Polarizing bickering

A few days ago, I opened my Facebook to find my newsfeed buzzing with people's responses to a debate between Bill Nye and a well-known creationist the night before.  I didn't even know this debate had taken place until I saw this chatter.  Disparaging chatter. So I did a quick Google search to see what I had missed. Again, I found more disparaging chatter.

Now, usually in these situations, there is pretty much equal disparaging of both sides in the aftermath of a debate.  Like during election season.  In fact, I [confession] refuse to read the status updates of my politically active friends [on both sides of the aisle] during election season -- because there is so much negativity, bashing, rude remarks, and zero to no discussion of how to actually come together to fix a problem.  People don't want compromise and moderation, they want to be rub-it-in-my-opponents-faces right.  Acting like the world is more black-and-white than it actually is.  Sorry...rant over.

Anyways, my simple Google search of the Bill Nye vs famous Creationist debate yielded pages covered in comments. As I said earlier, they were expectantly disparaging.  But what was surprising is that nowhere did I see a single comment actually defending the Creationist. (Poor guy. I felt bad that he hadn't received any social-media-active-young-adult-lovin'.) It seems that the majority of posts were in support of Bill Nye's allegedly superior arguments and presentation, all quick to point out the naïveté and ignorance of the Creationist.

[I'm going to make a huge disclaimer here: I obviously did not religiously scour every thread that my Google search yielded/every Facebook post I read for support of my observation.  This is all based on first glance analysis.]

Now, FYI this post is in no way intended to continue the debate of how this world came into being.  A discussion for another time.  What I am more curious about is why people feel the need to share such inflammatory remarks on social media, and I'm pretty sure, at least in this instance, it was not to show solidarity for everyone's-childhood-science-hero Bill.  

As I've been noodling on this idea, the wheels started turning more when I saw a post on my newsfeed two evenings ago (sheesh, Facebook seems to be the place to vent feelings these days) criticizing the opinions of a blogger regarding the recent movie Frozen. Intrigued, I read the article in question.  And, conversely, I found the article to be well-argued and presented.  Certainly an interesting take on the popular feminist commentary surrounding the movie.  Did I agree with everything? No. But I certainly thought she made her points well. I flipped back to the facebook post and opened the comments.  Rookie mistake.  Nearly all of them disparaged the author, using phrases like "rolling my eyes" and "read this if you want to be indignant" and tagging friends with similar beliefs so they could join in the fun. 

Now my first question is: why does a random blogger's interpretation of a movie cause indignation? It's a CARTOON. And even if it were a cinema masterpiece, all films [and art for that matter] are open to interpretation. Meaning, there isn't a right interpretation or commentary.  Just a scale of well-supported to not-well-supported ones.  It's not black-and-white. So then second question:  why do we feel the need to tear down someone's opinion that they wrote on a personal blog? Is it just because it's different from yours? And third:  what is the purpose of posting something you blatantly disagree with?

So this whole line of thinking brought me back to my earlier question of why we feel the need to post disparaging comments on social media -- the reasons for which I think can be aptly applied to why someone would post something they vehemently disagree with. Some possible shared answers to these questions include:

1. To validate one's own opinion.  We write disparaging comments/posts in order to incentivize our friends who agree with us to comment on/like the post.  When a post has 200 likes from all the Bill Nye fans you know, you feel validated that you have picked the "right" belief or position.  Solidarity in numbers.

2.  To convert some wandering soul to your cause/position.  As reading a newsfeed full of negativity tends to make me inclined to block the culprits from my newsfeed, I can't imagine that this mentality/methodology actually works.  So I'm going to have to nix this reason for implausibility.

3.  Because we can't stand the possibility that people might think differently than we do.  Now, this certainly is a narrow minded and controlling position.... And I would be very concerned if anyone actually held it.  So I'm nixing it -- out of hope for our society.

4. To educate others about your position.  Well, as I said earlier, I don't think negativity educates others well -- plus negativity isn't a good defense of a position.  Disparaging someone else's position is not the same thing as supporting your own. So wouldn't it be simpler (and more friendly) to post an article about what you do believe instead of posting one that you don't agree and listing your reasons why?

Plus, at least in the cases of evolution and Frozen&feminism that I've mentioned here, the evolutionist and feminist positions are pretty well understood and supported by popular culture and society.  So the possibility of actually educating someone is slim.  Bringing me to wonder (in relation to option 2 above), why do you feel the need to educate/convert them (the answer to which very well may be listed here).

5.  To prove one's own intellectual superiority/the superiority of one's positions. Regardless of issue or political affiliation, we all tend to think that our positions and beliefs are better than the other side's. And if we believe that our position is superior, then there's nothing left to do but rub it in the competition's faces.  Also known as gloating.

For example, comments like "those Creationists are so naive and ignorant for what they believe." Well, since evolution is the primary theory taught in schools, it would appear that evolution is winning the culture war -- I would place this category squarely in the "I-want-to-be-rub-it-in-my-opponents-faces right" camp (see earlier brief rant about political elections for reference).

