Thought this might be of interest to some

Here is an article from the BBC about how Rwandan officials are calling to put French officials on trial for causing the atrocities during the genocide. Interesting how that comes up over ten years later, but still interesting that they are pulling sort of a move. I mean, it seems to me that the entire world was to blame.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6079428.stm

Happy 50th!

This past weekend was the @ United States' 50th gala and boy was it sweet. I knew that when I spent 30 minutes on MSN convincing Chris that "If you don't hire Betsy for this, it will be the biggest mistake of your life," that I was right. I fought tooth and nail for her for that because she is the hardest worker I know and never for a second did I doubt that she wouldn't live up to my rants. So Betsy, my hat is off to you.
Additionally, I want to say how proud I am of the entire OC and especially the OC members from Madison (Katy and Ariane). My heart skipped a beat when I saw them running around in their pretty dresses acting all in charge and all i could think was, "that's how Madison does it." So kudos to you ladies as well!
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend. Bit of a rough travel start getting there, but once I was on the ground, it was all gravy from there. Flannery's on Friday complete with The Surefire Way and Big Buckhunter followed by a stay on Queens Boulevard. Not exciting to some, but I felt just like I was in Entourage! (not really) Saturday was a crazy day of trying to get my stuff from Rickesh's, getting to the networking session then eating/drinking at TGI Fridays. Why? I don't know. Because Nob wanted to watch football.
And the gala itself. I got to get ready at my parents' hotel room and it was sooo good to see them. And dad looked so cute in his tux. And although I stayed with them almost the whole time they were there, I was so happy that they got to meet some of the people that are important to me that they haven't yet met and for them to see again some of their favorite friends of mine. Also, it was great for them to get a taste of what our conferences are like (complete with innapropriate jokes by our founder)and to hear more about @. And of course the festivities following the gala were not too shabby either!
Thanks to all that made it happen. You rock my world.

break

crap

Musings

This past weekend definitely took it's toll on me, but it was well worth it. Karen Applebaum, my predecessor and best friend since my sophomore year, was back in Mad-town for Homecoming along with her group of girlfriends that have always treated me like one of the girls. Made me remember back when I was a newbie and a freshman/sophomore and how Karen totally took me under her wing and mentored me both in AIESEC and in life in general. I truly would not be here or be the person that I am if it weren't for her. And although she's been out in the real world (doing amazing things might I add) and although we don't talk as often as we should because of our crazy schedules, having her back her was as if nothing had changed and we hadn't missed a beat. It's friends like that, the ones that you can just pick right back up with, that you know are the ones to keep in your life. Despite crazy times with her and the crew on Friday and Saturday (the Badgers creamed the Minnesota Gophers), we had an amazing, relaxing day on Sunday just watching tv, eating sushi and goofing around.
Also made me realize that I don't take enough time to show my appreciation for the people I care about in my life. Aside from the Sex and the City phrase of 'you're amazing', 'no you're amazing' that Katie80 and i like to quip, I need to make a more conscious effort to show my gratitude. I tried last week to take a friend i care about out to lunch and then effed it up and forgot. Bad. As I have been in the stressful throws of trying to figure out what I will be doing next year and where that means I will be, I keep thinking about how torn i am about wanting to be around the people that make me a better person and going out and doing something that will make me a different person. I know i'll end up happy wherever I am, but it's been very emotionally taxing trying to picture myself in the real world and all that entails. Always thought I'd be just fine with it, but seeing the girls this weekend who have been apart for awhile, makes me realize that I'll really miss this Madison haven and all the good friends that entails.

Although I am now extremely stressed with the amount of work that I have in the next few days and the fact that I missed my normal Sunday of work, it could not have been a time better spent. Thank you Karen for reminding me what/who I value and that I need to slow down sometimes and appreciate how fortunate I am.

On a less serious note- i got my dress for the 50th and despite the fact that i went a tad over budget, I'm SO excited!! It'll be a too short weekend, but awesome to see some other people that I care about. Plus Flannery's called to tell me that it misses me so it's time to head back.
Oh, and I had 3 cavities filled (i'm apparently grinding the crap out of my teeth at night and have little to zero enamel left) and had to go to French class and work with half my face completely numb and a tissue to guard off drool. Wish more people could have witnessed it because it was a pretty fantastic sight.

Senoritis

It's October 1st and I feel like I haven't been in school. Yes, I go for the most part. I've read some things, but don't feel like I've really done much work. I'm okay with that. I'm not behind in three of my classes. But, I really really need to start my thesis. Like tonight. That is the big dark cloud looming over me. I'm excited to write it, but I just need to do it.
Other musings: I'm very good at fucking up things that are good for me. Katie80 has made me realize just how good I am at going after things that are not good for me and screwing up anything good. Thanks to Burbs, Brokeback and 80 for helping me try to not do that again, but face it, it's inevitable. Someday I will learn.
I had to get to work at 9:50 this morning. Yes, that's not that early, but it is when the past three nights have been what they have been. And my throat is killing me. Silly Balls Balls. After work- nap and then buckling down to attack that thesis!