#7 Diversity

Last week was diversity week on my campus. It was very interesting, because for a few days, I got the opportunity to step outside my own skin an experience something new. Now when people say diversity, I will admit that the first thing that pops into my head is racial diversity. Through living on campus and having the pleasure of being a part of Residence Life, I have slowly had my eyes opened. This week, my campus put on diversity week and I must say I am very very proud of them because they didn't have to. I'm so glad they are making everyone feel welcome.
First up was Boxes and Walls. It was an incredible experience, that really cannot be described without going through it. I had the pleasure of learning about all sorts of religious faiths, some that I did not even know existed. I mean we all, regardless of our spiritual background, know the big 3: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. But there are a lot more that don't get as much press like: the Baha'i Faith, Zoroastrianism, and Wicca. I experienced the Islamic prayer known as Salat. Besides religious diversity, the exhibit also had parts about homelessness, socioeconomic differences as well as hate crimes against people of different sexual orientations. I was really glad I had the good fortune to be a part of this, because I felt like there was so much to learn.
Besides Boxes and Walls, we also had our first university sponsored drag show. It was quite amazing, and had a really good turn out. Here are some highlights: Dominique Cass, Kenya Love, Keira Springs. The show was quite fabulous and I'm glad that so many people showed up. Step out of your skin this week, experience diversity. Don't stifle it. If we were all the same, it would be soo boring.

#6- Going Green.

Recently, I purchased a Diva Cup. I love, love, love it! If the first thing you think is ew...grow up. Really. I purchased the Diva because I was interested in finding an alternative to tampons. After doing a little research on it, I began to think about all the tampons that I had used and what happened to them after I was...*ahem* done. Because the Diva is guaranteed for at least 5 years (I have found testimonials of women who use it beyond then), that's 5 years of no tampons. After going green in that aspect, I have decided to figure out other ways to change my lifestyle.

Here are a couple of things I 've learned. (A lot of these have probably been used before)

1. Reduce how many times you eat out. Think about all the trash you accumulate for going out for ice cream? For burgers? Today, while I was waiting on the bus, I saw 4 people holding those paper coffee cups which will wind up in the trash as soon as they are done, and one guy had a giant slurpee cup. All of that trash? I'm not sure on biodegradability, but something tells me that all those containers will be around for a while. Plus you'll be saving yourself a lot of money by just getting your foodstuffs from the grocery, and buying reusable cups.

2. Stop drinking Soda and bottled water. Again, it's waste issue. Think about all that plastic that accumulates from drinking sodas? If at all necessary, use a reusable cup in a cafeteria setting.

3. Reduce your intake of red meats, fish and pork. I'm not saying go vegetarian (though it is healthier for you), but still it take a lot of our resources to raise these animals to feed everyone. Eat more vegetables, it's good for you and you are helping the environment.

4. Buy local. The less gas and transportation your food needs the better for the environment.

5. Walk. If it's within walking distance, why drive/ take the bus? Riding your bike or walking will help you get into shape an burn off excess calories. This includes walking up stairs, because using the elevator burns energy that could be saved. Think about all the weight you'll lose?

This is definitely a work in progress. Just looking around my room, I can see a ton of office paper that need recycling. I'm still trying to do with empty nontraditional bottles (like nyquil and lotion bottles). But am working on it. Help save our planet!!

#5- Going on Vacation

Every once in a while, someone has a truly fabulous idea that only multiplies in fabulosity when they get 3 more friends to go along with them. This idea was going to New York City, for our spring break vacation.
Now I have been on vacation before, but this was the first time, that I had the opportunity to go by myself without the family. It was amazing. My friends and I found a relatively cheap hotel called Hotel Alexander
It was really sweet hotel for the price, despite the fact that the elevator was broken and we were staying on the 5th floor. Getting our suitcases up and down those stairs was definitively the "highlight" of the trip. We visited Chinatown, Little ItalyTimes Square, Herald Square, The Museum of Natural History, 5th Avenue, Macy's and even saw the St. Patty's Day Parade. There were a lot more destinations but I really can't remember them all. All in all the trip was awesome. The only thing we are having a problems deciding is shall we do it again? Or should we pick a different locale?

#4- Giving Blood

I had never given blood before, but when I saw that a blood drive was taking place in my building, I could not pass up a chance. The fact that they were giving away gift cards was also a little bit of incentive. I am terrified of needles and of the sight of blood, so before my appointment, I did my best to relax. Everyone was really helpful, and I even earned myself two stickers. The first says "First time donor" and the second "Be nice to me. I gave blood today."Unfortunately my body was unwilling to give up the juice-- about halfway through my donation my body refused to give out anymore blood. The two ladies helping me had to stand there and hold the needle down to get it to give anything at all. Finally they gave up. I felt sad by I will definitely be donating again...in 8 weeks.

#3

Running. This isn't something that absolutely new to me, I mean we all had to run the mile in high school. I must say, I was terrible at it. I was usually one of the last people to finish, (never the last, but one of the last 3 at least). My failure as a runner as a teenager, gave me a new found respect for runners, especially people who did it for fun and could run 5 miles or more without stopping. At the beginning of this year, I decided to go for it. I signed up for a jogging class, and instituted a program. Now I am far from being good at it and have had more than my share of hurdles since I started, but by far my number one rule has been: Do your own thing. I don't care how many people pass me or how slow I am going or if I a run does not go the way I planned. It's my world, and I will run however I please. Slowly but surely I am gearing up to the point where I can run 5 miles without stopping. So far I am at 2. Soon it will be 3 and then 4...

Something Old, Something Borrowed...

I've been contemplating getting a gaming system this week so I could play video games to relieve some stress. I headed to my local Gamers and after about 30 minutes, left with a Game Boy. It was cheap and I came away with two new games Tetris (which I borrowed) and Jeopardy. I've been taking it between classes to pass the time or when I really don't feel like working, I give myself a 5 minute time limit and I just line up some blocks. There is something about the nostalgia, and the fact that it is completely mindless that makes me happy about my purchase.

Something New

Today, in my epic quest to discover and do something new, I decided to head to a Cultural Diversity fair with my friend Denise. It was not as exciting as I thought it would be. For one, there were children everywhere. Don't get me wrong. I do love children, but to suddenly see them EVERYWHERE, on a college campus was very, very intimidating. Secondly, Denise and I realized that after two seconds there, that you needed to buy tickets in order participate in anything, and both of us essentially lacked money. I never carry cash on me (stupid I know) and Denise had left her wallet at home. I, stupidly assumed that the event would be free, but in hindsight, nothing is ever truly free. So the Fair turned out to be a bust. While I was there, I saw a couple of my friends, but by then I was running late to another event. Recently I joined a group called Women Who Watch, which is pretty much like a movie watching group. We pick movies, watch them on a lazy Sunday and then we discuss them.

Today we watched, Earth. I arrived 10 minutes late because of missing the bus, but over all it was really good. The movie is about the partitioning of India and how it affects a group of friends and their various relationships. I will try not to give away too much of the plot, but it was really really good and I would recommend it to just about everyone. Apparently there are two more by this particular director (Water and Fire) . I will get around to watching them at some point.