Don't worry, this won't be too long.
Huffy is gone. Huffy was my bike that I got from my Uncle Bill. Ike stole him away from me. So now it's back to shin splints and sweat. Let's all pray that it gets colder real fast. Or that I develop superspeed. That would be sweet.
School is going amazingly great. A paper due Thursday over the Greek's polytheistic view of religion. I should probably get going on that.
Chi Alpha is now on campus! Woohoo! This makes it much more convenient and easier to reach other people. And tonight was our first XA girls' small group meeting. My suitemate, Katie, came. It allowed Katie to open up just a tad more to me afterwards. Fatuma is still fasting, and Katie and I are both attending another Ramadan feast tomorrow evening. I'm currently reading the Quran (though not as often as I should) and last night Fatuma opened up an entire open ended conversation about our God. I ended up telling her all about God's love and mercy and all sorts of things. (And to think it started with a question of being kosher.)
The Lord is continually amazing me. Katie is coming to XA on Thursday, Fatuma is starting to ask me questions about my faith, and school is going smoothly and easily. But I know this won't be as good as it gets.
I have to read a play now. It's 11:35, bed soon.
Night folks.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Bicycles, Shin Splints, and the Feasts of Ramadan
Hey guys. I only recently remembered that I had this site, and my life has gotten pretty interesting, so I thought I'd share.
Classes are going great. And so are my grades! Mostly 'cause I haven't turned anything in, but hey, an A is an A, right?
I'm taking Medieval Literature, American Sign Language I, an Honors Writing Intensive course called Human Situation: Antiquity (which is a 6 hour class, I might add), Communications: Media and Socity, and Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction and Poetry. 18 hours. Living in the library has been given a whole new meaning. I should sleep and take my meals there. I'm studying Greek philosophy in the form of Homer, Plato, and Socrates; exploring the legends and myths of King Arthur, Robin Hood, and the knights of the round table; learning how the TV and Internet has screwed over every earlier form of mass communication; I can successfully fingerspell the alphabet and introduce myself; and deconstructing the fragments of Steisichorous. And that's only last week to now.
My MWF classrooms are at least .75 miles apart, so I powerwalk about 2 1/2 miles each day. I can make the fifteen minute walks in 9 minutes, yet I still end up late each time. And Houston heat has become utterly unbearable. Things are fine walking to my 10 o'clock class, but by lunch, my clothes are soaked right through. And my shins are killing me.
After much debate, I have decided to purchase a bike. Not just any bike, mind you, but an old school rustic bike. A Schwinn, preferably, but I realize those are hard to come by. I want one with back brace pedals, a banana seat, tall handles, a tiny bell that I can ring to warn passerbys of my incoming, and a basket. These are all must-haves. And I would like it red, but that is not a necessity. My budget is about $20, so if you would like to donate to the bike fund, make your checks and money orders to Caitlin Deans, cash is also fine. Or if you would like to donate a bike, I have described to you the perfect one. Find it. I'm going on a bike hunt soon.
Chi Alpha is still about the same: amazing. There's one new girl (finally) who is pretty cool and is getting her life back on track with the Lord. I had dinner with her the other day, and she paid, so two thumbs way way up for her. And she really is genuine about trying to get grounded in God. Plus, she's white and 23, so we hit it off pretty good. However, we are not on campus yet. There is still a little bit of support left to be raised. So, any of you wanna pledge some moolah?
My suitemate is named Katie Dugat. She's from Sweeny. Know her? She's a junior, she, too, is white (such a change from the asian freshman from last semester). She doesn't love the Lord, I don't think, but she's super sweet and a good person to be with. And she hangs out with the nerdiest people you will ever meet. Needless to say, I fit right in.
I've eaten lunch with Ann Arnett a few times. For those of you who don't know, Ann is the homosexual young woman that the Lord led me to last semester. I'm very happy to be reconnected to her.
But I haven't even told you the most exciting part. Because I know that things are about to get real interesting around here.
If you don't know, my roommate and I did not click last semester. Our schedules were as opposite as night and day, literally. And somehow we never seemed to figure out how to compromise. So I was definitely praying for this new roomie of mine: a sleeper, a quiet person, a respectful person, my age, and preferably Christian.
I got her, all right. Well, mostly. She is very respectful of me, my things, my time, and my schedule. Lights are out usually by 11. And if I stay up later than her, I have to insist I turn the overhead light off, she doesn't like me doing things by my lamp because it will ruin my eyes. She doesn't use my things without asking, she is away from the room enough that I get to have some time to myself. She's very clean, and tidy. And very funny, witty even.
