I promised myself that I would update this blog regularly, but the past few weeks have been absolutely the worst things ever. I felt like I had been chewed up and spit out only to be stomped on repeatedly.
I had to go have a colonoscopy last Wednesday. Can you hear the absolute joy in that statement, dear reader?
To explain why, at the ripe old age of 22, I now have two Gastroenterologists on speed dial, I need to go back about a year. I don't handle stress very well and my last year of undergraduate word was really stressful. I had a senior thesis that turned into a monster 300+ page dissertation. I got the record for having the longest senior thesis to ever be turned in to the Honors Dept and the Anthropology Dept. I also had finals, preparation to graduate, applications to graduate school, attempts to choose where I would go to grad school once I had received my acceptance letters, trying to find a new place to live in College Station, trying to fund grad school, etc.
Usually when I get really stressed I break out in hives. I was so pleased this year when my skin hadn't decided it wanted to spaz...unfortunately I broke out on the inside. I was diagnosed with a severe duodenal ulcer in June and I'm still having complications from that.
So, yeah, this week was a little gnarly. I was able to stay with my aunt and uncle in Houston, which was nice. Having family close by is a very good thing!
Now we will move on to lighter things! I've got today off work. WOOT! We have had some very odd people who come into the store. People get cranky about the weirdest things. One lady bought over 30 yards of fabric and notions and then freaked out when the bill was over 200 dollars. She demanded to know if I'd given her all the discounts, etc. I said I had, but she went off to find the assistant manager and made her rerun the transaction...which was correct the first time!
Mothers and children can also be very strange. In just four weeks I have seen people who let their kids literally run around the store screaming, who let their kids jump off counters, and who let their kids run barefoot in the store and then complain about how dirty our floors are! Of course, there are some very sweet, well behaved children who come in with Moms and Dads, but we all remember the monsters.
I'm making my new baby cousin's Halloween costume (a pumpkin) which I am going to try and finish tonight. My apartment is put together and all is looking up.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Fleece Nightmares
I swear I will have nightmares about cutting an endless pile of polar fleece for cranky/indecisive customers. Hancock's had a big polar fleece sale on Monday, which would have been a pretty big flop, if it weren't for several ladies who came in and bought over six hundred dollars worth of material.
I know. I was frightened too.
They came over (and of course I was one of the ones that got stuck cutting for them) with over three shopping carts full of fleece. They had also made a gigantic pile of material in one of our aisles. They then proceeded to wiffle over just how much they wanted of each one for what seemed like forever. I know it wasn't as long as I think it was, but, hey, I was cranky!
The sales were massive, and it's company policy that we can't double up discounts. But, these ladies, missed the train to Intelligenceville and kept asking how they could get more and more money off their purchases. Let me clarify, this was not for personal use, this was for resale. Um...the damn stuff is already on sale! What do you want me to do? Give it to you for free?
But, enough crabbing about the interesting people I see everyday at work. I've just bought my first major piece of software with my own money (that I earned). I got the full Photoshop CS2 and I absolutely love it! We're using it in my Graphics in Archaeology class to do all sorts of weird-ass things. Our homework for the class was to play with the software.
Can you see me doing the happy dance?
I know. I was frightened too.
They came over (and of course I was one of the ones that got stuck cutting for them) with over three shopping carts full of fleece. They had also made a gigantic pile of material in one of our aisles. They then proceeded to wiffle over just how much they wanted of each one for what seemed like forever. I know it wasn't as long as I think it was, but, hey, I was cranky!
The sales were massive, and it's company policy that we can't double up discounts. But, these ladies, missed the train to Intelligenceville and kept asking how they could get more and more money off their purchases. Let me clarify, this was not for personal use, this was for resale. Um...the damn stuff is already on sale! What do you want me to do? Give it to you for free?
But, enough crabbing about the interesting people I see everyday at work. I've just bought my first major piece of software with my own money (that I earned). I got the full Photoshop CS2 and I absolutely love it! We're using it in my Graphics in Archaeology class to do all sorts of weird-ass things. Our homework for the class was to play with the software.
Can you see me doing the happy dance?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Antievolution as a Post Modernist Perspective
For a little light news, I now have a job. You will now be able to find me at Hancock Fabrics a block from the A&M campus feeding my crafty addiction. You will find (as I will probably do posts about it in the future) that I love crafts. Sewing, knitting, crochet, needlework, tatting...I love them all! It's something that I can do in my spare time that helps me forget about the rest of my crazy life. I've often described my hands as "itchy." I need something to occupy them at all times or I get fidgety.
