A post doc I work with brought me this today as a present. We’ve gotten chummy over the past few months, but she’s not aware of my blog’s name, or its existence at all. I might have to tell her now, it’s such a funny coincidence. Apparently it’s really good coffee, something we have probably discussed more than your normal everyday coffee drinker. I’m looking forward to brewing some up tomorrow morning. Caffeine.

I have no idea why the picture is sideways.

I’ve seen this picture shared more than once in the past week on Facebook but had not clicked on the thumbnail to read it until today. My news feed has been flooded with links to articles on Occupy Wall Street, and pictures of protesters, and friend’s respective opinions on the matter.

My initial reaction was irritation at the accusatory nature of the message, and then amusement that the people sharing this picture were all older adults, close to the retirement age. People who in their early 20s probably did not face the same kind of economic challenges of today, like actually affording a college education, maintaining a low debt to income ratio, and finding a job with adequate pay, all while the unemployment rate rises to record heights, and the cost of living continues to climb.

The messages intent, to me, to villanize people in debt or paint them as fiscally irresponsible is laughable, and irritating, when comparing their alternative lifestyle, i.e., their decision to live near poverty; “I refuse to take out student loans or use credit cards so I live in a shitty apartment and eat Top Ramen 7 days a week for dinner so I can pay for my education, and I’m perfectly happy because I’m debt free!”

It’s funny this person (whose actual and superior existence I question) who boasts of their stellar performance as a student and their 3.8 GPA, I gander, in a way to validate their intelligence, almost demanding accolades, lacks clarity of who the 99% are, and what some of them have been protesting.

One would think a college educated person knows how to fact check. One would also think that if someone harnessed enough energy to scribble this message, take a picture and post it to the internet, they’re also capable with much less time and energy devoted to click on any number of articles that show up when you google “99 percent” or “Occupy Wall Street” to do a little research on the issue before they threw down insults.

The claim “I’m the 99 percent”, is actually an exaggeration if you look at the numbers, but we’re not questioning that exact percentage. And sure, there are plenty of people who like to blame the government and any other easy target for their shit decisions they are now feeling the repercussions of.

But what’s not an exaggeration is the number of people who are responsible and struggling despite their efforts.

I’m not saying living within your means these days is impossible, and it’s ideal, but what’s not debatable is there are people who were doing just that and they still got screwed by the man. These people are absolutely justified in blaming Wall Street and the government for directly causing the unfavorable position they have found themselves in and can’t get out of. And there’s no question that they are within their rights to ask the people they elected to act in their best interests, to do so. To discount that would be irresponsible.

“As a woman I was taught to be hungry. Women are well acquainted with thirst.”

I drove to work with the windows down this morning. I finally sensed that static in the air, the dusty, wet smelling wind that arrives with fall. The hair on my arms and scalp tingled, a mixture of excitement, anxiousness, and relief washed over me. The transition of seasons is not always a palpable change where I live. It’s not here until I can feel it.

That’s the only way I can describe it. This annual vicissitude has always inspired a mix of emotions, and for whatever reason, I tend to look back on the events of the year like many people do at the beginning of a new one, and feel as though I can press the reset button. I think my internal clock has always been a little off.

I’ve been internalizing, dealing with stress and emotions I keep to myself too often. I have been trying, but failing, to determine what part of my routine or surroundings need to change in order to feel content with the day-to-day. That song, Feels Blind, has been bouncing around in my head. I’ve spent a few drives home playing it on repeat hoping that the way it resonates with me when I hear it would pull me out of this blind feeling.

Some of the relief that my mind was thirsting for, I felt during my drive this morning.

I’ve woken up with this song in my head several days in a row now…

So excited for this!

Today sucks. Cute pictures of weenie dogs made it slightly better. I’d much rather be at home cuddling my woofus than doing anything else at the moment…

thedailywhat:

Today On TDW: Geek —

• Above: Time-lapse footage of the skies above the Paranal Observatory’s Very Large Telescope.

Amazing video.

It was a struggle getting up this morning and coming to work. The only thing that motivated me to get out of bed was knowing that in less than two weeks I will be starting a new job in a different department. I woke up feeling completely zapped of energy, like I hadn’t slept at all, and the gray clouds outside made me feel even less motivated to get on with the day.

I made the mistake of looking at the summer schedule of classes when I got to work and spending entirely too much time worrying that there will be no seats left when I can register in two weeks.

I’m not really sure what brought on this sudden state of melancholy.

I should be proud of myself for getting this new job and feel excited to meet new people and learn new things. But I have anxiety over whether or not I’ll be able to handle the challenges of this new job. I should be happy that I’ve completed two more classes, and that I’ll most likely receive an A in both for all of the hard work and studying I’ve put in. Finishing those classes with good grades are making my goal of transferring to another school that much closer. Several years ago, my heart wasn’t in it at all, and I know progress, even is small increments, is still progress. I just don’t feel any of the things I should.

My friends and family have all said how proud and happy they are for me. I’m going to try really hard to acknowledge what I have accomplished and feel the same way.

thedailywhat:

Makeshift Convenience of the Day: With a few plastic crates, some cardboard, a small table, and the assistance of friends and family, 7-Eleven store owner Takashi Watanabe was able to re-open for business in the heart of hard-hit Miyagi prefecture two months after his establishment was destroyed by the earthquake and washed away by the subsequent tsunami.

[asahi [jp] / @mulboyne / superpunch.]

Perseverance. Inspiring stuff.

I like this match! In case you’re wondering who the hobo is with Rachel McAdams - that’s Michael Sheen. Men are always confused when hot chicks get with seemingly nerdy guys. Lemme break this one down: He’s British (yum) and funny (yummier!) and without the scruff I totally see the appeal of the overall package. Remember dudes; funny goes a long way with the ladies.