As a quick side note: a particularly annoying side-effect of the fifth reason is individuals commenting on posts that were intended to remain neutral.  Many a time I have posted an article to Facebook that I found interesting, thought-provoking, or thought others might like, only to have someone comment with some sort of disagreement/criticism of the article.  While they are certainly entitled to their opinion, and I would love to discuss it further with them, my purpose in that moment was not to create debate.  Somethings, in my opinion, are best left not commented on.  On the flip side, not everything merits a comment -- either positive or negative.  Somethings are meant to just be absorbed, digested, and then added to our personal collections of knowledge.  We don't need to be so quick to declare our judgements; many find this to be instantly polarizing and hostile.

Okay, so maybe that wasn't so quick.  I'm sure there are more than five reasons -- but those are the first that have come to mind.... And this post is getting rather long anyway (this is what I get for not blogging in a long time LOL)

We live in a society that is desperately trying to make everything black-and-white, one that is becoming increasingly polarized.  Us vs. Them.  Me vs. You. Frozen interpretation #1 vs. Frozen interpretation #2. Notice that there is no room for middle ground opinions and/or compromise in such a strict dichotomy. What will it take for us to recognize that it's okay to have differing opinions and to not feel the need to squash them out of each other?  Part of being a beautifully diverse community is involving people who think a whole variety of different ways. And allowing and encouraging them to continue doing so.

Not everything in the world is so black-and-white. And sometimes (but not always), there isn't a "right" answer; but rather, there are equally acceptable options.

Just What I Needed

Have you ever attended a church service and felt that God was using it to tell you everything you needed to hear -- good and bad?  That God had maybe even designed the service with you in mind -- giving the music team specific songs to sing and the pastor specific words to say just because He knew that you would be sitting in the congregation that morning?

Well, that was me this past Sunday.

First off, let me just say that it is always a joy for me return to NOVA and worship in my home church.  McLean Pres has had such a formative role in my spiritual growth and holds a very special place in my heart.  Worship there is always so genuine and joyous.  The joy of the congregation is literally palpable -- there are times that I can't help smiling, it's so infectious.  Coming back to McLean always feels like coming home.

Sunday, from the moment I scanned through the bulletin at the start of service, I knew that God had intended for me to be sitting there.  From the song selection to the title of the sermon, "Humble Joy," I knew God was snapping His fingers and saying Jessica, look right here.  Singing the following hymn brought tears to my eyes as the words so perfectly encouraged my healing heart of the Lord's endless provision and sustaining comfort:

Though dark be my way, since He is my guide, 'tis mine to obey, and His to provide;

though cisterns be broken, and creatures all fail,

the Word He has spoken will surely prevail.

Why should I complain, of want or distress, temptation or pain?

He told me no less:  the heirs of salvation, I know from His Word

through much tribulation must follow their Lord.

Since all that I meet will work for my good, the bitter is sweet, the medicine food;

though painful at present will cease before long,

And then, O how glorious, the conqueror's song!

(John Newton; Kevin Twit)

As I've been thinking over the events of the last few weeks and my subsequent emotional state, I've come to realize that it would be only too easy for me to console myself with pride:  "He's completely in the wrong, and I deserve better," "Well it's his loss" -- implying that I will always be the better catch.  And while all of these thoughts may or may not be true, it certainly makes me feel better to think them.  They stoke my ego and stroke my wounded pride, building up this idea that I am "better" and deserve "better."  My heart has been wrestling with how to avoid and subdue this false sense of pride.  Its such an easy pattern to fall into, and one that I am desperate to avoid.

So, you can imagine how fitting it was to open the bulletin and find that the sermon was on humility.  It was almost like God whispering to me, I know what you need to hear, dear one.  During the sermon, our pastor walked us through a series of possible indicators of pride, and with each one, I made a mental check mark of yup, that's me.  What a stark look at just how prideful I really am.  As my heart continues to heal, I wonder why pride was one of my default emotional defense mechanisms.  Did I really think that I was such a great catch that he would love me forever, despite my heart moving on?  If I have no desire to date him again, then I certainly cannot expect that he would pine away after me.  How unfair of me is it to wish that I had started dating again first!  And I cannot justify my own healing process to myself as being the better, more mature, more responsible method.  I am not better than him.  Or her.  And as such, I have no right to judge either of them, even when judgement feels so easy and seems so.....deserving. 

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

Matthew 7:1-2

I can no longer keep telling myself that I am in the right.  Because I'm not.  Yes, what he did hurt, angered, saddened, and frustrated me.  BUT.  I, in turn, have not responded graciously, letting myself succumb to pride and feelings of superiority, especially in regards to her.  And in my pride, I judge them both.  Certainly this is not the model of love and humility that Christ has laid out for us.  Certainly the very least I could leave him in parting is forgiveness and compassion, and an apology for my ungracious, un-Christian behavior.  Compassion.  What if that had been my natural reflex in this situation instead of anger?  For me to realize that something must have been going on with him for this to happen and to actually care what that something was -- instead of immediately focusing on my hurt, my anger, me me me me.  Even if hurt and anger are justified, they do not negate the need for compassion and empathy.

