When you become a member of a fraternity or sorority one of the first things you learn is when to ask for help. Well I have noticed that I blog when I'm supposed to be doing other things on my computer (such as writing my research paper...) otherwise I'm rarely on the computer as it is. When I'm doing these online assignments I get a flood of ideas and things that I need to express or else I wont be able to get anything done! So... this is me... asking for your help...well I guess the blog's help. In order to be able to focus and get to work, I must clear my head of all things non-research paper related... So I'm just going to have this blog open and whenever my mind starts to wander I'll just put it in here... annnnnnd here we go!
11:47pm... So in the article it quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance. One line says "imitation is suicide." For some reason I started thinking about that line and then realized that I had read the page without knowing anything that it said. So, what does this actually mean? "Imitation is suicide." Well the only thought that I had to making sense to this is that when you imitate anything, you are never imitating yourself. In a sense you are becoming whatever you are imitating, thus causing yourself to temporarily not exist. In a sense, through becoming something you are not, you are killing yourself--suicide.
12:16am...I just thought about my car which is parked outside, and how mad I would be if I got a ticket. I really don't think I'm in danger of getting a ticket though because I have a pass and it's during "non-restriction hours". The only reason it came up is because during regular hours it says "2 hour parking" but I'm assuming much like the meters on 11th that that's only during the "restriction hours". No I should be fine... Oh yea and my eye keeps twitching... :o(
12:47am... I was on a role, then they played some Godzilla crap on my Pandora. Ok a little background before I continue... when I have to do readings or assignments where I actually have to focus, I listen to music without words. I like Hanz Zimmer (The guy that composes music from Pirates of the Caribbean, some Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, etc...) or Mozart. Ok back to the present... this Godzilla song had a lot of excitement in it and that's fine for studying unless it's a constant LOUD silent LOUD silent pattern... then it's just distracting. And now back to work. This is actually very helpful! I suggest you all try it...
12:53am... OMG I just found a bruise on the back of my arm... not the elbow where it's kind of logical that you could get a bruise or even the forearm/wrist area, but the fatty part smack dab in the middle of the elbow and the shoulder (in the central part of the humerus for my fellow nerds)... how did that even happen?! And it hurts, I have to remember to look at that when I get home.
1:14am... Just realized that I haven't eaten since noon... going home to get some vittles. Crunch Berries?!
2:08am... and now back to work... actually you know what? I'm done for the night lol this isnt due until finals week :o)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The Strengths of My...
Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has many strengths, and along the lines of my yin and yang post from a few days ago, where there are many strengths... there are many weaknesses just to keep universal order. In Theta's history, you will see innovative programming on campus, countless awards, and Sorors reaching the ultimate collegiate goal--Graduation! The history also shows a HUGE downfall on the chapter's part with a number of suspensions from the University. Since her return on May 18th 2008, Theta chapter has continued the legacy of excellence on campus and as you all know, we have not been suspended either (lol). A major strength of our chapter is that we take pride in our name, so we work to exhaustion to keep that image in high standing. Some weaknesses in our chapter are some that are found in many other chapters such as a lack of participation of a certain portion, a fall in grades in another portion, and in some cases a system failure in trust. I am not here to air my organization or chapter's dirty laundry, but I will say this: in history as well as the present, we...the members... have been our chapter's biggest downfall. This is easily solved with protocol, but when you get over 20 strong-minded young adults working closely for greatness, you either reach monumental heights, or fall during the middle of the climb.
Oh...you actually want me to brag??
