2011

And here we are again, at the point of the year where we say we'll do the many grand and glorious things that we haven't gotten ourselves to do thus far. Maybe actually keeping this blog active will be one of these things for me. We'll see.

This New Year feels different for me, and one of those differences is that I actually have some faith in my commitment to change for 2011. Why? Because long before 2010 ended I started thinking about things I want to take control of in my life.

I spent this NYE in Kalamazoo, forgoing the $50+ bar tickets in Chicago for one final tango at the ever-classy Monaco Bay*. I wasn't sure about the decision because I knew of several bumping house parties that did not involve a 2 1/2 hour drive, but after a string of drama-filled NYEs in the Chi I thought it might be time to switch it up. Turns out, Kzoo was the perfect place for me to be. I don't remember much of the actual celebration at the club, but I do know that being with the people who shaped my life and strengthened me for the past 4 years were exactly who I needed to talk me through my mostly internal transition into 2011. At a tamer bar outing on New Years day we went around and talked about resolutions, and the best/worst of 2010.

 I quickly realized that most of my bests and worsts were inseparable. Best: Graduating College. Worst: Being ripped from the womb of college and thrown into a world where I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with myself.    Best: Moving in with boyfriend. Worst: All the bullshit that goes along with moving in with a significant other.    Best: Moving back to a world class city. Worst: 10% sales tax, ridiculous traffic, and feeling like I'll be stuck where I grew up forever.   Worst: Dad getting hospitalized and diagnosed with a chronic heart condition. Best: Dad quitting smoking, taco bell, and BK breakfast.

What to do with this paradox? I'm not sure yet. It felt good to just recognize that it's here. I guess it fits into my general outlook that there is good with the bad, and bad with the good, and its best to just be as aware as possible and think critically about whatever it is.

On that note, here's to 2011! The year where organization will set me free, I'll be better at keeping in touch, and I'll try not to drink Coke unless there's whiskey involved. Cheers!



*If you know me from Kalamazoo you may be able to detect some sarcasm here.

Peace. Please.

I just came back from a community rally hosted by Kalamazoo peace and social justice groups. President Obama is delivering the commencement speech at Kalamazoo Central High School tonight, and we wanted to have a positive presence to welcome him to our city and thank him for what he has already done, as well as the commitments to future changes.

The theme of the rally was "President Obama: Yes We Can Fulfill 'The Promise.'" The Promise refers to the Kalamazoo Promise, the gigantic anonymous grant that provides every student who attends Kalamazoo Public Schools for K-12 with FREE tuition to any public university in Michigan. Unfortunately, many students are not able to benefit from the Promise because they are not graduating high school. To me, the Promise is very parallel to Obama's presidency. We have a great opportunity and hope, but many obstacles to still work through.

Being at the rally today was so great for my spirit. I get frustrated with politics quickly, and was so disappointed by the drop in momentum of social justice activism after Obama's election. In planning the event, my eyes were opened to dozens of middle-aged Michiganders willing to fight hard for peace. I also learned of Skyridge Church of the Brethren, a peace and justice-centered church with impressive principles and practices. At the event itself, I was warmed to the core by all of the positive energy from fellow ralliers as well as people driving down the street, honking and throwing more thumbs ups and peace signs than middle fingers.

We are still here. Social justice activists must stay strong, support each others messages, and not let egos get in the way of progress. It's so easy to focus on the negative, but where does that get us?

Fight the power -> Become the power,
Anne

Memorial Day

I love holidays. I don't know if its residual from going to a tiny elementary school where we celebrated things like pi day (3-14) with pie potlucks, and on st. patrick's day a leprechaun would bring presents, but I do love holidays. My highly practical (and atheist) boyfriend tends to think they're a waste of time, but my philosophy is, was, and will continue to be  find any excuse to celebrate. 

So happy Memorial Day, whatever that means to you. Take a minute to meditate on the wonderful people who remain in your memory - and then pour out a little liquor for them at your BBQ!

Turns out I couldn't stay away forever.

Though I never got big into blogging, there is something refreshing about this kind of public outlet. So I swung by my xanga, ready to ramble and paused, realizing that a lot has changed. Namely, I'm barely blonde and rarely apathetic. And if the username doesn't even fit, well you know you have some work to do.

My goal is to open up dialogue and connect through writing. Worst comes to worse, I have a digitized journal for my own reference.

And we're off...