The Story of Stuff

This video really was worth my time watching. It is called the Story of Stuff and I saw it on the website, The Story of Stuff. It is about the idea of Sustainability, which I found out recently that everyone is not aware of what sustainability is (I almost fainted), but basically it deals with the interactions among the Economy, Environment and Society. In short, how people have abused the earth's resources (and each other) in order to keep producing more and more things, therefore creating the crazy consumerism that we all know and have experienced today.

I pretty much became familiar with most of these things when I went out on a limb sophomore year at Emory and took an Economic Anthropology class, which might have easily been one of my top 3 classes at Emory. Basically we discussed everything having to do with consumerism. That is first when I learned about the Grameen Bank (before it won a noble prize), Kiva microloans, and what Fairtrade really means.

Anyways... my final project in my Econ Anthro class was a consumption project. We had to track our consumption for 3 days straight and then write an analysis of it. Of course when I initially read this on the syllabus I thought it would have been extremely easy, but as the time approached and we received more information on the project I realized that it was going to be more involved than I thought. We had to record not just what we ate/drank, but how long we were in a room with the lights on (how many lights were on), how far did we drive (amount of miles/gas consumed), room with the A/C and approximate temp in the room, how many sheets of paper did we write on, how long did we write with an ink pen, amount of toilet tissue used, beauty products, etc. the list goes on and on. Basically those three days was a nightmare. I honestly did not realize how much I consumed on a daily basis. The things that seem to be so essential for life, are so numerous.

That is why I really appreciate this video with Annie Leonard. I look forward to reading her book and also seeing her video on the "Evolution of the Water Bottle," basically how have these water companies gotten us to buy bottled water even though we (Americans) have free flowing water coming out of our taps. I am guilty to having been a slave to water bottles, but buying my Brita filter has made me feel much better and now i just refill my stainless steel bottle. Anyways...I am really interested in all of these issues, because I did write my Ethnography project (every anthro major has to do one) on Sustainability at Emory, more specifically Recycling. So that was long winded. Enjoy the video, I hope it makes you more aware of the NASTY linear cycle that has been created and continues everyday. Wish me luck on my first test of the semester tomorrow. Until Next Time...

Visual Correction...

So as I shared some time ago, I really enjoy Ted Talk Tuesdays (Ideas Worth Spreading). They always have innovative talks about a wide variety of subjects. I recently saw this video. In the beginning the speaker addresses the importance of sight/optometry and how it impacts people's everyday lives.

Sometimes when I tell people I am in Optometry school, I usually get one of two reactions. The first is they are really excited and then proceed to ask me a personal eye related question or they look at me blankly. Hopefully for the first response I can answer their question or simply tell them "Oh I haven't learned that yet." However for the second response I usually have to tell them, oh I'm going to be an Eye doctor, and if they continue to look at me blankly I usually give a 10 sec explanation of why vision is important.

I guess because I wear corrective lens, I know how important vision is, but I honestly feel as though we (Americans) take it for granted. Imagine if you were in "developing" nation and you did not have the access to an Optometrist (they are everywhere, just notice when you take your next trip out and about). How would you see? How would you function? The ability to see dramatically affects our quality of life. Even though school is kicking my butt right now. I am sooo HAPPY that I stumbled upon Optometry because I am reminded almost everyday that it is the field for me.

The inability to see is as much a personal problem as it is a global health issue. Before ever really thinking about optometry as a career I thought about almost every possible health field from an MD, to dentist, podiatrist (lol), getting a Public Health degree, but with all of those options, I never was really sure how I would make a difference. Now that we have started learning Clinical procedures, I have been happy (for the most part).

Ok back to the video. So the speaker, Josh Silver, speaks about the global crisis that the lack of correction lens can present in a population. His solution is "Water filled glasses," although he doesn't get into the optics of it (I would like to know) because I took an optics class and I currently taking two more this semester. He makes it seem like it is just that simple. There is a reason glass is used in glasses and although water is clear medium, it has a different refractive index than air, the aqueous, and the vitreous. Oh and did you know that before anything strikes your retina it goes through 6 different surfaces. Yes...6. Anyways...so here is the talk. If you want to check out more talks go to Ted.com.  Enjoy! Until Next Time...