Ok... Theta's holds some of the strongest programs on this campus. We strive to create new programs each year instead of using the same ones over and over again. On campus as well as through Greek Affairs, we have been awarded for our campus programming. Overall we are on top of our academics. Theta has the highest chapter gpa in the nphc as well as one of the highest among sororities (At the moment I'm not sure of our current standing, but last year we were #1). Theta chapter gives back to the community. We were awarded for our community service from the university as well as Greek Affairs. Theta chapter is also very active in other organizations on campus as well as in the community. We pride ourselves not only on having representatives in various areas of involvement throughout campus, but most are actively involved holding executive positions within their respective activities. Nay-sayers to the chapter can never call us lazy, can never criticize our place on campus, can never say that we aren't taking care of business and I LOVE THAT!The NPHC
brings each organization's individual strengths to combine into a great force to be reckoned with. The NPHC handle's business when it comes do to it. We keep the organizations on the straight and narrow. Our council does a great job of keeping members informed of issues at hand. There are times when unity is weak, but when it comes down to it, each organization will band together under a unifying force when things seem to be turning towards the bad. NPHC needs to work on member involvement. Now things get done; however it's normally a small portion of actual council members making sure it gets done. Year to year, the unity within the NPHC fluctuates, but there is also an underlying goal towards complete unity. NPHC has a major weakness when it comes to gpa. However, with this weakness, there is a strength in passion for a change. Members are looking for ways to uplift our members as well as the NPHC as a whole. This uplifting not only refers to grades, but overall image. NPHC's image has taken a turn for the worst on this campus, and has come to be known as a liability as opposed to an asset. We have taken the initiative to change this image through time.Now when speaking of the community, you must
specify which community you are speaking of. The Ohio State community does a great job at coming together for those in need, specifically with the efforts in Haiti. On this campus, my organization as well as my council cater in majority to the African American community on this campus. This community is strong in creating a smaller community that can come together and relate to specific issues while at a PWI (Predominately White Institution). This community tends to be weak when it comes to exploring cultures outside of our own. Just because we are immersed in a society where we are the minority does not automatically mean that we know about the dominant culture. A lot of times I will hear someone say that they have never actually held a conversation with a person from another race or culture. I still have a hard time believing this because for this to be true for me, it would have meant that I would never have spoken to anyone outside of my family for the majority of my life, and then I would never have a conversation in most of my classes. But hey, who am I to force my life onto others...(Now that picture is actually from The Bean in Millennium Park, Downtown Chicago, but it'll work for my community aspect, I just really like it! And if you're unfamiliar with what The Bean is... here u go! http://www.millenniumpark.org/artandarchitecture/cloud_gate.html )
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Yin and Yang and Disney
Have you ever noticed that in life there is always balance? I'm not talking about karma or shakras, or anything deep. I'm just talking about something as simple as what we want from moment to moment. Basically it seems like it's human nature to want what we don't have. For example...
When babies are born all they do is sleep, but we can't wait for them to be active and start talking. When they're active and start talking all we want them to do is sleep.
When we are young we never want to sit in the stroller and be pushed, we want to walk. When we are older all we want is to be able to sit and have someone push us.
During the summer, we can't wait for school to start because we have nothing to do. During the school year we can't wait for summer to start so we have time to relax.
When we are single all we want is to fall in love and get married. When we are married we reflect on how good it was when we were single.
When we live at home we can't wait to move out and live by our own rules. When we move away from home, we can't wait to go back and visit.
Women who are *ahem* well-endowed in on area or another wish they were the opposite.
When we live on campus, all we want to do is go out to restaurants. When we live off campus all we want is to find someone to give us a swipe. (Taking donations at anytime btw)
People who have curly hair want straight hair. People who have straight hair want curly hair.
When we're in school we can't wait to graduate and get a job. When you get a job you want to go back to school.
(Personal, but I know others who have had the same thought): When I had long hair I always wanted to cut it all off. Now that my hair is short I wish it was long again :o(
I was never allowed to wear make-up until I was 16, but I always tried (and failed) to sneak and wear it. After I turned 16 and I was allowed to paint my face, I didn't want to wear make-up anymore.
It is unusually common for people to go to Hooters and get a burger, then go to Burger King and get a spicy chicken sandwich...
When you are under 21, most people are crazy about drinking (whoooooo!!!!!), then after you turn 21, people generally rarely drink (again just a trend I've seen, but does not apply to all lol)
Blonds die their hair to make it darker. People with dark hair get highlights.
Normal people wish they were famous. Famous people generally wish they were normal.
Am I the only one that finds that weird? Hmm... Just a thought. It seems to be human nature to want things you don't have, and it's healthy as long as you are in reality happy with yourself and your own person. Here's another funny thing, how many adults LOVE Disney and other "children's" movies?! There are even some aspects that pertain to this topic... and for your viewing pleasure:
Oobie-doo... I wanna be like yooouuu!!
Out of the Sea... Wish I could be... Part of that wooooorld!
Conflict of identity, Should Tarzan live amongst his ape family, or among humans?
When babies are born all they do is sleep, but we can't wait for them to be active and start talking. When they're active and start talking all we want them to do is sleep.
