it's over. move to somnia.

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Interdisciplinary Studies

One of the few things I remember from high-school physics is the concept of work. Work is the product of force and displacement; that is, it represents how much effort one puts into something and how far it goes.

"The catch is," my teacher said, "that it measures displacement, not distance: all that matters is how far the object gets from its initial position." In other words, one can carry a piano down a flight of stairs and then back up, but if the piano is put back in exactly the same position afterward, no work was done.

Which brings me to my Big Decision. I've been all over the map: nearly convinced that one school is perfect for me, then sucked back in by the other's allures. Established a complete course of study at one, then seen the other throw a wrench in the works. Decided that studying abroad is frivolous and counterproductive, then figured that I deserve the leeway to be young and free-spirited. Bobbled economics, ethics, politics, law, and language as the "important" aspect. Considered the campuses (though I know they shouldn't matter) at length. Been rational, been moody. Industrious and indifferent. Administration or atmosphere? Emotion or ambition? It all comes down to...I still don't know. Right where I was before.

My father sent me a cryptic email yeserday about a financial aid offer that he received and mailed to me (which I should receive today). I've tried calling and can't get in touch. If it's just loans, then no matter. If it's scholarship--well well well!

Time is running out. Nothing like pressure to make a difficult decision more so.
peachy as always, Mike at 2:10 PM

 
Spring Is Here! Summer's Coming!

Some people look for the first robin. Others anticipate the big cheesy movies. I saw the Lake Merritt gondola!
peachy as always, Mike at 10:02 PM

 
From the People Who Brought the World Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and... well... Harakiri
peachy as always, Mike at 2:43 AM

 
The Incomplete Non-description of My Quick Trip to D.C. Last Week

I was recently accepted to two international relations (IR) programs for this fall: the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of The Johns Hopkins University* and the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) at Georgetown University. Both great schools, both great programs, both located in beautiful Washington, D.C. (Well, sort of: on a whim, I applied for the SAIS-Bologna program, which would put me in Italy for a year, then to D.C. For God's own reasons, the school is letting me do it.)

Seems like a pretty easy decision: international adveturism in one of the world's favorite tourist detinations, or two years stuck in Oxbridge-on-the-Potomac? Yeah, I thought so, too.

Nevertheless, in a fit of practicality, I decided to attend their open houses--conveniently scheduled for last Wednesday and Thursday...and damned if they didn't both provide horrendously well-orchestrated presentations. I walked out of Georgetown thinking I'd be a fool not to go there: the program is more intimate, there aren't so many economics requirements, they actually have a certificate program in refugee and humanitarian emergencies (!), and the people were just plain friendlier.

But...Italy.

It's tough. There's so much to weigh. SAIS has language programs; MSFS actively discourages language-study during the program. MSFS has a campus with a gym and lawns and a library and stuff; SAIS is six blocks from the White House and two blocks from practically everything else in D.C. Georgetown makes no bones about being a religious institution, but Johns Hopkins has a reputation for pockets of shocking conservatism. SAIS is graduate-only; MSFS students cross paths with undergrads fairly often. The MSFS program enrolls 80 students per year; SAIS has around 300--but fewer than half of those will be in Bologna with me. SAIS students took me out to dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant; MSFS students took me out to a gay dance club.

Both are in the top five--perhaps even top three--IR programs in the nation. Both have massive alumni networks around the world. It would cost me the same to go to either. I cannot go wrong. It is, I have decided, basically a personality test. Maybe it will come down to the pitches they offered. SAIS said, "We are the best. You cannot go wrong here"; the MSFS program said, "We are not perfect for everyone, but we are very good at what we do. Make the choice that is right for you."

Hmmm...


*Yes, it is officially "The Johns Hopkins University." How definite of them.
peachy as always, Mike at 3:27 PM

 
Further Proof That Worlds Far Outside Your Own Exist Under Your Nose

Found this by accident. The Web is a rockin' thing.

(Check out: Black Tarry Stool > Top Ten > Top 10 (+2) Responses to Enduring a Colonoscopy)
peachy as always, Mike at 8:40 PM

 
Karma?

