In light of the recent most patriotic day of the year, 4th of July, I would write a little entry about why I want to live in France! My French teacher was born and raised in the south of France. It has been incredibly interesting to hear her thoughts about America and France, both good and bad. Here are some negative points I've learned about her life in France: her life was crappy, for a time they lived in the ghetto, you don't look people in the eye in France, it is incredibly worldy, its nearly impossible to find a job, gas is nearly ten dollars a gallon, it is very expensive to live there, and people don't go out to eat as much as we do because of it. Positives about France: she loves history and misses seeing castles and midevil villages every weekend, her home was ancient and gorgeous, France is gorgeous, its her home, its more democratic than America.
Some specifics differences:
Education:
France-you graduate high school with a bachelors, university (medical, law, business, all of it) is free and nearly everyone is admitted, you take an average of 30 credits a semester, college is HARD and competitive, everyone gets an hour break for lunch every day, classes always have over 300 students
America-High School graduation rate is incredibly low, even worse is college gradation. We pass through with bare minimum education in order to make the grade and get out of here. Standards are lowered so more people can graduate. Classes are over-sized too, but not as competitive. We take an average of 15 credits per semester in college.
Health Care:
France-Health care is all free (provided for by the tax money), no one pays for health, doctors get paid about a fourth of what they are paid here, they make in house visits, its more likely doctors are sincere and caring because they are paid less, medical school is twice as long in France (8 years) as it is here and its free. I have a secret wish to use the French health care system...sorry to smooch off their taxes...
America-Insurance companies rule your health, your life always has a price tag, many doctors and people working in the medical business are solely motivated by money
Food:
France and America-Each public school usually has a chef who buys organic food, the kids get full course balanced meals, my teacher is frequently disgusted by what we eat here, if the schools in France served kids what they do in public schools here, they would be sued. Or as my teacher says "Why don't they just give them poison!" In France people usually eat every four hours and eating time is sacred to all.
National Debt:
France and America are both in a huge economic recessions, probably more so in France. But America is in debt for getting in war, France is in debt for helping its people. What is more noble than caring for your people, giving them the best education and health possible? Unfortunately its lead to their downfall with scarcity in work and very high taxes, but the principles of France remain the same and those principles I admire greatly.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Darn you Social Norms!
So I've been a little frustrated lately with something I like to call social norms. Here are all the problems I'd like to blame on my socioeconomic situation.
1. My lack of dating. Who cares if I go on dates? What does it matter, really? I have lots of friends, lots of guy friends. I have a lot of fun. And I'm independent financially, so who needs dates. Why do I feel all this pressure to be on dates? Thanks culture.
2. Getting a degree. If someone could explain to me the intrinsic value of an associates or bachelors or anything, that would be awesome. I love learning, why do I need a label to prove to the world that I am educated?
3. I need good grades. Who cares? I certainly do. But it drives me crazy. Thanks for the outside pressure.
4. I need to be super skinny, petite, and dress way girly cute. Who am I trying to impress? And why do girls need to dress super girly to impress boys.
Ok I think its obvious I subconsciously would like all these things, but I don't appreciate the outside superficial pressure.
1. My lack of dating. Who cares if I go on dates? What does it matter, really? I have lots of friends, lots of guy friends. I have a lot of fun. And I'm independent financially, so who needs dates. Why do I feel all this pressure to be on dates? Thanks culture.
2. Getting a degree. If someone could explain to me the intrinsic value of an associates or bachelors or anything, that would be awesome. I love learning, why do I need a label to prove to the world that I am educated?
3. I need good grades. Who cares? I certainly do. But it drives me crazy. Thanks for the outside pressure.
4. I need to be super skinny, petite, and dress way girly cute. Who am I trying to impress? And why do girls need to dress super girly to impress boys.
Ok I think its obvious I subconsciously would like all these things, but I don't appreciate the outside superficial pressure.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
This Week...
