FINAL VERSION- Manifesto

The Manifesto of Acceptable Speech


Throughout time word of mouth has been used to pass messages, stories and information. The ability to openly discuss and relay comments, questions, concerns, thoughts, opinions and so on is considered one of the American Rights. In fact, it says in the United States Constitution under the First Amendment that every American is entitled to free speech. It fulfills the basic needs of a country’s citizens. However, my purpose in redefining Free Speech is to give a new voice to a complicated concept. I propose a new set order that determines what is, and is not, Free Speech.

My project took on four distinguishing steps to get to my final presentation.
Ø The Destination
Ø The Interpretations
Ø The Conversation
Ø The Re-Imagination

THE DESTINATION
In choosing a space I could feel was my own, I had to initially let go of the fears and concerns that have been holding me back throughout the course. However, in realizing my inability to complete disregard my personal feelings, I decided to find a place that expressed progress as opposed to complete change. Foucault deals with many elements that create his Manifesto, but what relates best to my work is the fifth element which describes “heterotopias [that] always presuppose a system of opening and closing that both isolates them and makes them penetrable” (Foucault 6). Brower Commons, named after Rutgers University alumni Charles Brower, is the designated free speech area, which is located on the steps between the main entrance of Brower Commons Dining Hall and Stonier Residence Hall on College Avenue. The space also extends back to the Records Hall courtyard. In order to find this a suitable candidate for the presentation I had to take in account its existing boundaries and my personal existing boundaries and Foucault’s notion that “the site is defined by relations of proximity between points or elements; formally, we can describe these relations as series, trees, or grids” (Foucault 1).

THE INTERPRETATIONS
As Brower Commons is commonly refered to as a free speech zone, I wanted to get more in depth to what “free speech” really stood for at this University. In a country-wide understanding, freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation. I came across information on FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) which was able to give, in detail, the story of a complaint filed against Rutgers University for not complying with free speech regulations. FIRE was able able to inform me that Rutgers is considered to have a red light rating for censoring student speech. A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Some of the details that led to such a negative rating dealt with the lack of policies on diversity, multiculturalism, harrassment, tolerance, respect, sensitivity, hate, and honor (http://www.thefire.org/index.php/codes/1015).

THE CONVERSATION
In discovering the space as a free speech area, I wanted to figure out what would be the best way to get a sense for the space as a whole. I considered audio, visual, Krzysztof Wodiczko’s use of the “unseen, unheard”, involving outsiders’ participation and so on. In the end, I created a puzzle that led you around iconic visuals within the area. The clues on each puzzle piece led you to the next one. Once it all comes together it read out “The Steps @ Brower Commons are a Free Speech Zone.” Then I will dispel any rumors of how free our speech actually is at Rutgers.

THE RE-IMAGINATION

Free Speech/ Acceptable Speech: 10 Most Important Rules


It will no longer be considered free, but Acceptable Speech. Acceptable still allows for profanity and all other disputable language but no longer gives the right to an individual or group to voice hatred, or other negative notions towards others.
Acceptable Speech covers oral, written, and nonverbal communication.
Acceptable Speech rejects the ideas of racism, sexism, classism and hate for cats.
Acceptable Speech requires two ends- a speaker or writer and a listener or reader.
For example, it is not considered Acceptable Speech when someone sits alone in their room, talking out loud.
Acceptable Speech would be a person sitting along in their room writing down their thoughts.
Acceptable Speech would also be a person talking to another person.
Acceptable Speech includes all forms of media- television, radio, Internet, etc.
Acceptable Speech overwrites the FCC.
Acceptable Speech only exists within the confines of the United States. The rest of the world is not ready for such a Manifesto.
Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak positively of cats.
Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak highly of Hana Iverson, Professor of Neighborhood Narratives.
Acceptable Speech requires Hana Iverson to give Alissa Ogen an A when she writes down the final semester grades. (Alissa loves cats, remember that).