When we are young we never want to sit in the stroller and be pushed, we want to walk. When we are older all we want is to be able to sit and have someone push us.
During the summer, we can't wait for school to start because we have nothing to do. During the school year we can't wait for summer to start so we have time to relax.
When we are single all we want is to fall in love and get married. When we are married we reflect on how good it was when we were single.
When we live at home we can't wait to move out and live by our own rules. When we move away from home, we can't wait to go back and visit.
Women who are *ahem* well-endowed in on area or another wish they were the opposite.
When we live on campus, all we want to do is go out to restaurants. When we live off campus all we want is to find someone to give us a swipe. (Taking donations at anytime btw)
People who have curly hair want straight hair. People who have straight hair want curly hair.
When we're in school we can't wait to graduate and get a job. When you get a job you want to go back to school.
(Personal, but I know others who have had the same thought): When I had long hair I always wanted to cut it all off. Now that my hair is short I wish it was long again :o(
I was never allowed to wear make-up until I was 16, but I always tried (and failed) to sneak and wear it. After I turned 16 and I was allowed to paint my face, I didn't want to wear make-up anymore.
It is unusually common for people to go to Hooters and get a burger, then go to Burger King and get a spicy chicken sandwich...
When you are under 21, most people are crazy about drinking (whoooooo!!!!!), then after you turn 21, people generally rarely drink (again just a trend I've seen, but does not apply to all lol)
Blonds die their hair to make it darker. People with dark hair get highlights.
Normal people wish they were famous. Famous people generally wish they were normal.
Am I the only one that finds that weird? Hmm... Just a thought. It seems to be human nature to want things you don't have, and it's healthy as long as you are in reality happy with yourself and your own person. Here's another funny thing, how many adults LOVE Disney and other "children's" movies?! There are even some aspects that pertain to this topic... and for your viewing pleasure:
Oobie-doo... I wanna be like yooouuu!!
Out of the Sea... Wish I could be... Part of that wooooorld!
Conflict of identity, Should Tarzan live amongst his ape family, or among humans?
Ode to the Slacker
So as some of you are aware, I've been sick since we arrived in St. Louis (for the most part), but that doesn't stop me from having things to do. :o( So today I had quite a moment when I was leaving my class to get on the CABS on my way to work on a group project where I had to leave early for a committee meeting while wearing business casual in order to go straight to a program we were doing with our graduate chapter. I was thinking about all of the various t-shirt wearers in the world, or the people in group projects who don't do anything, or the people on committees who fight for a task and then never follow through...and I got incredibly jealous of them! I can't handle knowingly (or unknowlingly, if that's possible) disappointing someone. I can't handle having a reputation of failure associated with my name. I can't handle not knowing what is going on in programs, events or work that is associated with my name. So here I am... on a bus... wishing that I could have a day where I didn't care about anything. And I know most of my pain is self-inflicted because like I said, "I can't handle doing less." So I started my Ode to the Slacker...
Oh slacker, Oh slacker, Teach me your ways!
I wish I could have control over all of my days!
I admire your guts, your audacity, your nerve...
Taking credit and awards you know you don't deserve.
Oh slacker, Oh slacker, how do you do it?
Representing an organization in which you have no influence.
Others make up for your slack, often carrying more than they can juggle.
How does one watch while their fellow peers struggle?
Oh slacker, Oh slacker, you seem so well-rested,
How can you take on a task to which you are not invested?
I wish I knew how not to care about work,
Instead of doing everyone else's job--like a jerk.
Oh slacker, Oh slacker what is your decree:
Who needs A's when C's and D's get degrees?
I wish I could learn to slack off in class,
Instead of reaching for excellence and busting my :o)
Oh slacker, Oh slacker I do not mean to offend,
I only ask a helping hand to extend.
Who am I kidding, I could never be you,
For I can't stop asking: IF NOT ME THEN WHO?
Oh slacker, Oh slacker, Teach me your ways!
I wish I could have control over all of my days!
I admire your guts, your audacity, your nerve...
Taking credit and awards you know you don't deserve.
Oh slacker, Oh slacker, how do you do it?
Representing an organization in which you have no influence.
Others make up for your slack, often carrying more than they can juggle.
How does one watch while their fellow peers struggle?