If you are reading this, please accept this as my apology.

Returning to "Me"

Listen.

Slide the weight from your shoulders.

You're afraid.

You're afraid you'll forget.

But you won't.

Move on.

Move on.

Move on.

Walk forward [into the Light]

--adapted from The Poisonwood Bible

In the fall of my senior year at William and Mary, my sister asked me to be in a quartet piece for her group choreography class.  She adapted the words above from a longer passage from The Poisonwood Bible and had each of the dancers speak a portion of the text during the piece as we danced to illustrate a community rallying around a grieving friend.  Like the friends of Job.

And I don't know why, but the words "Move on.  Move on.  Move on" and the choreography associated with each phrase has been running through my mind all day today.

The rest of this post will probably be rather cryptic.

And that's okay.

Just wanted to give you all the heads up.

Something to listen to while you read:   Music from Sarah's Quartet Piece (composer: James Horner)

* * *

I have been so very lucky to be surrounded by stellar friends and family these last couple weeks -- dear dear hearts who continue to shower me with love, support, encouragement, and continue to speak Truth into my life, even when it is hardest to hear.  The Lord certainly gave them the words I needed to hear, and I have been so convicted by them:  "Jess, do not be bitter."

When more than one person tells you the same thing in a span of 48 hours, there is a realization of "ah-ha, this is probably important."  For me, this moment was when almost everyone I spoke with advised me not to give in to bitterness.  Why?  As one friend aptly put it, "Jess, that's not you."  And she's right.  It's not me.  I am not a bitter or angry person; I usually find it difficult to remain angry.  I needed, and need, to be me.  But I don't feel like me.  And being bitter is so easy, so much easier than processing the hurt and the pain.  It gives me something to hide behind.  But it's also blinding.  I didn't even realize how small I sounded talking about what had happened.  She isn't his little girlfriend; she is his girlfriend.  And he loves her.  And his decision deserves respect, even if I find it so very hard to give.

I never thought that there would be a time where the memories of good times with him hurt just as much as memories of hard times.  But now they do.  And I don't know when it'll stop hurting.  Sometimes I don't even want to remember and think that it would just be easier to forget.  To forget everything that ever happened between us.  But I can't.  These memories are a part of me, just as much as they are a part of him.  I hope he remembers.  And someday, I'll want to remember.

I want to move on.  I keep wondering when it will happen.  I think hearing the words from Sarah's quartet piece over and over again in my head is my heart urging me to move forward.  I'm so sick of the cycles of feeling sad, angry, wounded, frustrated.  I desperately want to be "me" again.  I need to be me.  Bubbly.  Optimistic.  Laughing.  Sunshine.  Joyful.  Excited about Life.  I feel like it was a million years ago that I was carefree and an abundance of laughter.  It was really just last week.

I was incredibly blessed the other night to stumble upon the notes of encouragement my teachers left in my high school senior yearbook.  Voicing high hopes for the future and commending my passion for life and thirst for knowledge.  Reminding me that I am driven and capable, and even more than that -- that I have been given gifts for a purpose.  Such sweet, gentle reminders of who I am, even if they are from so long ago.

I know that in all of this, the Lord is using it for His glory.  That somehow, He's using this to shape me and teach me of His almighty power and never-ending Love.  That His plan for me is infinitely more perfect and beautiful than anything I could have ever planned for myself.  Even if I don't understand how or why.  As my dear sister Cathy said last week, "We think our lives end at Chapter 7, but you know what?  God's story for us is 20 chapters long.  There is so much more planned for you than you could ever plan for yourself."  Or something like that.  I about started crying in the middle of the library.  Praise the Lord that I am loved by the great Author, the God of all comfort, and surely He will heal my hurts.

It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.

-- Sam, Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers [film]

Every week needs a theme song

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

("10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman)

Today in Paradise

As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.  A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.  Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.   For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’   Then

“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

 

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar  and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

-- Luke 23:26-43

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”  They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”

Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.  A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.  So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

-- John 16:16-22

Into Jubliant Psalm

Out of my bondage, sorrow and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of earth’s sorrows, into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair, into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into the joy and light of Thy home,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

 *  *  *  *

My prayer for my heart is for each day to be full of j u b i l a n t psalm for I know Whose face I will behold.

TWAMP: Exhibit A

More proof that William and Mary is the best college EVER

(and that twamps are the coolest people ever).

In case you needed more convincing.

