Simply Worthless

Jenna writes a profound blog and I simply signed on to write how disappointed I am that no one would go out with me tonite for Fat Tuesday. Well, really that's just an excuse, but hey, sometimes you just need a little justification for yourself. Not even one single AIESECer could be convinced- and I pulled out a lot of tricks that were up my sleeve. Even Grace couldn't be convinced and that's definitely saying something about the sorry state this world is coming to.
Africa exam on Thursday. Pretty ready, but I guess it's better that I am in tonite instead. But on a good note, two guys asked for my # tonite at Laundry 101. Yeah, I felt pretty pimp. They'd been in before once (when we were all drinking tequila there and waiting for them to finish on a saturday nite) and they stopped in tonite to 'say hello'. Not interested, but it was an ego boost i suppose.
By the way- good book about a Rwandan refugee by Marie Beatrice Umutesi called Surviving the Slaughter. Shows not only how little we know about the actual human effects, but also an awesome overview of the history of the complicated conflict that I still have a hard time fully keeping straight. Just a suggestion if anyone has time and is interested. And, I DON'T recommend any Greek tragedies because they are lame, unrealistic and have stupid plots. And as I told Sarah, Dante Club is a FABULOUS book that is enthralling and a real page turn- a la Da Vinci Code. Takes a bit to get into, but then you're just sad when it's done. Yeah, Spring Break coming up has me thinking about reading for fun... ah the days!

Another one of those weekends. I thoroughly enjoyed spending Sunday afternoon passed out with Katie80 in her bed with a 2-liter of Sprite and a full box of Ian's pizza that neither of us could eat. Really nothing better than that on a Sunday!
Also, I realized how cunning mixmaster is. Saturday night's A-Bar at Williams' ended up with me saying 'I'm leaving, I'm leaving' to be followed by Williams putting on a new song that he knew I couldn't resist missing. I finally left after Grease Lightning- definitely the best way to end a night.
ALso was thinking tonite about a blog of Jenna's that referred to my preferrence or being super busy and not having time to stop and smell the roses. Thought about it quite a bit. I really do prefer a busy schedule, but I've slowly learned how to add in breathing time. I used to be a lot worse then i am now, but I think i'm on the right track to the right balance. Weekly Sunday night tv time with the girls, nights at Helen C, napping wiht katie, hookah/study sessions. I'm learning how to be around the people that I care about and that make me happy on a more regular basis. I don't know, I'm having a good time and getting shit done. I think that's just the balance i need.

Wisconsin State Legislature at its Finest

New bill proposal that is being voted on next week- Remember, we ARE in WI so animals are important, but poverty and economics and education are below the importance of castration:

Under current law, a person may castrate a dog, cat, horse, pig, goat, sheep, or
head of cattle without obtaining a veterinary license. This bill requires a person to
obtain a veterinary license before he or she may castrate a dog, cat, or horse.

Sweet

Good session tonight I think. Talking about stereotypes and how to challenge ours and others. Started off wtih a few movie clips that showed how stereotypes can be joked about and then how they can manifest into violent and hateful activities. Ended up in some great great discussions what continued throughout the night. This is short because I'm tired, but if you are interested in teh session outline or the questions that I used, let me know!

WHY?

Interviews again today. I love doing them. But NOT when my favorite candidate, perfect for AIESEC can't make our meetings! He was even from Boston. How frustrating!
P.S. It's weird going to bed before 3

WHY?

Interviews again today. I love doing them. But NOT when my favorite candidate, perfect for AIESEC can't make our meetings! He was even from Boston. How frustrating!
P.S. It's weird going to bed before 3

Just need to make it through tonight.. me and Helen C are having a sleepover. Williams was here somewhere, but disappeared for awhile without his stuff. Maybe he found someone else to have a sleepover with...

Okay, one more- this is what i do when i'm bored at work!
Interesting debate on the same section about whether abortion should be legalized in Africa. Considering that this is still such a contentious issue in the US, it's interesting to see the debate take place on a different continent. I think most people know my views...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4724440.stm

When will things change?