Oh slacker, Oh slacker, you seem so well-rested,
How can you take on a task to which you are not invested?
I wish I knew how not to care about work,
Instead of doing everyone else's job--like a jerk.
Oh slacker, Oh slacker what is your decree:
Who needs A's when C's and D's get degrees?
I wish I could learn to slack off in class,
Instead of reaching for excellence and busting my :o)
Oh slacker, Oh slacker I do not mean to offend,
I only ask a helping hand to extend.
Who am I kidding, I could never be you,
For I can't stop asking: IF NOT ME THEN WHO?
Friday, February 19, 2010
One Word...OATH
–noun, plural oaths [ohth
z, ohths]
z, ohths] 1.
a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness one's determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.: to testify upon oath.
2.
a statement or promise strengthened by such an appeal.
3.
a formally affirmed statement or promise accepted as an equivalent of an appeal to a deity or to a revered person or thing;affirmation.
4.
the form of words in which such a statement or promise is made.
I'm sure these definitions were similar to your own personal definitions. But did you know that oath also means...
5.
an irreverent or blasphemous use of the name of God or anything sacred.
6.
any profane expression; curse; swearword: He slammed the door with a muttered oath.
Well I learned something new today...
When I think of an oath I think of a basic promise to commit yourself to something. A promise that says this is my honor, and this is my duty. For example, the when taking the Oath of Office, the president solemnly swears to perform his duties to this nation.
Grant it... President Obama had to take the Oath again because Chief Justice John Roberts made a mistake, but i digress...
Other oaths that aren't as pubbed in the media are taken everyday by people all over the world. It could be as simple as a prayer in promising to worship your creater in the highest and remain thankful for your daily blessings, or the oath that must be taken when transitioning into a new organization--be it a Sorority/Fraternity, a job, a school, a club, etc. Each year we all promise not to commit academic misconduct--OATH. At work we sign contracts and papers saying we will abide by the policies during out time of emplyment--OATH. We each promised to give our blood, sweat and tears to our organizations and uphold its values---OATH.
Oath is not only something to do or take one time... Oath becomes what you live by, how you operate, and what standards you hold yourself to.
To tie this all together, here are some parting words to ponder:
Your Oath begins as a part of your ritual, and then your Ritual is born because of your oath.
Until Next Time.
Skee-Wee to the bloggers!
Friday, February 5, 2010
From This Point On, I am Auntie Dane Dane...
This is how crazy life is... It all started with a misunderstanding: let's travel to last Sunday...
So I'm talking on the phone to my dad who lives in Chicago with the rest of the 8 million people in my family (exaggeration? yes) He proclaims to me that my sister is planning to have her baby on Friday February 5th whether she naturally goes into labor or not. So I say oh wow I m move some things around this weekend and actually be there!! So I make all these plans, I tell my professors about my plan, I tell my boss not to schedule me for work on Sunday, I make deals with people to trade shifts at work, with the intention of surprising my sister in Chicago just in time to welcome Baby Jordan into the world! Oh it was going to be amazing. Then I had trouble getting someone to cover one (ONE) of my shifts, so I call and see how definite this plan to induce actually is. I call her and she tells me it's not this Friday (2/5/10) It's NEXT Friday (2/12/10). UGH! So naturally I go into hilariously spoiled baby sister mode and say "well next weekend I have a conference so you'd better have this baby this weekend" (I said this semi jokingly but not really...). Then, not 2 hours later I get a call... "hey it's Dad, we're at the hospital, your sister's 7cm dilated, we'll call back later." Umm...WHAT?? I JUST talked to her 2 hours ago! So I like to think I had a lot to do with this birth :o) And now I'm in Chicago, just got home from a day at the hospital and I am about to start my take home midterm... yay
I'd like to formally introduce Jordan Nicole Johnson born February 4 2010 at 12:57am.
6lbs 5oz, 19inches of 100% Pretty Girl!!