Here's the clincher: She's muslim. I mean, scarf wearing (they're called hajibs, in case you didn't know) long-sleeve long-skirt, Quran carrying, mecca rug praying Muslim. (I think she might be trying to convert me). She's awesome. I've learned so much. She'll be Christian, soon. I already know. But please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Fatuma. She's a 20 year old Freshman, pre-pharmacy major. She's from Ethiopia, and moved to Houston when she was 17, not knowing a word of English, and she still graduated from High School in three years. Genius, I think. Her brothers brought her over here (they're all like over 30) but her mother still lives in Ethiopia, with Fatuma's grandparents. She speaks UmHarik (I'm probably spelling that wrong, but that's what it sounds like) and perfect english. Although, last night I thought she said "ankle" when really she said "uncle". It made for a funny change of conversation.
This is the month of Ramadan, and at sundown all the Muslims break their fast at the Religion Center. Kinda like a big par-tay, with food. Tonight it was Pakastani food. She invited me along, so I went. And it was crazy cool! (The food was disgusting, fyi, but I managed to swallow without upchucking.) All these Muslim girls ('cause the guys were separated) were askin' why I came and what did I think of it. They all were amazed that I even took an interest in it, and in them. I got the idea that most just shy away from these Hajib wearers. They're "scaaary". Pfft. They are the sweetest girls I've ever met. Kept wanting to refill my drink, get me more food (gag), asking all about where I was from, what I wanted to do, what I thought about being surrounded by Muslims, and apparently every lame joke I made was just HI-larious to them. This one freshman in particular really stuck out though. Her name is Rhamo, she's from Africa. She didn't seem to take to UH like she thought she would. So we exchanged numbers. She even brought up my religion and told me that I should invite them to something I do with my religion sometime. Heck yeah I will.
It's late, I need to go to bed. But I thought I'd share one more thought.
I always knew the Lord led me to UH, but tonight a new Revelation of sorts hit me hard. I think of myself as a sort of missionary, that UH is my country. I am here to spread the Good News to these college students I come into contact with. I don't want to go to Africa, or South America, or some 3rd world country. I just don't, for many reasons. I'll never go to Pakistan 'cause, well, what would I eat? But I digress. Tonight, I realized that UH is more of my country than I thought.
Take for example, my suitemate Katie. I could change her life, well, the Lord working through me could change her life--and i certainly pray that happens--and then because God affects her, she affects Sweeny. Same with Nicole, new Chi Alpha girl. My story could change her, she changes, she changes San Antonio. But, God affects Fatuma, she gets saved, she affects her family, she affects Ethiopia. I affect Rhamo, she affects her family, she affects Africa. I affect Saffria, she ends up affecting Kenya. And I never have to go to these places.
It's amazing how good, how great, how wonderful, the Lord is.
So please pray for Nicole, Katie, Fatuma, Rhamo, Saffria, and the other Muslim girls I talked to tonight that I can't remember their names, and the ones I will come into contact with. Pray that I get direction in how to talk to them, how to introduce the Lord to them. Fatuma and I have already had alarmingly great conversations about Allah and about God. She even borrowed one of my Christian books. I, in turn, am taking up studying the Quran. (Don't worry. I'm not converting.)
I'm going to bed for realz now. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for reading.
Classes are going great. And so are my grades! Mostly 'cause I haven't turned anything in, but hey, an A is an A, right?
I'm taking Medieval Literature, American Sign Language I, an Honors Writing Intensive course called Human Situation: Antiquity (which is a 6 hour class, I might add), Communications: Media and Socity, and Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction and Poetry. 18 hours. Living in the library has been given a whole new meaning. I should sleep and take my meals there. I'm studying Greek philosophy in the form of Homer, Plato, and Socrates; exploring the legends and myths of King Arthur, Robin Hood, and the knights of the round table; learning how the TV and Internet has screwed over every earlier form of mass communication; I can successfully fingerspell the alphabet and introduce myself; and deconstructing the fragments of Steisichorous. And that's only last week to now.
My MWF classrooms are at least .75 miles apart, so I powerwalk about 2 1/2 miles each day. I can make the fifteen minute walks in 9 minutes, yet I still end up late each time. And Houston heat has become utterly unbearable. Things are fine walking to my 10 o'clock class, but by lunch, my clothes are soaked right through. And my shins are killing me.
After much debate, I have decided to purchase a bike. Not just any bike, mind you, but an old school rustic bike. A Schwinn, preferably, but I realize those are hard to come by. I want one with back brace pedals, a banana seat, tall handles, a tiny bell that I can ring to warn passerbys of my incoming, and a basket. These are all must-haves. And I would like it red, but that is not a necessity. My budget is about $20, so if you would like to donate to the bike fund, make your checks and money orders to Caitlin Deans, cash is also fine. Or if you would like to donate a bike, I have described to you the perfect one. Find it. I'm going on a bike hunt soon.
Chi Alpha is still about the same: amazing. There's one new girl (finally) who is pretty cool and is getting her life back on track with the Lord. I had dinner with her the other day, and she paid, so two thumbs way way up for her. And she really is genuine about trying to get grounded in God. Plus, she's white and 23, so we hit it off pretty good. However, we are not on campus yet. There is still a little bit of support left to be raised. So, any of you wanna pledge some moolah?
