The Trouble With Youth Is

I think there is a common theme running through the mindset of people in my generation; I feel that the twenty-somethings-and-younger have a general sense of entitlement that filters the way the light reflects off the world into their eyes. I have noticed that one of the defining features of this contemporary age is choices.

The idea of progress has shaped our collective psyches to expect and require choices in every facet of living. What do I want to be when I grow up? Where do I want to live? Who do I want as friends? What do I want to wear tomorrow? Every choice we make is coupled options. There is a rub, however. The ability to choose creates uncertainty. Sounds a little strange to me too, uncertainty is part of life and healthy...in normal doses. But you live your life seeing nothing but ways-out and paths-around, then when you're told something is absolute it makes it a little difficult to believe. I think my generation has so many choices that they're afraid to actually pick one--they want to be assured that what they're picking is the right choice and that everything is going to be okay.

I never realized individualism could be such a scary concept. Life is off-road-luxury-package, create-your-own-pasta, save-on-airfare-when-you-book-a-hotel, zero-down-pay-when-someone-else-cares; fully automated and customized to fit your needs and every single want. I wonder if anyone realizes that we're all just getting the same thing in different colors?

So what does it mean?

If there's one thing I admire about my parents, it is that once they decide to do something they follow through until it's done. Both have been discussing the idea of moving back east to be closer to family, and to be in a place that doesn't feel so foreign to such right-coast-minded individuals. Recently my dad has been shopping around looking for a new challenge as a choir director--a full time job that he could focus all of his attention on. A few weeks ago he got an interview and an audition at a small church in Greenwood, South Carolina and found out yesterday that he got the job.
So what does it mean? It means my family is moving! Potentially within the next few weeks. No one is sure exactly what's happening, but my family is all picking up and moving back east. I'll obviously be finishing out my last year at CSUN, "I can't believe I'm saying this....but I'm staying in Korea!" (kudos if you get that). It's a weird thought, I have to admit. My family is going to be 3000 miles away, I mean I'm used to most of my family being so far away but I've been comfortable in the idea that my parents and sister were still just half a days drive away. I'll be fine, of course, I've been doing this whole college thing now for a couple of years and I'd like to think I've got a little bit of a handle on it....but there is an odd sinking feeling now, as if my safety net has been taken away.
But enough angst, this is an exiting time! My parents are moving back east and I couldn't happier for them--they've needed to get back to a place where they feel like they belong. Holiday's with the family, seeing their best friends more than once every four years, and snow. I know one thing, they finding their place has given me hope to find mine.

Marla

'"Case of the Mondays"

I find I am dragging my feet this morning. Slept so heavily last night that I think I forgot where I was when I woke up. For a minute I thought I was back home. No real responsibilities or to do list longer than the phone book; no cares or worries--just a pleasant bed and a pleasant day. Why is it so difficult to find balance and serenity? I haven't been happy recently, and I don't know if I don't know why.

I'm goig to wash some clothes today, that'll cheer me up some.


(p.s. thanks cindy ;-) )

Do you know what today is?

It's Free Hug Day.





I am a vocal opponent to those assinine fowards, the ones that try to define a friendship by how often someone checks their e-mail. This is not that. First of all, if you are reading this there's a good chance I already consider you my friend, I'm not worried about that. Secondly, I'm passing on a message of unconditional love. I do not need anyone to respond back to me to validate our relationship; I think today is about selfless love.

So in that vain, if you are reading this, considering yourself hugged. If I see you today I'll be sure to pass one on in person. If we are too far apart for full on body-contact, then know that I am thinking of you today. I hope your Free Hug Day is well.

I love you.

lunch: from scratch

Home made pizza. Be jealous, I know Ben is.

I want this

it's a vintage absinthe poster. $29.99 at allposters.com. I'm just throwing that out there.




p.s. can anyone tell me why rich text-format editing isn't showing up on any text boxes on my mac? It doesn't work here or my e-mail....lame, Mac. Very Lame.