...WHO CARES?). What is this type of behavior? Well apparently it is: anal sex, oral sex, and S & M stuff. All this stuff has an increased chance of getting HIV/AIDS or physical health problems. Umm, yeah. Last time I heard, these things weren't only for "the gays". I am pretty sure there are some heterosexuals used that stuff as well. Even if that is the case, then heterosexual sex would be seen as unhealthy. I have an easy solution to everyone's problems: CONDOMS and LUBE and keep everything else clean. Once again I apologize for the inappropriateness, but it really angered me.

Cold Showers

I like not having hot water for the entire weekend. Any sane person would not take a shower if the water was nothing but cold, especially if all he/she was doing that weekend was staying in the house and not venturing out. But no, not me. I insist on taking a shower everyday, because I "feel" dirty, probably when I am not. So the result is me under a stream of cold water, yelping from the pain and shivering from the cold. In total I took three cold showers. They said that the are fixing it today, but can you really trust someone that took more than three phone calls to get a hold of.

Some more people I like

I like those people that come into class reeking of smoke, like they just got done smoking. They should do us all a favor and stay outside a minimum of 5 minutes after their cigarettes so they can air out and us non-smokers do not have to suffer. Seriously people, it makes me want to puke when I smell you.

I also like those people that will sit and wait for lecture to start (usually 15 minutes but sometimes longer if their is no lecture/discussion in that room before) and will eat really crunchy food. It seems like there is no food other than food that is crunchy: apples, carrots, pretzels etc. This would be fine if there would be other noise in the room, but if the only noise in the room is 5 people eating their crunchy food, it can be really annoying. But this is the less annoying of the two, just because I have to admit I am sometimes one of these people.

A question to ponder

When you are making two points, which is more important: the "first of all" or the "second of all"?

Don't mess with big sisters

My brother's roommate is a dickhead. Seriously, this guy is so coolness. He lacks any etiquette that any human being should have. I don't know about you, but I believe normal roommate rules are that you share objects such as microwaves, television and refrigerators, especially if you are in the dorms. You do not bring two of everything, that just takes up to much room. You really don't decide half way into the year, that the television is yours and your roommate is not allowed to finish watching the movie they were watching for the past hour and half because you want to play x-box (this is force and not asking politely if they were done watching the movie). If my brother would have known that his roommate would enforce such rules, he would of brought his own television. I think my brother should forbid his roommate to use his microwave, since my brother brought it. Also I think my brother should punch his roommate every time he says (on-line) something sexual to my brother's girlfriend. I am not afraid to go over there and have a little talk with this ass. Anyone that has seen the women in my family talk when they are mad, know to be afraid, to be very afraid.

Don't know what to title this one

There are signs on Bascom Hill signifying all the tribes that are represented (by individuals) on the UW campus. I sort of think it looks like a graveyard sort of reinforcing the stereotype of the Indian as dead. To further reinforce this stereotype The Badger Herald, who wrote a cover story on Native November events, placed a picture of a non-Native next to the story. Granted these events are meant to educate non-Natives about Native culture and issues and this picture may highlight this but it also denies the physical existence of Native students who are doing the teaching on campus. It is hard though since many of the Native students on campus are in fact so called "halfbreeds" and do not physically appear like the stereotypical Indian, thus making the community even more "invisible".

I was at this "graveyard" taking a group photo for Native November. Every Native student,faculty and staff had to stand by their Nation's sign. On grad student, who was actually the one taking the picture, had his two daughters along. I think they were two and five years old. These girls are Choctaw, form their mother, and Sac & Fox from their father. The older girl was holding the Choctaw sign and the little one was holding the other, except she wasn't doing a good enough job, according to her sister. So the older one ripped the sign out of the little one's hand and a fight ensued. Everyone else thought this was funny and talked about how it was a war between the tribes. Needless to say they disrupted the photo shoot, because their dad needed to separate them.

When the shoot was done, everyone was standing around and talking and cleaning up. The little girl (the 2 year old holding the Sac & Fox sign) was about 20 yards away from everyone else rolling around in the wet leaves. I found this really funny because I think I was the only one who noticed this. I did not try to stop her because she looked like she was having so much fun laying on her back with her white tight dressed legs kicked in the air.