(Photo courtesy of Overheard at William and Mary via Facebook)

Reasons Why I love My Alma Mater

A few years ago, a brilliant student at WM started an "Overheard at William and Mary" group on Facebook -- essentially a forum for students to post the ridiculous things things they hear students, faculty, employees, tourists, etc. say.  Context is usually irrelevant, and most posts are hysterical only because they are read out-of-context.  Anyways, I must admit that this site is one of my guilty pleasures.  It never ceases to amuse me, and each day always provides at least one or two memorable gems.  Plus, it is an amazing form of reassurance that the student body at WM hasn't changed -- that we are and will always continue to be TWAMPS (for the illiterate in WM lore: TWAMP=Typical William and Mary Person).  #TribePride now and forever.

Earlier this week, a friend of mine posted an Overheard that has since received 56 comments and 553 likes.  If something could be "trending" on Facebook, this would be.  And the gem that she posted and the resulting conversation made my heart so proud to be a 1. TWAMP and 2. an IR Major: 

In the marketplace: "Seriously, the botetourt complex is the Soviet Union of campus. They're the largest in number, they're bound together by mutual despair, and they'll crush anyone who gets in their way."

 Brilliant! Am, I right, or am I right? :) :)  And here are some of the gem comments other students posted:

• It is SO true! I live in Spotswood, & we were talking about how Spotswood is the District 12 of Botetourt. So, that makes us... Belarus? In this particular scenario?

• So does this make Barrett America?

• The Bryan Complex is the European Union. Subject to loud noise on weekends from football games coupled with excessive fire alarms. :)

• This probably means that Jamestown is China. They're big, new, and rising in power. It would appear that Jamestown also holds a massive amount of Barrett's debt...

• ^^Profound.

• Monroe should be Canada because its just as nice as Barrett but half as much fun.

• The coalition of Lodges accept any challenge posed by The Botetourt Complex

• The units are Australia because everything will kill you if given half a chance.

• Ludwell is could be England. Nice, friendly, but an island.

• Would that make Hunt North Korea? No one there knows anything about the rest of the dorms.

• ^ EXCUSE ME recant that~ Hunt's more like Easter Island or something...

• North Korea's not right - none of the rest of the dorms know Hunt exists! At least they see Taliferro on the way to the Marketplace. Also, Hunt isn't ambitious enough to form a serious military organization.So Hunt would be one of those small island nations in the Pacific or something? Like Fiji?

• Yes, it is. I quite like Fiji myself... and Brown can be a nearby island idk

• Hunt is sort of like one of those small tribes of undiscovered aboriginal tribes that haven't made contact with the outside world yet. I'm waiting for them to start worshipping airplanes.

• This might possibly be the best Overheard conversation ever. My inner history major sure came out today reading this.

• So is Yates like Mexico?

• ... and that's the reason why I love W&M. #TWAMP

• what about Dupont? china maybe since it has the largest number of people in the same building and is just south of botetourt.

• We've already got a China, though. If you're going by size/population density, maybe India? Except that DuPont has air conditioning, which means it's highly developed... Singapore, maybe? 

SO MUCH TRIBE PRIDE.  SAY IT LOUD, SAY IT PROUD.

Heart Musings

"How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on... when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back?
. . .
My dear Sam. You cannot always be torn in two. You will have to be one and whole for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be and to do. Your part in the story will go on."

-- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film)

Thought of the Day

Just something I've been thinking about lately:

What if we actually believed that we are able to make a difference?


How then would our behavior and intentions change?  I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

A Statement of Purpose

I apologize for the very long hiatus I have taken from the blogosphere!  I originally viewed this blog primarily as a way to stay in touch with friends and family during my semester abroad in St. Andrews, Scotland.  (And even then, if you remember, I was terrible about writing frequently.  I think I still have residual guilt over that....)  Anyhow, here I am, writing to you once again.  And this time, I am approaching blogging with a different goal.  While I still want to tell you about all the fun things that are happening to me here in Lexington, I really want to share some of the thoughts I've had as a result of my master's program.  The Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce does a wonderful job exposing us to as many "life-experiences" and aspects of the international community as possible.  I have only been here a week, and already I am amazed at:  1) the number of events that we have been to and 2) the amount of personal reflection that I've had.  To be frank, I have never really felt the urge to blog before; it was really more of "oh-that'd-be-a-cool-thing-to-do" kind of feeling.  But now I find myself writing down potential blog topics in my notes during class and feeling excited to think through those topics further.  If I'm feeling like this after only a week of Orientation and 2 days of classes, I simply cannot wait to see what the rest of the semester brings!

Before Orientation started, we (the first year students) were required to come up with a personal mission statement; one that reflected our goals, etc. for the next five years.  I found the activity to be unexpectedly difficult.  I knew what mission statements were, but I had absolutely no idea how to construct my own, especially as there is no template or guidelines to follow.  In the end, I think it was a great exercise; it really made me think about why I want the things in life that I do and why I am even pursuing this degree.  Ultimately, it made me realize more concretely what little control I have over my own life, and how the mission God has set in place for me resoundingly trumps any and all plans I make on my own.  I strongly encourage you to sit down and think about what your life mission statement would be.  What do you hope to achieve?  to have? to be?  How will you get there?  Why do you want those things?