It will no longer be considered free, but Acceptable Speech. Acceptable still allows for profanity and all other disputable language but no longer gives the right to an individual or group to voice hatred, or other negative notions towards others. They say smiling is contagious, and so it is the premise of Rule #1 in my Manifesto to keep negativity out. It is allowable to say “I do not like Someone because…” but is breaks the rule if someone were to reword it as “Someone is a $&(#@%!*” The inclusion of positive ‘I’ messages will be very influential in the success of this rule.

Acceptable Speech covers oral, written, and nonverbal communication. The rules of Acceptable Speech apply when speaking, writing and in all other methods of communication between two sources (amongst people, person and paper, person and computer, etc).

Acceptable Speech rejects the ideas of racism, sexism, classism and hate for cats. Perhaps the most difficult of the new order of rules, the throwing out of old ideas of race, class, sex, etc must finally come to a conclusion. Anyone who breaks this rule is sentenced to Speech School. Classes are given once a week.
Ø First offense: 1 session
Ø Second offense: 3 sessions
Ø Third offense: One month of sessions
Ø Fourth offense: 3 months of sessions
Ø Fifth offense: 6 months of session
Ø Sixth offense: 1 year of sessions
Ø Seventh offense: 3 years of sessions
Ø Eight offense: 5 years of sessions
Ø Ninth offense: 10 years of sessions
Ø Tenth offense: Get out of the country. You should have learned by now.

Acceptable Speech requires two ends- a speaker or writer and a listener or reader. As long as the information is being passed, it is under the confines of Acceptable Speech. Do not get caught breaking the rules or you are hereby subject to Speech School.

Acceptable Speech includes all forms of media- television, radio, Internet, etc. As long as the information reaches, or is available to others, is falls under the rules of Acceptable Speech.

Acceptable Speech overwrites the FCC. What Acceptable Speech does not cover, the FCC may continue with their original set of rules.

Acceptable Speech only exists within the confines of the United States. The rest of the world is not ready for such a Manifesto. Once outside the borders of the United States of America, any U.S. Citizen is free to speak in terms of hate, etc. However, be aware that you represent an American standard that strives to be upstanding and respectable.

Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak positively of cats. Say what you will about dogs, fish and other animals- but cats are to receive the royal treatment and be spoken about just as well.
Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak highly of Hana Iverson, Professor of Neighborhood Narratives. Alongside other educators and artists, Professor Iverson’s work should be portrayed as inclusive, educational, like a catalyst for new works, and seen as an opportunity to share thoughts.

Acceptable Speech requires Hana Iverson to give Alissa Ogen an A when she writes down the final semester grades. (Alissa loves cats, remember that). Writing is one of the main components to Acceptable Speech and requires positive communication. Anything less than uplifting and successful responses will be considered just plain rubbish.

Final Project Methodology

My project took on four distinguishing steps to get to my final presentation.
Ø The Destination
Ø The Interpretations
Ø The Conversation
Ø The Re-Imagination

THE DESTINATION
In choosing a space I could feel was my own, I had to initially let go of the fears and concerns that have been holding me back throughout the course. However, in realizing my inability to complete disregard my personal feelings, I decided to find a place that expressed progress as opposed to complete change. Brower Commons, named after Rutgers University alumni Charles Brower, is the designated free speech area, which is located on the steps between the main entrance of Brower Commons Dining Hall and Stonier Residence Hall on College Avenue. The space also extends back to the Records Hall courtyard. In order to find this a suitable candidate for the presentation I had to take in account its existing boundaries and my personal existing boundaries.

THE INTERPRETATIONS
As Brower Commons is commonly refered to as a free speech zone, I wanted to get more in depth to what “free speech” really stood for at this University. In a country-wide understanding, freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation. I came across information on FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) which was able to give, in detail, the story of a complaint filed against Rutgers University for not complying with free speech regulations. FIRE was able able to inform me that Rutgers is considered to have a red light rating for censoring student speech. A red light university has at least one policy that both clearly and substantially restricts freedom of speech. Some of the details that led to such a negative rating dealt with the lack of policies on diversity, multiculturalism, harrassment, tolerance, respect, sensitivity, hate, and honor.