This week has been one of those weeks that will go down in the history of my life. It goes a little something like this:
Starting Sunday I woke up with a full blown fever. Most likely upwards of 100 degrees. I was dying. Chills and sweaty at the same time. I was sore, exhausted, and it bit the big one. But the service that was all around warmed my heart immensely. Throughout the day my roommates were more than encouraging and caring. Then my dear friends Rachel and Eric brought over a soft blanket, a movie (which they watched with me), soup, apples, and a water bottle. Rachel was so kind and scratched my back and breaded my hair...which is my favorite, what can I say? It was so nice. Then that night I finally left the house and walked to the park as the sun was setting. It was beautiful outside. Idaho in the summer...words can hardly describe. Then Sunday night my roommate asked if I wanted to get a blessing. I decided on yes, and at 11:55pm two of my friends (one FHE brother), graciously came over in Sunday dress to give me a blessing. I love of having priesthood members so close. I feel like that is the ultimate service.
Ok so I'll blur through Monday-Thursday. I was struggling with fatigue, fever, a serious cough, mucus, and on and off chills. The havoc this week has let lose on my GPA is daunting to say the least. So I'll do a quick list of the damage:
-missed Christian History (losing, attendance, participation, and homework points)
-missed Humanities (not missing much, I just really like that class)
-only worked an hour and a half...so I essentially missed an entire work week at the library
-didn't do the Christian History homework missing those points
-didn't do my Literature journaling, also losing points
-turned in an incomplete blouse for sewing that took me without exaggeration over 24 hours to make and its our biggest project
-didn't to do the reading for sewing, getting a 0 for homework that week
-didn't finish my French homework
-most likely failed a French test
Alright so there you have it. I'm a little numb to how bad that all is, but I can only imagine. This semester has been awfully hard. I'm more than certain B's are in my future and not to be melodramatic, by my future hopes and dreams are also in the toilet if I get B's. Not a big deal.
OK, so in the positive, here are some more random acts of service I was the recipient of this week:
-My work was more than understanding of my being sick. They were very kind and just wanted me to get better.
-Lots of people expressed a sincere wish for my speedy recovery.
-I secretly like it when people say I don't look so good because it makes me feel vindicated for feeling crappy. Like they aren't saying "hey suck it up your fine" they say "yikes, you don't look so good, you should get some rest" or as my French teacher said "you look like you just got digged out of the grave" :) one of my personal favorites.
-I was walking around the pines clinging to my French book and looking for a classmate who lives in my building as a guy (the manager or the manager's husband) was fixing the vacuum. He asked if I was ok and I said I was sick. He said do you need medicine? We have all sorts of medicine! And ran up and got me a whole box of flu medicine!
-Someone told me they like my comments in Literature!!! :)
-Everyone was so kind in the sewing lab. They were all very patient and helpful. My teacher even came till 9pm to help us finish up. I was a little embarrassed for being so far behind with the project and the due date so close, but she didn't let on at all that she was disappointed.
-I called the pharmacist and nurse at the Student Health Center looking for guidance. They were totally empathetic and helpful.
Ok and to finish, Friday. So today I woke up and resolved a trip the doctor was in order. I called my friend Becca and she was more than willing to drive me to the student health center and her boyfriend, also my friend, said he'd pick me up. It was so nice because I've been having a lot of trouble breathing, especially when walking any sort of long distances.
I get to the doctor. The nurse informs me I have a 100 temp and 92 blood oxygen level (it should be between 94-100 and she is concerned). The doctor comes in and feels my breathing and can't hear much, which is also concerning. He deems it necessary to have chest x-rays. Which I do and afterwards we discover there is an infection in my lungs, they are inflamed and a patchy mess from what I see. I do a breathing treatment. And he decides to treat me for pneumonia. He prescribes a steroid, anti-biotic, inhaler (my personal favorite), and I'm taking mucinex and regular pain killers. It all makes sense now!
Its been so difficult to breathe and function, but I am so grateful for the service I have been the recipient of this week. This has been a long post but I hope a helpful life update. I rarely speak of actual events in my life on my blog, so hope you enjoyed it!