My suitemate is named Katie Dugat. She's from Sweeny. Know her? She's a junior, she, too, is white (such a change from the asian freshman from last semester). She doesn't love the Lord, I don't think, but she's super sweet and a good person to be with. And she hangs out with the nerdiest people you will ever meet. Needless to say, I fit right in.
I've eaten lunch with Ann Arnett a few times. For those of you who don't know, Ann is the homosexual young woman that the Lord led me to last semester. I'm very happy to be reconnected to her.
But I haven't even told you the most exciting part. Because I know that things are about to get real interesting around here.
If you don't know, my roommate and I did not click last semester. Our schedules were as opposite as night and day, literally. And somehow we never seemed to figure out how to compromise. So I was definitely praying for this new roomie of mine: a sleeper, a quiet person, a respectful person, my age, and preferably Christian.
I got her, all right. Well, mostly. She is very respectful of me, my things, my time, and my schedule. Lights are out usually by 11. And if I stay up later than her, I have to insist I turn the overhead light off, she doesn't like me doing things by my lamp because it will ruin my eyes. She doesn't use my things without asking, she is away from the room enough that I get to have some time to myself. She's very clean, and tidy. And very funny, witty even.
Here's the clincher: She's muslim. I mean, scarf wearing (they're called hajibs, in case you didn't know) long-sleeve long-skirt, Quran carrying, mecca rug praying Muslim. (I think she might be trying to convert me). She's awesome. I've learned so much. She'll be Christian, soon. I already know. But please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Fatuma. She's a 20 year old Freshman, pre-pharmacy major. She's from Ethiopia, and moved to Houston when she was 17, not knowing a word of English, and she still graduated from High School in three years. Genius, I think. Her brothers brought her over here (they're all like over 30) but her mother still lives in Ethiopia, with Fatuma's grandparents. She speaks UmHarik (I'm probably spelling that wrong, but that's what it sounds like) and perfect english. Although, last night I thought she said "ankle" when really she said "uncle". It made for a funny change of conversation.
This is the month of Ramadan, and at sundown all the Muslims break their fast at the Religion Center. Kinda like a big par-tay, with food. Tonight it was Pakastani food. She invited me along, so I went. And it was crazy cool! (The food was disgusting, fyi, but I managed to swallow without upchucking.) All these Muslim girls ('cause the guys were separated) were askin' why I came and what did I think of it. They all were amazed that I even took an interest in it, and in them. I got the idea that most just shy away from these Hajib wearers. They're "scaaary". Pfft. They are the sweetest girls I've ever met. Kept wanting to refill my drink, get me more food (gag), asking all about where I was from, what I wanted to do, what I thought about being surrounded by Muslims, and apparently every lame joke I made was just HI-larious to them. This one freshman in particular really stuck out though. Her name is Rhamo, she's from Africa. She didn't seem to take to UH like she thought she would. So we exchanged numbers. She even brought up my religion and told me that I should invite them to something I do with my religion sometime. Heck yeah I will.
It's late, I need to go to bed. But I thought I'd share one more thought.
I always knew the Lord led me to UH, but tonight a new Revelation of sorts hit me hard. I think of myself as a sort of missionary, that UH is my country. I am here to spread the Good News to these college students I come into contact with. I don't want to go to Africa, or South America, or some 3rd world country. I just don't, for many reasons. I'll never go to Pakistan 'cause, well, what would I eat? But I digress. Tonight, I realized that UH is more of my country than I thought.
Take for example, my suitemate Katie. I could change her life, well, the Lord working through me could change her life--and i certainly pray that happens--and then because God affects her, she affects Sweeny. Same with Nicole, new Chi Alpha girl. My story could change her, she changes, she changes San Antonio. But, God affects Fatuma, she gets saved, she affects her family, she affects Ethiopia. I affect Rhamo, she affects her family, she affects Africa. I affect Saffria, she ends up affecting Kenya. And I never have to go to these places.
It's amazing how good, how great, how wonderful, the Lord is.
So please pray for Nicole, Katie, Fatuma, Rhamo, Saffria, and the other Muslim girls I talked to tonight that I can't remember their names, and the ones I will come into contact with. Pray that I get direction in how to talk to them, how to introduce the Lord to them. Fatuma and I have already had alarmingly great conversations about Allah and about God. She even borrowed one of my Christian books. I, in turn, am taking up studying the Quran. (Don't worry. I'm not converting.)
I'm going to bed for realz now. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Flame retardant buildings and bible studies.
I'm working on a "Differences between SAGU and UH" blog, but here is one difference I would like to elaborate on.
ahem.
UH has fire alarms.
