Tattoos

I commented on a post about tattoos, check it out!

A Quiet Place to Study?

Last night I settled down at a desk for some studying. With two actual days of school left, there is no question why Fondren Library would be buzzing during the evening hours when people are out of class, but buzzing is an understatement. People were laughing, talking loudly, cell phones ringing, people answering them- it was crazy. I felt more like a social scene than a studying one, and I was amazed at the amount of people who didn’t care.

I began looking around, giving people looks- and the funniest thing happened: one girl who was laughing loudly a minute before, said, “Can you believe how loud it is in here? Jeez!” Needless to say, I was not convinced. Other people were looking around, wondering why people were using the room for gossip session instead of working, but no one ever said anything.

Another thing that surprised me was that the librarians didn’t enforce any policies about being quiet in the study areas. The only time someone official said anything to me, was when a security guard came around asking to see my student ID. This was a first, but then again I usually don’t go to Fondren, I use the Bridwell Library since it is closer to my dorm (and a lot more quiet!).

So should this sort of behavior be expected in libraries on college campuses? I can’t imagine many people would agree that it is. Who knows, maybe people were just excited about school ending, seeing friends and taking a long break from studying…

Underage Drinking

I posted a comment on this topic since the issue of underage drinking surrounds college students. Take a look.

The Issue of Parking

I have to say: parking on this campus is a nightmare. I live in Peyton Hall, which is surrounded by Virginia-Snider, Shuttles and Mary Hay. There are probably around thirty spots for students, and about the same for faculty and staff. There are also tons of handicapped parking sports, that are NEVER being used. I think the University has to have a certain amount for each building though.. A few weeks ago, they dedicated two student spots to service vehicles, and the other week, changed about 8 students spots to faculty.

Now I’m not just being lazy, but I really hate parking all the way across campus- especially at night. The schools claims we can call the SMU PD and get rides from them, but who actually does that? When I come back from doing errands, and have thirty minutes before I have to be somewhere else, the last thing I want to is spend my down time walking all the way from Moody to my dorm (and back if I need to drive somewhere). I think I have gotten around five or six parking tickets (two of them were from the times when they changed student parking to another permit requirement), and $25 really adds up after you get more than a few. Some students have even gone as far as borrowing a family's handicapped parking permit so they can park in handicapped spots. I don't think this is a good thing, but on the other hand, at least they aren't taking up normal spots.. Right?

I Think I heard that the Universities goal is to make around a million dollars a year off of parking violations. I know those of you who don’t have cars could probably care less, but it is really an inconvenience. My roommate doesn’t have a car, and although she helps with gas, I am the one who has to stop by Park n’ Pony and pay. I think it’s great that the new parking garage is almost done, because our campus is lacking in this are- BIG time.

Sex Offenders

Have you ever wondered who your neighbors are? Well, I was looking around online, and found this website that shows all of the sex offenders in your area. Scary right? Look up your neighborhood. Does anyone else think this is creepy? Check it out.

My Paper Is Coming Along..

I. The Logical Appeal:

The claim: Internet dating is not a fulfilling or successful way of finding love.

The reasons:
• Internet dating can be a waste of time and money
o Article about spending time on many different sites and not finding love
• Online profiles do not show all aspects of a person’s personality- the bad qualities are not told
o Article about a good profile but after actually getting to know them, were nothing like their profile
• Online dating is an unnatural way of finding love
o Article about how love cannot be bought

How Much Contact Should Be Made?

The other night when I was leaving a bar with my friend, she took out her phone and began complaining that she had three text messages from her mom. I looked at my phone, and realized it was 1:30am, and wondered the on earth her mom would be text messaging her at this hour? Turns out she had been wondering what she was up to on a Friday night, and had began to worry when she didn’t receive a text back from her. I began comparing my relationship with my mom to that of my friends, and found it odd that she kept her mom updated on her bar status…It made me curious about how much she talked to her mom throughout the day? For the last couple of weeks, I kept hearing more stories about this topic, and continued comparing my friend’s relationships with their parents to mine.

Basically, I talk to my mom every other day or so, maybe every two days, and the conversations are somewhat of a check up- for the last few days that is. We email about important stuff, such as vacations, or purchases, but that’s about it. I’ve wondered if it is because I am the third child, and my mom is used to the idea that I’m on my own? I then began to wonder what was considered normal for a relationship between a parent and a child? How much are you supposed to tell your parents about what you are doing if you are living half way across the country? Is it normal to tell ones parents’ everything that is going on? I don’t think it’s normal to not talk to them at all…but at age nineteen, there has to be some line drawn, right?

Worlds Apart

It amazes me how different America is depending on where you are. I am from California, a pretty diverse place if you ask me. Coming to texas for school, I expected some cultural differences, and was interested to see how different my hometown was from Dallas. I have to be honest-not much. Sure Dallas drivers are slower, restaurants don't let you replace chicken with tofu in your meal, and people are allowed to ride in the back of pick-up trucks, but overall, I was disappointed that no one was wearing cowboy boots around campus. One thing that does strike me, is how open people are about being racist. In California, races are not that big of an issue, and if someone says something racist, the majority of the people around are offended. While I think it would be difficult going from somewhere that is more open are racist feelings to somewhere that is more accepting, I'm finding it hard to do the opposite. Being half way across the country really makes me realize how different our culture can be.

Stuck in the SMU Bubble

Being here at SMU, I almost feel like I am in my own little world. When I think about it, I unattached I feel from what's going on in the real world. I have never been a huge TV watcher, or newspaper reader, but I find myself knowing less and less about what's going on. While living at home, I think I depended on my mom for the worldly updates. Now, I sometimes feel embarrassed for being so out of the loop. As far as the upcoming election is concerned, I have no idea what is going on- which is somewhat sad. I sometimes forget how simple it is to go online and read top stories, which I am sure would keep me updated, but at the end of the day, the last thing I want is to read more. I'd rather sleep, sadly enough. My mom has been urging me to register for an absentee ballot since my home state is California, but I don't even feel like I know enough to vote responsibly. I bet Schumaker would say that I am too self-absorbed, and following the trend of my narcissistic generation. But I think voting without knowing your stuff is worse than not voting at all. I'm going to start working on that.

Religion Response

I responded to Brittney's post on religion, and how she feels like the minority here at SMU because of her religious views.  She came from somewhere where she was part of the majority, and now feels out of the loop when it comes to holiday traditions, etc.  I had a similar experience in middle school, where I felt like that minority.  

http://brittany-g0rjusgrlaolcom.blogspot.com/

Blogging In General

Honestly, I had no idea what blogging was really about.  I thought that blogging was similar to an online diary, which did not appeal to me one bit.  Blog posts that I had read were usually about someone's day, or why it was good or bad.  I personally don't care to read about someone rambling on about how annoyed they are with their boyfriend, etc.  But, to my surprise, blogging is so much more than what I had assumed.  I wonder how many other people had this stereotype engraved in their heads before this Rhetoric II class?  I had no idea how serious some took blogging, and how people use blogging to stay in touch.  To have your last words posted online o is actually quite powerful.  When my English teacher pointed out the fact that we were setting up blogs so that those in class who weren't as outspoken could get their voices heard, it made sense to me.  Be able to comment on other thoughts, and actually plan out how you want to respond is an interesting way of communicating with classmates.  I have read some really interesting things on certain blogs, and am glad I have been introduced to a new world!