THE CONVERSATIONIn discovering the space as a free speech area, I wanted to figure out what would be the best way to get a sense for the space as a whole. I considered audio, visual, outsiders’ participation and so on. In the end, I created a puzzle that led you around iconic visuals within the area. The clues on each puzzle piece led you to the next one. Once it all comes together it read out “The Steps @ Brower Commons are a Free Speech Zone.” Then I will dispel any rumors of how free our speech actually is at Rutgers.

The Re-Imagination is 2 posts below.

Neighborhood Narratives Final Project: 'Common' Clues

Neighborhood Narratives Final Project
Clues Sheet

Clue #1- given to class, stand anywhere
Go one, go all…go on and drift but don’t fall. Here you’ll rest and make your call.
Sends them to the benches

Clue #2- At the Bench
Hipcast won’t help you here. Call this # to make your clue clear! (This uses up Lifeline #1)
Has them call me- I send them to the tree with this poem----sends them to the tree

“As a class we’ve gone into New Brunswick to see what’s there,
Each adding to the experience to show we all care.
Joyce Kilmer’s House was one stop on our way,
I think his poem might be something to say. “
I will give you the first line, complete the thought for your next clue:
CLUE: “I THINK that I shall never see”



Clue #3- At Tree
Here people have their ups & downs, smiles & frowns. Use your memories of doing emotional maps to go where people feel at home. Go as a group, never drift alone!
Sends them to Stonier

Clue #4- At Stonier
Now that you found your way to another clue, there’s something I need all of you to do. Take out a camera & stalk for a minute, then regroup and we’ll get back to it. Use the map (on the back of the clue) to get to the next clue.
Sends them to the back steps (use map to get there)

Clue #5- At Back Steps
From now until the puzzle is pieced together, you must tag each location with something that reminds you of weather. (Take a photo of this) Still need a clue? A lifeline will do!
Has them call Professor…

Clue #6- At Back Steps Still…
Professor: “Cats are curious creatures- where in this area would be a great outdoor feature? I suppose a pasture is out of the question, but there might be a small scale suggestion.”
Has them go to the grassy knoll

Clue #7- At Grassy Knoll
Creating this puzzle was no easy task, only a few more questions I will ask. What icon looks like a junkyard but the material is way hard?
Has them go to the statue

Clue #8- At Statue
You made it to the statue! Listen to my trivia and then solve this acronym:
B CATS (Brower Commons are the solution)---sends them to Brower

TRIVIA: That statue at the College Avenue entrance to Brower is NOT Richard Nixon staring towards the River Dorms. We asked Colonel Henry for information on this sculpture, and here is what we found out.
The sculpture was done by Herbert Ferber and is entitled Caligraph KCIII (1965). The Nixon interpretation is mistaken and the sculpture is simply a three dimensional rendering of the initials "K" and "C." Captain Commons continues to hear Red Shirts and other Tour Guides tell the Nixon Story, and wonders how long the Nixon "Urban Legend" will continue.


Clue #9- Congratulations! Brower Commons Dining Hall completes your puzzle. Put it together for one final thought (on the back)

“The Steps @ Brower Commons are a Free Speech Zone.”



So clearly, my project deals with the issue of Free Speech. These are the ‘Designated Free Speech Areas’ on Campus-

Designated Free Speech Areas:

Douglass CampusA designated free speech area is the patio and grass area on the Nichol Avenue side of the Douglass College Center

Livingston CampusA designated free speech area is located on the patio of the Livingston Student Center.

Cook CampusA designated free speech area is located in the middle of the Newell Apartments.

College Avenue CampusA designated free speech area is located on the steps between the main entrance of Brower Commons Dining Hall and Stonier Hall on College Avenue. The space also extends back to the Records Hall courtyard.


Ø Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation.

