we were in screaming color
I have a paper to write (actually, two). So natch, I figured it was a great time to update my blog.
You guys, I'm going to be honest. I don't want to write it. I've been trying to identify why it's been such a struggle to write papers this semester, and I think I may have finally put my finger on it- these assignments don't feel mine. I doubt that makes sense to you. You see, I've always really loved writing. I like that it gives you the chance to think and process and really focus on what you want to say and how you're going to say it, and I've always been told that I have a really strong writing voice, mostly because I find something to enjoy about the assignment, and grab hold of that to get me through. I'm sure there must have been assignments at Valpo that I didn't like or enjoy writing, but this whole semester seems full of them, and finding the extra motivation to write them is proving difficult. Even in my previous grad school classes, when the whole class felt worthless to my program, we were given the opportunity to write on a topic we found interesting, so I enjoyed the writing process. This semester, not so much. Alas, they won't write themselves, so I should get back to it.
But before I do, some things I've been thinking about lately:
-The discussion on suffering, quality of life and dignity brought around by Brittany Maynard and her decision to use Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. I've seen a lot of opinions on this subject, especially in my religious circles, and discussions about whether this is really suicide etc. To be honest, I'm in favor of the DwD Act, and I'd love to have a conversation with you about why. I think there is plenty to learn from suffering, ways to be both cowardly and brave in the midst of it, and I think this decision is less selfish than most people may be making it out to be. I've watched people I care about (and for) die, and sometimes it's beautiful and graceful, and sometimes it's terrible and traumatizing and terrible. I don't believe this is the right answer to every situation, but I do think it should be an option, and in some very specific circumstances, would probably make the same decision myself. Don't agree? I'd love to hear why. Let's get hot chocolate soon :)
-Is healthcare (and access to it) a human right? (disclaimer, I'm paying a lot of money to think about this, so give me a break here) I've been surprised at how my classes this semester have shaped my views on political issues. I (foolishly) thought I could learn about public health without caring about public policy, but it turns out, that's not the case, and I'm actually really glad about that. I'll admit that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to post political things, willfully so, but since I'm an ADULT now and it's my responsibility to be well informed when I vote, I'm glad I'm learning more about some of the issues. I didn't vote last week, but that's another issue entirely.
- I recently unprotected my tweets because I wanted celebrities to be able to see my shout-outs. It's shameful, I know, but whatevs. We'll see if it works. You don't follow me? @littlechambers - you know you want to listen to me complain about not getting enough sleep. (But for reals, follow Chrissy Teigen- she's freaking hilarious. And I spelled her name correctly the first try, so there!)
- Throwing yourself a pity party about the annoying grad school papers you have to write? Just trying to kill 4 hours? Watch Half the Sky on Netflix. (I'm adding the book to my "read between semesters" list) You'll stop feeling bad about your extensive educational opportunities pretty quickly, and it's so worth the time to learn about what is going on to women across the globe. There has been a lot of discussion lately about feminism and women's rights and I think it's a super important topic to be thinking and talking about, but I'm so glad I'm a woman in the US, and not many other parts of the world. This documentary reminds me why. (If you only have a few minutes and are looking for some inspiration, be sure to watch Emma Watson's speech at the UN about women's rights. Hermione for the win folks!)
-Today, I unintentionally washed my hair twice before conditioning, and ate a lunch with a meat, grain, fruit and vegetable. Take that adulthood.
-I hate that I love the new Taylor Swift album. I intentionally waited until after the first week to buy it, but it's been on repeat in my car because I fell victim to her genius marketing and bought it at Target for the free extra songs.
for reals though, I should get to writing. my paper.
You guys, I'm going to be honest. I don't want to write it. I've been trying to identify why it's been such a struggle to write papers this semester, and I think I may have finally put my finger on it- these assignments don't feel mine. I doubt that makes sense to you. You see, I've always really loved writing. I like that it gives you the chance to think and process and really focus on what you want to say and how you're going to say it, and I've always been told that I have a really strong writing voice, mostly because I find something to enjoy about the assignment, and grab hold of that to get me through. I'm sure there must have been assignments at Valpo that I didn't like or enjoy writing, but this whole semester seems full of them, and finding the extra motivation to write them is proving difficult. Even in my previous grad school classes, when the whole class felt worthless to my program, we were given the opportunity to write on a topic we found interesting, so I enjoyed the writing process. This semester, not so much. Alas, they won't write themselves, so I should get back to it.
But before I do, some things I've been thinking about lately:
-The discussion on suffering, quality of life and dignity brought around by Brittany Maynard and her decision to use Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. I've seen a lot of opinions on this subject, especially in my religious circles, and discussions about whether this is really suicide etc. To be honest, I'm in favor of the DwD Act, and I'd love to have a conversation with you about why. I think there is plenty to learn from suffering, ways to be both cowardly and brave in the midst of it, and I think this decision is less selfish than most people may be making it out to be. I've watched people I care about (and for) die, and sometimes it's beautiful and graceful, and sometimes it's terrible and traumatizing and terrible. I don't believe this is the right answer to every situation, but I do think it should be an option, and in some very specific circumstances, would probably make the same decision myself. Don't agree? I'd love to hear why. Let's get hot chocolate soon :)
-Is healthcare (and access to it) a human right? (disclaimer, I'm paying a lot of money to think about this, so give me a break here) I've been surprised at how my classes this semester have shaped my views on political issues. I (foolishly) thought I could learn about public health without caring about public policy, but it turns out, that's not the case, and I'm actually really glad about that. I'll admit that I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to post political things, willfully so, but since I'm an ADULT now and it's my responsibility to be well informed when I vote, I'm glad I'm learning more about some of the issues. I didn't vote last week, but that's another issue entirely.
- I recently unprotected my tweets because I wanted celebrities to be able to see my shout-outs. It's shameful, I know, but whatevs. We'll see if it works. You don't follow me? @littlechambers - you know you want to listen to me complain about not getting enough sleep. (But for reals, follow Chrissy Teigen- she's freaking hilarious. And I spelled her name correctly the first try, so there!)
- Throwing yourself a pity party about the annoying grad school papers you have to write? Just trying to kill 4 hours? Watch Half the Sky on Netflix. (I'm adding the book to my "read between semesters" list) You'll stop feeling bad about your extensive educational opportunities pretty quickly, and it's so worth the time to learn about what is going on to women across the globe. There has been a lot of discussion lately about feminism and women's rights and I think it's a super important topic to be thinking and talking about, but I'm so glad I'm a woman in the US, and not many other parts of the world. This documentary reminds me why. (If you only have a few minutes and are looking for some inspiration, be sure to watch Emma Watson's speech at the UN about women's rights. Hermione for the win folks!)
-Today, I unintentionally washed my hair twice before conditioning, and ate a lunch with a meat, grain, fruit and vegetable. Take that adulthood.
-I hate that I love the new Taylor Swift album. I intentionally waited until after the first week to buy it, but it's been on repeat in my car because I fell victim to her genius marketing and bought it at Target for the free extra songs.
for reals though, I should get to writing. my paper.
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