Busy Busy Busy
Where to begin?
The Election: This is an important election to me, in part because I think that we have one of the best canidates running that our country in the last two decades (at least). I would like to think that this isn't even a partisan vote for me, that if Barack Obama was a Republican that I would vote for him. I see in him the mind, the voice, the spirit, and the willingness to act that exemplifies the best that our country has. Which is why I believe he will win this election, because even Republicans at this point are voting for him. They may say it is because he defies the usual party buisness, but I would be excited to agree.
I have also heard a lot of independants, not Republicans, voicing their dismay with THIS election as far as its dirtyness. I have to say to that: Have you ever seen politics before? This is one of the better elections we have had. If this turns your stomach, you should either avoid all politics like the plague or get over it and do something proactive! I honestly believe that this election may bother people because it has moved so many people. You can't ignore it like other elections. It finally has stepped forward and begun talking to a lot of people it hasn't talked to before. It challenges people to care, to debate, and to work for something. A lot of people don't like that, but if they refuse to get involved they best just get out of the way so those who want to make this world better can get something done. Note again, I am not even talking about Republicans here, because at least they will stand and talk issues with me and try to figure things out. My greatest frusteration is apathy.
Final point on the subject: I have a ticket to Obama's Election Day Rally! BAD ASS!
Anniversary: Katie and I are celebrating our one year anniversary on Nov. 4! She is taking me to the planetarium and out to dinner. I am suprising her with a new I-Pod. I figured she would use it a lot more than she would jewlery and she is still holding on to a glitchy 1st Generation Nano. Oh man, I can't wait for her reaction!
Work: I LOVE working in DePaul's Archives! I get to work with interesting material everyday and there is no rush for customers or dead-lines. I am not only learning history but actively participating with it! It is an every day event that I am handling letters and artifacts from the 1800's. It is seriously surprising the things I find! We have 6 Oscars, a Mace, Countless original manuscripts dating from the birth of the printing press, the grades of priests in college, maps of the el from 1936 (which is now pinned to my cubicle), etc etc. Not to mention it pays. Like, I don't feel like I am really "working" and yet I am paid enough to be able to leave my savings completely untouched from the summer. That is a blessing!
Grad. School: I went in to talk to my advisor about Grad School Monday. I had good news and hard news. The good news is that if I keep my grades where I am, I will graduate with High Honors and will be an applicant for the Ivy League and full rides through my Doctoral Education. The hard news is that I have to keep up the hard work and even work harder to stand out among applicants. Because people applying to Stanford and Harvard are going to look very simular to my grade wise, but I have to be able to be chosen above straights A's from across the nation....shit, this is why I stay in the library until 9:30 every night.
Catholic Campus Ministry: This has become my new Theatre and I feel this is the right time for it because it opens up a community which expands beyond the boundries of a school and an effects people's every day survival. The Vincentian Mission particularly with its attention to the poor and marginalized. I get the chance to lead retreats that help people get through the month and find ways to make this world a better place. It's not just about "Church" stuff, its working together to help people find food, clothing, shelter and to help ensure unoversal human rights and to help the envirorment. I corrdinate Altar Servers for Mass, which frankly is a chance to actually have a job and be involved in a Church seromony. To draw a general comparison, its like being a techie or an actor in a show rather than just watching it. You can see things in a whole new way.
The DePaul Newspaper: This is a new development which I am glad to be a part of this year. It is a surprise how I quickly am handed the poltical articles without competition and that I am actually getting recognition as a journalist. I don't hold it as an esteemed position, honestly its hardly any work, but the effect it has in being able to communicate with the whole university is astounding. Its just really cool.
More to come...