(no subject)

[rynne]

Does anyone else feel guilty when thinking about posting happy things, considering the devastation of New Orleans and now the fact that Rehnquist has died? Because I do feel guilty, wanting to post about how I love college and my eighteenth birthday is in less than two weeks, but it's sort of hard to find something to say about Katrina that someone else hasn't already said, and with far more eloquence than I. Also, despite the fact that I've got an aunt and uncle in Mississippi, and they evacuated a week ago, I feel sorta fake offering condolence/sympathy/rage when I'm far away and have never been personally affected by such a disaster. The most disastrous things going on with me are that my computer's internet still isn't working and I'm going to need a Japanese tutor if I want to stay in 201.

So I want to post about things that I am experiencing rather than things I'm not (namely, college rather than the aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina), and I feel guilty about it. And there's no need to comment and tell me that I can post about whatever I want and don't have to feel guilty about it, because I know that, but how often do our feelings follow logic?

And, aside from donating (which I have done), there isn't really all that much I can do right now, so, knowing that the victims of Hurricane Katrina are in my thoughts, my posts will probably be along the line of "OMG BIRTHDAY IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS" and "I love college!", as well as fannish things (both Harry Potter and Star Wars).

Comments

[rockcandy.livejournal.com]

I feel guilty too. And superficial. But I think it just shows we're not sociopaths. And I'm glad things are going well for you!

[ashesofautumn.livejournal.com]

I think it's good that we all feel guilty when we think happy thoughts. I mean, it shows we have conscience, right?


I'm going to need a Japanese tutor if I want to stay in 201.
Can't you take an easier Japanese class?

[rynne.livejournal.com]

The only easier Japanese classes this semester is 101, which would be things that I already know since it's beginning Japanese and I took it last year, and I'd probably get bored. Also, I'm stubborn and don't want to quit just because I'll have to work harder. :p

[ashesofautumn.livejournal.com]

:D Do you know where to get a Japanese tutor?

[froda-baggins.livejournal.com]

Eh. I do to a certain extent, but really, there's only so much you can say or do about it before it becomes necessary to just get on with life. Tragedies happen every day - we shouldn't have to pull up full stop every time they do. And frankly, anyone who tries to guilt people into not having fun when people are dying etc. etc. needs to get a life.

[greenwitch.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I keep having to tell myself -- just because I have food, a house, a car, a job, a tv, etc. does not make me a bad person.

I have to tell myself a lot, with shit going on in the world like, this, but... it's true.

[archon-mentha.livejournal.com]

I am completely with you. I've thought about making some kind of post...but really, what could I possibly say? I'm angry and sad and scared just like everyone else...

I am very glad college is going well for you. ^__^

[antosha-c.livejournal.com]

Don't feel guilty about taking pleasure in pleasant things; withholding joy from yourself won't bring relief to those who need it.

Just keep being aware, keep being compassionate, and find joy wherever you can! It's hard enough to do. :-)

[terredancer.livejournal.com]

I do feel guilty for posting about other things when there's still so much. Too much, actually, and I can't deal with it all. It's like I told my best friend a time or two: it's just too big for me to deal with.

At the same time, there are other things, and sometimes I feel shallow for focussing on them, but eh.

But once you've donated (or are working on getting things together so that donating can happen), what else is there to do?

[isolabela.livejournal.com]

I'm going to need a Japanese tutor if I want to stay in 201.

Don't they offer free tutoring in the Writing and whatever resource place? My chem professor was telling me that they have free tutoring for any and all subjects. But perhaps you're looking for more one-on-one attention. *shrugs*

[midnitemaraud-r.livejournal.com]

There is no logic in situations like these. And I swear, I'm waiting for scientists to uncover a 'guilt' gene. ;) But despite our sadness and our anger at incompetent politicals, life DOES go on, and it MUST go on, even in the face of disaster. That's part of life and it's part of the resiliency of the human race. Tragedy happens, we mourn, we do what we can even if it's just sending thoughts and prayers to the victims, and we live our lives as best as we can.

I remember when I started college - it was 20 years ago, and I still remember so many things so clearly, not the least of which was being so excited I could hardly sit still! (Though I do try to forget my wardrobe and hair styles whenever possible *g*) I loved college. Enjoy every minute of it! (And yay! Another Virgo! Mine's two weeks from tomorrow! *g*)

[ignipes.livejournal.com]

I'm happy to hear that you're loving college, despite everything that's going on in the world. I can't wait to hear more about it! (It makes me very nostalgic and sentimental, thinking about college...) Good luck with the Japanese class.

[lls-mutant.livejournal.com]

Nope- don't feel guilty at all :) Happy and sad things go on around us all the time. It's been that way for all of eternity, and will continue to be that way.

That said, glad you're loving college!!!! :) Hope it continues to go wonderfully for you!

you don't know me but...

[jessieshockey.livejournal.com]

You don't know me, but I'm a fellow fangirl from Southern Louisiana with an answer to your dilemna:

Post about your joys, rather than about our sadness. We need a little vicarious happiness to take our minds off of things.

(And fanfiction. Lots and lots of escapist fanfiction ^_~)