Auntie

I am an only child, a trait that causes most people to say, "Ohhh. Yeah, I could see that." I have most of the eccentricities common in such a person: enough imagination to keep myself occupied, some self-centeredness (sorry), and control of parents' future healthcare.

I totally dig it. I'd probably have been a brutal older sister, stealing the child's lunch money and such. But having no siblings means that I won't be an aunt (here pronounced "ont," not "ant." I made that homonymal mistake on an aunt's birthday card, and was shamed.) unless I marry a guy with nephews (which makes him...nephewed?)

Meanwhile, each time my cousins announce a pregnancy, I think "Now I get to be an aunt! No--I'll just be a second cousin again." This is mildly frustrating. Now that my friends are venturing into the marital and maternal realms (Erin, Alexis, Jen), I again think--nope, still not related. In fact, everyone I can think of already has siblings who will be their kids' aunts.

So, I humbly request Former-Roommate-Current-Friend-Pseudo-Auntie status. Your kids can call me Laura. Or Wawa.

Facebook & Foreign Travel (Academically Speaking)

Everyone knows that social media has drastically changed the way we communicate. Information is immediate, concise, and meant to be seen. People use it for self-promotion, which is fine. But when companies use it, I find it...fascinating. Yes, they're communicating with a new demographic and expanding horizons, which is great for marketing. For instance, JSTOR has a Facebook page (as do many restaurants and themed dorm parties). I don't want to rag on this academic site because students were asking questions via wall posts, and JSTOR was actually responding to their concerns.

But then JSTOR made a simple announcement that website maintenance would take place that night, to which a girl actually responded "lulz...oh JSTOR! :) <3".

Oh, social network. It's the only place where everone, from academics to LOLgurlz, can really be friends (that, and The Breakfast Club).

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And now for something completely different:

Apparently foreign contries are the place to be--and work. Two of my best friends--one from HS, one from college--have moved to Korea to teach English. Within weeks of one another. Another gal is in France, presumably also teaching English. AND NOW, Liz from freshman year is threatening (via blog) to move around the world in order to find a teaching position. Fascinating.

That's all--just, fascinating.