My most recent project is a Halloween costume for my baby cousin. We call her "pumpkin," so three guesses as to what the costume is (last two don't count, of course). I'm making the little pumpkin out of jersey-knit t-shirt fabric, as it will be light enough for the hot, southern Texas weather. I'm also finishing a huge crocheted afghan for my best bud back in Tennessee.
But, the biggest shocker is that I am now gainfully employed and can now start setting back money to help pay off the student loans that are ticking like a time bomb in the corner. I've pretty much accepted that I'm going to be in debt up to my eyeballs since I have at least 5 more years of school to go. I've found that acceptance freeing in an odd sort of way. It means I'm an adult now, with major fiscal responsibilities.
I'm still really enjoying my classes. A week hasn't changed anything in that perspective. We had a fantastic discussion in Biological Anthro today about Creationism/Intelligent Design/Antievolutionism vs. Evolutionary/Scientific Theory. Of course, everyone in the class came from an evolutionary perspective, so we just agreed with one another on most things.
I want to say up front that I am not attacking anyone whose views are different from my own! I personally accept evolution and think and evolutionary thought process is necessary for understanding much of our way of life and the world we live in. I also accept that not everyone thinks the same way I do and not everyone endorses evolutionary theory as correct or viable. I find Intelligent Design (ID) and Creationism fascinating and I wish to further educate myself in their tenets so I may discuss them better in the future. I will use the acronym ID to refer to a antievolutionary perspective for the rest of this entry. I do this with the understanding that Intelligent Design does accept certain facets of evolutionary theory (in reference to the antiquity of the earth and the evolution of species other than Homo sapiens sapiens). Antievolutionary perspectives are far-ranging and diverse; there are the flat-earthers, there are those who dismiss evolutionary theory all-together, there are those who accept some evolutionary theory, there are those who reconcile a belief in God with accepting evolution, etc. But, for my purposes here it is easiest to refer to an antievolutionary perspective as simply "ID."
To see where I stand in much of these arguments, you must first understand what religious beliefs I hold. I do believe that there is some supernatural force at work in the universe. What you choose to call that force is your own choice. I was raised in a mainstream Protestant household (Presbyterian), but some of my religious ideological beliefs might be considered more along the lines of some eastern religions, Judaism, or Catholicism. I have never been one that has responded well to being boxed into a restrictive framework, whether that refers to religion or scholarly pursuits. My idea of God is very different from anyone I have ever met (except for perhaps my best bud back in TN or my parents). I don't usually talk about religion or my personal religious beliefs as they are such a personal subject. I actually tend to react rather badly when someone wants to discuss religion and I back away quickly. I had some bad experiences in my adolescence that are behind my aversion to these topics (High School sucks), but I'm finding the anonymity of the internet (even though some people reading this journal know exactly who I am) empowering. Also, people tend to look at me funny when I explain just exactly what I believe.
I believe that whatever supernatural force that exists shows himself (him the in gender neutral sense, people!) in many different guises to many different peoples. That force that shows himself as God to Christians is the same force that is Allah, that is Buddha, that is Mithras, that is the various deities in Norse religion or any other pagan religion. I believe that religion is supposed to make you happy and fulfill a part of your life that nothing else can. It isn't supposed to be restrictive or make you fearful. And, due to the vast sweeps of variation in human population, different people are fulfilled in different ways. One person is happiest believing in the Christian God and another is happiest as a Wiccan and another is happiest as an Atheist. And that's OK with me. This personal set of beliefs also allows me to pull in various theories and ideologies from religions other than Christianity that I have a particular fondness for. That's why when people ask me what religion I believe in, I have a hard time answering.
OK, now onto antievolutionism.
ID and other Creationists are feeling attacked by the scientific community and believe that science fosters a mindset that leads people to dismiss God. They fear that if you accept evolution, then you can't accept God. Behind this is the idea that the Christian Bible is to be read literally. One must remember, though, that the Bible went through an evolution of its own to come to us in the form it does today. Many people had a hand in choosing which books would be included and which were pertinent to the Christian culture of that time. Context, context, context! Many books of the Bible were written well over two thousand years ago for a culture (generally referring to American) that has changed, dare I say evolved?, a great deal. I'm not saying that the Bible isn't pertinent in today's world at all, it certainly is, but one must remember that the world is different now.