This is correct. When smoke or flames are present, I will be woken to an actual sounding fire alarm. How do I know this for a fact? It went off the other night. Luckily I wasn't yet asleep. My RA came crashing through the hall yelling obscenities at everyone who wasn't out yet. It was cold outside, so I took my time in putting on sweat pants, a jacket, and my rainboots before I exited the building. Most people were complaining. I was rejoicing in the fact that if there were indeed a fire, I would not have to rely on my RA coming by with a toy whistle to alert us.
The next morning, the fire alarm went off again, not too much before I was supposed to go to class. Apparently they're real sensitive, these alarms.
And, shhhh, don't tell anyone but I think I set it off. I got up early enough to take my time getting ready in the morning so I decided to hardcore straighten my hair...underneath the fire detector in our room.
Oops.
In other news, I went to a Bible study on campus last night. I thought it would be a good idea. Turns out it was the African American branch of the Christian society, and I was the only white person in a room of 13. It was a rewarding, and awkward, experience for me.
How do I get myself into these predicaments?
Well, four papers, three books to read, and two exams left before spring break.
Woohoo!
You know youre in college when you count down the number of exams instead of days before a holiday.
ahem.
UH has fire alarms.
This is correct. When smoke or flames are present, I will be woken to an actual sounding fire alarm. How do I know this for a fact? It went off the other night. Luckily I wasn't yet asleep. My RA came crashing through the hall yelling obscenities at everyone who wasn't out yet. It was cold outside, so I took my time in putting on sweat pants, a jacket, and my rainboots before I exited the building. Most people were complaining. I was rejoicing in the fact that if there were indeed a fire, I would not have to rely on my RA coming by with a toy whistle to alert us.
The next morning, the fire alarm went off again, not too much before I was supposed to go to class. Apparently they're real sensitive, these alarms.
And, shhhh, don't tell anyone but I think I set it off. I got up early enough to take my time getting ready in the morning so I decided to hardcore straighten my hair...underneath the fire detector in our room.
Oops.
In other news, I went to a Bible study on campus last night. I thought it would be a good idea. Turns out it was the African American branch of the Christian society, and I was the only white person in a room of 13. It was a rewarding, and awkward, experience for me.
How do I get myself into these predicaments?
Well, four papers, three books to read, and two exams left before spring break.
Woohoo!
You know youre in college when you count down the number of exams instead of days before a holiday.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Nine weeks and counting.
There are two weeks before spring break. Here is my workload until then: three midterms, two papers, two response papers.
School is killing me, I know it. Slowly but surely it tortures me.
Although I suppose I would be able to handle, you know, if I got MORE THAN FOUR HOURS OF SLEEP EVERY NIGHT.
My roommate loves not sleeping until around 4 in the morning. I mean, her class doesn't start until noon, so I guess she doesn't have to go to bed any earlier. However, I, who goes to bed around 11, doesn't go to sleep until the roommate goes to sleep because of her loudness. And as my classes start at 9 and 10, this makes it difficult for me to get up in time.
I tried going to bed at midnight and taking a nap after my classes were finished, but this was tricky. First of all, she was in the room on mondays and wednesdays, so no naps then. And she tended to interrupt my REM on tuesdays and thursdays. Not only that, I wake up tired so I feel muggy and in a bad mood all day, until my nap revives me and I'm the most optimistically happy person you'll ever meet. These bipolar days drove me mad so last Tuesday I skipped everything, laid in my bed in my pajamas sleeping and watching The Office. It was nice, and needed, but unfortunately I cannot continue life like that.
Last night, at 2am, I gathered up the courage to ask her to leave and study somewhere else. She was disgruntled, but I don't care. I got six hours. And I am so stinkin exhausted.
In other news, I have friends now. Four of us spent a day in downtown houston, and it is definitely the best day of the semester thus far. NO boyfriend and NO prospect and NOT looking. Just wanted to make that clear. I'm considering celibacy. Hey, it works for monks and nuns, right? At least I won't have to wear the crazy outfit.
It's mad raining today. I think this is the only thing that brightens my mood. But then again, I have to spend the day in classes I hate instead of sleeping to the sound of rain on my window, so my emotions break even.
My class starts in 24 minutes. I don't want to go, mainly because it is the one class I most awfully despise as much as I can despise something. The guy's teeth are gross, he doesn't have a clear train of thought throughout a lecture much less the semester so far, and I don't like the reading list.
I made a 92 on my history exam, the first grade that I got back that was passing. I'm thinking it might be smart to change my major. I'll think about this.
I think if I weren't so sleepy right now, I wouldn't be in such a horrible, disgusting mood. Well, 2 more hours and I can come back and take a pseudo nap.
Nine weeks of school left, and one of those weeks is spring break.
Then I'll be done.
Yessss.
School is killing me, I know it. Slowly but surely it tortures me.