Starting Sunday I woke up with a full blown fever. Most likely upwards of 100 degrees. I was dying. Chills and sweaty at the same time. I was sore, exhausted, and it bit the big one. But the service that was all around warmed my heart immensely. Throughout the day my roommates were more than encouraging and caring. Then my dear friends Rachel and Eric brought over a soft blanket, a movie (which they watched with me), soup, apples, and a water bottle. Rachel was so kind and scratched my back and breaded my hair...which is my favorite, what can I say? It was so nice. Then that night I finally left the house and walked to the park as the sun was setting. It was beautiful outside. Idaho in the summer...words can hardly describe. Then Sunday night my roommate asked if I wanted to get a blessing. I decided on yes, and at 11:55pm two of my friends (one FHE brother), graciously came over in Sunday dress to give me a blessing. I love of having priesthood members so close. I feel like that is the ultimate service.
Ok so I'll blur through Monday-Thursday. I was struggling with fatigue, fever, a serious cough, mucus, and on and off chills. The havoc this week has let lose on my GPA is daunting to say the least. So I'll do a quick list of the damage:
-missed Christian History (losing, attendance, participation, and homework points)
-missed Humanities (not missing much, I just really like that class)
-only worked an hour and a half...so I essentially missed an entire work week at the library
-didn't do the Christian History homework missing those points
-didn't do my Literature journaling, also losing points
-turned in an incomplete blouse for sewing that took me without exaggeration over 24 hours to make and its our biggest project
-didn't to do the reading for sewing, getting a 0 for homework that week
-didn't finish my French homework
-most likely failed a French test
Alright so there you have it. I'm a little numb to how bad that all is, but I can only imagine. This semester has been awfully hard. I'm more than certain B's are in my future and not to be melodramatic, by my future hopes and dreams are also in the toilet if I get B's. Not a big deal.
OK, so in the positive, here are some more random acts of service I was the recipient of this week:
-My work was more than understanding of my being sick. They were very kind and just wanted me to get better.
-Lots of people expressed a sincere wish for my speedy recovery.
-I secretly like it when people say I don't look so good because it makes me feel vindicated for feeling crappy. Like they aren't saying "hey suck it up your fine" they say "yikes, you don't look so good, you should get some rest" or as my French teacher said "you look like you just got digged out of the grave" :) one of my personal favorites.
-I was walking around the pines clinging to my French book and looking for a classmate who lives in my building as a guy (the manager or the manager's husband) was fixing the vacuum. He asked if I was ok and I said I was sick. He said do you need medicine? We have all sorts of medicine! And ran up and got me a whole box of flu medicine!
-Someone told me they like my comments in Literature!!! :)
-Everyone was so kind in the sewing lab. They were all very patient and helpful. My teacher even came till 9pm to help us finish up. I was a little embarrassed for being so far behind with the project and the due date so close, but she didn't let on at all that she was disappointed.
-I called the pharmacist and nurse at the Student Health Center looking for guidance. They were totally empathetic and helpful.
Ok and to finish, Friday. So today I woke up and resolved a trip the doctor was in order. I called my friend Becca and she was more than willing to drive me to the student health center and her boyfriend, also my friend, said he'd pick me up. It was so nice because I've been having a lot of trouble breathing, especially when walking any sort of long distances.
I get to the doctor. The nurse informs me I have a 100 temp and 92 blood oxygen level (it should be between 94-100 and she is concerned). The doctor comes in and feels my breathing and can't hear much, which is also concerning. He deems it necessary to have chest x-rays. Which I do and afterwards we discover there is an infection in my lungs, they are inflamed and a patchy mess from what I see. I do a breathing treatment. And he decides to treat me for pneumonia. He prescribes a steroid, anti-biotic, inhaler (my personal favorite), and I'm taking mucinex and regular pain killers. It all makes sense now!
Its been so difficult to breathe and function, but I am so grateful for the service I have been the recipient of this week. This has been a long post but I hope a helpful life update. I rarely speak of actual events in my life on my blog, so hope you enjoyed it!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Please, Respect my Faith
Today I read one of the best responses to the Book of Mormon Musical that I find especially accurate and I agree with 100%
This is from one of my favorite blogs http://gentlyhewstone.com/
Here goes:
A lot of wise things have been said of this runaway Broadway hit, but this review is by far the best:
The main thrust of its claims about Mormonism is that Joseph Smith made it all up, and that his message does not apply to the modern world. It portrays Mormons as naïve and simplistic. Of course, Mormons are also a cheerful, polite, and well-meaning bunch, and as such, are basically harmless. But the only way for them to truly do good in the modern world is to change their story so it applies to current problems, which should be fine since their scriptures were made up in the first place. This is all very appealing to the audience and to theater critics. They are made to feel superior to the delusional Mormons, while at the same time, feel good about themselves for acknowledging that it is important to help relieve suffering in the world. They don’t have to feel bad about lampooning the Mormons since the show acknowledges that Mormons are nice people, and since it is just satire, after all.
