Update

Life: figured out.

Well, as figured out as it's been in a very long time. I've been looking for happiness in all the wrong places. I'm making a few changes.

I'm getting my attitude under control. I'm a smart girl; I feel very strongly about my ideals....and I like to express them. It's been brought to my attention that I can tend to come off as a bit condescending at times. While it's unintentional, it needs to stop. I've always considered myself to be incredibly open-minded and accepting, but it's become evident over the last couple of weeks that I don't outwardly express much respect for opinions that differ from my own. Reality check: I'm a liberal. I'm a feminist. I'm a philanthropist. I'm a pacifist. I'm an atheist. Not everyone shares my views.

I'm quitting the pharmacy program. I'm not enjoying what I'm doing, and too much of my motivation comes from the paycheck. I do believe that pharmacists make a difference in the world, but I want to do more. I'm going to choose a more open major and see where it takes me. Hopefully a lighter major will leave more time for me to focus on more important things.

I've stopped eating meat (except for fish). Did you know that discontinuing your consumption of meat reduces your contribution to global warming significantly more than switching to a hybrid car? This is far from the only reason I'm doing it, but it's one I hadn't considered until recently. Also, there's the whole "animals have feelings" argument. Sure, they seem appetizing, but if you found out people tasted good would you eat them too? It's disgusting, when I really think about it. Mom's not being terribly supportive, but she'll warm up to the idea. Thanksgiving will be interesting.

I've decided to start giving blood and/or plasma as regularly as possible. I've always wanted to, but I'm deathly afraid of needles. It occurred to me that those that need my blood are probably deathly afraid of death, which is much more legitimate. I might cry a little, but I'm going to overcome my fear, starting Saturday. Wish me luck.

I'm volunteering. Still in the process of picking a program. There's a women's and children's shelter in Des Moines for which I obtained an application last week that I'm seriously considering. Hoping to decide in the next week or so and get started. Jen and I are looking in to helping out in some relief efforts over spring break as well.


A co-worker of mine asked me a few weeks ago, "if you don't live for God, what do you live for?" There are SO many things that come to mind, but I'll say this for now: I live for people. I live for the betterment of tomorrow. I live for the chance that someday we might all live in peace, and love and help our fellow man with pure intention. I strongly believe that there is good in everyone...some of us just get caught up in what society tells us and forget what's really important. YOU are important. WE are important. I don't need a God to lay down rules of morality for me. I think I've got this one covered.