Here is what I came up with as my mission statement:

I seek to live in such a way that will positively change the lives of others.  Even if I impact the life of just one individual, I will deem my dedication to others to be a success.  I want to live with compassion, selflessness, and grace, ever striving to make a difference, striving to create change.

I want to be someone who is not afraid to take a stand for what she believes, even at the expense of my own material success.  Success for me will not be measured by wealth, popularity, or renown, but rather by the depth of relationships made, dedication to what is right, and commitment to God’s will.  I will fight for the rights of those at home and abroad, defending the inherent dignity of humanity. I want to change the way the world perceives the oppressed and combat the "bystander effect," inspiring ordinary citizens to take action in defense of their fellow men.  I will strive to always perform to the utmost of my ability, using the tools given to me through study and experience to give hope to those who suffer.

I seek to live passionately, deeply invested in both my vocation and the lives of my family and friends.  I want to be one who cherishes her family and actively nourishes those relationships.  I want to make myself continually available as a consistent source of support and love, upon which family and friends can rely.

Regardless of the plan I set out for myself in these words, my ultimate life mission is to honor and glorify the Lord through my pursuit of academics, vocation, family, and whatever else He leads me to do.  In all things, my successes are a result of His blessings; and therefore, I will strive to live in humility, recognizing the gifts He has given me.  Likewise, I will face my failures confidently, eager to learn from my mistakes and secure that the Lord has a purpose for me.  I will strive to continually live in light of His glory and grace, reveling in the beauty He has bestowed upon humanity and Creation.

I was struck by the final part of the instructions given to us for the assignment:  "The final test of any such plan is, 'Does this statement inspire me?'"  What is it that inspires you?

A Semester in Review (via the wonders of Facebook)

So, while I am pulling together my notes on my various adventures of the semester, I thought that I would give you a brief synopsis of my doings over the course of the semester - via the messages I have posted on my Facebook page since the beginning of this crazy experience called study abroad.  Almost everything worth mentioning / important receives the honor of being mentioned in my Facebook status, so, in theory, this list provides a pretty accurate picture (or makes a good teaser trailer at least!) into what I've been up to this semester :) [though, if we assume the above to be true, then I must find the weather here to be incredibly important.... :P].  Enjoy!

January 28 @ 15:53:             and so the packing begins.... :(

January 29 @ 03:01:             so i'm watching Chariots of Fire with the fam -- and they definitely started singing the beginning of "Soldiers of our Queen" from Patience, making me miss everyone in Sinfonicron so much!!!

January 29 @ 18:07:             Jessica Kyle officially hates packing. it’s so depressing...

January 30 @ 20:49:             Scotland here I come! www.breathtaking-jmk.blogspot.com

January 31 @ 14:04:             Jessica Kyle is safe and sound in St. Andrews :)

February 2 @ 17:29:             oh just another blustery day in saint andrews :)

February 3 @ 17:48:             so this is what rain in st. andrews looks like....huh.

February 4 @ 12:28:             Jessica Kyle finally got her classes/schedule! yay! why did they put her econ class in the physics building??

February 5 @ 23:07:             fish and chips + 1 pint of cider....check :)

February 6 @ 10:12:             it always baffles me when I get online at 10am here and there are people online back home. Don't they know it’s 5 in the morning?!

February 6 @ 17:32:             Jessica Kyle said "all y'all" at tea time today and felt ashamed.

February 6 @ 23:28:             Jessica Kyle is so sad that she's missing the RUF W&M Super Bowl Party at Ludwell 102C (David Robert Inserra, Jason Yoon, and Andrew Chung's apartment!) :(

February 7 @ 09:21:             1st day of classes here we go!

February 9 @ 01:26:             just a small town girl ♥

February 10 @17:33:            Jessica Kyle is so thankful for a full day of sweet sweet sunshine!! :) :)

February 11 @ 20:13:           BOP! Bop Bop Bop to the top! Slip and slide and ride that rhythm :)

**Note: I went to a bop (aka a dance) that night -- hence the perhaps unnecessary High School Musical reference**

February 12 @ 14:24:           helloooo sunshine!!!

February 13 @ 17:36:           off to dinner at Lucy-lu's (aka Lucy James :) ) -- what a great way to end an already fantastic day!

February 14 @ 09:16:           Jessica Kyle is wishing a very Happy Birthday to her sweet mother Shirley Kyle and a wonderful Valentine's Day to Ian Joseph! ♥

February 15 @ 17:43:           just another day here in St. Andrews :)

February 16 @ 13:51:           reason #4258 why I love Sallies: william & mary orders hall tshirts. our gentlemen order hall ties. Classy? very.

February 18 @ 13:52:           hello weekend!

February 19 @ 17:41:           Jessica Kyle found REAL Smarties at Tesco's! YES!

**Note:  'real' Smarties referring of course to the delicious fruit-flavored M&M-type candy :) :) **

February 20 @ 21:01:           just saved 20gbp on dinner for three! YES!

