i decided to turn off my beyonce dvd finally

and i watched something other than trash tv and learned about the ted prize.

Have you guys heard of it?

Well you should all watch this clip and find out. An inspiring concept...

or maybe we can smoke some trees...

or feel the breeze, or listen to a symphony, or maybe we can chill and just be?

I would rather be doing any of those things instead of what I'm doing right now. Why is it that I can never get enough work done?

I've been reading more of the Ramayana, mostly because I feel like I've been slacking for this class. I have been keeping up with everyone's blogs, lately they just show Nichol support and it makes me happy. Liam described our march to the sunken gardens on thursday beautifully, while Todd seemed a bit dejected by it all.

I wish I saw more of Todd.

Kristine commented on a topic they discussed at the MAC meeting today, that I was going to attend but then lost track of time, and I just wanted to say that I think about those things all the time. Why do people choose to befriend some and not others? What is the major criteria for friend selection? And why do we see that it happens to be segregated in some places and not others? Does this self-segregation only arise in hostile situations, where people feel the need to be around those "like them"? It's puzzling.

Rashmi talks about awareness, good timing. It is Islam Awareness Week. Does anyone know that or did I make fliers for nothing?? This week is gonna be crazy with IAW. I have so much to vent about regarding that, but I dont think anyone cares and I really don't feel like articulating it via this medium. In summary: I am disappointed.

I liked the visitors last class, it really felt like we were actually putting in motion publicly and inclusively what we have been trying to channel within our group indoors. I feel more comfortable doing the dances, I just wish I could be more confident in carrying out all the steps. I guess that takes practice, but I dont know when I'll get around to that.

I'm supposed to be sketching the TWILIGHT poster design at the moment, but I lack inspiration. Amanda wants something reminiscent of graffiti and I know I can do that. A whole lot better than whoever's been poorly stenciling those not so clever messages all over campus. Like Nimish exclaimed, that's not the point of activism and completely counter to what many of us have been working towards regarding BOV relations this past week. And also: shitty graffiti job. The stencils picked were lame, the execution was mediocre at best and I could have done a much better job. Not that I would vandalize anything, but if I did, I would pick better spots for interesting/insightful designs, assholes.

Watch this, ask Erich why

or maybe we can read surah 31:18?

I'm so tired of traveling, I'm actually thankful to finally be in Williamsburg, even though I'm not really feeling welcome in the larger community given the current Nichol situation. Thanks Carling for sharing your anger and frustrations, I feel the same way. I dont know what will happen to all the progress we've made if he leaves, I hope we dont have to know anytime soon. I plan on coming back post graduation to visit because I'll still have connections, but if Nichol isn't here, if he's replaced with someone who completely abandons his diversity initiatives, if we lose the support of the multicultural community/students/faculty, will it be worth visiting again? What, if anything, will be left of our legacy? I stand aligned with those dedicated to ensuring that these questions remain purely hypothetical.

On a more political note, I hate all the candidates. I wish for the day when American politics addressed my concerns. But not enough to want to get involved in the dirty game of it all. Why do I feel like I can watch CNN all day and learn nothing? I hope AmericaDecides better news programming 2008.

Watch this clip, it embodies all that I hate right now:

I need some love like I never needed love before

I hate missing class. I feel so behind on all the dances! I keep practicing what I know, but its not enough. Bobby tried to teach me what we learned last week at the library, haha, it was funny. I think I got the hang of it. I was talking to JB and Erich and I think Sravya should post videos of herself doing the dances on her blog so that I can watch and learn/make sure I'm doing them right. Also, clips of her reciting the chants would be nice, I hate mispronouncing the words, you know?

So, I've neglected my reading but have read a significant amount in the Ramayana. Like Becca, I had the same bogged down feeling with all the terms but after 100 pages it got easier to understand. I really dont have anything specific to respond to regarding the story, mostly because I cant even remember at the moment where I left off...ugh I'm overwhelmed with work, it seems like everything I'm learning is not being retained at all. I hope next week is better. At least next week I'll be going to class.

I just remembered something, Carling you owe me dinner! hahaha, I want some Filipino food, and also a copy of Saturday nights performance. I hate that I missed that.

Is your leg better Jessa? Did you get to dance in class/last weekend?

Arent you supposed to be writing to me Joey? I can't respond, if you dont write. Also I'm not sure I have your blog on my list...

As for class, I dont feel uncomfortable per se, but it just hasnt gotten to that level, and yes I cant help but giggle sometimes Nimish, especially when I have to send you love vibrations or whatever :)