The 42nd Kingdom

The 42nd Kingdom

An interesting occurrence this past Sunday...

As this was the last Catholic Catholic Campus Ministry Mass of the year, Father John continued his tradition of blessing the senior class. All of those to be graduating this Saturday were called to the altar. Father and the remaining members of the congregation raised their hands to us, the sign of the invocation of the Spirit, and said a blessing. He spoke for our protection, our success, and the perseverance of our faith as we go out into the world. They were beautiful words, none of which I remember. But the message was clear. No matter what I do next, I will not be alone.

When I returned home, it was minutes before a horrible rain and hailstorm broke. I sat in my room and watched the water fall until the sun just barely pierced the clouds. I edged closer to the window, hoping for something I always longed to see. And this time it was there. In my direct line of vision was a fading rainbow that I watched in quiet awe until it disappeared...to wherever it is that rainbows go.

It was the rainbow that helped me to get into JMU. Four years ago, I wrote my college essay on how its bands of color represent diversity, wholeness, and above all, God's promise to keep us safe. For four years I have been safe. For four years I have grown into a well-rounded person. For four years I have loved and been loved by every sort of friend. For four years I have been blessed to attend this university and to more fully realize God's call to me. And how odd is it, the last day of our Lord that I am an undergraduate, he should remind me of that through both His Church and the natural world. As a social worker, I will remain a member of both and I will find God in both...through all people and all creation. And maybe, just maybe, I'll make my corner of it a little bit better. On the other hand, I shouldn't say maybe. I have God's promise that I will.

( 7:11 PM ) Meghan

'Twas the week before finals, and all through Stonegate
There was drinking and playing (oh come on, it was fate).
Each of us here in the house ignored studies,
While we frolicked and laughed with our JMU buddies.

The night, it got later, some low points were hit,
But the fun that was had was worth all of it.
Some friendships grew stronger and some reconciled,
And we showed why we all stuck around for awhile.

Now a week's left to go and there's work to be done,
And we hope that we're motivated with thoughts of more fun.
But we're seniors, and face it, we're lazy as sin.
Can we do it? Of course...now break out the gin.

( 7:07 PM ) Meghan

For a princess is a delicate thing,
Delicate and dainty as a dragonfly's wing.
You can recognize a lady by her elegant hair,
But a genuine princess is exceedingly rare...

Major props (haha) to the PVI Players for their excellent performance of Once Upon a Mattress last evening, especially King Sextimus who stole the show. Additional props to Ginger for chauffering and for helping me to reminisce in both the scents and nonsense of high school ;)

( 6:05 PM ) Meghan

I wish my most heartfelt thanks to the CPS unit at the Staunton-Augusta Department of Social Services. Every one of you helped me to make the transition from student to professional with a few turbulent doses of reality along the way. It truly was the best practicum experience I possibly could have had. And I still hope that despite whatever happens later on, someone's life is made a little bit better because for a few months I was challenged with a little more discomfort. All because I was given a chance.

( 10:02 AM ) Meghan

I will assume that I am alone in the opinion that the livejournal interface is not all that and a bag of chips. Y'all better try a little harder if you want my conversion...

Beginning the three day countdown for practicum!

( 8:18 AM ) Meghan

It's always a horrible thing to lose a friend. But it's an odd and disconcerting thing to dissolve a friendship that was never real in the first place. How disappointed can one really be? On some level, you always knew.

( 3:41 PM ) Meghan

Bonfires dot the rolling hillsides,
Figures dance around and around
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness
Moving to the pagan sound.

Somewhere in a hidden memory
Images float before my eyes
Of fragrant nights of straw and of bonfires
And dancing till the next sunrise.

I can see the lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls' Night.

Figures of cornstalks bend in the shadows
Held up tall as the flames leap high
The green knight holds the holly bush
To mark where the old year passes by.

Bonfires dot the rolling hillsides
Figures dance around and around
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness
Moving to the pagan sound.

Standing on the bridge that crosses
The river that goes out to the sea
The wind is full of a thousand voices
They pass by the bridge and me.

I can see the lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls' Night.

--Lorenna McKennitt, All Souls' Night

What an incredible weekend. I had not realized how much I needed to get away and immerse in a change of scenery, even for but a simple number of hours. I had the privilege to see the vast majority of the TJ-to-Tech gang. And to see Sam and Moose after so many years was a special treat. Some noteworthy events of the trip:

I don't care what the travel guides say about the Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding mountains in the fall...I thought the spring scenery on the journey down was stunning. The young buds on the trees formed a beautiful, fresh blend of green and pink that accompanied me all the way to Blacksburg. For once it was wonderful to notice the trees coming to life, rather than preparing for dreary winter months.