Science and the scientific community does not wish to foster a mindset where God is dismissed. Science simply wishes to take hypothesis and perform experiments and observe. A hypothesis must be falsifiable to be considered scientific. You can't necessarily prove a hypothesis true, you can only disprove the alternatives. One cannot disprove the presence of God (or other deities) and thus the hypothesis and any experimentation to determine God's existence is unscientific. Science is a methodology, religion is an ideology. Science deals with the natural world, religion the supernatural. Thus, science tends to shy away from dealing with ideological beliefs. It is outside its realm.
I see religious beliefs as being sort of layered on top of the scientific framework. Its something that the scientists (the people) need rather than science itself needing God.
ID attempts to prove the existence of a Designer by taking structures that are "irreducibly complex" and saying that these indicate God. For example, take the human eye, if one took away one structure or function of the eye it would cease to function entirely. So, how could such a thing evolve at all? Wouldn't it have just been plunked down in its entire form? So, if it couldn't have evolved, it must be (insert your chosen deity here).
This is the classic circular argument. A equals B because B equals A. Or, a structure is irreducibly complex because it is designed and it is designed because it is irreducibly complex. As one learns in any introductory Philosophy/Critical Thinking course, these types of arguments are incredibly flawed and must be dismissed because of their illogical nature.
But, why do we need to place limits on evolution in the first place? With enough time, anything will change and develop into something else. In a billion years the world will be completely different than what it is today. Humans might not be Homo sapiens sapiens anymore. Who knows what the world will be like. It seems to me that these limits are placed on evolution only because some of them have bearing on the human race. The human eye is no less complex than other structures found anywhere in nature: a dog's olfactory system, the eyes of any creature, etc.
Western Christianity tells us, as humans and as Christians, that we are special, that we have some favor with God, that God created us in His image. If we are just the products of chance, of random process working to adapt, doesn't that take away that specialness? I don't believe it does. I find it all the more amazing that we came to be from natural selection. How awe inspiring is it that we are here today, getting on with our lives?
One thing that does irk me though, is when people chose to argue against any subject without knowing anything about it. If you don't know the basic tenets of evolutionary theory, you shouldn't dismiss it out of hand. Also, on the flip-side, if you don't know anything about Creationism you shouldn't immediately dismiss it either. Growing up in the Bible Belt, I feel I do know a little about the Creationism side of things as well as having trained as a scientist. One should endeavor to expand their knowledge in all areas of life. My biggest pet peeve is people who are willing to live in ignorance and are happy about it.
Also, humans did not descend from apes. That is not what evolution is trying to say. Evolutionary theory puts forth the hypothesis that apes/chimps/primates and humans descended from a common ancestor. Don't worry, LuLu the Chimp isn't your grandma...more like your several billionth times removed cousin.
I believe in some supernatural force. I also accept the tenets of evolutionary theory. I know that I will probably never know if I am correct in my ideological beliefs, but that doesn't really bother me. It feels good to me, it feels right. Thus, I believe it because it gives me comfort. I can't scientifically prove I'm right or wrong. But, again, that's not the point. I accept the scientific methodological framework and believe an ideological system. I accept it. To me there is no problem in reconciling it.
So, to conclude my really long rant...
May (insert your chosen deity/ies here) be with you.
My most recent project is a Halloween costume for my baby cousin. We call her "pumpkin," so three guesses as to what the costume is (last two don't count, of course). I'm making the little pumpkin out of jersey-knit t-shirt fabric, as it will be light enough for the hot, southern Texas weather. I'm also finishing a huge crocheted afghan for my best bud back in Tennessee.
But, the biggest shocker is that I am now gainfully employed and can now start setting back money to help pay off the student loans that are ticking like a time bomb in the corner. I've pretty much accepted that I'm going to be in debt up to my eyeballs since I have at least 5 more years of school to go. I've found that acceptance freeing in an odd sort of way. It means I'm an adult now, with major fiscal responsibilities.
I'm still really enjoying my classes. A week hasn't changed anything in that perspective. We had a fantastic discussion in Biological Anthro today about Creationism/Intelligent Design/Antievolutionism vs. Evolutionary/Scientific Theory. Of course, everyone in the class came from an evolutionary perspective, so we just agreed with one another on most things.