Although I suppose I would be able to handle, you know, if I got MORE THAN FOUR HOURS OF SLEEP EVERY NIGHT.
My roommate loves not sleeping until around 4 in the morning. I mean, her class doesn't start until noon, so I guess she doesn't have to go to bed any earlier. However, I, who goes to bed around 11, doesn't go to sleep until the roommate goes to sleep because of her loudness. And as my classes start at 9 and 10, this makes it difficult for me to get up in time.
I tried going to bed at midnight and taking a nap after my classes were finished, but this was tricky. First of all, she was in the room on mondays and wednesdays, so no naps then. And she tended to interrupt my REM on tuesdays and thursdays. Not only that, I wake up tired so I feel muggy and in a bad mood all day, until my nap revives me and I'm the most optimistically happy person you'll ever meet. These bipolar days drove me mad so last Tuesday I skipped everything, laid in my bed in my pajamas sleeping and watching The Office. It was nice, and needed, but unfortunately I cannot continue life like that.
Last night, at 2am, I gathered up the courage to ask her to leave and study somewhere else. She was disgruntled, but I don't care. I got six hours. And I am so stinkin exhausted.
In other news, I have friends now. Four of us spent a day in downtown houston, and it is definitely the best day of the semester thus far. NO boyfriend and NO prospect and NOT looking. Just wanted to make that clear. I'm considering celibacy. Hey, it works for monks and nuns, right? At least I won't have to wear the crazy outfit.
It's mad raining today. I think this is the only thing that brightens my mood. But then again, I have to spend the day in classes I hate instead of sleeping to the sound of rain on my window, so my emotions break even.
My class starts in 24 minutes. I don't want to go, mainly because it is the one class I most awfully despise as much as I can despise something. The guy's teeth are gross, he doesn't have a clear train of thought throughout a lecture much less the semester so far, and I don't like the reading list.
I made a 92 on my history exam, the first grade that I got back that was passing. I'm thinking it might be smart to change my major. I'll think about this.
I think if I weren't so sleepy right now, I wouldn't be in such a horrible, disgusting mood. Well, 2 more hours and I can come back and take a pseudo nap.
Nine weeks of school left, and one of those weeks is spring break.
Then I'll be done.
Yessss.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Have a little faith in me.
4361 Wheeler
Bates 318
Houston, TX 77004
This is my new mailing address. As in, if you'd like to send me things, that would be way cool. It doesn't have to be money, although that would be appreciated, but perhaps a hallmark card, or a gift card, or a buttermilk pie. The sky is the limit. I believe post offices accept most anything nowadays.
My roommate doesn't like to go to sleep until 4 or 5 in the a.m. This does not particularly suit me, who goes to bed around 1030 or 1100. But I believe we have come to an agreement. When I go to sleep, she will leave the room for 20-30 minutes while I fall into my REM stage. We'll see how that goes.
I am on staff for the Life and Arts section for The Daily Cougar. Tomorrow night is my first assignment. I'm going to a movie premiere and I have to write a review. It's pretty exciting. My name is on a list and everything. I say, "Yes, I'm Caitlin Deans and I'm with the Daily Cougar." Then they give me my press pass and I go watch the movie. It's super cool. Except I'll have to go alone, and I'm not really looking forward to that. But I guess I'll be fine.
Another term for the word "College" should be the phrase "you'll never be alone again." I have found this to be quite true. I am never alone. If my roommate is not in the room, my suitemates and company are in their room. If they're not in the room, people are loudly roaming up and down our hall. The cafeteria is always busy with someone, even the bathrooms are occupied. I am constantly surrounded. Sometimes, it makes me go crazy. For those females out there, you know how it is sometimes when you just want to sit and cry. Not because you are sad, or mad, or happy, or frustrated, but you just want to cry because you can. Or maybe you want to scream. Or maybe you want to emit some other emotion but you cannot because you are surrounded by people. What does one do in a situation like this? I have found that my shower provides a great cave-like habitat. I close the curtain, run the water, and sit on the floor. It is the one place I have found where I can be completely alone and no one will bother me.
Unless you have Jay on your hall. One night I was taking a shower and he came and practically banged the door down. As a joke. Pfft. He's lucky the doors were locked or he would have gotten two blacker eyes. As a joke, of course.
I've gotten pretty tired of school. I think back to when I thought about taking a semester off. It still seems like a pretty good idea. Too bad I can't afford it. It's ironic, this college catch-22. You see, I can't afford to stay in college forever, but I can't afford to graduate, either. Because six months later I have to pay back all that money. You know, the money I didn't have to begin with which is the reason for the loan and I have to pay back the interest. I don't understand it. Where do they think I'm going to get this money from?
I should be doing homework right now. I'm taking 19 hours, again, and it's going to start kicking my butt if I don't start putting forth a little more effort. I'm not behind, necessarily, but I'm not exactly keeping up. It's pretty hard. I'm reading The Aeneid for my Literary Studies class, King Henry IV for my Human Situation class, and White Noise for my Contemporary American Fiction class. Not to mention my biology and history textbooks.
