Wigwam closing?

"Anderson's school superintendent has proposed closing the central Indiana city's landmark Wigwam high school gym as part of a plan that also includes cutting 65 teachers' jobs.

The Wigwam at Anderson High School is the second-largest high school gymnasium in the world, second only to the Fieldhouse in New Castle.

Closing and selling the 9,000-seat gym was one of the recommendations Superintendent Felix Chow listed at a school board meeting Tuesday, the Herald Bulletin reported.

Chow's plan also includes cutting 65 teacher positions, introducing all-day kindergarten and basing grade promotions on students' competence.

School officials have discussed closing the Wigwam before, but never received board approval. The newspaper said the district paid nearly $350,000 in utility bills for the gym in 2008, while it generated less than $8,000 from events."

-IBJ.com

Sad, sad day. As much as I would hate for them to close this amazing facility, it seems to be what makes sense at this point in time. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to dance at each home game last year as the Indian Maiden. It was an experience I will never forget, and I'm so glad that I was fortunate enough to dance in the Wigwam. I know that no matter what happens, the Indians will be able to make a different gymnasium their home. It will just take time and encouragement from the community. Here's to Anderson's school system, getting back on their feet and improving altogether.

IUDM: Only the Beginning

"From the outside looking in, you can never understand it, and from the inside looking out, you can never explain it."

I'm not sure who to credit for the above mentioned quote, but I do know that there aren't better words to even attempt explaining the experience called Indiana University Dance Marathon. As I have quickly learned, most students will never understand IUDM...I can't say I blame them. At the first mention of a 36 hour dance marathon, where students go without sleep, sitting, and eventually, sanity, I would doubt someone's reasoning for participating, too. It's so much more than that, though. When trying to explain it, I keep finding myself at a loss for words. It's almost painful how much you WANT to be able to share your experience.

In my interview for the Riley Development committee a few weeks back, I was asked just that. "Watch this video and try to explain what IUDM means to you. Try to summarize how you feel after watching this." The video was a montage of this year's dance marathon, and I'm sure I looked like a complete idiot as I sat there, staring at the laptop screen. Accompanied to music, the video highlights all of the great moments that make up the true dance marathon experience. I'll post it below...

"IU Dance Marathon was created 21 years ago with the goal of providing hope for children of Riley Hospital by generating funds for the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center. We donate money to support the Hospital’s efforts to treat all its patients, regardless of financial concerns. To date IUDM has raised over $10 million for the children at Riley Hospital. Indiana University Dance Marathon is run entirely by students who unselfishly give their time and dedication to ensure the success of the organization. At the heart of IUDM are 500 student committee members who work year round to fundraise, hold events for the Riley families, and plan the marathon. The hard work culminates in a 36 hour marathon every fall. During the marathon weekend 850 dancers choose to remain awake and standing for 36 hours in honor of those children who are unable to. Dance Marathon is truly a life changing experience that provides an environment thriving on faith in each other, hope for the future, and inspiration to achieve. It will stretch the limits of our mind, body, and spirit to launch the most humanly diverse and personally consuming experience at Indiana University. The success of IUDM relies on students, alumni, family members, community members, corporate sponsors, Indiana University, and Riley families."

More to come on my Riley D interview/experience. :]

Why Not Me?

"Why not me?"

This seems to be a question running through my head a lot lately, and it's a problem. If you have read my recent posts, you'll note that I'm trying to keep a positive outlook on life. This constant questioning definitely isn't helping that process.

Ever since I can remember, I don't ever recalling having a close guy friend, or even a group of guy friends in particular. Classmates/acquaintances are a different story...but I'm talking about a true, close and knows a ton about me, guy friend. Along with that statement, I can go ahead and point out I've, therefor, never had a true, serious relationship. Why?

I can go ahead and assume it has something to do with my lack of confidence for many, many years, but that can't be the only reason. Why does this topic seem so easy for so many of my close friends, yet still challenges me to this day? I'm a freshman in college. I was granted a fresh start this past fall. Has anything changed? Not one bit. Add new girl friends to the equation, and I'm pretty much standing in the same spot.

I don't think words can even begin to explain the frustration. I feel as though I have kept this all to myself for so long, and now I'm just sick of it. Why is happiness in relationships so easy for other girls to find? Why not me?

My confidence is growing each day, yet nothing seems to change elsewhere. Guy friends just fall into the laps of others, but when I truly sit down and think about it, I'm still lacking a single one. How can I change this?