I want to say up front that I am not attacking anyone whose views are different from my own! I personally accept evolution and think and evolutionary thought process is necessary for understanding much of our way of life and the world we live in. I also accept that not everyone thinks the same way I do and not everyone endorses evolutionary theory as correct or viable. I find Intelligent Design (ID) and Creationism fascinating and I wish to further educate myself in their tenets so I may discuss them better in the future. I will use the acronym ID to refer to a antievolutionary perspective for the rest of this entry. I do this with the understanding that Intelligent Design does accept certain facets of evolutionary theory (in reference to the antiquity of the earth and the evolution of species other than Homo sapiens sapiens). Antievolutionary perspectives are far-ranging and diverse; there are the flat-earthers, there are those who dismiss evolutionary theory all-together, there are those who accept some evolutionary theory, there are those who reconcile a belief in God with accepting evolution, etc. But, for my purposes here it is easiest to refer to an antievolutionary perspective as simply "ID."
To see where I stand in much of these arguments, you must first understand what religious beliefs I hold. I do believe that there is some supernatural force at work in the universe. What you choose to call that force is your own choice. I was raised in a mainstream Protestant household (Presbyterian), but some of my religious ideological beliefs might be considered more along the lines of some eastern religions, Judaism, or Catholicism. I have never been one that has responded well to being boxed into a restrictive framework, whether that refers to religion or scholarly pursuits. My idea of God is very different from anyone I have ever met (except for perhaps my best bud back in TN or my parents). I don't usually talk about religion or my personal religious beliefs as they are such a personal subject. I actually tend to react rather badly when someone wants to discuss religion and I back away quickly. I had some bad experiences in my adolescence that are behind my aversion to these topics (High School sucks), but I'm finding the anonymity of the internet (even though some people reading this journal know exactly who I am) empowering. Also, people tend to look at me funny when I explain just exactly what I believe.
I believe that whatever supernatural force that exists shows himself (him the in gender neutral sense, people!) in many different guises to many different peoples. That force that shows himself as God to Christians is the same force that is Allah, that is Buddha, that is Mithras, that is the various deities in Norse religion or any other pagan religion. I believe that religion is supposed to make you happy and fulfill a part of your life that nothing else can. It isn't supposed to be restrictive or make you fearful. And, due to the vast sweeps of variation in human population, different people are fulfilled in different ways. One person is happiest believing in the Christian God and another is happiest as a Wiccan and another is happiest as an Atheist. And that's OK with me. This personal set of beliefs also allows me to pull in various theories and ideologies from religions other than Christianity that I have a particular fondness for. That's why when people ask me what religion I believe in, I have a hard time answering.
OK, now onto antievolutionism.
ID and other Creationists are feeling attacked by the scientific community and believe that science fosters a mindset that leads people to dismiss God. They fear that if you accept evolution, then you can't accept God. Behind this is the idea that the Christian Bible is to be read literally. One must remember, though, that the Bible went through an evolution of its own to come to us in the form it does today. Many people had a hand in choosing which books would be included and which were pertinent to the Christian culture of that time. Context, context, context! Many books of the Bible were written well over two thousand years ago for a culture (generally referring to American) that has changed, dare I say evolved?, a great deal. I'm not saying that the Bible isn't pertinent in today's world at all, it certainly is, but one must remember that the world is different now.
Science and the scientific community does not wish to foster a mindset where God is dismissed. Science simply wishes to take hypothesis and perform experiments and observe. A hypothesis must be falsifiable to be considered scientific. You can't necessarily prove a hypothesis true, you can only disprove the alternatives. One cannot disprove the presence of God (or other deities) and thus the hypothesis and any experimentation to determine God's existence is unscientific. Science is a methodology, religion is an ideology. Science deals with the natural world, religion the supernatural. Thus, science tends to shy away from dealing with ideological beliefs. It is outside its realm.
I see religious beliefs as being sort of layered on top of the scientific framework. Its something that the scientists (the people) need rather than science itself needing God.
ID attempts to prove the existence of a Designer by taking structures that are "irreducibly complex" and saying that these indicate God. For example, take the human eye, if one took away one structure or function of the eye it would cease to function entirely. So, how could such a thing evolve at all? Wouldn't it have just been plunked down in its entire form? So, if it couldn't have evolved, it must be (insert your chosen deity here).
