4.14.13

It’s the end of the semester and I have about four research papers due, so of course I’m on here writing about anything but religion, law and journalism. Well, okay. This one might have a little to do with religion.

How are our relationships defined by religion? And I don’t mean the basics. I mean deep, to the root of them. How do to people, or a household, or a community reconcile the very different ideas and beliefs that they grow up with? Does a religion impact a culture, or does a culture impact a religion? How does a region define a religion, or the other way around? Why is this so important to everyone?

A girl in one of my classes is getting married in May. She is Southern Baptist, and her fiance is Roman Catholic. I think at some point, I wouldn’t have thought that was a big deal. I am a firm believer in letting everyone have their own beliefs. I don’t think a person’s religion should change the way we feel about someone or act towards them. But what happens when you marry someone with a completely different set of beliefs and doctrines?

I just want to say up front that I am absolutely not putting any negative connotation on marrying between faiths. These are just questions that I have personally.

What happens when kids come into the picture? How will those differences affect how they grow up and believe a faith? And if one spouse converts, or at least puts their religion on the back-burner to raise their kids in their partner’s faith, how does that affect the relationship? I can’t imagine there wouldn’t be some resentment.

Or not.

Maybe it just depends on the couple. Or where they live, or their families. Or whether or not they’re willing to bend a little. Which, I guess, is the whole concept of marriage.

 

 

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I know, I know. I’m terrible at keeping up with this blog. 

I also think I may be taking a little bit of a different turn with it. In the past two semesters, my life has been flipped upward and downward, in a hundred different directions, inside-out, backwards and forwards. I think I can honestly say that I’ve grown more in the past six months or so than I had up to that point. I was listening to a song earlier- Home, by Don Gallardo- and the lyrics go something like, “everywhere you’ve been, my friend, is home.” 

I’ve loved Western since I came here, but it didn’t feel like home until recently. Maybe it’s because of the people, or my house (or the beautiful dogs I get to live with.) I have a wonderful boyfriend back home, and I miss my family more than anything. But I love it here. I consider Kentucky home almost as much as Cape Cod. I’m finally at the point where I can see graduation coming (slowly, but it is coming) and I have an awful feeling about having to leave for good. I have an amazing group of friends and roommates, and I’m not quite sure what I’d be doing here without them. 

I finally changed my major. Or rather, switched my major and minor around. I realized that if I was going to graduate in any amount of time, I just had to get out of the journalism program. I’m still mostly interested in college athletics communications and photography. But I am absolutely in love with the religious studies program. The classes are interesting, and generate the discussion (and arguments) that other classes just don’t seem to have. And really, I’m a senior. It’s about time I enjoyed the thousands of dollars I’m shelling out every semester. 

I love and resent the fact that I’ve developed a drawl, and that I can use wicked and y’all in the same sentence. I have no idea where I’m going to end up. But I do know that I’m much more open to moving over the bridges. And wherever I do go will just be added to the places I’ve been lucky enough to call home. 

And seriously, I’m going to try to keep this up. For real this time.

Breaking point

Caution: This may come out to be somewhat rant-like. Okay, it will definitely come out as a rant.

I am in my fourth year of college, trying to graduate next December. I am a transfer student, and my decision to transfer to Western was based mainly on the fact that I really screwed up my freshman year, and needed a clean slate.

Now, I’m at the point where I only need certain classes, and unless I want to be here for the rest of my life, I need 18 hours for my two remaining semesters and six hours online over this winter break. Which brings me to rant number one.

The registrar at my school is limiting students to four hours over winter term. Um, what? That’s only one class. And I understand the argument, which is that students really do need a break from a full course load, and since the term is only three weeks, it is (sometimes) more intense. However, I am a student that needs to graduate in less than a year, and if I am perfectly willing to bust my butt for that year, it should be up to me. I have taken multiple online winter courses before, and it wasn’t that bad, even with work and other things going on.

And here’s my big problem. I was the one who messed up my freshman year, and in turn, my GPA. I realize that. I will admit that to anyone who asks. But here I am, three years later, with a MUCH better GPA, doing everything in my power to graduate (almost) on time. I tried to register for classes this morning, and was blocked out of three of my very necessary upper level journalism classes. Why? Because I have not yet been accepted into the journalism program. Why? Because my GPA is 0.2 points too low. Because I messed up freshman year. And how do I get my GPA up? By taking classes. That they WON’T LET ME TAKE. It’s like they just expect me to waste time and take random gen. ed. classes until it’s high enough to take real classes. Which isn’t going to happen, because I need to graduate, because college is freaking expensive.

It’s a vicious circle that I’m honestly not sure how to get out of. Any suggestions?

