Articulations from the Extroverted Introvert

Satisfaction is a rare entity these days among Americans. Being content is uncommon. I went to see a professor the other day, and he basically asked what I was unhappy with. I had nothing to say to him. While I may want certain things in my life to improve or change, I have no problem with how things are or who I am. The reason being I had no expectations for school or his class. When a person has expectations they are destined to be let down. I am in no way saying to lower standards. Standards and expectations are completely different. If there are no expectations, then anything above what is (not) expected is appreciated. I don’t expect nice things. When I don’t get nice things I don’t feel quite so left out or upset.

Another thing about expectations are that they are often unspoken. This expectation is often the worst kind because then no one can actually please you because how are they to know? Don’t get upset when people don’t pull through with your unspoken expectations. That’s not fair. Inform them of what is important to you. At the same time, understand the thoughts and feelings of others. Just because something has not been said directly does not mean that it should not be addressed.

Expectations that people have of you are good and bad. It can encourage you to better yourself and motivate you to meet these expectations. At the same time, it can be an incredible pressure that is unnecessary and a burden. Sometimes it feels as if they have no right to have such expectations. Why do we have to be so ridiculous about expectations?Please, calm down.

Expectations are lame and unfortunate. Just give up.

Tonight was when I set out to clear my desk and purge all math assignments and philosophy notes. Finally I am done with finals and am ready to go (other than the fact that I still need to pack, but that is besides the point) at seven tomorrow morning. The thing is, I can’t clear off my desk. Why? Due to distractions? Well, maybe. But also, because I am a terrible packrat.

Everything is going to be of some value somehow to someone someday right? No. I found countless ziplock bags (which are incredibly handy), random ribbons that were once tied on my pillow case, paper snowflakes, tons of buttons that I have no idea where they came from, a few chapsticks, every notecard or greeting card I have received in the last four months, bobby pins galore, a pumpkin pin, chopsticks, napkins, two cookie tins, a cardboard earring box, nail polish, boxtops, and of course a mound of handouts. And you know what? None of that could be thrown out. Well, I condensed the pile of papers, but even that pile is still pretty high.

I think the reason behind it is my hate of wastefulness. Everything can be recycled somehow, or so I seem to think. It’s a terrible habit, but I can’t help it. There’s just gotta be another use for that old sock, wrinkled tissue paper (not tissues, but the wrapping paper stuff), yellow piece of paper, broken barrette, empty box, or old receipt right?

My alternate uses (thought up on the spot):

old sock - cleaning object, use for wrapping breakables, special hiding place, blackmail (if smelly)
wrinkled tissue paper - reuse as tissue paper, use as tissue, use as napkin, decorate walls by making it into a flower, place over corkboard for a different color background, (see yellow paper for more)
yellow piece of paper - turn it around and use as a yellow matting to a picture, doll clothes?, greeting card, note paper, folder divider, paper jewelery (I hear it’s making a comeback from when we were three)
broken barrette - this is tricky: decoration to an old frame or box, mousetrap?, use instead of bow on a present, reconstruct into headband topper, cake decoration
empty box - container (obviously), hat, shoe, shelter, sentimental value, makeshift corkboard/poster board, weapon to hit with in lieu of a pillow
old receipt - bookmark, scratch paper, gum wrapper, paper snowflake, way to mark your trail when lost in the woods, proof of purchase (duh)

Feel free to give me yours. (your alternate uses, not your useless stuff)

Lyrics from Globes & Maps by Something Corporate.

Finals Suck.

That is really all that needs to be said. In fact, I really wanted to put up a picture of the top level of one of the dorms. Quite simply, they used Christmas lights to say that very phrase. Every time I went to take it they were missing a letter or it was raining or my camera was not cooperating. Or all three. Here’s the best I have for you.

Lyrics from Fight Test by The Flaming Lips.