This is the classic circular argument. A equals B because B equals A. Or, a structure is irreducibly complex because it is designed and it is designed because it is irreducibly complex. As one learns in any introductory Philosophy/Critical Thinking course, these types of arguments are incredibly flawed and must be dismissed because of their illogical nature.
But, why do we need to place limits on evolution in the first place? With enough time, anything will change and develop into something else. In a billion years the world will be completely different than what it is today. Humans might not be Homo sapiens sapiens anymore. Who knows what the world will be like. It seems to me that these limits are placed on evolution only because some of them have bearing on the human race. The human eye is no less complex than other structures found anywhere in nature: a dog's olfactory system, the eyes of any creature, etc.
Western Christianity tells us, as humans and as Christians, that we are special, that we have some favor with God, that God created us in His image. If we are just the products of chance, of random process working to adapt, doesn't that take away that specialness? I don't believe it does. I find it all the more amazing that we came to be from natural selection. How awe inspiring is it that we are here today, getting on with our lives?
One thing that does irk me though, is when people chose to argue against any subject without knowing anything about it. If you don't know the basic tenets of evolutionary theory, you shouldn't dismiss it out of hand. Also, on the flip-side, if you don't know anything about Creationism you shouldn't immediately dismiss it either. Growing up in the Bible Belt, I feel I do know a little about the Creationism side of things as well as having trained as a scientist. One should endeavor to expand their knowledge in all areas of life. My biggest pet peeve is people who are willing to live in ignorance and are happy about it.
Also, humans did not descend from apes. That is not what evolution is trying to say. Evolutionary theory puts forth the hypothesis that apes/chimps/primates and humans descended from a common ancestor. Don't worry, LuLu the Chimp isn't your grandma...more like your several billionth times removed cousin.
I believe in some supernatural force. I also accept the tenets of evolutionary theory. I know that I will probably never know if I am correct in my ideological beliefs, but that doesn't really bother me. It feels good to me, it feels right. Thus, I believe it because it gives me comfort. I can't scientifically prove I'm right or wrong. But, again, that's not the point. I accept the scientific methodological framework and believe an ideological system. I accept it. To me there is no problem in reconciling it.
So, to conclude my really long rant...
May (insert your chosen deity/ies here) be with you.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Squirrels and the First Day of Classes
I have now had my first day of classes as a graduate student. Everyone stand up and cheer, because the new girl in town is really glad today is over. There is nothing like walking into a classroom full of people you don't know to throw you back into those nasty childhood years filled with infantile angsting and crippling self-doubt.
Can everyone hear my enthusiasm?
The first class went well (Biological Anthropology) and I'm very glad I took an in-depth course in Paleoanthropology last semester. The second class (Conservation I) was a little more difficult as there was a large group of people standing around the door when I arrived. Oh my god, I really thought I was going to die. It was just like getting on the school bus and not having anyone to sit with and feeling as small as a chewed up, spit out gumball. The class itself wasn't bad, because I didn't have to make an effort to talk to anyone when the professor was monopolizing our attention.
There have been a few times during the past few weeks where I've wondered what in the h--- was I thinking? More school? In a new institution? Where I don't know anyone? Why didn't I just go out and get a job?!
And then I remember.
I can't actually get a job that would let me support myself in my career with just a BA. And...eating is a good thing, so I grumble, take a deep breath, and go to my next class/function.
So, I've been settling into Bryan/A&M pretty well. There are some, shall we say, cultural differences between East Tennessee and Texas. For one thing, everyone eats really spicy food here. That's not actually a bad thing in my opinion. I'm all for dumping Tabasco sauce all over my french fries and snarfing down fried jalapeno peppers. I probably shouldn't be as excited about the spices as I am, considering that I practically have my Gastroenterologist on speed dial after this summer. Ulcers are a pain in the ass. Or abdomen. Whatever.
Another interesting difference between TN and TX is that the squirrels have collars. I was walking to my first class today and noticed one of the little buggers under an oak tree. It caught my attention because I was only about a foot away from him and all he did was turn and look at me. Then I saw that he had a collar on. Not only did he have a collar on, he had a collar with radio transmitters on it.
For some reason this struck me as incredibly amusing.
Squirrels. With radio transmitters. Just where in the world have I ended up? Texas is a very different world.
Can everyone hear my enthusiasm?
