My life in State College: Health and habits

Dear May,
So far...I have a love/hate relationship with you.
Love, Janice

Let's get the bad news out of the way. So far, there's been:

• a disconcerting doctor's appointment with referral visit coming up at the hospital (not going to report more details on this, but I'm nervous for the follow-up and hope for the best, of course)
• me falling a bit behind with work
• me fretting about jobs applying next fall
• Canadian election fail

OK! Grand. These things all happen. But of course, I'm not going to be fully negative...there were interesting things too:

•  Osama Bin Laden news. I've kept fairly quiet on this. I think the Navy SEALs are incredible because they are insanely trained. I've discovered that I don't necessarily have a problem with the way this mission was done - it seems as though these people (with Obama at the helm) operated as best they could in those moments, though we probably will never know. I understand the need for great concern on this complicated situation. Yet, there is no doubt in my mind that the person responsible for the premeditated and heinous acts of 9/11 should not be simply left to go free. An indictment/capture and arrest is, naturally, a wonderfully ideal way for things to go. But this would not mean a more appropriate outcome. If it would have happened smoothly, quickly and in a "fair" manner (whatever that means to the people running the show), then great. But, I have a hunch that such a situation may have made things even more dangerous for the world. Where would such a man be tried? Who would run it? For how long? Who would pay for it? Would anyone ever agree with the verdict? Who is deciding what is fair? What would the extremist reactions be? There is also major complication in that path as well - no simple answers. Besides. It needs to be said. After such a cruel attack on your own soil especially if people you knew/loved perished horrifyingly because of it...the negotiation of getting justice is a TOUGH situation for Americans to work through - the government and its citizenry. It's really easy to criticize from the outside. But I'd really like any country to try to become the world superpower without making mistakes (1. US in the early 80's supporting Taliban in Afghanistan to keep the Russians out, seemed like a positive and moral move at the time) and then dealing with the consequences of those peoples' hatred of you (2. Taliban and also Al Qaeda not happy with USA, taking action) and get justice somehow for the murder of so many completely innocent people. What I'm saying here is: those who don't live in it, don't know it. That goes for both sides. What I DO have a problem with is the rampant celebrating we saw afterwards, even in my town. Humility over prideful arrogant patriotism, every time.
• One thing I have realized from all this? NEVER could I EVER be the head of any country. Not that I wanted to before...but you make decisions that change everything for individuals, groups, etc. That is far too much of a responsibility for my liking.

ANYWAY....plus, let's see - some generally awesome things:

• spring has more willingly been showing itself since Easter weekend
• I got to go home for Easter and had a great time
• my cat is still awesome
• family and friends are awesomely supportive
• our semester has basically ended and undergrads will make their mass exodus from State College towards the end of this week (YES)
• summer plans...family weekend in June at the trailer, friend's wedding in early July, general bridesmaids plans for my friends two weddings, and biggest bestest - Marburg Americans (and one Brit:) descending on Pennsylvania in early July!

Anyway, back to work. Plugging away !

-J