Oh, so there's kinda sorta a Chi Alpha here. Matt and Katey Hoogendoorn is the couple's name. Yeah, you can laugh. It's quite a funny last name. Anyway, they're not quite on campus yet because Matt hasn't raised all his funds yet, but there's a group that meets at his house. I've met some really great people so far. I even went to a XA superbowl party at one of the guy's house. I have friends! And the Hoogendoorns feed me dinner on Wednesdays and take me to church with them. Matt and Katey graduated under Eli Gautreaux's XA at Sam Houston and Matt did an internship under him. So there's a little bit of background.
I've recently decided to immerse myself in Christian Literature, on the advice of someone I respect and admire. Not the wimpy dummy teen or adult Christian fiction. I want the good stuff. I want to read the works of the Wiselies. i.e. C.S. Lewis. I'm currently reading his book entitled Mere Christianity. I need some more names of authors and, more specifically, book titles. The older the guy is, the better. In fact, I'd rather read the dead ones. I figure if the guy's been dead for years and we're still reading his book, he's obviously got something good to say. So hook me up with some names.
I'm currently the Fine Arts Coordinator for MBAG's youth group. I'm directing the Human Video as well as figuring out hotels and fundraisers and helping the rest of the kids. There's 11 signed up for the video, and about 8 signed up under various other categories. It's exciting. Just thought I'd share that with ya.
One thing about UH, everything is so far away. By the time I reach the library, I'm completely exhausted and I want to do no work! I suppose I'll stay in my room tonight, and see how much I get done.
Ciao!
Bates 318
Houston, TX 77004
This is my new mailing address. As in, if you'd like to send me things, that would be way cool. It doesn't have to be money, although that would be appreciated, but perhaps a hallmark card, or a gift card, or a buttermilk pie. The sky is the limit. I believe post offices accept most anything nowadays.
My roommate doesn't like to go to sleep until 4 or 5 in the a.m. This does not particularly suit me, who goes to bed around 1030 or 1100. But I believe we have come to an agreement. When I go to sleep, she will leave the room for 20-30 minutes while I fall into my REM stage. We'll see how that goes.
I am on staff for the Life and Arts section for The Daily Cougar. Tomorrow night is my first assignment. I'm going to a movie premiere and I have to write a review. It's pretty exciting. My name is on a list and everything. I say, "Yes, I'm Caitlin Deans and I'm with the Daily Cougar." Then they give me my press pass and I go watch the movie. It's super cool. Except I'll have to go alone, and I'm not really looking forward to that. But I guess I'll be fine.
Another term for the word "College" should be the phrase "you'll never be alone again." I have found this to be quite true. I am never alone. If my roommate is not in the room, my suitemates and company are in their room. If they're not in the room, people are loudly roaming up and down our hall. The cafeteria is always busy with someone, even the bathrooms are occupied. I am constantly surrounded. Sometimes, it makes me go crazy. For those females out there, you know how it is sometimes when you just want to sit and cry. Not because you are sad, or mad, or happy, or frustrated, but you just want to cry because you can. Or maybe you want to scream. Or maybe you want to emit some other emotion but you cannot because you are surrounded by people. What does one do in a situation like this? I have found that my shower provides a great cave-like habitat. I close the curtain, run the water, and sit on the floor. It is the one place I have found where I can be completely alone and no one will bother me.
Unless you have Jay on your hall. One night I was taking a shower and he came and practically banged the door down. As a joke. Pfft. He's lucky the doors were locked or he would have gotten two blacker eyes. As a joke, of course.
I've gotten pretty tired of school. I think back to when I thought about taking a semester off. It still seems like a pretty good idea. Too bad I can't afford it. It's ironic, this college catch-22. You see, I can't afford to stay in college forever, but I can't afford to graduate, either. Because six months later I have to pay back all that money. You know, the money I didn't have to begin with which is the reason for the loan and I have to pay back the interest. I don't understand it. Where do they think I'm going to get this money from?
I should be doing homework right now. I'm taking 19 hours, again, and it's going to start kicking my butt if I don't start putting forth a little more effort. I'm not behind, necessarily, but I'm not exactly keeping up. It's pretty hard. I'm reading The Aeneid for my Literary Studies class, King Henry IV for my Human Situation class, and White Noise for my Contemporary American Fiction class. Not to mention my biology and history textbooks.
Oh, so there's kinda sorta a Chi Alpha here. Matt and Katey Hoogendoorn is the couple's name. Yeah, you can laugh. It's quite a funny last name. Anyway, they're not quite on campus yet because Matt hasn't raised all his funds yet, but there's a group that meets at his house. I've met some really great people so far. I even went to a XA superbowl party at one of the guy's house. I have friends! And the Hoogendoorns feed me dinner on Wednesdays and take me to church with them. Matt and Katey graduated under Eli Gautreaux's XA at Sam Houston and Matt did an internship under him. So there's a little bit of background.