**Note:  Bess, Margaret Ann and I went to dinner at Bella Italia that night for a 50% off student discount!**

February 21 @ 19:42:           thanks to Margaret Ann Hazelton for giving me a much-needed hair cut!

February 22 @ 17:10:           who schedules fire drills for 6:30 in the morning...in February...on the North Sea...before dawn??

February 22 @ 20:14:           Jessica Kyle is enjoying shortbread while cuddling with marge :)

February 23 10:08:               Jessica Kyle would like just a little bit of sunshine please

February 24 @ 14:59:           the sun is shining! and it feels like Spring! :)

February 22 @ 22:22:           a perfect afternoon = listening to a cappella choir rehearse Loch Lomond (and other beautiful songs) outside Sallies under a beautiful sunset through my open window. I love St. Andrews :)

**Note:  The choir rehearsal was in preparation for the Royal Couple's visit on February 25**

February 26 @ 13:40:           Jessica Kyle is officially infected. let the post-nasal drip begin!

February 28 @ 10:00:           YES! The King's Speech won FOUR Academy Awards!! And yay for Natalie Portman getting Best Actress!!!! :) I wish I could have seen the show - except it was on at like 1am here. lol

February 28 @ 17:36:           IJM is looking for 25 @000 people who will ask President Obama to help end modern-day slavery. Will you add your name? Spread the word!

March 1 @ 15:43:     with the windows thrown open and the birds singing: I'm loving the no-jacket weather, brillant sunshine, and cloudless sky here on the crystal blue North Sea!

March 2 @ 10:45:     Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day :)

March 2 @ 13:50:     paper time.... yay?

March 2 @ 23:12:     ballet to "Paparazzi"? I think yes. :)

**Note:  I joined the DanceSociety here at St. Andrews, and my ballet class did a piece to Lady Gaga's paparazzi.  SO COOL**

March 3 @ 09:46:     where did all the sunshine go? :(

March 3 @ 13:44:     class paper paper high table paper paper paper paper paper....

March 3 @ 22:32:     i WILL conquer this paper.

March 4 @ 23:48:     hello sweet sweet weekend!

March 5 @ 11:47:     "Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up - these are the best days of our lives" ♥

March 7 @ 10:07:     YES! it’s another blue-sky day! AND Tasha Abi-Najm arrives today! :)

**Note:  One of my best friends, Tasha, came to visit me during her spring break!**

March 7 @ 11:07:     It's a happy day! and I thank God for the weather...ba dum ba dum :)

March 8 @ 16:14:     Jessica Kyle is so impressed with her history tutor Dr. Allen - papers due 9:35pm Friday, papers returned 4pm Tuesday. Brilliant!

March 9 @ 09:29:     Jessica Kyle ran, breakfasted, played piano, and showered all before 10am! What a productive morning :)

March 10 @ 19:09:   Jessica Kyle officially loves W&M Residence Life :)

**Note:  Why, you ask?  I received a really good lottery number for next year's housing selection :) **

March 10 @ 19:16:   just bought a Sallies hall scarf. Am I a huge geek? YES. Proud of it? Oh yeah :)

March 10 @ 22:59:   "They say breezes are warm there and people are kind, maybe it’s something like Heaven. I close my eyes, and I see in my mind skies of bluest blue" ♥

March 13 @ 00:05:   okay. my night is officially complete - someone just walked down the hall whistling music from Lord of the Rings (you know, the theme that shows up whenever they are running somewhere/fighting?). Perfection.

March 13 @ 14:42:   thinks google should have a better method of contacting them about problems than forcing users to post on the help forum - especially when there are numerous unanswered posts referring to the same problem.

**Note:  This was after the “Call Phone” button disappeared from my gchat window.  So I could no longer call mobiles and landlines in the US for free.  Super lame.**

March 13 @ 22:01:   bring in the caffeine and chocolate - it’s time to get work done! :)

March 14 @ 00:17:   YAY March Madness starting!!!! :) :) :)

March 14 @ 10:04:   cannot wait for the next 28 hours to be over...

March 14 @ 22:30:   loves study parties with Paige Wallis and Margaret Ann Hazelton :)

March 16 @ 12:00:   good morning sweet sweet sunshine!! it’s been a while since I've seen you! :)

March 17 @ 12:19:   Jessica Kyle is missing Shirley Kyle's corned beef and lemon poke cake :( Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17 @ 17:26:   walked out of Sallies with Margaret Ann Hazelton, only to be stopped and interviewed by BBC China (or something like that)....random event #1732 of this trip.

**Note:  The reporters were basically trying to get us to say on camera that we chose St. Andrews because the Prince had come here over FIVE years ago.  But we were too smart for them :) **

March 18 @ 03:09:   Jessica Kyle desperately needs to go to Target now. Thank you David Wells.