My increased interest in African International relations due to a class I am taking this semester has me reading the BBC's section on Africa almost everyday. Below are two articles on the recent conflicts in Nigeria over Shell's oil facilities. I just wonder what it'll take to get companies and governments working together to reduce corruption and instead focus on people's needs. I'm not saying that there have not been significant efforts in this area, but it just doesn't seem to work. When will AIESEC be able to fix all these issues in the world?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4730754.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4732010.stm

Uh Oh

After 2 hours of sleep last night, an allnighter is looming before me for this evening. With a crappy paper on Greek Tragedy- which is simply awful and who actually cares about the comparison of Aristotle and Nietzsche when it comes to tragedy because both of them are dead anyway, and a French exam tomorrow, I'm pretty much effed in the a. Especially because I didn't realize that 'Interro' means exam and therefore didn't realize until yesterday that I even had an exam tomorrow and i have done the minimums for that class so far AND i didn't really understand the email from my professor about what's going to be on it anyway.
Okay, my rant is done, but I am certainly not looking forward to this evening. Although, we do have an info session tonight which always gets me giddy. In any case, if anyone wants to sleep with Helen C tonight with me, she's a whore and would love it- as would I!
Other decision of the moment- LTM or Mifflin?? That might be the hardest decision I've faced in a long time- sad but true!
By the way, SO not happy that Meredith slept with George- she's just giving women a bad name- and you KNOW i'm talking about Grey's Anatomy because it is the highlight of my week!

Oh weekend revelries

ROKS was a good time- 250 fantastic people congregated north of Chicago for sleep deprivation and socializing and learning some stuff along the way as well. I'm super proud of our newbies and think they'll be awesome. I was not thrilled with everything Saturday night- near fight experience at the bar (lame), not letting me play the Matar Scooter song (lamer) and coupled off dancing towards the early morn (lamest). All in all though, i had some great convos with people earlier on and got a free shot from our homey Jorge.
Also, shout out to Suzanne. Suzanne was inspiring people left and right (including myself) with all the amazing things she's done in and out of AIESEC. At the bar Saturday, 5 of our girl newbies were congregated around her in absolute adoration and rapture and I stood a few feet back enjoying the sight. Not to mention, Suzanne may have just inspired me enough to go to Morocco for the summer instead of NYC. I'm having too hard of a time finding something worthwhile to do in NYC and I really really would like to go to Morocco. First, I need to convince my parentals that I will not lose my passport this time and get stranded and make them buy another plane ticket. And secondly, I need to figure out the whole local presidential duties. I've been working too closely with some university officials about partnering around an Internship Initiative with them to have it all get flushed down the toilet. If I can figure that piece out, then the parental part will be fine. But AIESEC Madison comes first so I'll see how fast I can push together a contract or timeline with them. Fingers crossed! (but suzanne- wanna get me that USAID contact?!)

Eh

Sore throat, have to work, big weekend coming up for ROKS and yet, I'm going out after work. Crazy you ask? No, just the influence of Mahbod, an AIESEC alumni, who is in town tonite and looking to go out. Ah, what AIESEC will make us do!
OH, AND we are going to have the BEST ROKS conference with 50 Madison members and 250 ROWDIES region members! Get pumped up.

By the way, there will be NO more group AIESEC study sessions at my house when i actually have work to do. Shisha, Adam saying stupid things and demanding food and consistent ADD comments from all of us just does not equal a productive evening. Helen C will be my study partner once again. Sigh.

Quote

Jenna (to Adam): Do you ever want to get married?
Adam (after some pause): Yeah.... multiple times.

Valentines

Firm conclusion that Valentine's Day is simply a lame holiday. If you are in a relationship, you shouldn't need a specific day to show affection or to do something nice for each other. And if you're single, you should be happy and have fun with it and not be told by Hallmark that it's a bad thing. I really don't care about the holiday, just have seen it add so much stress to others!
But on the bright side, I received an awesome sparkly pink hand mirror from Katie80 as my gift AND I had to work tonite anyway and it's DEAD in here! I love it! In any case, you are all my Valentines because there's no need to stick to one!
(Thinking about you and loving you Narc- it all happens for a reason-)

No effing way!

TWO AIESEC MADISON PEOPLE APPLYING TO GO TO COLOMBIA! Yeah, we're kind of a big deal.

Nail biting..