Classes this Semester Spr 2010

It is usually an awkward question when people have asked me what classes I am taking this semester...I always take a deep breath and end up rambling off a whole bunch of stuff. I always forget one and it seems like the person ends up regretting even asking. As I have complained about previously, this semester is ridiculous. I go from 8 to 5 everyday except for Friday. So here is my schedule and I hope that people kind of just stop asking.

1. Anatomy and Physiology of Disease II
2. Ocular Anatomy
3. Ocular Optics
4. Physical Optics and Photometry
5. Clinical Optometry I
6. Case Based Discovery

So I literally just had an epiphany. All of my classes have labs. Every SINGLE one!!! So in undergrad when I would complain about going to my one lab once a week from 2:30-5:30, whether it was Bio,Chem, Orgo, Physics...whatever. Now imagine having a lab for every class. Le sigh.. So I at first didn't number the classes, but I started my new organization system (Unfortunately, I get a new one every week) in which I just # each class so when I make my study schedule it is easier to just write the number, next to things to do...It's a hassle to keep writing the name of the classes out. Initially I tried to abbreviate them, but the class names share similar words.  I just wanted to make a quick post before I start all of these practice problems for Ocular Optics. Until Next Time...

A Billion for a Billion

Powerful video. I stumbled across this website when I was on Freerice.com. Everyone should check out Free Rice. If you have never heard of it, basically you play little multiple choice trivia games and for each question you get right, 10 grains of rice is donated. It's not a lot, but its something. Also you can change the category for the different trivia questions. I like to put mine on french so I can brush up on French words they also have where you identify countries, capitals of countries, English grammar, many other languages, Chemistry, Algebra...basically check out the website. It's cool.

And it's something you can do in your downtime instead of wasting time on FB. Speaking of FB I am going to add yet another widget to my blog, from the Billion for a Billion website. Until Next Time...

Never Say Never...

I just wanted to do a quick post, so that I can continue to stay loyal to my blog (I can't believe I have actually kept up with this thing.) Anyways... So I bought this fitness pass at the gym so I can attend as many fitness classes as I like. Last week, I went to an Abs, Buns Cardio class then a Step and Tone class and Zumba. Oh BTW Zumba is fun (I felt like I was at the club..lol.) So today I missed the Abs, Buns, and Cardio class so I decided to try something new... Cycling..well they called it a spin class. As soon as I walked in the class I was like dangg what am I doing here? So of course like a newbie, I told the instructor I didn't know what I was doing and he helped me attach my seat (whatever it is called) and adjust that overly complicated bike.

So I though that part was the hardest, I was sweating like crazy during the warm up. Unfortunately I was in eye shot of the clock, which I looked at most of the class. Basically that class WORKED ME OUT! Gosh once I got off that bike an hour later, I wasn't sure if I could walk. All I could think of during the class is how I will never go back...For some reason something weird in me, actually enjoyed it. Well even though I think I chipped part of my "Sitz bones" (yes those are real bones). My butt is sore, actually everything below my chin is sore. So yeah that was a great class...not sure if I'll go back, but maybe I'll consider it. The instructor was only a little evil...but mostly nice.

Wow I wrote about that crazy class for a while. So I wish I could tell you all about the cool things I have been doing in my Clinical Optometry class...actually my schedule, but that will be another post. But before I leave, I just want to grip about how crazy this semester is going to be. I have class from 8 to 5, pretty much EVERY day!! Like what the heck.. 8 to 5, with an hour lunch break. I am so exhausted when I get home and then I have to study until Midnight.

But I must go...I am meeting up with a classmate to go on a "Campus Safety Walk." Basically you walk around the campus with administrators and tell them why you don't feel safe. I figure I complain about this place enough I need to give my input so things can be changed. And anybody who knows me, knows I like to share my ideas...lol. Until Next Time...

A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. -Drew Chalker

New Year, New Computer

So I came back from Winter Break to find my computer not working. Also the screen of my laptop pretty much snapped off the actual computer. I was pretty much upset that I had to deal with this right when I got back. So I went to BestBuy and I ended up buying a netbook.

It is such a cute little computer, I love it. It's ~2.5 pounds and its a crimson color. I couldn't find an actual picture, but I pretty much have everything transferred. I guess I am still mildly attached my to my old computer because I had it so long...

Today was the first day of classes for this semester. I am not even sure how I feel about everything. I am trying to be positive and not set unrealistic expectations for myself. I am so glad that I had a wonderful break.

Oh I meant to write a post about the Haitian earthquake...gosh I'll do that soon. It really is a shame especially how the crisis is being handled. So very sad.