I've recently decided to immerse myself in Christian Literature, on the advice of someone I respect and admire. Not the wimpy dummy teen or adult Christian fiction. I want the good stuff. I want to read the works of the Wiselies. i.e. C.S. Lewis. I'm currently reading his book entitled Mere Christianity. I need some more names of authors and, more specifically, book titles. The older the guy is, the better. In fact, I'd rather read the dead ones. I figure if the guy's been dead for years and we're still reading his book, he's obviously got something good to say. So hook me up with some names.
I'm currently the Fine Arts Coordinator for MBAG's youth group. I'm directing the Human Video as well as figuring out hotels and fundraisers and helping the rest of the kids. There's 11 signed up for the video, and about 8 signed up under various other categories. It's exciting. Just thought I'd share that with ya.
One thing about UH, everything is so far away. By the time I reach the library, I'm completely exhausted and I want to do no work! I suppose I'll stay in my room tonight, and see how much I get done.
Ciao!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Some notes to ponder.
1. You know what I'm talking about, those huge masks on crime shows the investigators where over their face/mouth so they won't inhale the toxic fumes. It's like some sort of large insect is growing out of their nose. It's a hilarious form of protection. I've decided I'm going to invest in one. It's either walk around like I have an giant ant on my head or die of second hand smoke.
I think I'll take the embarrassment.
I figure my life is worth it.
2. The new breed of couple: Black guys with Asian girls.
And who says racism is still strongly prevalent. Pssh.
3. This morning, my professor said the "F" word twice in his Irish accent. My Logic professor swore nonchalantly in a story. It continues to amaze me the liberty these doctorals have in a classroom.
4. The internet definitely exists here. I am able to use it whenever I want at the drop of a hat, or rather, a push of a button.
5. PDA is definitely publicized. That's all I have to say about that.
6. Guitar Hero III is the game of choice on our hall. This is why at 9:30 in the evenings, you can here Jay (black guy) yelling several choice words because he cannot seem to hit every single note on the expert level.
7. I am friends with freshman asians. They're all at least six inches shorter than I am and they're squinty eyes makes it occasionally difficult to decipher who is who. Example: I was walking up the stairs to my room and passed Karen, my suitemate, but I didn't recognize her, so I blew off her smile. I passed an Asian girl on my way to class across campus and smiled and waved, thinking she was Melissa. She was not Melissa, but a girl I had never met before. She gave me a what-a-weirdo look and turned her head. At least she didn't shoot me the bird or something.
8. So far I've been invited to three Bible studies and taken two surveys concerning my relationship with Christ. Did I have one? How strong was it? Do I know the Lord Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior? Had I ever heard the good news before? Would I take this small Bible so that I might be saved? I said, "Dude, I've got three Gideon Bibles sitting on my book shelf in my room, along with my fat study NIV. I'm ready to hook you up with The Holy Word."
9. Texas weather continues to shock me. I'm wearing short sleeves today. I wonder if I'll ever get used to the constant changing of the seasons from one hour to the next.
10. I'm hungry. I think I'll call Veronika (a friend you ask? why yes, yes it is.) to see if she might happen to want to eat with me. It would be better than eating alone, I figure.
Sianara! ^_^
I think I'll take the embarrassment.
I figure my life is worth it.
2. The new breed of couple: Black guys with Asian girls.
And who says racism is still strongly prevalent. Pssh.
3. This morning, my professor said the "F" word twice in his Irish accent. My Logic professor swore nonchalantly in a story. It continues to amaze me the liberty these doctorals have in a classroom.
4. The internet definitely exists here. I am able to use it whenever I want at the drop of a hat, or rather, a push of a button.
5. PDA is definitely publicized. That's all I have to say about that.
6. Guitar Hero III is the game of choice on our hall. This is why at 9:30 in the evenings, you can here Jay (black guy) yelling several choice words because he cannot seem to hit every single note on the expert level.
7. I am friends with freshman asians. They're all at least six inches shorter than I am and they're squinty eyes makes it occasionally difficult to decipher who is who. Example: I was walking up the stairs to my room and passed Karen, my suitemate, but I didn't recognize her, so I blew off her smile. I passed an Asian girl on my way to class across campus and smiled and waved, thinking she was Melissa. She was not Melissa, but a girl I had never met before. She gave me a what-a-weirdo look and turned her head. At least she didn't shoot me the bird or something.
8. So far I've been invited to three Bible studies and taken two surveys concerning my relationship with Christ. Did I have one? How strong was it? Do I know the Lord Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior? Had I ever heard the good news before? Would I take this small Bible so that I might be saved? I said, "Dude, I've got three Gideon Bibles sitting on my book shelf in my room, along with my fat study NIV. I'm ready to hook you up with The Holy Word."