It'll only ever change if I put effort into it and actually put myself out there. Something as simple as a friendship requires effort and time.

*end temporary emotional tantrum*

While little petty problems pop into my head, such as this one, from time to time, I need to keep in mind that I could have it much worse. I have GREAT friends, and I've also learned to distance myself from those who aren't so great. I'm perfectly healthy. I'm attending a wonderful university where I'm granted new opportunities and experiences everyday. I've found a true passion in my life, and have found yet another new family in the IUDM organization. I'd say I'm pretty set for right now. As soon as I stop thinking, looking, or worrying, something will work out for me.

Pet Peeves

We all have them, but do we ever really acknowledge them aloud? Or share them with others? I guess I'm about to...yes, it has been one of those days.

People complaining about their “terrible skin” around me

• I’ve had problematic skin since I can remember. I’ve gone through every phase of self-consciousness and am now to the point where I make every attempt to not care. Confidence speaks wonders. If there’s really not a lot I can do, why not embrace it? If I don’t acknowledge it, others won’t be allowed to either, right?
• Therefore, when others complain about one little place or breakout and throw a huge dramatic scene, especially in front of me, it is extremely irritating. If I can embrace my skin, why can’t you?

Lack of manners…I could go on for days

• Please & Thank You
• Chewing with your mouth open? Gross.
• Holding the door and other common courtesies

Taking care of others while never having the favor returned

• While this seems to be reoccurring in college, I feel like it has always existed a bit, just in different ways.

“Ungroomed” nails, specifically on guys

• If you can’t get around to painting, no big. I’m not the best either. It’s the really long, out of control, “I never even think about my nails” nails that get me.

Long-winded explanations

• Just get it over with! No need to repeat or rephrase if everyone understood the first time.Please, don’t give me a headache.

People singing loudly AND extremely off key

• I have AACC/YC to thank for this. Music should play a part in everyone’s life, and singing is just a great way to express emotions or feelings. Please do connect with the music.What gets me though is when people are CONVINCED they have the best voice ever and therefore sing over you…poorly. Ugh. At least they’re having fun, I suppose :P

“One-uppers”

• Everyone loves to talk. Everyone has his/her moments of bragging. That’s fine, unless you’re constantly trying to outdo someone’s story. It’s tiring for anyone/everyone involved in the conversation.

Negative-Nancy/Debbie-Downers

• This is a tad ironic considering the context of this post, but in the bigger picture, I try to hold a positive attitude about everything. For every complaint you can think of, there’s a brighter side that you could focus your energy on. Why not highlight the better parts of your day instead of the ONE moment that may have been upsetting?

Impatience

• We all are impatient at some point, no problem. When you are impatient every second of everyday, no matter what the situation…THAT’S when it get’s to be too much. Please stop, the world will go on. I promise. Maybe waiting an extra five minutes for the bus won’t be so bad. If you focus on how terrible those five minutes are, chances are that you just missed a great opportunity. What if the person standing there with you was destined to be your new best friend? Instead of pouting, chat them up…you never know.

The Pursuit of Happiness: 15 Lessons to Keep in Mind

Found this on stumbleupon a few days back, just thought I'd share.

1. The only person that can ever truly make you happy is yourself. Stop depending on everyone else.

2. People lie, stuff happens. Don’t take it too personally.

3. Want people to think you’re amazing? Start believing you are, and then they will too.

4. Smiling is the ultimate anti-depressant. Smile and laugh out loud, it doesn’t look stupid, I promise.

5. The world is never just black and white, right or wrong, one way or another. Try and see things from as many points of view as possible.

6. "Let everything happen to you

Beauty and terror

Just keep going

No feeling is final"

— Rainer Maria Rilke

7. Have empathy.

8. Gossip, problems of the past, events you cannot control, negative thoughts and negative people; time spent on these is time poorly wasted.

9. When you're jealous or find yourself filled with hate for someone/something, stop. The only person its hurting is you.

10. Although the newest, most expensive material things may make you feel as if you’re a better person, they won’t hold you at night or listen to you when you need it. Make sure your priorities make sense.

11. Step outside your comfort zone- it’s when you’ll really feel alive.

12. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, the people who really matter, don’t mind.

13. Let your emotions out sometimes, humans have them for a reason.

14. Celebrate the things you have. Think only positively of the things you don’t (but would like to have) and they too will come.

15. Love unconditionally ♥.