Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Non-boring normalacy

(I realize normalacy is not a word, but I think it fits better so I have chosen to use it. Deal.)

Things have gotten back to normal for the most part. Work, Uni, work, seeing people. Ahhhh.

I am being good about jogging and it's not so bad. Especially at dawn or dusk, such lovely times. I went for a walk tonight at dusk and the sunset was so beautiful. We have some of the most amazing skies here in the Midwest. I love it.

I have an interview at a place I really want to work for next Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed! And I might be getting more people to tutor, this time in German. I hope it works out! Juhu!

Ok, so while studying tonight, I came across an interesting section on scientific reasoning/methodology, etc. It says that an assumption of science is that "Truth is tentative. We noted earlier that truth is dynamic and constantly changing. What is true at one point in time may not be true in the future. Truth is always relative to the existing state of knowledge. As scientific methodology is applied to increasing numbers of observations, what most thought was once true may be modified." So you could use an example of something like people thinking the world was flat, or that the sun revolved around the earth. What do you think about that statement, that truth is relative and changing? I thought it was really interesting, especially b/c it and other articles argue that the point of science is not to seek the truth, but to explain things to the best of ability. I sort of disagree. I think science aims to discover the truth. Opinions are welcomed and encouraged.

That's enough thought for one night. Now I'm off to bed.

: )

Friday, August 18, 2006

Nochmal an der Uni

Uni started again last night and it was great! I really love my first class. They restructured it, and it's not the scary methods class I thought I'd be taking. And there are people from all over the world in it, which always gets me excited. So I am very ready for the semester to start!

Other than that I am just working and hanging out. I've been trying this "jogging" thing again. It's ok if I go at a snail's pace, but that's ok. Meegan, you'd be proud. Ok, maybe not. Maybe you'd just laugh. BUT, last night I jogged for 30 minutes and it didn't feel like torture, so in my book that is improvement!

I was planning on a mini pool party tomorrow but I think it will fall through again, which is ok. I am going to pick up my pics, don't ask how many I printed off from last year b/c it is a scandalous number! And Monica and I are going to see Rent at Starlight. That should be interesting.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying wherever you are in the world.

: )

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

DDR



No, it has nothing to do with the commie side of Germany. It is the craze of Dance Dance Revolution! Are you laughing as hard as I am now? I think it's only appropriate.

So James and Sam have been having DDR parties, and I have to admit, it's pretty stinkin' cool. Therefore, this Saturday I am combining my pool party with the popular DDR-age. Above are some pics of the party at S&J's.

The last pic is just my dog and I. I missed him sooooooooo much!!

On a more serious note, at church last Sunday, Thom was taking about his time at Uni, and how he had to take this class on Islam. He sat next to some self-proclaimed Muslim Feminists, and one day he had a discussion with them about their hijabs. Basically, it came down to the (somewhat?) Western view of women "over there" being oppressed and not treated equally. They countered that they felt more free, b/c they were not forced to be a size 2, wear high heels that killed their feet, and dress "sexy" to be taken seriously/appreciated or promoted. Instead, they are taken for the work they do, their abilities and intelligence. There's no pressure to be bulimic, and they aren't as obsessed with appearance as we are. So they felt that the Western woman is much more restricted than they are. Very interesting! I must admit, I've never thought of it that way, and was very appreciative to be presented with that p.o.v.
Any thoughts?

Monday, August 07, 2006

August Already?

All right. So I admit, I've not been keeping up with my blog. But I just am not having the crazy adventures one has while living abroad. Although, I am enjoying reading Kate (Aussie)'s blog about her new life in Japan. I especially appreciated the thing about carrying the mattress through the trains and being stared at. Would have loved to have seen that! Or having a new apartment, but without elec., gas, etc. Ahhh, the many joys! How I miss them!

I might have another small German group to teach English to. I am quite enjoying the tutoring. I just hope I have enough time for it all when school starts. Which is 1.5 weeks. And my teachers haven't ordered books! What does that mean? Hmmmmm.

Do you see how boring this is compared to my Germany blogs? No mold invasions, bugs claiming my bathroom, and if I'm considered the reject it's not because I'm the ignorant foreigner that can be written off.

That said, I am enjoying being home. I woke up to a thunderstorm this morning and it was heavenly. I can go barefoot and swim when I want and the time is really flying by. I can't believe it's already August!

E is still in Ktown til next week and he's still working on the thesis. I'm ready for him to finish and get his butt over here for a visit! However, it looks like that could be October. Schnoeffle schnoeffle. But Jan might be coming to visit around the end of September. Very cool.

It is almost Meegan's birthday and I am a rotten friend b/c I'm still idea-less for a great b-day gift. Do I lose super-duper friend points?

I think that's about it for life in KC. Oh, my room is almost completely organized. A month after returning home. Meegan, I bet you're proud of me for the procrastination. I learned from the best!

: )