Ø In the United States freedom of expression is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. There are several exceptions to this general rule, including copyright protection, the Miller test for obscenity and greater regulation of so-called commercial speech, such as advertising. The Miller test in particular rarely comes into effect.



FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education)Freedom of speech is a fundamental American freedom, and nowhere should it be more valued and protected than at America's colleges and universities. The "marketplace of ideas" upon which a university depends for its intellectual vitality cannot flourish when students or faculty members must fear punishment for expressing views that might be unpopular with the public at large or disfavored by university administrators. Yet this freedom is under continuous assault at many of America's campuses. Speech codes dictating what may or may not be said, "free speech zones" confining free speech to a certain area of campus, and administrative attempts to punish or repress speech on a case-by-case basis are common today in academia.
Complaint Filed Against Rutgers-Victory for Freedom of Conscience," FIRE Press Release, April 2, 2003: In September 2002, Rutgers University denied the InterVarsity Multi-Ethnic Christian Fellowship, a student group, the right to take into account religious beliefs when selecting its leaders. A lawsuit, sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund, was filed against Rutgers by FIRE Legal Network attorney David A. French on December 30, 2002. Rutgers has now settled with the group, and the students will be allowed to organize on Rutgers’ campus in a manner consistent with the purposes of their freedom to associate on the basis of their shared beliefs.

The Manifesto of Acceptable Speech

The Manifesto of Acceptable Speech

Throughout time word of mouth has been used to pass messages, stories and information. The ability to openly discuss and relay comments, questions, concerns, thoughts, opinions and so on is considered one of the American Rights. In fact, it says in the United States Constitution under the First Amendment that every American is entitled to free speech. It fulfills the basic needs of a country’s citizens. However, my purpose in redefining Free Speech is to give a new voice to a complicated concept. I propose a new set order that determines what is, and is not, Free Speech.

Free Speech/ Acceptable Speech: 10 Most Important Rules


1-It will no longer be considered free, but Acceptable Speech. Acceptable still allows for profanity and all other disputable language but no longer gives the right to an individual or group to voice hatred, or other negative notions towards others.
2-Acceptable Speech covers oral, written, and nonverbal communication.
3-Acceptable Speech rejects the ideas of racism, sexism, classism and hate for cats.
4-Acceptable Speech requires two ends- a speaker or writer and a listener or reader.
For example, it is not considered Acceptable Speech when someone sits alone in their room, talking out loud.
Acceptable Speech would be a person sitting along in their room writing down their thoughts.
Acceptable Speech would also be a person talking to another person.
5-Acceptable Speech includes all forms of media- television, radio, Internet, etc.
6-Acceptable Speech overwrites the FCC.
7-Acceptable Speech only exists within the confines of the United States. The rest of the world is not ready for such a Manifesto.
8-Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak positively of cats.
9-Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak highly of Hana Iverson, Professor of Neighborhood Narratives.
10-Acceptable Speech requires Hana Iverson to give Alissa Ogen an A when she writes down the final semester grades. (Alissa loves cats, remember that).

It will no longer be considered free, but Acceptable Speech. Acceptable still allows for profanity and all other disputable language but no longer gives the right to an individual or group to voice hatred, or other negative notions towards others. They say smiling is contagious, and so it is the premise of Rule #1 in my Manifesto to keep negativity out. It is allowable to say “I do not like Someone because…” but is breaks the rule if someone were to reword it as “Someone is a $&(#@%!*” The inclusion of positive ‘I’ messages will be very influential in the success of this rule.

Acceptable Speech covers oral, written, and nonverbal communication. The rules of Acceptable Speech apply when speaking, writing and in all other methods of communication between two sources (amongst people, person and paper, person and computer, etc).