The first class went well (Biological Anthropology) and I'm very glad I took an in-depth course in Paleoanthropology last semester. The second class (Conservation I) was a little more difficult as there was a large group of people standing around the door when I arrived. Oh my god, I really thought I was going to die. It was just like getting on the school bus and not having anyone to sit with and feeling as small as a chewed up, spit out gumball. The class itself wasn't bad, because I didn't have to make an effort to talk to anyone when the professor was monopolizing our attention.
There have been a few times during the past few weeks where I've wondered what in the h--- was I thinking? More school? In a new institution? Where I don't know anyone? Why didn't I just go out and get a job?!
And then I remember.
I can't actually get a job that would let me support myself in my career with just a BA. And...eating is a good thing, so I grumble, take a deep breath, and go to my next class/function.
So, I've been settling into Bryan/A&M pretty well. There are some, shall we say, cultural differences between East Tennessee and Texas. For one thing, everyone eats really spicy food here. That's not actually a bad thing in my opinion. I'm all for dumping Tabasco sauce all over my french fries and snarfing down fried jalapeno peppers. I probably shouldn't be as excited about the spices as I am, considering that I practically have my Gastroenterologist on speed dial after this summer. Ulcers are a pain in the ass. Or abdomen. Whatever.
Another interesting difference between TN and TX is that the squirrels have collars. I was walking to my first class today and noticed one of the little buggers under an oak tree. It caught my attention because I was only about a foot away from him and all he did was turn and look at me. Then I saw that he had a collar on. Not only did he have a collar on, he had a collar with radio transmitters on it.
For some reason this struck me as incredibly amusing.
Squirrels. With radio transmitters. Just where in the world have I ended up? Texas is a very different world.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Rage Against the Electronic Bank Account
I have hit College Station with a bang. I have arrived and the Student Business Services (the people who take your money from you for tuition) now know who I am. The local bank back in Tennessee has also been reminded of my name. It's not even 10am and it's already been...I'm not even sure how to describe it.
There was a little tuition left over after my student loan kicked in, of course, and I paid it like a good Aggie on Monday. I even paid several days before it was due! I had really been nervous about getting that done and it was literally like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders when I got the receipt from A&M. It was done and taken care of, and there shouldn't have been anything left to do except buy my books.
Boy, was I wrong.
I still had a little money left in my college fund that my very smart parent set up for me when I was in utero. Mom called the local bank and told them to transfer that money into my account and then I zapped it to A&M. It was all done electronically and it was frightening how easy it was.
Now we need to skip forward a few days. Last night I went to Wal-Mart and attempted to use my debit card to pay for my new purple curtains. I swiped that damn card three times at two different registers and it would never approve it. I just thought that it must have been the banks anti-fraud measures kicking in, since I am in Texas and the bank is not. Maybe the large charge for my tuition needed my personal approval before my account would open back up.
I called the bank this morning and they told my I was overdrawn. I told them that wasn't possible as I just had a large amount transferred in, not out. Well, when Mom called the lady in bookkeeping screwed up and transferred the amount of money that was supposed to go into my account, out of my account and into my parents'. I ended up in Texas, the day after my mom went home, with no money and thoughts that I was going to be dropped from my class schedule because my tuition check had bounced. And, since the money was in Mom and Dad's account, Mom had to call and give her OK before it could be transferred back.
It's apparently been taken care of. The money is supposed to be back in my account today. I can assure you that I will be watching my account online with an eagle eye to see when it hits.
I also learned something very important about myself today. I can still cry. This sounds odd, but bear with me. I almost never cry. Ask anybody. My best friend has only seen me tear up once or twice in the nine years we've known each other. It's just not in my nature really. I tend to be very laid back and uber-practical, but when the lady at the bank told me what happened I started to sob.
Of course, it only last about two seconds and then I got mad.
I'm going to go hang pictures and use a hammer to take out my aggression in a constructive way. And maybe write an angry letter to my bank. And remove my money. Or something.
There was a little tuition left over after my student loan kicked in, of course, and I paid it like a good Aggie on Monday. I even paid several days before it was due! I had really been nervous about getting that done and it was literally like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders when I got the receipt from A&M. It was done and taken care of, and there shouldn't have been anything left to do except buy my books.
Boy, was I wrong.
I still had a little money left in my college fund that my very smart parent set up for me when I was in utero. Mom called the local bank and told them to transfer that money into my account and then I zapped it to A&M. It was all done electronically and it was frightening how easy it was.