No, really, it's funny: I was on my way to Washington (the D. of C.) and had a layover in Salt Lake. A thirtyish couple (who didn't appear to have much flying experience) sat next to me. We ordered and received drinks. And...

The lady set her Coke down at the edge of her tray--next to me--and began to fall asleep, knocking the cup over in my direction. Luckily, I deflected the majority of it with my own tray before I set about discreetly wiping the rest of it from my discman and jeans. (She apologized profusely once she figured out where the mess came from.) Moments later, the gentleman managed to slosh the remains of his soda across my shirt as he passed his (not quite empty) cup to the flight attendant. (He apologized still more profusely.)

I think I took it all in good stride. No unkind words. No threats. No glaring. I rule.
peachy as always, Mike at 6:46 PM

 
Yipe!

It was rush hour at In 'N Out. J & I had just finished an ambitious rock climbing session and were tired but pleased with ourselves. We sat down by the window to stare out at the parking lot and recharge. I got up to refill my lemonade. Navigating through the crowded eating area, my body turning one way and my attention another, I inadvertently flung a few drops at another patron. (The cup had been empty, but not dry.) He glowered at me as I offered a feeble "sorry" and--by way of explanation--pantomimed accidentally flicking my wrist while managing to enunciate nothing more than "splish." He said nothing. Embarrassed, I continued on to the soda fountain.

Coming back, I saw his eyes still trained on me. "Did you do that on purpose?" he growled, seemingly ready to jump up out of his seat. A woman sitting at another table behind him assured him that I had not, while dabbing at his neck with her napkin. I mustered another "sorry," grateful for her intercession, surprised he hadn't taken care of it himself, and incredulous at his accusation. He continued to stare at me as I returned to my seat, facing away.

As I silently ate my burger, I fully expected 16 ounces of soda to bombard me from behind; I was oddly unrelieved when it never materialized.


I get frazzled easily by unexpected confrontation. I (like most people) don't like causing conflict and I tend to wonder how much is truly my fault when I get pulled into it. With this guy, however, I figure he must have already been upset about something. One doesn't just get so angry about such little things, right? ...Or maybe one can, but what does that say about a person's emotional life? Has he been shat upon all his life and been unable to relate calmly to the slightest challenge? Or is he just a bastard, rage running unchecked? What did he do afterward--did he calm down immediately, dissociative-style? Did he cool down later, on his buddy's advice? Did he hold onto that anger at someone else's expense and misfortune? What happens to the person who (unlike me) chooses not to go into deferential mode in order to defuse the situation? How often do our unnoticed interactions with others turn into unpleasant interactions for others down the line? Is this what we mean by "the human condition"? ...And why am I so entranced by this silly thing when I'm taking off in 15 hours to hit D.C. and decide the course of my life for the next two years and beyond?
peachy as always, Mike at 12:43 AM

 
Sad News

Leslie Cheung is dead. Rent Happy Together.
peachy as always, Mike at 7:35 PM

 
Financial Phobia

Finally, something on the empty, dust-filled plains of the Internet that I can relate to! Why, just look at these excerpts!

"Financial Phobia is a psycho-social syndrome which causes individuals to avoid cognitive engagement with the management of their personal finances. Sufferers experience negative emotions of anxiety, guilt, boredom, or feelings of lack of control when dealing with money matters, resulting in lack of vigilance – and in the worst cases complete avoidance – in this area. [...]

"However, while Financialphobes may share many of the symptoms of other forms of phobia, evidence from the in-depth interviews suggests that in general they are well adjusted individuals who cope well in other psychological and social aspects of their lives – for example interpersonal relationships or careers. [...]

"Financialphobes are highly intelligent people who are high achievers in other domains of their lives, such as careers and family lives. They do not display characteristics of the stereotypes associated with feckless or incompetent individuals. There is no evidence that they are spendthrifts or impulsive – if anything they understand well the importance of sound management of their finances, but have become entwined in a psychological syndrome which makes it near to impossible for them to deal with their personal finances."

Then there's some crap about teaching people to plan for the future and confront their bank statements and blah blah blah oh please just kill me now.*


*The author requests that you sheathe your weapons and allow him carry on with his melodrama.
peachy as always, Mike at 6:49 PM