Why I Need Feminism....

My first semester at Saint Mary's forced me to take Intro to Gender and Women's Studies, or Feminism 101 as I jokingly called it. Before even attending the first class, I decided I was going to hate it. "I don't need a class on feminism"; "I am a feminist, but why do I need to study it? I think women are doing pretty well for themselves." I would say to my roommate through orientation and the first couple of weeks of school. I didn't care about first wave feminism– they pushed for the 20th amendment. I was bored of the second wave of feminism– it was the 1960s; they were all hippies. The third wave intrigued me, at least. It was something I had heard about a lot. How can women be feminists and still be feminine? How can women be professional in the work place and viewed as equals with their male peers without having to wear their power suit everyday?

I regret not taking that class more seriously. In my second semester, I feel I have grown a lot. I need feminism! I am a feminist! With Notre Dame baseball season on it's way and the boys traveling around Florida, Texas, and North Carolina to play games until the snow melts here in the Bend, I've been doing a lot of research about how to further myself in this game. I already know I am at a disadvantage at practice, simply because I am a freshman– I'm inexperienced; I don't know how the team works just yet. Still I feel as if I'm at a further disadvantage from that. My other half at practice is a boy at Notre Dame who's played baseball for 12 years. At practice, he's trusted with more responsibilities simply because he's played before.

I understand that. I am less experienced, therefore I am not as useful as he is. And this has made me realize I need to get smarter. Smarter and better than any of the other women managers, along with male managers. I also need to work harder. I want to create a career out of this. I need feminism because there's no one who's done this before. This is unchartered territory for women and someone needs to do it.

What do you need feminism for?

How a California Girl Deals with the Never Ending Snow Storms of South Bend

The current view from my room.

Winter Storm Rex has come to South Bend and is depositing up to another six inches of snow. This is ridiculous! We've had so many storms this year, I've lost count. White outs have become a normal sight and this view is not the worst we've had. Crazy right?

I can tell you that it is not easy to keep up a good spirit when all you have outside is grey and white. Coming from the coast where everyday was normally sunny and warm, and I got to see the ocean at some point during the day, this bleakness is not idea. It really gets you into a slump and productivity is at an all time low. So there's really so much you can do.

From: imdb.com

These are my tips for getting through the weather depression:

• Light: Don't sit in the dark! Open those blinds up, turn on those lamps! Create as much brightness as you can. Despite it being dark outside, there's still some brightness, and that natural light will help. I know it bothers my roommates but when I'm in the room, I pull up the shutters and turn on some of the lamps in the room we're in. Don't hide in the dark! Let your light shine ;)
• Music: I like to put on Jack Johnson or Jimmy Buffett on days like this. Why? Well, because it's tropical and reminds me of home. Maybe even a little hawaiian slack guitar. It's light and creates a happier mood overall



Image compliments of
imdb.com

• Movies: These, like music, can be put on in the background. I have spent countless nights doing homework with Donovan's Reef, Mamma Mia, or Lilo and Stitch in the background. These movies take place in tropical climates and have spectacular scenes involving the beach and the sun. They cheer me up. Those three are my go to movies, but my roommates and I have watched countless other films like 50 First Dates or Princess Diaries. 
• Exercise: This helps so much! I'm not the best, because a lot of times I'll look outside and refuse to leave the building. HOWEVER, because exercise releases endorphins, you can't go wrong. I'm not going to go into the whole science-y part of this but I can guarantee you that exercise is a great option, especially if you are feeling some cabin fever. 

I'm sure there are hundreds of other ways to combat weather depression, these just work best for me! Also, relish the sun when it is out. I made the mistake of taking the sunlight for granted, so on days when it was very bright and sunny I would stay indoors. Now I try to get out and walk around or do something to soak in the UV rays. My roommates have told me tanning works as well. 

Happy Galentine's Day!!!

Valentine's Day has come once again, only this time it feels different. I've been single on Valentine's Day and I've been in a relationship, but nothing has felt like today.

Being at an all women's college is definitely a different experience than most people get in school. We don't get dressed for the day until about 5 pm (if that!) when you have to go do something at Notre Dame or an important meeting. The dining hall is relaxed, with everyone either dieting together, or pigging out on the endless fries available (don't even get me started on the fro-yo machine!). The atmosphere all around is very relaxing and enjoyable. And then the holidays comes along and it's something extraordinary. Le Mans Hall, the biggest residential building on campus had three extra tables set up behind their front desk filled with flowers and chocolates. Regina even had an extra table filled with vases of the most beautiful arrangements. Love was definitely in the air: plans with boyfriends were swapped and shared; girls carried around cute stuffed animals; the post office was overwhelming with all the girls picking up packages from their beaus and family members.

Sam and I too were rushing to the post office to collect packages from home before it closed at four. The post makes our days and these packages did not disappoint. I was so happy to get a package from my family with a book from my Dad (Watching Baseball Smarter by Zack Hample), a cute card from my sister (Uh Penguins!) and a small valentine from my brother (I save the world according to that thing). Mom sent me a whole tin of cookies earlier this week so I've definitely been feeling the love this Valentine's Day.

But my parents are always wonderful in getting us kids something small as a token of their affection. That's not what makes this Valentine's Day special. We (my Smicks and I) aren't even celebrating Valentine's Day this year. Rather, we opted to focus on Galentine's Day. Tonight we focus on our relationships with each other and how amazing it is that we've created such a strong sisterhood amongst ourselves in the short six months of knowing each other. From Dine-In services to movies to Dueling Pianos at the 18+ club at Legends tonight at ND, we are celebrating each other.

Galentine's Day has caused me to do a lot of reflection on the past year. One year ago today I was in a relationship that was going to end in a matter of weeks later. This year it's just me and my girls. And that's okay. You don't have to be in a relationship. It's wonderfully free being single.

I don't think I've ever been able to admit how okay I am being single. I love it. This is a great year.

xoxo

Papers, and games, and planning... Oh My!

My Schedule for this week. Not too shabby!

And thus another LONG Monday ends! My goodness, I've got 13 Mondays to get through until I'll be home for the summer, and I do not know how I'm going to make it! From classes and meetings at Saint Mary's to work at Notre Dame, I feel like all I do is run, run, run! Today was spent from going to morning classes to putting away laundry that I washed last night, followed by lunch and afternoon classes. Next came meeting with my writing tutor and running to the bus stop so that I could get to work on time.

 Luckily, this week is less busy than last week, and I was smart enough to remember to do laundry Sunday night instead of in-between classes, which has saved me an enormous amount of stress of when I was going to have time to do so. I shouldn't complain about staying busy when I know it's all that is keeping me sane in this atrocious weather the Bend has had this winter.

Today I walked outside to a brisk 12ºF and thought about how warm it was. Coming from 75 ºF all the time to this, I'm rather impressed with myself. However, all this snow has got to go! We've got about three feet on the ground, and it just won't melt and go away! I cannot wait for spring. Spring brings warmth, a trip home, and Baseball season. Until then, though, I shall rough it with my multiple jackets and my scarves and gloves.

Well, It's off to bed for me!