Pied Beauty: January 2006

Alright, I am still pissed off at the control money has over me ever since I began my budget. So I was wondering, is there anyone out there who is responsible with their money and doesn't feel like it rules their life? Maybe its just me. How do you reconcile Jesus' complete abandonment of money and even possessions with our lifestyles? Money seems to be a necessary evil, but is that just the assumptions of my culture speaking?

One of my New Years' resolutions is to make a budget and stick to it. So, this is my first month and I just hate it. I hate money. I wish it didn't exist. I hate it that I can't forget about it, that I have to be responsible and conscious of it all the time. I hate the way I have to be controlled by it, the way it dictates what I can and cannot do. Can't I just live my life free from the constraints of money? I am reminded of what Christ said. We cannot serve two masters, but in some sense I must acknowledge the power of money. I should just sell everything I own and be a wandering vagabond. So there.

Academia sucks today. I feel stupid and apathetic. Thank God for self-discipline. Ha! Like I have any! But for the precious little I do have I am thankful.

This is an article on Amnesty International's web called Five Stories: Women Human Rights Defenders. This is what I want to do when I grow up. Seriously though. Sometimes I dread that I will end up with my PhD in feminist ethics, reading and writing books, theorizing, teaching rich white kids and doing absolutely nothing to bring the kingdom of God. Christ save me from a life of mediocrity.

I went to the Norton Simon with Jeremy on Monday. When I saw this painting, I immediately felt an affinity with this woman. I think it's because she looks a bit like me, is beautiful and has great taste (I love her dress!). Still, it was the story behind this painting that really moved and challenged me. The painter is a woman who chose exile over supporting a government she disapproved of. She challenges me to be a prophetess and to fight against systemic injustice. How difficult it must have been for her as a perpetual foreigner and an artist to boot! Thepotrait is of the Countess of Kinsky, who was forced into an arranged marriage. She met her husband at their wedding. Immediately after the ceremony he abandoned her to go to his mistress. The painting reminds me of my privilege and the ensuing responsibility. I could be her, forced into a marriage for economic and political reasons. But I can marry for love and pursue the career of my choice. I must live my dreams fearlessly and boldly and always remember how many women came before me and suffered under patriarchy, women who never had the chance to test their wings or follow their hearts.

In Memorium:

On Friday the Thriteenth of January Two-Thousand Six, the computer owned by Joy Cheri Stefoni crashed and died. All pictures, papers and personalization dating back to 1996 were lost. Let us honor these memories and hard work with a moment of silence.

*weeping, wailing and the renting of clothing*

Doesn't that just suck? I lost it all. Hence the length between posts. Yes, I cried, multiple times actually. And all over a piece of equipment. Sigh. Well, moving on to bigger things in Joy's life... I unintentionally dyed a pair of pants yesterday. They were khaki, but after the attack of a new red rug (I should have known better), they are decidedly pink. But I totally love them! The color is surprisingly consistent, and I feel like I have a new pair of pants. Of course they were new already. Yep, they were the famous pair of size six pants. I am so jazzed about my one-of-a-kind pants that I am going to try it on other pants. Specifically, the other ruined pair that turned a funky maroon color. I'm thinking brown.

On a more depressing note, I have had an awful start to my quarter. Let us just say that there have been three Bs in Joy's life in the last two weeks. I know, I feel idiotic and apathetic. Pray for me. Actually, two of them became A-s and the third will become an A, but I still feel totally defeated academically. I must have gotten cocky after last quarter, which totally rocked. I was so inspired and encouraged. Now, I feel like escaping to Figi. Any takers? Lets meet at the Garth tomorrow at noon.

Random Topic: I bought this totally awesome CD by James Blunt. You might have heard his song You're Beautiful. I LOVE the whole CD and am listening to it right now. Sigh. Its so romantic, melancholy and full of angst. I love drama.

These are some of my pictures from my trip to visit Rosa in Chicago...

Rosa and Joy iceskating in downtown Chicago!

I LOVE this picture! Rosa could not stop laughing!

Rosa and I took a trip up to Wisconsin. Of course, Rosa and I had to hit every coffeeshop on the way. This was my favorite. The view was breathtaking.