 

Schooltime blues

It’s been five weeks since I left for school, and I’m still having a little trouble geting into routine. Even with a very full course load, I’ve been kind of… bored. I’m not working this semester (which is, I think, the first time I haven’t worked since I was 13,) and fall ball really hasn’t started up yet. It’s not like I haven’t tried to find something. With 20,000 undergrads in and around Bowling Green, no one wants to hire someone that actually goes home for breaks. After filling out application after application, and going to multiple interviews, I’m still jobless. Which led me to somewhat of an epiphany.

I love working. I do. I might complain about from time to time, when the summers of 70+ hours a week start to get to me. But really, I love working. Maybe that’s why school is so hard for me. I don’t consider school a job, as hard as I might try. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned a lot, and I think I’m where I’m supposed to be. But it’s not easy, because I don’t look at it the same I do a real job. I like the feeling of being productive, and getting something done for someone else to use or enjoy, not something that just gets a grade slapped on it and then tossed in the trash can.

After a couple of weeks of doing nothing but homework, class, running and yoga, I realized that I was going to drive myself crazy if I didn’t find something. Anything. So where did I end up? Bowling Green Humane Society. I signed up for a volunteer. Not doing anything big or special, just playing with cats and taking dogs out for runs and walks. And you know what? I love it. It’s almost like a job, but with a certain amount or freedom (and without the paycheck), and I’m getting just as much out of it as the animals.

So maybe my boredom is a good thing. Something different, that’s for sure. In the past eight or so years, between high school and college, I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that things change, and it’s not always a bad thing. I’ve always been a pretty go-with-the-flow person, but not having a job and a million other things to do really got to me. I’m learning to live with it, but I still can’t wait to get back to work this winter when I go home. And I will definitely be getting a head start on the job search for next semester.

4.8.12

I just want to say right up front that this isn’t going to be one of my regular posts, and if you’re offended easily by religion, you might as well stop reading right now. This post is kind of out of left field for me, but it is a personal blog, and that’s how I’m using it.

I will be the first to admit that when I’m down at school, I am terrible at getting to church. I could make excuses and tell you that it’s hard to fit it in because they only offer one Catholic mass a week (which is true), but it’s really just not something I make time for on a regular basis.

That being said, I think I’ve stepped away from the religion enough, not necessarily on purpose, to really think about what’s at the heart of it all: pure faith. I’ve changed a lot in my life recently in terms of location, school, career building and personal relationships. I’ve had time to do a lot of thinking.

What I’ve realized is a bit cliche, but is absolutely true in every way. Life is short. Appreciate the little things. Look around at the beautiful world we live in. I was talking to a friend the other day about family. She lives about a half hour away from school, and she was complaining because her mom wanted her to come home for weekends more often than she had been. I would literally give my right arm to get to see my family more than once a semester.

Today is Easter. It is about celebration, and family and love. So if you’re home, enjoy every second you get with your grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings, whoever. If you’re not home, I know it’s hard. But appreciate the day anyways. Enjoy the sun, or a flower popping up, or your favorite song that comes on the radio. Call your parents and tell them how much they mean to you.

The monseigneur at my church back home posted his homily from the Easter vigil on Facebook this morning, and it was about being an Easter person in a Good Friday world. Basically, spreading joy and hope and celebration in a world full of hardship and suffering. I think that’s something all of us could stand to do once in a while. So have a happy and blessed Easter, and for all those traveling this weekend, have a safe trip.

Msgr. Hoye; Christ the King Parish, Mashpee, Ma.

Intrigued by the madness.

Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by sports. I am absolutely hooked on baseball, football and hockey, and I like to think I do a pretty good job keeping up with all of them, college and pro. Basketball, though, is one that I never could get into. I don’t know why, I just never enjoyed it as much as the others.

This March, the Hilltoppers came back from a losing season to make it to the second round of the NCAA Tourney to play the University of Kentucky. There are a few points I want to make about this. Number one. I understand college rivalries, and I definitely understand the loyalty a person can feel for a team. But here’s the thing. When your team, from the college YOU decided to attend, makes the Dance, YOU CHEER FOR THEM. I’m sorry, but if you are so obsessed with a particular school, then go to that school. And in the case of UK and WKU, Kentucky was pretty much guaranteed a win. So what’s the harm in putting on some red and waving a towel?

Second point. I have somehow converted to a college hoops fan. (Though, to date, not a very knowledgeable one.) In the past couple of weeks, I’ve found myself caught up in the race, and even though I literally have no teams left that I care about in the slightest (UConn, Vandy, Notre Dame, Purdue…), I no longer want to throw a brick through the television when the only things Sports Center shows are March Madness highlights, or when when my lovely roommate screams at TBS for an hour and a half every night. Okay, well I still might then. She’s a UK fan. But it’s all good. Like every other sport I’ve worked with, basketball is growing on me. And while it will probably never take the place of baseball, hockey or football, I don’t mind it becoming a part of my seasonal schedule.