Well I have a quiz tomorrow and I know that if I pretty much memorize what she said that I can get an A on it. So off I go to memorize. Until Next Time...

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

So I am "packing" to go back to Saint Louis.I really hate packing and I have been taking "breaks" all day long. So I have had quite a few things on my mind, especially since I am about to leave home. I had a WONDERFUL winter break! I got to spend a lot of time with family and friends. I went to a great concert, DC, New York, and just basically relaxed. It was completely opposite from last semester. I think I am going to try and incorporate more "fun" activities into Spring semester because I truly was miserable fall semester.

Anyways...what has been on my mind on and off this break is the idea of memories... So in the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (which I really loved), "Clementine" undergoes a procedure in which all of the memories of her last relationship was removed...and the rest of the movie has to do with what her ex-boyfriend "Joel" decides to do...I go through all of that to say, that I have been wondering if I had the opportunity to erase all of the memories from my last on/off relationship..would I? Honestly I think I would...the weird part is that I am usually ok with most things that happen because I justify it by saying that "everything happens for a reason" or that I somehow gained and learned something from the situation. But honestly I am having a difficult time making sense of it all.

When I look back on all of the on and off mess...I think the only thing that I took from the situation is if things aren't working out in the first few weeks...just move on..It's not going to get any better. You are going to get attached and have this false sense of hope for something that was doomed from the beginning...

A bad beginning makes for a bad ending.

I usually believe that, but I don't know why in this situation, I thought it would turn out any different. I think I am just annoyed by all of the stupid things that he continues to do, while inadvertently (yeah right..) putting my business on front street. It's frustrating and I wish anything dealing with me, he would just be smart and have an ounce of self respect and not do it. I know I'm not a celebrity, but I really like to keep my "personal life" a private manner.

Sorry for the vague post, but I just needed to write that..It's 1:30 and I have way too much to do..Aaah Until Next Time...

Lady Fortitude

It is likely that if you are not a Soror of mine then you have never heard of Lady Fortitude, but what she stands for has continually inspired me. For anyone that does not know what fortitude means it is

Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.

The definition alone is invigorating and motivates me. I think that most people could stand to exhibit more fortitude in their everyday life. Although things may be difficult it should not stop you from being where or who you want to be.

The sculpture of Lady Fortitude is found on the campus of Howard University and symbolizes the attributes of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, beauty and femininity as depicted by the Illustrious 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Until Next Time...

Happy Founder's Day!

I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and I want to wish all of my Sorors a Happy Founder's Day. On January 13th, 97 years ago my twenty founders founded the largest African American sisterhood in the world.

Long ago and far away
Twenty-two began a brand new day.
They wanted more than just a social life
They desired to be more than just a wife.
These twenty-two had a larger vision
And that soon caused them great division.
Some went left, but most went Right
And strove to reach a higher light.
They wanted to make a better place
And give their children a broader space
To expand their minds and their hearts
And give to the world the best parts
Of being Intelligent, Female, and Black.
These twenty-two started the forward motion
But theirs was just the tip of this Delta notion
They gave the foundation and an example to follow
They made it strong and solid, not hollow.
Their legacy remains as a directional arrow
And the time is now to release the sparrow
To fly free and soar to heights unknown
But she must never travel alone.
Along with her sisters the job gets done.
Along with her SORORS the battle is
Won.

By Soror Valerie L. Thomas

Until Next Time...

Reason #173 why the Midwest gets a big THUMBS DOWN

Ok seriously look at this map...Currently the coldest part of the United States is the midwest...wth! I don't know why I had this misconception that it would be warmer in STL than NYC.... Gosh if I could go back to Spring 2009 (Opt school decision time)..However, I will say that the excessive cold I experienced for no reason last semester has increased my tolerance a bit more. Why would anyone in their right mind move to these obscure and cold states? Clearly I wasn't in my right mind, it's crazy how much a scholarship can sway your judgment...

This break I really felt at home for so many reasons, one of them being that everyone (in the South) is greatly affected by cold weather. I cannot count how many times someone has said "I can't wait til spring/summer" or "no I don't want to go out it's too cold." Finally I don't feel like such a big ol' complainer... I am going to soak in every non-Midwestern day until my flight back. :( Now I can start looking forward to the SUMMER (no classes, no midwest, and warm weather)! Until Next Time..

That's so...ghetto.