March 18 @ 11:08:   "Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are [...] You've told me who I am: I AM YOURS"

March 19 @ 16:04:   Jessica Kyle is working in the library and realizing just how much she misses Swem :( [yes, I know that I am a complete and total TWAMP]

March 19 @ 23:21:   For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. -- Ephesians 2:8-9

March 20 @ 15:11:   so Pittsburgh, remind me one more time why you, a #1 team, decided to lose yesterday to a #8 team. I think that that merits some sort of explanation.

**Note:  March Madness was especially stressful this year.  So much disappointment**

March 21 @ 10:41:   It's a happy day! And I thank God for the weather ba dum ba dum :)

March 21 @ 18:49:   Jessica Kyle has developed a habit of liking every Ork-related status she sees! Merde merde merde to my beautiful ORCHESIS* loves - I wish I could be there for Orchesis Dance Company's Evening of Dance because I know it’s going to be absolutely WONDERFUL (meaning that if you stateside at any point this weekend, you need to get yourself to PBK at Wiliam and Mary at 8pm!)

**Note:  Just because I’m abroad doesn’t mean I have lost any of my Orchesis pride!**

March 24 @ 16:09:   what are you doing on the internet? get off facebook and go buy your ticket to see Orchesis Dance Company's Evening of Dance! PBK. 8pm. Thursday - Saturday. why are you still sitting there? go go go!

March 25 @ 18:36:   Tonight = you @ PBK at 8pm watching Orchesis Dance Company's Evening of Dance. (even if you went last night, you should go again :P) Enjoy the show!

March 26 @ 13:18:   Ohio State -- WHAT HAPPENED?!

**Note:  See? What did I tell you - March Madness = NOT good**

March 26 @ 19:26:   Tonight is your last chance to see Orchesis Dance Company's Evening of Dance! 8pn at PBK - you don't want to miss out!

March 27 @ 13:27:   Jessica Kyle loves her wonderful biffel Margaret Ann Hazelton for bringing her a fresh-picked daffodil - I ♥ Spring!

March 28 @ 12:40:   Happy Monday! [3]

March 29 @ 11:50:   2 days until I get to see Sarah Kyle!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)

March 29 @ 13:59:   Dear Banner,
Please stop blocking me from taking classes "outside my major" when, in fact, they fulfill the requirements of my major. Interdisciplinary degrees HAVE to draw from other departments. You are not helpful.
Love (meaning no love),
me

March 29 @ 22:23:   loves skype dates with her nametwin Jessie Dolezal!!!!

March 30 @ 16:57:   Jessica Kyle should not have to spend FIVE pounds to do ONE load of laundry....

March 30 @ 18:00:   I am officially never doing laundry here again. 5.80gpb for one load?!? (mind you that's 1 wash and 4 times through the dryer = 3 hours & 20 minutes in the dryer) For a place that's so energy conscious, it seems to know nothing about efficiency.

March 31 @ 08:26:   Hello Sarah Kyle!

April 1 @ 18:15:        Hello Europe with Sarah Kyle and Margaret Ann Hazelton! :)

April 5 @ 20:32:        A bientot Paris :( mais, bonjourno Roma! :)

April 8 @ 23:20:        Jessica Kyle is back in St. Andrews - exhausted, sunburned, and happy :)

April 9 @ 14:53:        Jessica Kyle loves beautiful spring days and when there are weddings at St. Salvator's Chapel!

April 9 @ 18:22:        Jessica Kyle loves tax-return day! but hates bees that fly into her room :(

April 10 @ 12:49:      Jessica Kyle is so excited to have lunch with Robert Kyle :)

**Note:  My Uncle Bob came to visit me!!**

April 12 @ 13:50:      Jessica Kyle is wishing a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to John Kyle!!!!!!

April 13 @ 11:09:      SUCCESS!!! tickets for May Ball purchased :) [I would expect nothing less after queuing since 5:45AM!]

April 13 @ 14:50:      It's National Book Week. The rules are: grab the closest book, turn to page 56 @ post the 5th sentence as your status. Don't mention the title. Copy the rules as part of your status.

"Lord Deputy St Leger's 'surrender and regrant' strategy involved Gaelic chiefs recognizing English sovereignty in return for feudal charters confirming the lands they occupied."

**Note:  Yes, the closest book to me at the time was a Scottish history book**

April 13 @ 16:55:      CABELL 104 with Margaret Ann Hazelton, Cathy Kang, and Steph Kumah!!! :) :)

**Note:  YES! Housing Lottery success!  I’m super excited for my apartment next year**

April 14 @ 11:13:      is it bad that I keep choreographing ideas for EOD 2012 in my head while I'm working on this paper?

April 14 @ 20:02:      Jessica Kyle loves evening Tesco runs with Paige Wallis, Bess Cooley, and Margaret Ann Hazelton! :) :)

April 15 @ 10:50:      so much to do, so little time.