The creators of the show are welcome to their opinion, and even to advertise it in a propagandistic play (for what else is the play’s value?), but such lazy cultural tropes, in a better world, would at least be honest about the basis of their approach: an immediate rejection that the Book of Mormon, and religious beliefs in general, might have any grounding in historical fact. Certainly, again, anyone is free to conclude that such is not the case after they have considered and investigated it, but until they’ve done so, how are they honestly qualified to assert so boldly that it isn’t true?
Nobody would care a lick for a random layman’s scathing indictment of particle physics or macroeconomics. Why is it OK, even encouraged, in our society to simply spew hot air about religion? Why is so much respect accorded to the mockers of faith, especially when they present mere prejudice as entertainment?
Far more offensive than any possible content to the show is that those who participate in it, including the audience, are so satisfied of their superiority, despite a massive ignorance of what they claim to definitively scorn.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Commentary About my Life From Shakespeare
How happy some o'er other some can be!
Through Athens (Rexburg) I am thought as fair as she.
But what of that? Demetrius (other boys I like) thinks not so;
He will not know what all but he do know.
And as he errs, doting on Hermia's eyes,
So I, admiring of his qualities.
Things base and vile, holding no quantity.
Love can transpose to form and dignity.
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.
Nor hath Love's mind of any judgement taste;
Wings, and no eyes, figure unheedy haste.
And therefore is Love said to be a child,
Because in choice he is oft beguiled.
As waggish boys in game themselves forswear,
So the boy Love is perjured everywhere.
Helena from A Midsummer Nights Dream
Thank you Shakespeare for summarizing my life and the lives of nearly every single girl I know!
Through Athens (Rexburg) I am thought as fair as she.
But what of that? Demetrius (other boys I like) thinks not so;
He will not know what all but he do know.
And as he errs, doting on Hermia's eyes,
So I, admiring of his qualities.
Things base and vile, holding no quantity.
Love can transpose to form and dignity.
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.
Nor hath Love's mind of any judgement taste;
Wings, and no eyes, figure unheedy haste.
And therefore is Love said to be a child,
Because in choice he is oft beguiled.
As waggish boys in game themselves forswear,
So the boy Love is perjured everywhere.
Helena from A Midsummer Nights Dream
Thank you Shakespeare for summarizing my life and the lives of nearly every single girl I know!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Today, play by play
Woke up at 7:00am
Work by 8:00am
Christian History class at 10:15
Sewing class at 11:30
Work 1:00-2:30
Lunch and French HW I put off 2:30-3:00! (that was a nice treat)
French 3:15-4:15
French Tutor 4:30-5:30
Scripture Reading/Nap 5:30-6:15
Home to drop stuff off and eat 6:16-6:50 (so nice)
7:00-8:00 Faculty Reading (SO great!)
8:00-11:15 Homework
11:15-11:45pm Went to old FHE brothers house to fix my lap top chord and watched the last little bit of Last of the Mohicans
12:00pm-12:30 eat dinner and and finish homework. Hopefully go to bed at 1 or 1:30am.
Wow. How lame am I? I finally go home to take a break and spend that time blogging about what I did today. Well now you know, eh? :)
In other news I heard a sobering non-fiction story at the Faculty Reading. She told a story about her life of being a 40 year old unmarried Mormon woman.
Anyone want to be my boyfriend, eh?
Or at least, anyone want to go on a date? The semester is already half way over and I've yet to reach my one date a semester quota.
Some relatives think my lack of dating is due to my busy lifestyle.
Work by 8:00am
Christian History class at 10:15
Sewing class at 11:30
Work 1:00-2:30
Lunch and French HW I put off 2:30-3:00! (that was a nice treat)
French 3:15-4:15
French Tutor 4:30-5:30
Scripture Reading/Nap 5:30-6:15
Home to drop stuff off and eat 6:16-6:50 (so nice)
7:00-8:00 Faculty Reading (SO great!)