Acceptable Speech rejects the ideas of racism, sexism, classism and hate for cats. Perhaps the most difficult of the new order of rules, the throwing out of old ideas of race, class, sex, etc must finally come to a conclusion. Anyone who breaks this rule is sentenced to Speech School. Classes are given once a week.
Ø First offense: 1 session
Ø Second offense: 3 sessions
Ø Third offense: One month of sessions
Ø Fourth offense: 3 months of sessions
Ø Fifth offense: 6 months of session
Ø Sixth offense: 1 year of sessions
Ø Seventh offense: 3 years of sessions
Ø Eight offense: 5 years of sessions
Ø Ninth offense: 10 years of sessions
Ø Tenth offense: Get out of the country. You should have learned by now.

Acceptable Speech requires two ends- a speaker or writer and a listener or reader. As long as the information is being passed, it is under the confines of Acceptable Speech. Do not get caught breaking the rules or you are hereby subject to Speech School.

Acceptable Speech includes all forms of media- television, radio, Internet, etc. As long as the information reaches, or is available to others, is falls under the rules of Acceptable Speech.

Acceptable Speech overwrites the FCC. What Acceptable Speech does not cover, the FCC may continue with their original set of rules.

Acceptable Speech only exists within the confines of the United States. The rest of the world is not ready for such a Manifesto. Once outside the borders of the United States of America, any U.S. Citizen is free to speak in terms of hate, etc. However, be aware that you represent an American standard that strives to be upstanding and respectable.

Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak positively of cats. Say what you will about dogs, fish and other animals- but cats are to receive the royal treatment and be spoken about just as well.

Acceptable Speech requires everyone to speak highly of Hana Iverson, Professor of Neighborhood Narratives. Alongside other educators and artists, Professor Iverson’s work should be portrayed as inclusive, educational, like a catalyst for new works, and seen as an opportunity to share thoughts.

Acceptable Speech requires Hana Iverson to give Alissa Ogen an A when she writes down the final semester grades. (Alissa loves cats, remember that). Writing is one of the main components to Acceptable Speech and requires positive communication. Anything less than uplifting and successful responses will be considered just plain rubbish.

Looking like the Gay Parade at age 21

"G-Big" (1:26:34 PM): i didnt even have any of that stuff when i turned 21
AlissaBrooke26 (1:26:42 PM): so u did it to me, why???
"G-Big" (1:26:54 PM): HAHAHAHAH cause i didnt get it so i had to dress someone us
"G-Big" (1:26:57 PM): shut up u loved it
"G-Big" (1:27:04 PM): u looked like a glowing blinky toy
AlissaBrooke26 (1:27:30 PM): i looked like a gay parade
"G-Big" (1:27:45 PM): HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
"G-Big" (1:27:54 PM): but the handcuffs added such a nice little touch to it
AlissaBrooke26 (1:28:15 PM): yea, a gay bondage touch
"G-Big" (1:29:40 PM): i loved it even got u to that pole
"G-Big" (1:29:41 PM): hahhaa
AlissaBrooke26 (1:30:04 PM): so now im a stripper in a gay parade. lovely.
AlissaBrooke26 (1:30:20 PM): you got the pole. the handcuffs. and the flashing colorful lights.
AlissaBrooke26 (1:30:36 PM): all we need is some extras and a script and its fucking Queer as Folk
"G-Big" (1:31:38 PM): HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
"G-Big" (1:32:59 PM): its fine
"G-Big" (1:33:09 PM): throw in a little glitter u could of been a great drag queen extra
"G-Big" (1:33:29 PM): talking about drag queens did u see ur bigs halloween costume? i heard someone asked her if she was a drag queen
"G-Big" (1:33:40 PM): or i could of just made that up but something about her and being a drag queen

Stalk Walk

huntington st (then the camera dies)
left onto sicard
right onto senior
right onto college ave
to the RSC bus stop
LX bus
beck hall bus stop
beck hall auditorium
class.

Payton for President, Phillies Phan, Cowboy & Pirate

Philadelphia Phillies World Series Champions Parade

Tell Me: How do you feel about art?