April 16 @ 14:01:      just found the library's collection of the William and Mary Quarterly dating back to 1924 (back before it was run by the Institute of Early American Studies, when W&M was officially called "William and Mary College", and when the journal was edited by President Chandler and Librarian E.G. Swem). Am I geeking out? YES. :) :) :)

April 17 @ 14:34:      motivation, where did you go? come back please!

April 18 @ 13:00:      Jessica Kyle thinks that st. andrews should have 24 hour computer labs like W&M -- it would make paper writing so much more efficient.

April 18 @ 15:38:      also, these 24 hour computer labs should have dual screens - because Miller has spoiled me, and they are definitely the best way to write a paper.

April 18 @ 20:26:      Jessica Kyle has the Act I finale of Patience stuck in her head....why? I have no idea.

April 19 @ 19:40:      partyin' it up in the Lib! cause that's how my tuesdays roll :)

April 20 @ 09:43:      Jessica Kyle is so happy that she got to skype into RUF W&M Large Group last night with Margaret Ann Hazelton!!! (sending a HUGE thank you to Ian Joseph :) :) ) so much RUFlovin' :)

April 20 @ 23:26:      Jessica Kyle was walking by Younger Hall on the way to dance class and heard a singing the Act I Finale from Patience (I swear, it’s everywhere!) - I may or may not have envisioned 2 lines of redcoats doing the Indifference Dance :) So much Sinfonicron Love!

April 21 @ 16:21:      can't wait to see Sarah Kyle, John Kyle, Shirley Kyle, Nana and Papa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Note:  And my Mommy, Daddy, sister, and grandparents came to visit me!!!**

April 24 @ 09:15:      Christ the Lord is Risen today - Hallelujah!

April 25 @ 00:38:      Jessica Kyle is wishing a VERY HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to her wonderful schwest, Sarah Kyle!!!!!

April 27 @ 11:03:      Come out and see Dance Society's STRIKE A POSE....Annual Danceshow 2011 at the Byre Theatre 3rd-5th May. Tickets on sale NOW at the Byre box office or at www.byretheatre.com - Don't miss out!

**The St. Andrews Dance Society that I joined puts on an annual year-end show where each class performs a piece.  Such a cool experience to dance with other students**

April 28 @ 12:21:      so my stats professor didn't show up to lecture....I guess that means no class?

April 28 @ 15:45:      received the best surprise package ever today from Jenny Crabb and Family (aka the BEST family ever!!!) -- THANK YOU so much - it totally made my day!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

**Note:  the AWESOME family that I babysit for sent me an Easter basket!! I was so happy when I got the package - they made my day!**

April 28 @ 16:42:      Jessica Kyle is done with her Spring 2011 assignments!!! Bring it on, exams!

April 29 @ 13:45:      what a beautiful Royal Wedding!! (Also, I have decided that there will be live trees inside of the cathedral that I get married in :) )

May 1 @ 05:04:         May Dip 2011: CHECK!!!! :) - BEST tradition ever!!!!!

May 3 @ 01:10:         Come out and see Dance Society's STRIKE A POSE....Annual Danceshow 2011 at the Byre Theatre 3rd-5th May. Tickets on sale NOW at the Byre box office or at www.byretheatre.com - Don't miss out! The show opens tonight!

May 3 @ 14:26:         and so the mad hunt for EOD 2012 music begins...this could take a while.

May 5 @ 11:45:         LAST CHANCE to see Dance Society's STRIKE A POSE....Annual Danceshow 2011 at the Byre Theatre. 730PM TONIGHT. Get your tickets NOW before they're gone!

May 6 @ 01:09:         HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who performed in University of St Andrews DANCE SOCIETY's show for making it an absolutely amazing experience! You all are the best!! xx

May 7 @ 00:08:         Jessica Kyle loves late night hang-outs/making goofy videos with Bess Cooley, Margaret Ann Hazelton, and Paige Wallis! :) :)

May 7 @ 23:36:         Happy 18 months to Ian Joseph :) :) :)

May 7 @ 23:53:         Jessica Kyle is super happy - it was my first successful laundry day of the semester! Each load only went through the dryer once! JOY! :)

May 8 @ 09:51:         Happy Mother's Day to Shirley Kyle!! I love you Mommy!

May 10 @ 12:37:       Jessica Kyle is studying, responding to overdue emails...ah! so much to do!

May 15 @ 12:59:       studyin' studyin' yeah!

May 15 @ 13:19:       Congratulations to all of her beloved William and Mary Seniors!!! Bravo Class of 2011 - you did it! :) :)

May 16 @ 12:01:       1 down, 2 to go - ALMOST DONE!

May 16 @ 17:01:       48 hours til i'm done! :) :)

May 18 @ 07:39:       T minus 5 hours until I'm done!! Wait, does that mean that, in 5 hours, I will be a SENIOR?!? Crazy....

May 18 @ 15:04:       Done with exams...finally :) Here's to 10 days of playtime and being a Senior!! :)

May 20 @ 17:22:       Jessica Kyle is finally updating her blog....i know, it’s been a while. (www.breathtaking-jmk.blogspot.com)

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