8:00-11:15 Homework
11:15-11:45pm Went to old FHE brothers house to fix my lap top chord and watched the last little bit of Last of the Mohicans
12:00pm-12:30 eat dinner and and finish homework. Hopefully go to bed at 1 or 1:30am.
Wow. How lame am I? I finally go home to take a break and spend that time blogging about what I did today. Well now you know, eh? :)
In other news I heard a sobering non-fiction story at the Faculty Reading. She told a story about her life of being a 40 year old unmarried Mormon woman.
Anyone want to be my boyfriend, eh?
Or at least, anyone want to go on a date? The semester is already half way over and I've yet to reach my one date a semester quota.
Some relatives think my lack of dating is due to my busy lifestyle.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Time Has Come
Ok so I have not written for a while because I have been busier than crap. I'm sorry for the ultimate anti-climatic story about Thursday. Basically we met some new friends and they said they would build us a bike, which they have yet to do. But the good news is we are all still friends.
Random Thoughts:
-The Fall is once again my least favorite time of the year. I could be in one of several places and I loath that uncertainty.
-I am rapidly running out of funds.
-I saw two of my favorite bands in SLC last weekend: Iron and Wine and Ratatat
-There is still a slight ringing in my right ear from how loud Ratatat was.
-That trip was incredibly relaxing. I threw all my worries out the window and just lived. It was beautiful.
-I have some incredibly talented friends/acquaintances. Right now I am listening to a rock opera called Deep Love that some of my friends/acquaintances made and it is beautiful.
-My apartment kind of drives me crazy.
-I'm not sure where my home is any more. Its a really wierd feeling.
-I'm learning FRENCH!
-I'm so tired.
-Every Tuesday I don't eat sugar, white flour, or white rice.
-I did yoga last week!
-Its going to be raining a lot for the next few days here and I am secretly overjoyed.
-I want to go to bed.
-I miss my family.
-Literature and Humanities are my favorite classes.
-I joined Philosophical Society.
-I have a series distaste for change.
-I adore BYU-Idaho.
-Today after work and classes, I went to indulge in the form of a delicious chocolate cookie, but when I went to make that purchase I only had 60 cents and it was 90 cents. I walked away saddened by my craving that came to no avail. Then a girl ran up after me and said "Hey!" and proceeded to give me the cookie. She actually bought the cookies for me. I searched for words adequate to express my gratitude, but none came to mind. She simply walked away and waved as I stammered a thank you. It was such a tender miracle.
Ok thats all. G'night.
Random Thoughts:
-The Fall is once again my least favorite time of the year. I could be in one of several places and I loath that uncertainty.
-I am rapidly running out of funds.
-I saw two of my favorite bands in SLC last weekend: Iron and Wine and Ratatat
-There is still a slight ringing in my right ear from how loud Ratatat was.
-That trip was incredibly relaxing. I threw all my worries out the window and just lived. It was beautiful.
-I have some incredibly talented friends/acquaintances. Right now I am listening to a rock opera called Deep Love that some of my friends/acquaintances made and it is beautiful.
-My apartment kind of drives me crazy.
-I'm not sure where my home is any more. Its a really wierd feeling.
-I'm learning FRENCH!
-I'm so tired.
-Every Tuesday I don't eat sugar, white flour, or white rice.
-I did yoga last week!
-Its going to be raining a lot for the next few days here and I am secretly overjoyed.
-I want to go to bed.
-I miss my family.
-Literature and Humanities are my favorite classes.
-I joined Philosophical Society.
-I have a series distaste for change.
-I adore BYU-Idaho.
-Today after work and classes, I went to indulge in the form of a delicious chocolate cookie, but when I went to make that purchase I only had 60 cents and it was 90 cents. I walked away saddened by my craving that came to no avail. Then a girl ran up after me and said "Hey!" and proceeded to give me the cookie. She actually bought the cookies for me. I searched for words adequate to express my gratitude, but none came to mind. She simply walked away and waved as I stammered a thank you. It was such a tender miracle.
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