I took a chalkboard and attached it to the front of the house, next to the door. On the top it said my name with a heart and a flowers, and on the bottom was written- Tell Me: How do you feel about art? Or perhaps it was perceived more as: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ART? But it other cases it was taken as How do you feel about Art? Well, here it goes:

After I left the chalkboard/chalk there for a time, I went back to gauge people's reactions. A think a few angry drunks got to it. Luckily, it's still in perfect condition...odd.

Webisodes

Check out:

DORM LIFE on Hulu.com - 20 videos, each 5 to 6 minutes
and
Sorority Forever on Myspace.com - 40 videos, each about 3 minutes

I'm pretty sure he's the most impressive impressionist ever...and the most adorable

Oh the Places You'll Go

IDEAS

In front of the senior center on huntington street- talk about space,place, and time--- mention GPS to someone walking in and wait for a blank stare :) Except my grandma, she wants you to know she's very hip.

Intersection of Huntington St. and Easton Ave. (corners to enter Bank of America and the park), the cars whizzing by, the ambulances aroar, the people that you see: runners, bikers, people with no money, or people with lots of money- because they just left the bank, hospital visitors, police officers, students.

Corner of Senior Street and Easton Ave.- seeing as class is from 12:35-3:35, I wonder how often the liquor store (Peter's Liquors) gets business midday on a Wednesday. Something I always wondered about. I certainly know what it looks like at night. BUSY. Welcome to Rutgers, home of the Alcoholic Nights...I mean, Scarlet Knights.

Go to any bus stop...meet new people. See what you get. I promise nothing short of bizarre.


Something to brighten up your day:

I've shared a map with you called A.O. Watch Me Go:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=103083844829192401371.0004594ef83a80b7e52cc

How It All Went Down...and Up Again

Adjusted (AFTER Pix)

Re-adjusting (BEFORE Pix)

BEFORE PICTURES

My Necklace Hooks


My Desk, Computer Laptop Stand & Laundry Basket



My Dresser, Shoe Rack, End Half of my Bed



Another Photo of my Bed



My Wall/windows against Huntington Street...and one final view of my messy bed

Grounds for Drifting...or Sculpture, whatevs

falling down the hill to nowhere

amanda's favorite sculpture

man or aMANda?

joining in on the fun

walking on water



knights/day at the round table

walking over water

where's waldo/amanda?

nature vs. amanda

Tag, You're It Dimps!

I <3 href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt3riaKmskPfpD8lzvKTY4RJj3Q64R9Mpn0_UH3krMRm9eyXXA_3cupMs1dSDKafLsOMYvscaWCLA2RDt-VM3JWcCPpCfhJ_N89yHzwkfN4fu8xDXDWsBM4bk16cu4SmWyoWlv2B3UZs/s1600-h/cats+023.jpg">

Dimpy & Me on the couch

Dimps on the move

--->Dimples not enjoying being held by mom

Dimples on the toilet, no, literally, ON the toilet

Sometimes you just need a friend,

and sometimes one that doesn't exactly talk back.

That's why I drifted around with Dimples, my cat.

How I got here. Let's start with vacation- the most destroyed, negative vacation story I will ever experience:

Months ago, my grandparents decided to put together a 16-person family vacation to Mexico. They chose dates that did not work for my immediate family- sometime in mid-February 2009. Once we had all expressed our reasons for not being able to go- high school, college, work- we figured that our grandparents/parent/inlaws would understand that we need to keep our existing commitments. Instead, after much debate, my mother (who has still yet to read it), my 16-year-old sister and I received this email:

Hi All:? You can relax now.? You won.? February vacation has been cancelled.??We already told Karen and Mike, Ellen and Mark, and will notify Sarah and Randy over the weekend.???It really is a shame because the surprise was to be Mike and Karen getting married in Mexico?since?we all would have been together.? They cancelled their plans with the hotel and will make other arrangements for next year.??We will notify the travel agent next week.? If you come up with another time when you are all available, let us know.? See you on Rosh Hashanah.? Mom and Dad

This was the beginning of a very unsettling month.