So I'm talking on the phone to my dad who lives in Chicago with the rest of the 8 million people in my family (exaggeration? yes) He proclaims to me that my sister is planning to have her baby on Friday February 5th whether she naturally goes into labor or not. So I say oh wow I m move some things around this weekend and actually be there!! So I make all these plans, I tell my professors about my plan, I tell my boss not to schedule me for work on Sunday, I make deals with people to trade shifts at work, with the intention of surprising my sister in Chicago just in time to welcome Baby Jordan into the world! Oh it was going to be amazing. Then I had trouble getting someone to cover one (ONE) of my shifts, so I call and see how definite this plan to induce actually is. I call her and she tells me it's not this Friday (2/5/10) It's NEXT Friday (2/12/10). UGH! So naturally I go into hilariously spoiled baby sister mode and say "well next weekend I have a conference so you'd better have this baby this weekend" (I said this semi jokingly but not really...). Then, not 2 hours later I get a call... "hey it's Dad, we're at the hospital, your sister's 7cm dilated, we'll call back later." Umm...WHAT?? I JUST talked to her 2 hours ago! So I like to think I had a lot to do with this birth :o) And now I'm in Chicago, just got home from a day at the hospital and I am about to start my take home midterm... yay
I'd like to formally introduce Jordan Nicole Johnson born February 4 2010 at 12:57am.
6lbs 5oz, 19inches of 100% Pretty Girl!!
Greetings from Ingalls Memorial Hospital!!!
Ok, so I am aware this is late, but I can't even be upset because SURPRISE! My sister went into labor Wednesday night, so I made that 6 and a half hour drive asaply, and today I was holding my new born niece all day! Unfortunately the hospital had a block on social websites, I guess for good reason...safety of the newborns! Anywho... that blog along with pictures will come later
So what are my secret thoughts on ritual? This question/topic makes me chuckle because it's kind of an oxymoron to post a public blog about your "secret thoughts". But I digress...
I thought the Big R/ little r model to ritual was very interesting and also insightful. I guess before I had always thought of ritual in a procedural term that is the deciding factor on what you do in certain rare and special situations. For procedures in regular situations they would just be called procedure... I guess I always split it up to ritual is what you do and the values are what are strengthened or learned or taken away from certain rituals. And my definition of "value" in this sense would be the "Big R"-Ritual, whereas my personal definition of ritual remains with a little r. Either way you think of it you are still incorporating your Ritual or your values into your daily lifestyle because in ritual you are pledging your heart, soul and strength to whatever you are doing in ritual.
Perhaps ritual or Ritual should be organized via R.I.T.U.A.L.
R- The Religion of the Righteous to Retain and Recall Revelations in a Rewarding Realization of Royalty
I- Intensifying Images In the Imagination of Ideal Idols who Imagined an Integrated Intelligence In Institutions Increasing Intrinsic Integrity
T- Taking Time To Tighten Ties of Togetherness To Triumph Through Tribulations
U- Using Unique Unions to Upgrade Universities, Unify Undergraduates Unconditionally and Unravel Underachievement
A- Agree to be Accountable for All to Achieve Astonishing Acedemic Awards And Act Accordingly Abiding by Ancestral Attitudes Active in Advancing All Attributes
L- Leaders Love to Learn.
So what are my secret thoughts on ritual? This question/topic makes me chuckle because it's kind of an oxymoron to post a public blog about your "secret thoughts". But I digress...
I thought the Big R/ little r model to ritual was very interesting and also insightful. I guess before I had always thought of ritual in a procedural term that is the deciding factor on what you do in certain rare and special situations. For procedures in regular situations they would just be called procedure... I guess I always split it up to ritual is what you do and the values are what are strengthened or learned or taken away from certain rituals. And my definition of "value" in this sense would be the "Big R"-Ritual, whereas my personal definition of ritual remains with a little r. Either way you think of it you are still incorporating your Ritual or your values into your daily lifestyle because in ritual you are pledging your heart, soul and strength to whatever you are doing in ritual.
Perhaps ritual or Ritual should be organized via R.I.T.U.A.L.
R- The Religion of the Righteous to Retain and Recall Revelations in a Rewarding Realization of Royalty
I- Intensifying Images In the Imagination of Ideal Idols who Imagined an Integrated Intelligence In Institutions Increasing Intrinsic Integrity
T- Taking Time To Tighten Ties of Togetherness To Triumph Through Tribulations
U- Using Unique Unions to Upgrade Universities, Unify Undergraduates Unconditionally and Unravel Underachievement
A- Agree to be Accountable for All to Achieve Astonishing Acedemic Awards And Act Accordingly Abiding by Ancestral Attitudes Active in Advancing All Attributes
L- Leaders Love to Learn.
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