And lastly, I want to say congratulations. Not only to Coach Harper and Western’s basketball team, but to athletics at WKU in general. After becoming a Division 1 school in 2009, Western Kentucky athletics are finally being noticed and doing well. Our football team went from a 2-10 season last year, to a 7-5 season this fall. Men’s hoops had a losing season, but after gaining their new head coach, had a six game win streak to end the season, and made it to the second round of March Madness. WKU Baseball is also turning over a new leaf with Coach Matt Myers moving into the head coaching position. So for the first time since I moved here (athletics-wise), I am actually very proud to be a Hilltopper.

3.14.12

As I’m writing this, I’m looking out the window. It’s 82 degrees, and could not be more beautiful out. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, baseball is well underway, and I’ve pretty much convinced myself that it’s summer.

Except for that small detail… the date.

For spring break this year, I opted out of the Florida party thing, and went home. Did a little skiing, saw a little snow, ate SO MUCH seafood. And it really was amazing. I’ve found that living in two very different and distant places is not easy. I’m constantly missing something, someone or someplace. Leaving is always hard, no matter where I am. And maybe it’s just pessimistic thinking, but I don’t see it getting easier anytime soon.

But for now, I’ll take the heat and the sunshine.

This season has been great so far. I’ve traveled to Murray and Nashville, and stayed in Bowling Green a few times. I’ve been able to see quite a few former Cape-Leaguers play, including two from Oregon, who were more than a little surprised to see me on the field after the game at Vanderbilt.

This past weekend was a little crazy for me. I flew into Nashville Saturday night, drove back to school, and was up bright and early Sunday morning to make the three hour trek to Murray, Kentucky. It’s a long drive. A little boring, but absolutely beautiful. I forget sometimes how green Kentucky is, once you get out of the city. I also drove through the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. If I’m ever feeling a little too landlocked, I know where to go.

My feature for the week is on the Purdue Boilermakers, specifically junior stars Kevin Plawecki and Nick Wittgren.

Check it out here!

http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2012/03/14/purdue/

Opening Weekend

What a weekend.

First off, I want to say congratulations to all my Cape-Leaguers that played this week. There’s no way I can mention everybody, but I did hear that former Kettleer Victor Roache belted his first homer of the season in GSU’s second game against UT-Martin. Can’t say I’m surprised. Y-D pitcher Mark Appel (Stanford) held Vanderbilt to only two hits in seven innings of work in his start Friday night, and his Cape League teammate Connor Harrell (Vanderbilt) launched a pair of two-run homers in his second game against Stanford.

I wrapped up my first series working for College Baseball Daily, with a game Friday night, and  a doubleheader yesterday. Toledo played here in Bowling Green against Western, taking the series and winning two of the three. You can check out my full rundown here: http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2012/02/19/toledo-wk/.

It was a little strange for me. This weekend was a very new experience, with new people, new teams and a new (and much bigger) audience. But at the same time, it was so familiar. Which just goes back to my point that baseball is just… baseball. It was very interesting to see how different teams and leagues do things differently, and how college differs from Cape League, but the same jokes and relationships were still there.

A friend of mine pointed out yesterday that I really do have the best of both worlds. During the spring, when it’s colder and I have less access to fields, I get to write. I can sit in the press-box (which, admittedly, isn’t much warmer than outside) and write up my game stories. I get to interview players and coaches from all over the south, and travel to pretty much anywhere I can. And then, when the college seasons wind down, I get to go home. A home that happens to have pretty perfect weather in the summer, and an awesome summer league to boot. And, while I’m home, I do a little writing, but mostly I shoot. On the field, in beautiful weather. So seriously, I should never complain about my job. Ever.

Coming up next week for me is the Vandy-Oregon series, and possibly a feature towards the end of the week. Happy baseball season everyone!

Sun Belt Previews

Hey y’all… If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s my preview for Sun Belt baseball this season… 2 more days!

http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2012/02/14/2012-cbd-season-preview-sun-belt-conference-part-2/

‘Tis the season.

Well guys, it’s almost here.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The big shebang. The end of the countdown, if you will. Only two more days until college ball starts, which means a new baseball season (good news for Sox fans), springtime and a much busier schedule for those of us working in the field (pun intended.)

I’ll try to keep up with the blog, but it’s probably just going to be quick Cape League notes and links to whatever series I cover that week for College Baseball Daily.

Friday marks the opener for D1 teams, and I’ll be here at Western covering the series against Toledo. Next weekend will be the Vanderbilt-Oregon series down in Nashville, and I’m also looking at a Chicago trip to see Purdue at Northwestern and Ole Miss at Louisville, along with whatever I pick up around the Sun Belt.

One of the best things about being down south is being able to see former Cape Leaguers, and to scout out newcomers for this summer. Being an hour from Vandy is perfect, since they have a whopping seven players expected on Cape this summer (so far), and U of L, a two hour drive for me, has eight. I’m always welcome to ideas, so if you know of a good game or two in the area, let me know!

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. I cannot wait. Happy season everyone, and good luck to all my players out there!