So one thing that is guaranteed to get me annoyed is when someone refers to something as being ghetto...especially if this person saying the statement is not black. In the one semester that I have lived in the midwest (missouri) so far, I have heard soo many non-black people refer to things/people/places as being ghetto and I literally cringed every single time. Being that I am still on Winter Break..woohoo! I was browsing through some blogs/online mags and I came across this article on ClutchMag that I read some time ago about the misuse of the word "ghetto." It pretty much sums up how I feel...here are some bits and pieces from the article..

The word “ghetto” is not synonymous with behavior; it is an ecological condition of dystopian proportions on one hand, and a community of fun and loving and dignified people on the other. Children growing up under these environs need every help they can get to escape the grips, not polarizing terms from elitists that do nothing to affirm their worth.

Before you call someone’s actions ghetto in condescension, remember the connotations. Bad behavior is bad behavior. Rudeness is rudeness. It has nothing to do with salary, as there are rich people who weekly make the news because of “ghetto” behavior. But a rich man’s actions ain’t ghetto…right?

There are more white Americans living in poverty than Black Americans, yet this fact seems to elude many publicized case studies. White people can exhibit habits of the ghetto, but never in my life have I heard a white person being called ghetto. This double standard is a new age attack of the nobility vs. the serf, but one that takes on a racial component as well.

That’s so ghetto.

It’s an idiom that signals a crude remark or uncouth manners or just general unruly behavior. It is a grossly inaccurate statement, the brother of “hot ghetto mess” and the second cousin of “Indian giver”. It is representative of our lowest rung, the socially invisible and the politically marginalized. It is an incubator where ugly behavior and nihilism lives, a place to be shunned at all costs by higher society. It is what employers see when they look at an applicant’s address, and decide whether to call him or her back based on just that. It is naming your child Tanisha, Shanquita, Lovita, or Amare. It is yelling and cackling in the movie theater. It is long press-on finger nails, loud gum popping, skimpy outfits, tattoos, gold teeth and myriad children running around.

Until Next Time...

Scope - 1/11 to 1/17

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Your mouth will be moving faster than your brain and there'll be a few times you'll find yourself saying things that even you can't believe. That's not to say these revelations aren't true, but you thought they were your secrets to keep. However, despite the embarrassment you might initially feel, by the end of this week, you'll be giving yourself a big pat on your back for brave work well done.

Until Next Time...

Getting Your Eye Tattooed

So I came across this on one my friends tweets (twitter updates)...and I thought it was extremely ridiculous, so I just had to post it. Basically two inmates got their eyes tattooed. As a current optometry student, I felt a sense of obligation to post this craziness. lol. Boo on MSNBC, for not once using the correct term of "sclera" (the white part of your eye)...


Until Next Time...

Soldier of Love

As everyone knows by now...Sade released her new single "Soldier of Love" early last December. I am really looking forward to her album, which comes out in February...I meant to post the video/song much earlier, but it slipped my mind. I think it accurately describes how I feel about "love/relationships" right now... Oh and I did I mention how much I really really like this song..the drums, beats, lyrics, her voice...everything!



Until Next Time...

Out with the Old...In with the New

Although I am a little behind, Happy New Year to everyone! It's 2010..and I really hope and feel that this year will be great. Hmm..what can I say about the previous year,  2009..wow! So many pivotal things happened last year, graduating from undergrad to starting optometry school (in terms of academics). I also really had a lot of personal growth.

I brought in my New Year in NYC, Times Square. It really was a great experience, but it is one of those things that I will only do once. The final countdown was really great and I have some real cool "2010" glasses. I will post some pics later, once I upload them. I am not even sure what the exact temperature was, but it was freezing, and then it started snowing/raining. Like I said earlier, next year I'll watch "the ball drop" on TV. It really was an impromptu trip and we also went to DC, and Maryland. I really had a great time.

I need to start preparing myself to start school again. All of the studying that I did last semester, doesn't seem real. I think once I get on my plane to go back to STL...I will be extremely depressed. Oh well...I still have a little over a week.

So I am usually a "New Years Resolutions" kind of person. But something is different about this year, I just don't feel the urge to make a list of things that I need to do. I think it is much more simple this year, since the Optometry program pretty much controls my life. I made a mistake of looking at my schedule for Spring Semester, and I will be taking 23 hours...what the heck. Oh well..Well I am going to get back to watching Gilmore Girls. Until Next Time...