9. Texas weather continues to shock me. I'm wearing short sleeves today. I wonder if I'll ever get used to the constant changing of the seasons from one hour to the next.
10. I'm hungry. I think I'll call Veronika (a friend you ask? why yes, yes it is.) to see if she might happen to want to eat with me. It would be better than eating alone, I figure.
Sianara! ^_^
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I feel I must interject, here
I'm at the University of Houston now.
Lemme take it down real slow for you now.
My new roommate is Filipino and is exploring Islam, but for now she is agnostic. She plays guitar, is a computer gamer, and has a black power poster on our adjoining room. She went to a SUNY school in New York, grew up in Maryland, and has parents somewhere in Houston.
My neighbors are Adam and Jason, and the RA is Joel, the Floor Captain is Dennis.
The hall may be coed, but thank God for same-sex suites.
I told my roommate boys aren't allowed to sleepover.
It took me three days to move in, because my car was parked in some lot nearly fifty miles from the actual dorm. Okay, hyperbolization, but seriously, it was a stinkin long walk. Ask my dad, he'll tell ya for sure.
There is no Chi Alpha here, but there is a couple trying to start one. I went out with them on Friday night. I give them two thumbs way way up.
I went to my first floor meeting. It consisted of five minutes of us introducing ourselves to each other, though I'm pretty sure my roommate and I were the only new kids on the block. So it was pretty pointless. 'Cept the RA and some black dude had a debate on the quotation placement on one of the flyers.
We met our suitemates, Stacy and Karen. They're both Chinese and from Sugarland, and (drum roll please) CHRISTIAN! That's correct, family of mine, Stacy was wearing a fish necklace. Apparently they're non-denom/protestant. I'll take it. They're pretty nice. Stacy's lactose intolerant, and Karen likes anime.
The campus is at least twenty times the size of sagu. I've gotten lost twice since I've been here. It is pretty, though, lots of trees and flowers and stuff. It's like an allergy attack wating to happen.
I have no idea where my classes are. Good thing my first one doesn't start until 10 am.
One thing about UH: it's made me ridiculously poor. Seriously. I'm thinkin' about postin my address and beggin you all for cold hard cash. I'm not beneath that.
But I won't. It looks desperate.
:D
My roommate wants to know when I'm going to bed tonight. I told her I was kind of an early-to-bed-er. I don't think she realizes it's only 7:52 and the last time I went to bed this early was freshman year when my mother made me.
Goin to do stuff, I guess. My roommate is shavin her arms. Wonder if that's some Islamic thing or somethin.
Sigh.
Lemme take it down real slow for you now.
My new roommate is Filipino and is exploring Islam, but for now she is agnostic. She plays guitar, is a computer gamer, and has a black power poster on our adjoining room. She went to a SUNY school in New York, grew up in Maryland, and has parents somewhere in Houston.
My neighbors are Adam and Jason, and the RA is Joel, the Floor Captain is Dennis.
The hall may be coed, but thank God for same-sex suites.
I told my roommate boys aren't allowed to sleepover.
It took me three days to move in, because my car was parked in some lot nearly fifty miles from the actual dorm. Okay, hyperbolization, but seriously, it was a stinkin long walk. Ask my dad, he'll tell ya for sure.
There is no Chi Alpha here, but there is a couple trying to start one. I went out with them on Friday night. I give them two thumbs way way up.
I went to my first floor meeting. It consisted of five minutes of us introducing ourselves to each other, though I'm pretty sure my roommate and I were the only new kids on the block. So it was pretty pointless. 'Cept the RA and some black dude had a debate on the quotation placement on one of the flyers.
We met our suitemates, Stacy and Karen. They're both Chinese and from Sugarland, and (drum roll please) CHRISTIAN! That's correct, family of mine, Stacy was wearing a fish necklace. Apparently they're non-denom/protestant. I'll take it. They're pretty nice. Stacy's lactose intolerant, and Karen likes anime.
The campus is at least twenty times the size of sagu. I've gotten lost twice since I've been here. It is pretty, though, lots of trees and flowers and stuff. It's like an allergy attack wating to happen.
I have no idea where my classes are. Good thing my first one doesn't start until 10 am.
One thing about UH: it's made me ridiculously poor. Seriously. I'm thinkin' about postin my address and beggin you all for cold hard cash. I'm not beneath that.
But I won't. It looks desperate.
:D
My roommate wants to know when I'm going to bed tonight. I told her I was kind of an early-to-bed-er. I don't think she realizes it's only 7:52 and the last time I went to bed this early was freshman year when my mother made me.
Goin to do stuff, I guess. My roommate is shavin her arms. Wonder if that's some Islamic thing or somethin.
Sigh.
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