last book i've read: The Woman in the Body by Emily Martin
music currently caressing my ears: Modest Mouse, the earlier stuff.
general mood: jubilant, mellow
quote i just thought of: "you're ALASKAN for it!" --The Evan Anthem
It's hard to keep up with those doing the labeling, isn't it? You're female, lower-middle-class, you've got long hair, you were pretty things, you act silly around boys, and you are quiet (at times). What does it mean to be female? I believe in social constructionism; how can you believe we are essentially male or female when there are so many who easily bend and break the "gender rules"? Even among those of us who adhere to those rules, they bend them sometimes. Be yourself, but remember who created you: your society, your culture.
I loved seeing my brother in San Diego. I'll give you the long detailed version just for kicks. The plane ride from MSP to SAN was fine. We went at night, and upon arrival, the bay shone with lights all around it. Beautiful, that California. After my dad stopped stressing out about driving in California and we finally made it to the base, we cozied into our rooms and slept. The next morning, there was to be a motivational run with all the recruits showing off their toned bodies and then the emblem ceremony that marks them as Marines. This wasn't graduation yet, but after the ceremony, they were allowed liberty (couldn't leave the base, but could roam around with us) for 5 hours. It was wonderful to sit and talk to him after 3 months of letters. We were more than bursting with pride, and our compliments and congratulations were many. While roaming the base, we happened upon many neat stores with USMC hats, sweatshirts, and the like. Needless to say, we were good consumers, and I ended up with a Marine sweatshirt, hat, mug, and flag. My brother rocks my world....
The graduation itself was amazing too. All that they had worked for culminated into an hour-long ceremony complete with a marching band. They marched perfectly, moved in formations, and became Marines. Nothing beats the moment it becomes official, and we couldn't have been more proud. After the ceremony, we hugged, cried, and headed to our hotel in San Diego for a few nights of exploring the city. It was so good to have my brother back, for a little while at least. The next day, we visited the San Diego Zoo. It was amazing to see those animals, I haven't been to a zoo in such a long time. It was neat, I felt like a kid again. The last day, we flew out early and headed for home. We did stop at the Mall of America to buy my brother a new video iPod, which I got to fill with my music. I'm glad he has something to look at and listen to when he needs to. It was great to give him that. I'm just happy he got something he really wanted. And I miss that kid like none other. Currently, he is back at base, and going through further MCT. I hope he does well, and is well. I love him.
My job at Project Bridges is still wild and crazy - every day, the kids find a way to annoy the crap out of me, but I manage to brush it off and continue on. The stress overwhelms me at times, but the rewards of a child's love seems worth it. I enjoy my job very much, for the most part!
Right now, I miss Food Network, my kitty (though Catie's cat Sophia is amazing), and California sunsets. Can't wait til I have my own place with my own kitties in California. Dream on.
