Nature Here at OU

First, I am compelled to note that Oklahoma weather has been putting me into an absolute quandary as to how I am supposed to leave the dorm.  Should I bring sunscreen, because it might be almost 90 degrees?  Should I bring an umbrella or snow boots, in case it really does get down to 32 degrees?  Should I just not leave at all, because a thunderstorm warning has been issued (via the rather frightening intercom in the dorms) and hazardous conditions may develop?  There is no shortage of weather excitement around here.

But on those wonderful occasions when the weather is resting at a mild 70 or so degrees, the campus really looks beautiful.  Thanks to Daylight Savings Time I was able to see this view of the moon on Sunday, around 6:45 pm, between two of the 

Cate Quads:

Another nature happening of note involves the OU squirrels.  Yes, the infamous squirrels.  They somewhat disappeared during the ice storm and have been scarce in the days since, but a run-in I had to day reminded me that they are still an 

active 

part of campus...There's something very unnerving about their boldness, almost as if they're perpetually experiencing Finals Week (for squirrels) and cannot help but dash around madly and launch themselves into any object that looks like it could be a landing pad.

Today, in the indecisive grey period before the cold front fully arrived, I was sitting in the courtyard outside of the Union (eating my Big Zeus wrap from the Laughing Tomato; I wouldn't recommend it as highly as California Craze or their whole wheat cookies) when I saw a squirrel scampering among the flower bushes.  Typical.  I returned to my studying, but when 

I looked up, was amazed to see that the squirrel was a mere two feet from my face and staring hungrily at my food!  He ran around my table a little bit, hopped onto the chair, and then raced across the ground and up into the flower bushes again.  This scenario kept repeating itself.  He would investigate another student's table, then pop his little head up onto the chair of my table, and eventually climb up to stare at me before giving a heedless leap over to the covered fountain.  Thankfully, I had my camera with me!

Those squirrels.

Eating Environment

Dear Readers,
As some of you know... "The Caf" has been redone! It is a fantastic thing that has happened on our campus! Before, I found myself wandering aimlessly trying to find a place to eat other than the caf. Now I embrace it with a warm, but usually empty, tummy. I have also found that most of the reason why I didn't partake in the caf as MUCH last semester was due to the staunch environment surrounding it. I don't live in the Towers, so I'm not used to the busy, get-out-of-my-way-or-I-will-probably-kill-you-with-one-glance atmosphere. I am used to a calm, independent vibe. So going to the caf was stressful. Plus, who decided to paint the walls white anyway? That's just gross. But NOW the caf is refurnished with colors, dark wood, and black plastic chairs... and dare I even say it... booths of a grandiose size. There's also a lovely stir-fry place (I like the Teriyaki sauce).I find myself wanting to go there...I think I will. Text me if you ever want to go to this lovely place... I may even pay your way in. But really, it depends on who you are.

How much does the "atmosphere" of a restaurant matter to you? Which place on campus do you eat the most? (If you eat on campus at all)

Burning Calories

The number of people on bicycles has followed the change in temperature.  

Last week I ate in the Caf twice.  I have never eaten in the Caf before.  As I am a transfer student, I was not forced upon its necessity.  Of that I am thankful.  Were I to have been here my freshman year, my frame would, inevitably, carry more weight than at present.  

Most countries have a type of food they are known for (i.e. Mexican, Chinese, etc.).  One could make a case that hamburgers or casseroles are the All-American food, but I beg to differ.  All-you-can-eat is the All-American food.  All-you-can-eat Mexican is American.  Chinese buffet is American.  Pizza buffet is American.  It doesn't matter the quality of the food.  If it is unlimited we will eat it.  How do you think Golden Corral survives?  

Both times I was at the Caf, I ate till I could eat no more.  I bet that each meal contained well over my daily recommended calorie intake.  Were I to eat at the Caf daily, I would most certainly indulge myself every time (thanks to my quick metabolism).  

I feel all alone when I ride down the south oval.  Don't be bound by the weather.  Ride with me! 

North Oval Lights

As a ballet major, I spend a lot of time in the North Oval.  I get to see how it looks at all hours of the day, from 8am to 10pm to 4am (don't worry, that last one wasn't for ballet).  Accordingly, I've noticed some strange things about the lights over there...

First of all, the ballet building.  Reynolds Performing Arts Center has a very pretty dancer statue/fountain situated right in front of it, which all of us look at when we're distracted in class.  One night I was walking out of the building when I saw a shadow projection of the dancer on the bricks of RPAC!  There was something strangely beautiful and creepy about it.  There's always a "dancer" around, even if she isn't human.