Now we need to skip forward a few days. Last night I went to Wal-Mart and attempted to use my debit card to pay for my new purple curtains. I swiped that damn card three times at two different registers and it would never approve it. I just thought that it must have been the banks anti-fraud measures kicking in, since I am in Texas and the bank is not. Maybe the large charge for my tuition needed my personal approval before my account would open back up.
I called the bank this morning and they told my I was overdrawn. I told them that wasn't possible as I just had a large amount transferred in, not out. Well, when Mom called the lady in bookkeeping screwed up and transferred the amount of money that was supposed to go into my account, out of my account and into my parents'. I ended up in Texas, the day after my mom went home, with no money and thoughts that I was going to be dropped from my class schedule because my tuition check had bounced. And, since the money was in Mom and Dad's account, Mom had to call and give her OK before it could be transferred back.
It's apparently been taken care of. The money is supposed to be back in my account today. I can assure you that I will be watching my account online with an eagle eye to see when it hits.
I also learned something very important about myself today. I can still cry. This sounds odd, but bear with me. I almost never cry. Ask anybody. My best friend has only seen me tear up once or twice in the nine years we've known each other. It's just not in my nature really. I tend to be very laid back and uber-practical, but when the lady at the bank told me what happened I started to sob.
Of course, it only last about two seconds and then I got mad.
I'm going to go hang pictures and use a hammer to take out my aggression in a constructive way. And maybe write an angry letter to my bank. And remove my money. Or something.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Huh?, or Late Night Verbosity
Welcome to The Shovelbum Memoirs. Herein you shall find the ramblings of a crazy graduate student in archaeology. Don't let the shovel fool you, I'm completely harmless...most of the time. I've recently moved to College Station/Bryan, Texas, to pursue my graduate career. Yes, I have become an Aggie. It's alright. I was a Tennessee Vol before. Feel free to commence the teasing.
It's my first night alone in my new apartment and I'm distracting myself by creating this blog. I've tried them before, but have never been able to keep up with them. I'm holding out hope that this one will be different, as I've recently realized I actually do have a lot to talk about. I also hope that these entries will be coherent and somewhat amusing. My only difficulty in accomplishing this will be my grammar skills. I am attempting to fend off the compulsion to send my blog entries to my "editor" for some serious red pen work.
Hi, Mom.
My mom has edited all my papers and articles since I began to hold a pencil and knows of my tendencies toward verbal diarrhea. My run-on sentences and convoluted paragraphs are infamous within my immediate family. I really get going on a subject I'm passionate about and the words will flow, but nothing will make very much sense. But, I have found I am not alone in my loquaciousness in the hallowed halls of post-graduate education. You know legalese? Academiaese is much, much worse and much, much harder to understand.
Ah, well, such is the life of a graduate student. It's filled with obscure articles and ideas that make one scratch their head and say, "Huh?"
To wander back to my point (of introducing this blog), I plan on writing about my life and whatever strikes my fancy. I'll warn you now, my life is odd, and trying to make sense of it is like poking a slobbering rhino with a stick.
It's not a good idea and just might be dangerous to your health.
It's my first night alone in my new apartment and I'm distracting myself by creating this blog. I've tried them before, but have never been able to keep up with them. I'm holding out hope that this one will be different, as I've recently realized I actually do have a lot to talk about. I also hope that these entries will be coherent and somewhat amusing. My only difficulty in accomplishing this will be my grammar skills. I am attempting to fend off the compulsion to send my blog entries to my "editor" for some serious red pen work.
Hi, Mom.
My mom has edited all my papers and articles since I began to hold a pencil and knows of my tendencies toward verbal diarrhea. My run-on sentences and convoluted paragraphs are infamous within my immediate family. I really get going on a subject I'm passionate about and the words will flow, but nothing will make very much sense. But, I have found I am not alone in my loquaciousness in the hallowed halls of post-graduate education. You know legalese? Academiaese is much, much worse and much, much harder to understand.
Ah, well, such is the life of a graduate student. It's filled with obscure articles and ideas that make one scratch their head and say, "Huh?"
To wander back to my point (of introducing this blog), I plan on writing about my life and whatever strikes my fancy. I'll warn you now, my life is odd, and trying to make sense of it is like poking a slobbering rhino with a stick.
It's not a good idea and just might be dangerous to your health.
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