Fight PC!

I hate 'social obligation.' I usually feel this in smaller social situations For example:

When I haven't seen someone in a while but didn't realize it.

Them: Did you miss me?
Me: Well, no...

Did you see what that was? I was supposed to say 'yes.' Even if it was a lie, I was supposed to say 'yes.'

I experienced a bigger source of social obligation this weekend.While at Christmas Mass, a girl walked to the podium to sing a solo of "O Holy Night." Before she sang a note I knew that the audience was going to applaud. It is the same song every year. Of course there was applause at the end of the song. (A lady behind me applauded prematurely. There must be some reward for initiating social traditions) I didn't applaud. It wasn't bad, but it didn't move me to show my gratitude.

What is applause? Isn't it used to indicate to a performer that they had a performance so moving to the audience that they feel compelled to show their gratitude? A standing ovation should be an even stronger indication of appreciation. However, these actions have cheapened to such an extent that we must applaud everything.

This is probably related to my seasonal fight against political correctness. I will wish whomever I want a 'Merry Christmas.' If someone wished me a 'Happy Hannakuh' I wouldn't be offended. I'd say 'Thank you.' The fact is it is Hannakuh and it is Christmas and sometimes it is Ramadan (Let's face it is never Kwanzaa.) If someone wished me a Shalom on Yom Kippur I'd say "Thank you. You too." Just because I'm not Jewish doesn't mean it isn't Hannakuh right now.

I'm not existential.

Okay that's it for now.

Homeostasis

I feel like I am slowly getting back to normal. This semester has been the hardest of my educational career. At times, however, I have had some of the greatest and most rewarding experiences. The lows have been the lowest, but the highs the highest. I know that's vague but I don't care. If you know me, you'll know what I am talking about.

That being said, the lows have mostly been things that are temporary. School work, work work, some family things.

I haven't been too broken up over my parents separating. It was inevitable and necessary.

The highs this semester have undoubtedly been amazing. I have made some very good friends this semster and got to know some older friends better. Friends are my favorite part of life.

My anxiety level has decreased dramatically. There is finally a light at the end of this semester.

I found some fun, free music.

This last weekend was fun I saw Junebug at the Moxie, Jerry Seinfeld at JKHHPA, the funkadelic (or was it funkalicious?) C-Club at the Outland, and Santa riding an elephant. All with my best friend. What more could I ask?