Ugh

Today I yammered on in class, incoherently, for a good three minutes, about Nietzsche and Foucault. I'm tired of hearing myself think. I apologize to whomever experiences it, if I come off like a know-at-all at times. I shall now go window-shop at Forver21 to relive the academic-static brain.

Fall '09 Class #1: Qualitative Research Methods

OK! So I started my fall semester today. My class on Thursdays is Qualitative Research Methods. I went, and it was great, except for one small thing: I need a research project. Well really, I needed a research project like yesterday, because when we went around the class and everyone talked about what they wanted to research, I was the only one without a clear plan.

I've been mulling over the concept of looking at womens processes of self representation in fashion blogs. That would tie many of my interests together. The research question would be: what factors contribute to womens decisions to write online about what they wear? I can think of several bloggers that I would be interested in interviewing.

But first I need to do a literature review. What have other people written about with regards to this concept of networked female sartorial representation... fashion as motivation for networked female authorship... I mean, this isn't a social justice issue. But it's a social expression and community-building issue. So... I don't know. I'm still thinking it over. One thing the professor said a couple of times is that we need a clearly defined rationale.

What is the rationale behind this project? What does it contribute? I do think there's something there behind the fact that some women get self-motivated, personally involved, and driven to express themselves through this medium. How is this form of social expression safe? How is it risky? How is it a positive experience? How is it a negative experience?

Hm. Just thoughts.

Health Care Reform

Almost everyone I know has troubles with health care, and we're just normal lower middle class people. Some are students, some are unemployed, some are barely hanging on to their jobs, some freelance, and some make such paltry wages, I don't know how they keep up with all the fiscal responsibilities.

I've been appalled at the resistance to health care reform in this country. It's scandalous. The health insurance system in this country is broken. The only people with decent coverage are those with stable employment, but jobs are scarce, and businesses are faltering and closing their doors. Reform legislation needs to pass with bi-partisan support. The anti-reform movement is powerful, and the pro-reform people need to stay vigilant. That's why I like the simple presentation of info on the White House's Reality Check site. Smart, simple, and clear. That's powerful.

Also, because I never totally drink the government's kool-aid, no matter how cool the president seems to be, I like the PolitiFact site for staying on top of what's real and what's just smoke, mirrors, and false rumors.

Dresses. Again.

Yesterday was payday, and I went online shopping! I bought two dresses from Modcloth, and I can't wait for them to get here. In the process, I kind of realized something about my style.

It's always going to be kind of pin-up/50's flirt. There's a natural affinity between this style and the hourglass body type. Whether that's in or not, with the rest of the world, seems kind of irrelevant. It's what I like.

So that was kind of a revelation. Lately, going to stuff with friends, I've been finding myself defending my desire to get dressed up for even the simple get-togethers. But, frankly, that's just who I am. I like getting dolled up. I do that thing.

It's fun!