Secondly, during my freezing cold 4 am breakfast at the Union (before a 6:30 flight home) I happened to look up at the Physical Science Center.  There was one light on in the building- on the very top floor.  Who in the world would want to be alone in the PSC?  Let alone at 4 in the morning?  If it were me I would be hiding under the desk.  I'd probably call Safe Walk, then make them come up the elevators to get me, because I'd be so freaked out at leaving my office...alone...and going down disconnected elevators...alone...and waiting in the maze-like lower levels...alone.  Maybe someone just forgot to turn off an office light?  It's possible.  But still mysterious.

Finally, let's give a "hurrah" to the construction team that finished work on the old science building next to the Chemistry building!  It was neat to finally see the fence down, and probably a relief for all those bikers and pedestrians who nearly crashed around the blind corner.  However, I do have one question.  While the fence was up, the lamppost was clearly bent down to one side to accommodate the slats.  Now it's upright again and looks like a normal lamp.  So how do you do that type of thing?  Just whack it until it bends, then hope you can re-straighten it?  Does it still work?  Who knows.

The Conundrum That Is...Puppies..?

Dear Observer,

Do you you ever wonder what animals do when you aren't around? (That's weird phrasing). We'll go with a different idea-----> There are a lot of animals here at OU. It is a lovely thing to be walking down the South Oval and almost trip over a squirrel, or freak out when a huge black dog followed by a small white, fluffy dog comes barreling towards you. Although I would love to analyze either OU squirrels or the random two dogs one sees over and over, this post isn't about that. This post is about the lack of animal involvement here at OU. As an inhabitant of the dorms, I feel like I am lacking a certain bond with fuzzy creatures that I desperately need. I know many of us reminisce about our furry critters at home with loving thoughts and longing for home...It is a sad journey we have traveled far from them. : (
I have found the bizarre solution! There is this site that has live, and I mean LIVE, feed of a litter of puppies! I'm not sure exactly what kind they are, but they are cute, and they are fun to watch...for...a few minutes...at a time...
Here it is! A pet without having to feed it, take it outside to potty, or hear it bark! http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.45.swf?cid=317016
[Actually, I just wanted to share this site with everyone because I think it is so strange, and I had to find a way to tie it into an observation at OU.]



Revision:::/// After reading Thomas' quote, some of you might be thinking..."Whaaaaaat?" Well, if you want to see this said ugliest dog in the world, click the link below. Be careful. This dog ruins relationships and lives just by looking at it. http://www.thelookmachine.com/weblog/uploaded_images/copy_of_sam_july_4_parade_beverly_hills_-760605.jpg

Where's Waldo?

The University of Oklahoma and primarily the South Oval is a sea: a sea of faces.  As I go about my routine on campus, I must confess, I do not give much thought to the thousands of other people I see.  I feel like I see new people every day, and I am sure that I do, but the majority of the people I see are probably people just like me: people going about their routine, giving no thought to everyone else.  

There are, however, four people I remember; the square bearded professor, the no-shoes kid, the long-hair bearded smoker, and the classic nerd.   I feel like I see them more than the thousands of other people, but in reality I see them no more than the others.  What is it about these four individuals that makes them stand out?  Why does everyone else 'blend in'?  Do they stick out to me? Do they stand out to everyone else? 

I hold that these four individuals do stand out to everyone.  Perhaps some of you see them too.  They stand out because they do not fit in.  They don't look like the rest.  They have achieved what we all strive for: individuality.  We all want to stand out, to be our own person.  We want people to remember us.  We want to leave behind a legacy.  It is a shame that so few have achieved this.  Most of us go about trying to achieve individuality by imitation.  We model our lives around individuals.  We wear what they wear.  We do what they do.  What a shame.  We are afraid that no one will like us if we are who are.  So, we change ourselves to fit in and in so doing we nullify what we are trying to achieve.  

Next time you walk on campus, I encourage you to look for these people.  Who do you see the most?  Do you see me? 

from Russia

Things you didn't realize that you observe at OU:
(ie, things I am not observing in Russia, and wishing I could observe)

- toilet seats on public toilets
- more than 10 hours straight without rain
- wifi that actually works
- somewhere to plug a computer in when wifi is finally found
- something besides soup to eat
- customer service, i.e. politeness
- riding in a car every once in a while (I only ever ride the metro or walk). Oh, or driving a car.
- having something to do

that's all I can think of right now.