I've never been part of a "Cult Phenomenon" before...

Just a note to all you geeks lining up to see the final Star Wars movie -- you're backing the wrong horse.

Here's where it's really at.

Blort!

So, I cut my hair again. Short. Very short. Shorter, in fact, than when I had 13 INCHES cut off to donate to cancer last March. According to my housemates, it's now once again "Blort" (ie. blond + short). I dunno. They find the word funny for some reason.

But the weird thing is, I'm not bothered by it. I mean, last year when I got my hair cut, I played with it for the whole rest of the day and spent weeks getting used to it. This time, I was frankly surprised when Wnd reacted to it not two hours after I'd had it cut.

And it's not because it's a kick-ass haircut, either. I mean, I like it, but it's not exactly a sexy goddess haircut. It's actually a little too close to my mum's type of haircut for my liking. But hey, it's what I asked for (I've always wanted to know what I'd look like with this haircut).

I'm thinking it's because of my breakup with my boyfriend. I mean, not the reason why I got the haircut -- while I can understand the whole "need to have a outer change to reflect the inner", that wasn't my motivation. Simply put, I got a haircut because I needed one. I just had them take a little more off than usual.

I think my breakup just kind of shook up my expectations. Having gone through one tremendous change in my life, other things just don't seem so big. Like when I gave up meat for Lent and thought I would fight it the whole time, only to find out I was doing pretty well without it. I mean, I had my meat-craving moments, but on the whole I was fine.

This new outlook means that I'm suddenly considering tons of things I wouldn't have before. I'll probably get new glasses in a little while (I really need to -- my ones right now are gross and yellowed), I'm going to the states for a conference in June, I'm planning to go on several other trips in the next year or so. I'm actually seriously considering doing ministry as a career... or maybe law ... or maybe taking a Masters in Creative Writing Program in B.C.

The world is open, inviting, and it seems I'm in a place in my life where I no longer fear change.

It's kind of weird, and kind of exciting.

Pope Smooth Talker?

While the historical importance of the election of new Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger of Germany) may not be great enough for people to remember where they were when they first heard the news (ala the Kennedy Assasination or Sept 11), I know I'll always remember how I first heard.

I was in Theology Hall at Queen's University, intending to do some studying for my upcoming exams. I dropped in to see Richard Ascough (a professor of mine) and thank him for writing a letter of recommendation for me to the Theological Fellowship which I got (see previous post). We were chatting amiably when suddenly we are startled by a howl of protest from next door: "Not Ratzinger!"

Another professor had been watching the video feed on his computer, and seen everyone's favourite scary-eyed conservative Catholic German emerge onto the Balcony. Needless to say, he was not impressed.

Prof. Ascough looked unsurprised, and proceeded to tell me how he thought this was actually a good thing, since the new Pope Benedict's conservative policies may force the theological comflict between he less numerous, but richer and more liberal North American Catholics with the numerous conservative Catholics in South America and Africa. He quite cheerfully said "This could be the start of the next Reformation."

When I left his office, I found little worried knots of theologians discussing the news. It was v. amusing.

___________________________

From what I can tell, though, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is nothing to laugh about. As the CBC biography on him so dryly puts it, when he was 14 in 1941, he was "required by law to join the Hitler Youth." I mean, he seemed to have no love for the Nazi forces -- he deserted the army in 1945 -- but that could simply be because they were losing at that point. Also, for the last 24 years he's been "prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith", which doesn't sound too scary until you remember the name it used to go by until 1908: the Holy Office of the Inquisition.

Holy Crap.

Of course, I could be jumping to conclusions. He could turn out to be a sweet old man who wants nothing more than for everyone to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya". Or, he could be an arch-conservative who will tear the church apart. Only time will tell.

One last thought: My cursory knowledge of Latin tells me that "Benedict" means something like "Good Speech" (bene + dictus). I find that higly ironic, considering this is the man who's been slowly dismantling the forward-looking precepts of Vatican II for years. Also, considering his predecessor was the one known as "The Great Communicator".

Best Day Ever.

While, at 3pm, naming this the best day ever might doom me to lots of bad things happening for the next 9 hours, I don't care. It's been a great day.

Here's why:

1. After a v. frustrating weekend of shopping (In which wnd, Kobuta, and wnd's friend all got the pants I really wanted while I got nothin' 'cause they didn't have my size), I got up early this morning and spent about four hours shopping -- with fabulous results. I got a pair of lovely jean capris, a black tunic top (hurray for tops that actually make my chest look proportional!), and the cutest little pink dress you've ever seen. All on sale.

2. The aformentioned pink dress goes with the $8 shoes I bought last weekend, and I found a matching handbag that's also adorable. Yes, it does seem a bit frivolous, but I needed an outfit to go to weddings in (I've got one the second week of May, and my friends are getting to that age when I think weddings may be starting to happen regularly). It makes me feel girly and pretty and sexy and comfortable, all at the same time. Whee!

3. It's a gorgeous day outside. Sunny and warm, with not a hint of stickiness or hotness.

4. I came home to check my email, and found that I got a fellowship! I don't know if I ever mentioned this, but a while back I was encouraged to apply to the "Fund for Theological Education" which gives year-long fellowships to university-aged students who are interested in exploring ministry as a career. In other words, they give fellowships to people like me. If you get the fellowship, they give you an all-expenses paid trip to a four day conference, as well as a $1500 stipend, AND you can apply for an extra $500 "mentoring grant". I never knew theology was so lucrative! ;)

By now, all of you being quick little bunnies, you've figured out what happened. I applied, I got in. So on June 15, I'm off to Saint Louis (that's right, y'all -- Bento's goin' to Missoura!) for four days, and I'm coming back with a wad o' much-needed cash. Whoo!

5. We just found out a few days ago that we get more random channels on our tv than we thought we did. Now, instead of just getting ABC, NBC, CBC, CTV and Global for free, we also get the Outdoor Life Network, Fox, Much Music, CBC Newsworld, and YTV. Amusingly, wnd was most excited about Much, while Kobuta got all hyper over YTV, and I was excited over CBC Newsworld. I know that makes me a boring old woman, but it means that tonight I get to watch George Strombolopolopolopolous's News program for the first time in Kingston. Yum.

6. I'm making my own McMuffins tonight for dinner. English muffins + fried eggs + cheese + ham + lemon pepper = delicious. Heart-attack on a plate, but v. delicious.

I think that's all for now. In any case, I'm much better fortified to face a week of exam studying now, since all seems to be going right with my world.

Ciao!

Freedom!

I just handed in my last English paper of this year. Whoo! It was a pretty good one too (I think). In any case, I am now free free free this weekend! I'm so happy...

I mean, I still have a short assignment to write and stuff to plan and exams coming up way to quickly (plus, conversations with all my fourth year friends have suddenly got me freaking out over post-graduation decisions) ... but still. I have time to watch movies and see friends and sleep in this weekend in a way I haven't been able to do for WEEKS.

Speaking of movies, I saw "Bride and Prejudice" last night. It wasn't as good as I expected -- the pacing was strange (too much stuff packed in at the end) and it followed the book really closely -- but it was still fun. Good eye-candy, with some hilarious musical scenes to boot.

PS -- Happy April Fools Day. I toilet papered the stuffed toy dog we have hanging from our ceiling (ie. L'il Pooper) and made my housemates think the stove was broken. heehee!