I Am Posting This Without Much Editing, So Bear With Me Since It's Friday For God's Sakes!

Thank you to Unconscious Mutterings for the prompts.

Opinion  ::  So many opinions, so little time.

My problem with opinions is that once I have shared one, I will have to listen to someone else's counter-opinion, always designed to be one up on mine.  I don't know about you, but when I express myself, I want it to be am expression of myself, my understanding, and my truth at that very moment.  I want the listener to nod his/her head, say “Uh huh” or “Wow,” and let the statement stand as Louise Yeiser’s Opinion.  It never happens that way.  Usually, someone counters with a much broader, all-encompassing, more correct idea that makes me feel like an idiot.  This process makes it quite tempting to never open my mouth, which presents quite the conflict because for me to keep my mouth shut is a physical impossibility.  Maybe I should work on not being so sensitive when someone has a better different idea.

Tardy  ::  I hate being late.

If so, then why am I so often late?  I think it’s because rushing and hurrying is exciting.  The thrill of coming from behind to be on time fuels me throughout the day, driving me to the next thing.  I beat the odds!  I left 15 minutes late and I was almost on time!  I have to find some other way to get my excitement.

Grownup  ::  Joke.

I was recently interviewed for an article published in Pitt News entitled "Older Students Thrive at Pitt".  In it, I was quoted as saying something like, "Being grown-up is a tough concept to get into."  No truer words were ever spoken. 

!  ::  So long, Dr. Gee!

I did it.  Yesterday, after a long, hard talk with an accepting friend (one of those who just nods and says "Uh huh", instead of doling out unwanted advice) and my college adviser, I realized that in order to learn anything in Dr. Gee's class, I would have to skillfully negotiate an enormous ego, and carefully maintain a position on his good side.  He has already insulted me once in front of the class; and I am treading a thin line being polite, cool, and detached, while participating honestly in class discussions, as he requires.  The stress of this has taken its toll―angry thoughts, anxious feelings, a knot in my stomach every time I think of his class, and worry about the one and only piece of writing upon which my grade depends.  After having looked up the course, which will be offered next term, taught by a really cool teacher, I decided to withdraw from his class, and put my lot in with the really cool teacher.  She is a published author and columnist, whose style of writing and whose way with people is much more compatible with my own.  This single act is the kindest thing I have done for myself in weeks.  I am sleeping well and laughing again.  I am capable of taking deep breaths, like I used to.  And I think I can finally quit emailing all my friends to ask them if my writing sucks.

Note:  If I stay on task, I will be graduating with a BA in English Writing and a minor in political science in May, 2008, just in time to participate in my 2nd cap and gown college graduation.  Everyone is invited!  Details to follow.

Have a great weekend.

From Louise

Comments

[Annie]

I am so glad for you. You gave it your best shot. Have fun this weekend at your event.

[Sylvia]

I thought the only reason you even bothered with that class was out of sheer stubbonness, since he was so insulting that first day, and in little pieces in all the other classes thereafter.Danny Glover was right. You're too old for that shit.

[Dena Marie]

Hi, Louise.

I am SO glad you gifted yourself with that course withdrawal. Sometimes the tiniest 'wrong thing' in your life can throw everything into a tailspin of negativity; but once you cut off the 'wrong thing,' everything gets better. I'm happy for you! :-)

--DM

[Louise]

Thanks, everybody for the encouragement. I feel like a different person. I'm so relieved.

[JPillband]

Hello to all. This is my first day on the Internet. What should I do?
John Pillband, 22 y.o.

[Louise]

Dear John Pillband, have fun!