So I'm continuing to be nervous about what to do this summer- especially after talking with el father. My goal is to live in NYC and do something that has to do with other countries- whatever at this point. Besides, Betsy and I want to share a room so we can spoon like all the time and smoke more shisha then is healthy. My new thought- Amnesty International. I know no one there so if you do, let me know! They have what looks to be an awesome department that focuses on Human Rights and the role of corporations. Yeah, I'd like to work there. But they don't really have any summer internships available. Either way, I gave it a try and sent a super nice and probably too long email to the contact lady with my resume and cover letter asking if there was anything they might need help with this summer. Hey, if you know Ms. O'Meara, tell her how awesome I am.
So, as soon as I figure out what the hell i'm doing this summer, I can stop biting my nails. Well, at least until midterms start!
Oh, P.S. we have a fresh newbie signing up for AXLDS in Columbia- god i love when newbies are motivated and easily persuaded to take the @ plunge! But Adam and Williams wish they could join her...

Random Library Thoughts

Sitting at the library, having just finished Africa's Stalled Development (which is extremely interesting for those with free time) I need a break before I read more about Africa. Yes, I'm a little behind in this class.
First off, the Ethnic Studies room in College Library is by far the best place to study if accompanied by Diet Mtn. Dew, a few @ers and a magic blue pill.
Secondly, I am always with someone from @. Whether that be at the brary, watching Grey's at my house, at the bars or in a meeting. Class and sleep (thta's pending as well) are the only nonaccompanied times. Not a complaint, just an observation.
Thirdly, the highlight of each week is my Desparate and Grey's party on Sunday nights at my house. Good entertainment, good company.
Fourthly, I have no idea what I'm doing this summer and i'm getting nervous. I really want to do something internationally focused in NYC, but am quickly running out of options. Ideas? They would be greatly appreciated!
Fifthly, I do not deserve my halo back from katie80, but need to work on deserving it so Chief Officer of Enforcement and Chief Officer of Prevention will help with that i'm sure- you know who you are.
Sixthly, Mix is a bad study partner because he reminds me just by sitting there with his computer open that I need to update my blog.
And last but not least, our newbies are awesome. I am extremely relieved that we had such a great group this round and can sleep a lot easier at night thinking about the future of AIESEC Madison. Dramatic? Yes, but true. A TON of us are graduating next May so I'm happy we found a few future leaders.
And, I miss Sara and Burbs.. hope you two are having a fun time abroad!

My life hurts

It's Saturday and I'm at work and have no intention of going out tonight. After 3 rather ridiculous nights, my life hurts. My halo has been stolen by Katie80 and there is much doubt in my head that I'll get it back anytime soon- nor should i for that matter.
Realization: hanging out with AIESECers means trouble. I mean, in a good way, but still, trouble. Oh and you should see what happened to my nice light blue shirt last night. Started off fine and then someone (ahem meghan) knocked my glass of red wine all up and down one side of it. Knowing that it was doomed, Ryan kindly splashed the rest of the glass over the rest of my shirt. Fantastic

The Cliche is too true

Everyone says that they meet their best friends in AIESEC and that @ers make the best of friends. I mean, obviously, but that was proved above and beyond the call of duty last night. After receiving some life altering, semi-truck hitting news that I was unprepared for, I thought it was all good. Crazykatie80 was there with me, talking with me at the grocery store as i leaned on the cart to hold me up. Dramatic? Yes, but true all the same.
The night proceeded at Laundry 101. Sitting at work, I'm suddenly in the presence of Jenna, Katie, Williams, Adam, BuckDaddy, and our new newbie Shannon (who's dad also owns Sushi Samba which made me orgasm a little). THe night followed with 2 nalgenes that katie kindly filled with peach vodka and seltzer. Sushi was ordered. Drunken mopping followed. Work being over, we headed to The Crave to support Invisible Children- and for some yummy martinis. And that's when i lost it. I don't actually remember the last time I cried, but lordy did I let it loose. I probably looked like a fool, but not one AIESECer abandoned me. Instead, hugs were traded and encouraging words passed on.
Not wanting to be alone that night, everyone came to my house. Mix brought the shisha, Bruni returned home with the coals. Shisha was smoked sitting on the floor in my room. Night ended up with me, Grace, Jenna and Katie in my bed. Grace might have been late for work.. again, but it was well worth the company I received last night. Bottom line, I love these kids and can not even express the level of devotion and consideration in the group. Really makes me realize just how different my life would be without AIESEC (well, i'd certainly have a smaller inbox).
Now, off to the Newbie Social to welcome a new round of bright eyed and bushy tailed youngsters who have absolutely no idea what they are getting themselves into.
Thanks again to all that were with me last night.