Once I arrived at Tech, Catherine welcomed me with open arms and led me on a tour of her apartment. Afterward, we saw it fit to have lunch, but submitted to microwave fare as the cloud-to-ground lightning made the journey to the coffee bar somewhat unpleasant. A couple of hours was then spent gathering friends for the night's plans...a beer tasting at Vintage Cellar was followed by addictive vegetarian dinner foods at Gillie's. We worked off supper with a trip to the Corps of Cadets obstacle course to play around on prohibited equipment until sunset. Such rebels were we! And then the main event...party at Catherine's! A true suarret...drinking, intelligent conversation, um...other things :)

Bed at 5:00 AM, brunch at Gillie's, the best ever vanilla latte served by Catherine at Java Junction, and the final rounds to wish goodbyes were Saturday's agenda, followed by the return trip home. And Harrisonburg welcomed me back, feeling rejuvenated and ready to finish out the year.

What made this weekend so special was two things. First, to see my friends again from high school. They are the last friends that I made in childhood and they will always be the ones that keep me feeling young. They also recenter me in an aspect of my personality that I too often forget in these times of touchy-feely social work...my objective and analytical side. I have an addiction to geek-oriented, intellectual conversation. To have indulged in that with the great TJ minds again was an activity that I have sorely missed. These are the people that will forever keep my brain and my heart intact.

The second thing about this weekend that impressed me so much was the way everyone interacted so well. Although we love each other, sad circumstances and less than ideal interactions have taken their toll on us from time to time, as in any group. This weekend it was different. We all got along...there was no noticeable tension...maturity was the first priority and it was refreshing. This is why I know we are becoming successful adults. We grew up in all the right places.

Quotable quotes:

Shawn, in brainstorming an easy money scheme, explains his plans to drop chickens from rocket ships in order to stimulate the economy by the manufacture and purchase of extra-sturdy umbrellas. Doug's reply..."Wouldn't it be easier to have someone drink a gallon of Mexican water and then go parasailing?" Okay, we grew up in almost all the right places...

Shawn's pre-edited graduation poem for the VT English Department:

Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
This college sucks,
'Cause it's covered with poo.
You are all fuckheads
With nothing to do.
And I keyed your cars on the way out.

Intelligent conversation and fine literature...

I want to go back
And do it all over,
But I can't go back, I know.
I want to go back
'Cause I'm feeling so much older,
But I can't go back, I know...

--Eddie Money, I Wanna Go Back

( 9:45 PM ) Meghan

...I've got to ride,
Ride like the wind
To be free again.

And I've got such a long way to go
To make it to the border of Mexico,
So I'll ride like the wind.
Ride like the wind...

Or at least the border of Blacksburg...see y'all soon!

( 9:09 AM ) Meghan

And just when I had begun to explore the benefits of lifelong insanity, it all starts falling into place. I have obtained summer employment! Yes, it is babysitting, and, yes, it works out to approximately $4.00/hour, but it will be worth it. It will be money, fun, the chance to remain people-oriented, and a help to the community all in one. What more could I ask for? More money you say? And the official response to such, according to the social worker's financial motto, "Well...duh."

( 8:42 PM ) Meghan

From the pen of Eileen, who has truly captured the spirit of the season:

Eng 331
Proposal for Victorian Age Final Paper

Two weeks before the deadline, I will create a word document with the tentative title, "Victorian Age Final Paper." I will save it on the L: drive and feel a great sense of accomplishment. For the next several days, I'll go on with my life glowing from this euphoric feeling of "having started."
Two days before the paper is due, I will mull over the possibility of adding something to above document. I will realize that it is not due the next day, and therefore do not start.
Night before paper is due, I will arrive in a computer lab of choice in comfortable clothes, with contact solution and enough food to last the night. I will log on to IM under my "secret" lab name to see if anyone has changed their away message during the walk from room to lab. I will open Eudora so I can check my email every 5 minutes. I’ll make a mockery of the sign prohibiting eating and drinking in the lab by creating a satellite Caf around my terminal. Around midnight, I write an inane poem and realize that it’s time. Time to get serious. But not until we make a trip to WaWa.
Upon returning, I’ll open up the word document and start typing up quotes about something that vaguely resembles a topic. I'll be sure to change the date at the top, because at this point, it's a full 2 weeks later. Around 4, I’ll realize that I’m getting tired and since it’s not due until 1, I can wake up tomorrow early and finish.
As the alarm goes off at 5:45 am, I wonder why I do this to myself. But the beauty of it all is there isn't any more time to goof off. I’ll work straight from 5:45 till 12:30, (excepting a power nap from 7:15 to 7:45.) The whole time I'll update the IM community of my plight, putting up inflamatory away messages chastising myself for these masochistic academic tendencies.
When I've punctuated the last sentance, I’ll quickly shower, jet to the Sharpe classroom to print, and sheepishly descend on the English office secretary, asking to borrow the stapler. I will arrive in class and slide into my desk, smiling. Because I know you will love my paper. Because I know you will think I have spent weeks on it. Because I will have done it again. Sometimes, all the pain is worth it.

