The electronic age

I'm definitely a part of the generation that does everything electronically. I have an iPod, laptop, and wireless Internet access at home. I check my email up constantly. I keep in touch with friends through Facebook. I text more than I talk on the phone. I do a lot of shopping online.

The quick, efficient streamlining that technology has introduced is something that I value. I like not having a million CD cases everywhere. I like being able to receive information about my friends in one place (like Facebook news feeds and Twitter microblogs).

However, I think I am on the more conservative side of the electronic-savvy generation. The friends I am the closest with I call and physically spend time with. I still send hand-written thank-you notes and letters.

It seems to me that technology has also encouraged laziness in keeping relationships alive. My generation is leaning towards complacency with superficial knowledge of one another. Important relationships are built on experiences with each other and partaking in meaningful conversations about life, love, and all that is in between. Certainly relationships can begin with sharing similar interests in bands and movies. But, deeper relationships must move beyond that.

We all have a need to be wanted and loved. Is this how we fill this need? Fulfillment of our need for relationships comes first from knowing we are worth being loved because the Father loves us, and from investing time, vulnerability, and love in others.

I have been thinking about this after reading criticism of the "25 things" phenomenon on Facebook and discussing the endangered CD in my Music Overview class. Good and bad have come from the explosion of technology into our everyday lives. I can connect with more people and things (so much more that it can be consuming if I don't watch my habits). However, that connection can easily become superficial.


Anyway, I'm going to update about my first Mardi Gras experience soon. I want to post some pictures. Mardi Gras was fantastic.

February

February, as my husband put it, has been one big party. Not only have we celebrated his birthday and Valentine's Day, but this month has been consumed by Mardi Gras fever. Since this is my first carnival season, I have been surprised at how important Mardi Gras is to this town. Heck, my friend Alexis told me that while she had her class of 4 year olds making Valentine's Day boxes, the other classes were making Mardi Gras floats. Wow.

One local man told me that he leaves town every year for Mardi Gras. But, this sentiment seems relatively uncommon. In fact, I am seeing that most locals see the season as something very different from the infamous reputation Mardi Gras has taken up. Mardi Gras, for the people who were born and raised here, is a fun time of hanging out with family and friends as well as celebrating life with the rest of the community. Certainly the meaning of Mardi Gras is to be as debaucherous as you see fit, but you can be like that every day of the year here in New Orleans.

My coworkers, professors, and classmates are always very willing to tell me about their favorite parade, spot to watch the parades, and tradition associated with the season. Everyone has an opinion about the best king cake (we have had king cake every Friday since January 6 at work). Parades started the week of Matt's birthday (Feb. 7). I am very surprised at how many parades can occur in one month in one city.

I used to have strong convictions about participating in Mardi Gras because of what it represents. However, after being in New Orleans, I'm realizing that Mardi Gras is what you make it. Also, if I were to shun the very mention of Mardi Gras, then I would be isolating myself from this community. Mardi Gras is an essential part of this culture. I want to enjoy it and find a deeper understanding and love of the people I live around.

Our new kitchen lights.

Matt says these are reflective of us: "almost cool."

Anxiety

I have been struggling with anxiety for the past couple of weeks. Big decisions, money, and the economy have been weighing on my mind. My mood has seriously suffered.

At work, I would read the news because I get bored. All that the newspaper cares about is the worsening economy and all of the ideas to fix it. I have some serious disagreements about the blame pushed on Bush and the possible solutions to stimulate growth.

Right now, Matt and I are pretty safe from the declining economy. Our jobs are realtively secure, we don't own a house, or have any children. But, I know that I will be forced into finding a real job within the next year and half. Unfortunately, the arts are not doing too well with the decline in available funding. Matt reminds me that I have to have faith.

Fortunately, God seems to be working out my internship issues. There are plenty of organizations in town that want free help and respect our graduate program. I might also be able to have my scholarship pay for it... but, we're still trying to work out the details. I'm really thankful to have God's watchful provision and a program director who really cares about his students.


Well, on another note, it's Carnival season here in New Orleans. I've had at least 2 king cakes a week (and I haven't gotten the baby yet!!). Matt got an extension on his thesis, so he will be able to enjoy the parades with me. Oh my gosh, I'm soo excited about Mardi Gras.