It's about time

Well I finally got an email update from Burbs.. was getting slightly nervous! HE's off in Kenya right now and I have absolute faith that he is going to have the most intense and incredible experience. He's thoroughly inspired me just through an email. I'm posting some of it here- hope it doesn't embarass him! But I must say, it severely reminds me of the movie Constant Gardner so my advice to him was not to piss off too many pharmaceutical companies. In any case, check out what this amazing kid is up to:
Hey Ali!
Sorry about my tardy response. I spent the past week at Nakuru National Park so no internet, not that I can complain I woke up in the morning with zebras outside my window and hyenas sang me lullabyes every night. Thanks for the update, it's nice to know what's going on back home! How's Telemaco doing? I can't even explain how excited I am for the house next year! 5 shishas scares me a bit though concerning my smoke consumption, however it's probably less harmful than walking around Nairobi for one day, haha. I drank in the back of a police station the other night, which was a pretty hilarious experience. In a few weeks I will be moving to a village call Maua, right near Mt. Kenya, where I will be working with terminal AIDS patients and out in the community on preventive medicine issues. I think that this will be one of the most trying times in my life (at least to this point). I'm getting involved in a program with a friend here, where we will go around to orphanages, talk to and take pictures of the kids, then send the stories and pictures to university art students in the US who will draw portraits and then send them back and we will deliver them to kids, so I'm pretty excited to get that rolling.

What a weekend

Well i'm officially the most unproductive person right now. After a weekend of ridiculousness, all I want to do is drink hot chocolate and watch Grey's Anatomy (the commercial for tonights makes me quiver in anticipation).
So to start.. Friday kicked things off as we picked up Tele (trainee) in Milwaukee and headed to Sunburst for some skiing with like 10 other @ers. Well, the Williams, Adam and Bruni arrived in a not so sober state and parked themselves at the Lodge with 'Suzanne' for an hour or two before hitting up the tubing. All in all, a rocking ridiculous time. Oh, and I also made it back to Madison from Milwaukee in an hour (takes 1.5 hours) by going like 95 the whole way. THEN, as I'm driving in Madison going 38 in a 35, I get pulled over. No ticket, but just ridiculous! Besides, we had to get back for the bars.
Friday was a Johnny O's and Ian's and shisha at Jenna's.. fortunately we ran into newbie Jonathan outside her door and promptly brought him up to experience the wonders of shisha. After, some went home, most did not return to their respective houses.
Saturday, Grace and Tele visited me at work and helped me clean. Yes, I had the trainees helping me mop, but it got us out of there quicker! And let me say, Grace is quite adept with a mop! And after that it was crazyness at Amy's with @ers and my roomy, then to the Plaza then to the City for some speed quarters and then A-bar chez moi where Keith and Danny invited up a homeless person. Needless to say, there are an insane amount of pics from last night.
Now it is Superbowl Sunday and I'm looking for a real 'American' superbowl party to take Grace to but considering there are no cool teams in it (i.e. the Pats) no one really cares. Oh, and we had Orientation for the new newbies today and I'm so excited! Not only do we have a very fun and outgoing new crew, they are also quite attractive as Razz noticed. Okay, enough procrastinating. Time to pretend to read about Criminal Law. Until next time...

Never Ending

Okay, so I have officially been doing AIESEC stuff for 13 hours straight and figured I had to cap it off with a Blog. 3 hours of various meetings, 3 hours of interviewing applicants, 1 hour to decide on the applicants, 2 hours of emails and i am finally done.
This sounds like bitching, but in fact, the sad fact is that one of my favorite parts of being president is doing the interviewing. I remember my interview a long two and a half years ago and fact is, I get so excited thinking about their potential. We had some truly amazing applicants- just blown away. We had a few not so amazing ones, so that decision is easy. What i hate, hate so much, are the ones on the border. You see some potential, but you also see the potential for them to drop out right away. That's what makes my stomach flip- I wanna give everyone the chance, but know that's not possible.
In any case, Burbs and Sara- know that we got a bunch of great people and the LC will not fall apart. To everyone that helped with interviews and deciding- I owe you a ton and thank you so much.
Now, time for the hw that is due in less then 9 hours that I have ignored all week... all nighter anyone? We'll just have to see about that.