( 9:24 PM ) Meghan

Top ten reasons this year needs to be over:

10. Vending machine at Social Services running low from my minimalist lunch efforts.

9. Instead of internship for class credit, will have income to pay Discover credit.

8. Will have a chance to clean out stove burners to prevent kitchen from catching fire...again.

7. More time to observe and analyze the mating patterns at the cow pasture down the block.

6. So unmotivated to do work that I have begun to destroy work already completed.

5. Next week's poker game scheduled to include blades and hand-to-hand combat.

4. Finally, my tassle and mortarboard will be more than just a progressive fashion statement!

3. Roommates don't seem to approve of caution tape and warning lights around my desk area.

2. Would prefer to skip the 1 1/2 hour comprehensive final and get straight to that degree-thingy.

1. BSW -- Bitchin' Social Worker

( 9:30 PM ) Meghan

A series of quotes from last night's poker mishaps...

"Everyone can suck my ass 12 times except Andrew."

"That happens to happen when that happens."

"I’m winning…in my mind."

"Take my cards…then my life."

"What is with you guys and asses?"

"You have a problem!"
"You don't have a problem! I have a problem!"

These will remain uncredited...for obvious reasons :)

( 3:42 AM ) Meghan

"So, Meghan. What are you going to do once you've graduated college?"

I'm going to Disney World!!

( 8:18 AM ) Meghan

The statistics are good. Four significant canine encounters in four years of college and for each one I have returned him home or at least found temporary shelter. This last one is something special to reflect on. Three times before I have done this. With the help and patience of my sainted roommates, I have been the one to expend time, energy, and resources to get these animals home. Tonight in the search for the owners of the fourth, I came across an apartment of generous girls willing to take him in for awhile. It was a beautiful thing. They fell in love with him as he trotted confidently into their home and I knew it was to be. So I let him go. And as I handed over the leash and our last cans of Pedigree, a strange feeling came over me. This was part of the transition. Soon I will be leaving JMU and I won't be able to give physically of myself to the community (human or canine) any longer. My contributions here are nearly done, but not forgotten. In giving our neighbors a puppy, I gave also a part of myself. I provided them some advice, some food, and a temporary pet but more importantly, I gave them an opportunity to experience something wonderful that I had experienced three times over.

Not much more time will pass before JMU will become an era in my memory. But in these last weeks I will see to it that a piece of my spirit remains.

( 9:39 PM ) Meghan

I need to calm down. And get away. Preferably both. Maybe even graduate?

( 10:21 AM ) Meghan

Hm...I wonder if the China King in Charlottesville still has yet to post our pictures behind the register. It's been ages since I've had that much fun with straws and Jello. Simultaneously, anyway...

Thanks to Mike and Ginger for helping me to laugh off a really crappy week. I needed that.

And now, onward and upward--policy analysis, ho!

( 10:15 AM ) Meghan

This is a song for the lonely, can you hear me tonight?
For the broken hearted, battle scarred,
I'll be by your side.
And this is a song for the lonely
When your dreams won't come true.
Can you hear this prayer?
Because someone's there for you.

Though love don't need a reason,
She can pick you up or leave you bleeding.
I've seen a strong man cry,
I know the reason why.
We all forgive, we all forget,
We just keep believing.

--Cher, A Song for the Lonely

( 6:13 PM ) Meghan

Yeah, this is definitely one of those weeks where everything is pissing me off. The phone is driving me crazy at work, homework is hanging over my head at home, and I am feeling quite Violated by Certain, AnonymoUs graduate programs. Because, of course, after doing hundreds of hours of volunteer work at JMU for four years, I lack direct service experience with people. Uh-huh. Encore, encore! How about another BS song-and-dance from higher level learning?

So I came home from the bookstore today with my newly purchased cap and gown, only to hear JMU and the city of Harrisonburg being knocked seven ways from Sunday with insults and criticism. Now, these comments weren't new...I had been hearing them for years and do not claim myself innocent from occasionally joining in on the jeers. "Harrisonburg has no resources," "JMU is a haven only for frat boys and sorority girls with bullshit majors that don't matter..." In essence, the message was that I go to a fake university in a rinky-dink town.

Well, you know what? I will be the first to admit that JMU is not the most prestigious school, nor is Harrisonburg the most affluent city. But I have spent four of the best years of my life here in this "less than" area and I have consistently been surprised with greatness. The Social Work Department is one of few places where I will always feel that I belong. It houses incredible people with unimaginable wisdom, some of which I know has been passed to me and I am a far better person for it. The town residents have little to no pretention to their character--they tell it like it is and respect all walks of life. The constant southern drawl...pink and goldenrod sunsets that pierce the mountain skyline...Christmas carols on the chimes at Wilson Hall...the feeling of fresh evening dew from the Quad on my feet...D-hall cheese sticks and Lakeside Veggie Melts...random nights with insane friends, rescuing dogs and arguing religion. These are just some of the things I'll miss when I graduate and move on to supposed bigger and better things. But for now I will just be proud of my school and its town. Because, above all, I make the choice every day to be a part of both.

( 11:01 PM ) Meghan

On Her Majesty's Secret Server...