Fourteen

hours of studying later, and I feel no more well versed in the feminist approaches to technology nor the implementation of a good system design. It seems from this point on in the semester, there really is not much room to fool around. I need to become completely focused and get my work done. But what is "getting my work done"? It seems these days college is very task-oriented in the sense that one only strives to complete a checklist. Before I started any of my homework today, I had to make a list to organize myself. I relished in the sensation of finishing another assignment off that list. However, I seem to feel more accomplished in finishing the list than in completely learning anything. It almost makes the day feel like it had no purpose.

I've seen this approach taken in some form by some of my friends. Well save the actual list part (since I seem to be the only organization freak). Often, I notice my friends will attempt to memorize material in a way that facilitates easy vomiting back onto a ScanTron or composition paper. They are not really trying to learn the subject; they are really learning how to pass tests. And well, this does not anger me or anything but I feel that college can be such a waste of money if you do not fully apply yourself to the material.

Sure, feminism in relation to technology can be rather dry, but understanding the mindset of people is rather intriguing. Seeing the world through other people's eyes can create a more balanced view. I'm going to review my material again tomorrow in hopes of expanding my mind, not just shortening my list.

I swim for brighter days...

...despite the absence of sun.

I really can't describe how powerful this lyric is to me. Whenever I'm feeling pretty down, music is able to lift me up. Whether it be playing a couple notes of nonsense on the piano or just listening to some Coldplay or Jack's, music is a pretty powerful tool. It can change your outlook on a gloomy day; it can give you something worth fighting for. It can make you believe that all the ugliness in the world can be wiped away with a single note.

It's one of those few things in life that is purely beautiful in it's own. We truly take advantage of the sensations our ears provide. Just pause once and a while and listen to your surroundings. You'll probably discover that the earth and all of it's inhabitants are serenading you in a chaotic yet controlled ballad. It might be hard to hear at first, but keep listening, the music is out there.

21

days until I'm 21. It sure is a milestone to many. What does it mean to me? I can finally drink alcohol legally? I guess there's something special in that... but really there seems to be no thrill in turning 21. I sure am not expecting the world to stop for me. When the birthdays of some people roll around, they believe everyone must hold their breath until they blow out the candles on their cake. But in reality the world carries on business as usual. We really are pretty insignificant.

I apologize for the lack of elaboration... there's a million things running through my mind at the moment.

A Place for My Thoughts

I think way too much. I seem unable to leave things at their surface. There's always meanings behind every action. There's always implications not being explicitly stated. There's a wealth of information out there in this world, and I feel the need to decipher it. Therein lies the problem... some things are better left unexplained or undiscovered. People can drown in the information that they are not prepared to handle.

To stay afloat, I hope to use this blog to embrace the new things that I learn. Sometimes my observations will be mere ramblings and may make no sense. Other times they will be as lucent as the stars on a December midnight. Whatever the case, purging the overabundance of thoughts I carry will not only help me grow as an individual... it will prevent me from being swallowed in the sea.