In the next few weeks, my close friend attacked another friend, went drinking and driving and cursed off people who truly care about her. I was one of the one who had to deal with the inappropriate and hurtful ways she was acting.

When I finally was ready to talk to her, I got a phone call that my grandfather (on my mom's side) had a heart attack and was in the hospital.

My sorority had been letting me down, people not showing up, others wishing to not be there in the first place, and some sisters just ignoring their responsibilities.

Together- it made for a very emotional month. But, as the Green Day song goes, "Wake me up, when September ends". Welcome to October, a new start.

L'shana Tova

Reflecting on the Present

There is something so innocent about love. Something almost magical. It can be real or it can be lust, it can appear in the form of a heart or a shadow on the wall. It can permanent or temporary-but you never forget those loves. Perhaps it's the fact that nothing can tear it apart, everything feels like the first time and love really does seem like all you need. The hands in the photo below are my two housemates, Sara (left) and Patty (right). Together, these best friends have been through some great time and some sad times. We've lost a friend's mother (*we will always remember you, Mrs. R- on this 1 year anniversary of her passing 9.17.07*), stressed over finals, dealt with loud neighbors, lived with rude people, laughed at movies, gone on daytrips, cooked together and everything in between. We are a family, and we share our lovely New Brunswick home. And as they say, home is where the heart is. To my 68H family, you complete me- even when I don't say it- it's there. I may not always take the time, and I may not always be around for Monday night dinners and Thursday night TV, but it is our own kind of love. Together, like these hands, we support each other and give each other just what we need. Just when you think TV has lost all reality and gone completely to scripted, dramatic nonsense, you feel yourself getting sucked in. My new TV obsession is One Tree Hill- I now catch myself mimicking phrases and actions from the show. Perhaps its the simple desire to want to have something new and exciting in my life. I wish I could be inside their lives.

The Chapter of the Toothbrush

The toothbrush that hasn't made it out of my bag since the Bahamas...is still in the bag. Tonight I will take it out and put it away somewhere. I need to mention it is not my daily toothbrush, but rather just the travel one for vacations and overnight trips. It brought back memories to mention the Bahamas in class- of my friends that I went with (Right: Crystal, Alli, Jenna, me), of the drama that ensued and of the realization that I am coming up to the next chapter of my life. This chapter includes a lot of lessons and a lot less parental supervision. Figures, when I finally want their input the most, they let go of the tight grip of parenting.

I need to give credit where credit is due. It took hours to come up with a respectable Blog title, and finally A Spontaneous Routine was born. The idea came from a quote on a website I randomly found thanks to Google.

The less routine the more life.

Amos Bronson Alcott
1799-1888, American Educator, Social Reformer
more famous quotes

Some other lyrics I really enjoy- by Saving Jane:

"Little Miss Mary Sunshine had a bad day/She says it’s overrated, living this way/She took her hair down, left her sweater on the floor/She’s not a nice girl anymore...Everybody’s favorite girl/Doesn’t fake it anymore/I’m okay with who I am today/Everybody’s gotta change/I’m just doing what I can/Could you love me anyway?"

Question for the Day: If Target employees are 'Team Members', are Ikea employees 'Instructors'? Just something I was curious about. I'm pretty sure Ikea would have something a bit more jazzy, but you never know. There are so many steps to properly assembling a bed from that place that they should be named Instructors. I hope that you'll agree, or at the very least, have a very compelling arguement as to why you disagree.

Random Fact: I finally got the birthday cake I have always wanted. A cookie cake with globs of frosting and the words: Happy Anniversary Alexander and Elizabeth. This may sound incredibly random, and while it is, there is a simple reason for the bizarre and lengthy wording- I wanted more frosting! My housemates loved me enough to jump on my crazy bandwagon and get me the best birthday cake ever. Thank you Patty & Sara. And, of course, thank you to my other housemate, Amanda for my 21+ liquid present as well.

Laptop battery dying, guess that's good night.