Making Meaning From Madness

Yes, there was a raging madman on the U.V.T. campus who killed many people.
Yes, it says a lot about fear, violence, and safety.
Yes, there is little we can do to protect ourselves from a similar catastrophe.
Yes, we will try to take this opportunity to learn- about ourselves and our fellow human beings.

No, we will not allow this single act to affect the way we perceive Asian people- the way that some used 9/11 as a lens to judge those of Middle Eastern descent.

I thought I'd share a glimpse into the world of the International students on our campus when they were asked to respond to the recent violence.



Comments from International Students
Meeting held on April 17, 2007


I have a recommendation: This group meeting with Asian students will help for sure. But, I think you should also conduct a group meeting with American student as well so that there’s no anger among them.


I was shocked because this terrible event was carried out by someone the same age as me; I understand if others think bad of me.


I don’t think we, Japanese students, need special treatment about this issue, even though the suspect is Asian. Please take care of our Korean friends.


This morning I was very upset because I heard the bad news. Will your feelings toward Korean students change now?


Guns are dangerous. What do Americans think about the common people having guns?


I have no problems. If Americans look down on Asians, I will increase my efforts to get their trust. I think this crime is terrible. I want to pray for the victims.


When 9/11 happened there were a few Islam students attending SMU. Recently, I’ve noticed there aren’t any Islam students here. Why?


To tell the truth, I’ve never thought about the danger of having guns in society. Your announcement and encouragement help me realize there is a sense of danger. Also, it helps to know the faculty is on our side. Thank you so much.


What will we do? How do we influence the human mind?


When I found out he was Korean, I was ashamed. And, I was worried that Americans would think less of all Koreans.


I recognize that the shooter who is Korean is an individual. As a human being, I want to pray for the victims.


I realize calling my parents is important. I’m going to call them.


I don’t care so much who the criminals are or will be, but I felt scared and will be if another incident occurs.


Even though Lacey is a safe area, I still feel insecure. It is hard for me to trust my friends or anyone. What has happened to UW and VT only reinforces that insecurity since it could happen anywhere.


If the shooting happened in our classroom during class, what should we do?


If you don’t know Asian people, how does this event make you feel about them? Why do American people need a gun?


I’d like to pose a question to Americans: Do any of you feel bad for Asians, especially Koreans?


If American students react on this tragedy and try to retaliate with the international students here on campus, how do we deal with that?


How are American students at SMU reacting to the tragedy? Is there any SMU students who are directly or indirectly influenced by this tragedy (as in family members, friends, etc.)?

HOPE

Hope Is the Thing With Feathers

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops at all

- Emily Dickinson

TOP TEN REASONS IT'S TIME TO GET IN SHAPE

10.Extra junk in the trunk is weighing your "vehicle" down, decreasing mobility, so to speak.
9.You've noticed, when flying coach, that the seats are shrinking.
8.The term back fat used to make you laugh, now it makes you cringe.
7.Gravity's effect on the body is proportionally equivalent to age. In other words, older=saggy.
6.It's not socially acceptable to go swimming in your jeans and a t-shirt.
5.Your dog is frequently described as "overweight" by others and "big-boned" by you.
4.Gardening, your idea of exercise, can only be done three months out of the year.
3.There's nothing "lite" about your cellulite.
2.Couch and bed yoga aren't producing the results you had hoped.


..................................and the number one reason it's time to get in shape NOW:



1.You're wearing mom jeans and you haven't had children.



Yes, dear readers, you have witnessed the impetus of my next challenge. The biggest (no pun intended) one yet. I vow not to become another pawn in the diet game, but to be sensible and mindful about food choices and physical activity. Holler at me with any do's and don'ts you know of. This challenge is ongoing, I realize. It'll take at least a decade to undo my body image issues/eating habits. Stay tuned for my inevitable foibles and accomplishments.

On the road again.....

Back from our 2000 mile journey from chilly (single digits!) Minnesota to pick up our new ride. Felt more safe, comfy, and gas guzzling than the last 4 times we drove the route, even though this time it was a one way....thankful to have made it home safely. Some highlights:

Wyoming- this state is so incredibly beautiful it's a shame only 500,000 peeps live there. Maybe that's the key to its beauty. Wyoming is the REAL west, folks. With REAL cowboys and REAL antelope and REAL falling down barns. The rockies are majestic, (sorry I have no pictures to prove it-we decided to capture them only in our mind's eye this time) craggy, and a bit humbling.

Took exit 101 off I-90 and ate Easter dinner at the Montana Club in Missoula. Down home eats, nice people and the "microclimate" (as one Albertan we met put it) which provided us with the best weather of the whole trip- 65 degrees.

Snow over Snoqualmie pass- thought the cold weather would taper off the closer we got to home, but the elevation whipped up a batch of thick flakes that had me remembering Prince's song "Sometimes it snows in April..."

Now we're home, and I'm wondering why I didn't go as stir crazy as I usually do. Crossing six states in three days usually does that to me, but I felt pretty sane. Maybe it's the new wheels- a proper gift for such a long trek. Maybe it's just feeling grateful for the opportunity to road trip, see the country, play silly car games, sing together, and have some distance from home. Sure makes you want to come back...