Loudmouths

It’s not too crowded today, but of course I’m sitting right in-between the two largest, loudest groups on the whole place. The group on my right is talking in detail about all the stupid things they did while intoxicated this past weekend. Classy guys, real classy. The group on my left is larger so it’s just 6 or 7 people all talking aver each other at the same time. I cant quite make out what anyone is talking about.

            One important thing I’ve noticed while doing these observations is that, much like everyday life situations, your mood in that moment really effects your reaction to the people and circumstances around you that you’re taking in. For example, right now: In an ideal situation I would find the two groups’ conversations entertaining and funny. But instead, I’ve been sick all week and it’s nearly 3pm yet I still haven’t had any coffee today, therefore I’m tired and more than a little cranky. So rather than being entertained by the loud groups, I’m mostly just irritated and wondering when they’ll be getting the hell out of here. Don’t they have work to do? Or lives outside of the Corbett Center? These are the questions that plague me rather than me actually making some kind of scholarly observations about them and the tiny moment of their lives that I’m witnessing and recording.

            I realize that this observation is more about me than these loud annoying groups at this moment, but bear with me, I’m sleep-deprived. If this were a serious ethnography about a different culture or people I was observing, I wouldn’t be able to talk about myself or my role as the observer at all really. That’s something I feel like I’ve really struggled with these last several weeks doing this project. As a person I’m very much in tune (aka controlled) by my emotions so keeping them to myself in order to be unbiased as been difficult for me.

ANYWAY: the table on my left as quieted down for the most part. Most everyones mouths are full of food, so theres not much talking happening, only two of them aren’t eating, but rather actually studying. The group on my right however is still trucking on. They make jokes and laugh loudly and obnoxiously, one girl just made this big to-do about how she spilled her drink, and one boy is on his phone talking to a mutual friend of the group, telling whoever it is that they should come join the fun at Corbett.

            I’m feeling very judgmental toward them right now but will keep it to myself. I can’t allow my feelings of irritation toward these people taint the nature of my observations.

Body Language

The concept of body language and other types of nonverbal communication has always intrigued me. Most of the time, we don’t notice specifically what other people are saying subconsciously with the positions of their bodies, or even what we’re saying to other people. For example, as I sit here I’m watching a boy and girl sitting together at a table talking. If I had to take an educated guess, I’d say that they were not a couple. Why would I assume this? Simple: their body language. As I’m watching, I find it very obvious that the boy is interested in her, but she does not reciprocate the feeling. On one side, he has both his legs and shoulders pointed directly at her. He’s holding her gaze and listening thoughtfully. She, on the other hand, has her legs crossed away from him and keeps looking around, almost as if she’s looking for someone better to talk to.

A few tables away sit two young men, one a little older who has an air of being a person of power in the younger man’s life. He sits with good posture and confidence enough to make continuous eye contact. The younger man, though, seems nervous and uneasy, as if he’s in trouble. His body language is very submissive: he’s slouching in on himself and his eyes are darting around. He leaves his superior with an annoyed, frustrated look on his face. About 10 minutes after he leaves, another young man comes to join the superior. He starts out looking fairly calm, but as the conversation progressed he begins to take on the last guy’s submissive, almost frightened posture and body positioning.

I turn my attention back to the couple on my left. The girl’s body position is still basically the same: good posture, speaking animatedly, not really taking much notice of whom she’s actually speaking to. The boy’s, though, looks quite different. He seems much more agitated and restless than normal. He’s bounding his legs, switching back and forth between the two, drumming his fingers, and looking around the room rather than directly at her. Maybe he’s nervous or uncomfortable, or maybe he’s simply just grown bored.

As I look around the room I try to identify how different people are feeling based on their body language:

·      Two boys laugh while they study and slap each other on the back—theyre both relieved that they’re not the only on who doesn’t have a clue about how to do their assignment.

·      A boy and a girl sit in the corner booth, facing each other sitting as closely as they con to each other without being on top of each other—they’re in the beginning “love bubble” stage of their relationship.

·      A girl slouches over a computer keyboard with her food on her lap, looking slightly dissatisfied—she’s stressing out about an exam or assignment coming up that she’s not prepared for.

·      A lady sits alone at a table. She’s been here for awhile already but still sits pin straight in clear view of the doors, looking that way every few minutes—she’s waiting on someone who’s obviously late.

If you know what you’re looking for, people are easy to read.

People Pleaser

So today I did my observations a little bit differently. I’ve been so very short on any kind of extra time, so I did the only thing I could think of and broke my time up into two parts between my two classes. So I first went in at around 12:30 and stayed for about a half hour, then went in again a little after 2:30 and only ended up staying just shy of 20 minutes before sprinting to my English class.

Needless to say it was kind of an odd day as far as observations go, but what made it really odd was that both times I went in, two different people asked me to watch their things for them. The first was two girls who looked a little older than me. I was sitting in a booth against the wall and they were sitting at the table directly in front of me. They asked me if I was going to be there for a few minutes, and as I had about 15 minutes before I had to leave, I said yes. So they asked me to watch their things and promised they would be right back. Eight minutes later, I started to get a little worried that I’d have to leave their things unattended. It’s not that I thought their things would actually get stolen if I left them there, it’s more the principle of following through on a promise. So I kept waiting, and started to panic a little about two minutes before my expected takeoff time. Needless to say I didn’t get a lot of other observing done. Then literally as I’m gathering my things, feeling bad about leaving their things alone, they walk back in like they haven’t been gone for almost twenty minutes, thank me for watching their things, and go back to whatever they were doing before. I ran out of there like a crazy person, thinking to myself how that’s the last time I do that.

Two hours later I’m back in Corbett. I’ve been sitting for about a total of 36 seconds when some guy comes over and sits next to me. I was, again, at one of those long booths, so it’s not like he snuggled right up next to me or anything, but he said hello and took out his food to eat. About a minute later, he asks me if I’m going to be here a few minutes and if I can watch his things for him. The words, “Yeah of course,” were out of my mouth before I could even form a thought in my brain. But I told myself it will be fine, I have twenty minutes and I’m SURE he won’t take so long like those last girls did. Long story short he did. Right as I’m about to go into panic mode and start thinking up excuses to tell my English teacher why I was late, he comes back in. He thanked me of course, apologized for taking so long, and promptly launched into the story of how he was looking at a bike to buy. He was a foreign exchange student so I had a little trouble understanding when he was talking fast but it was kind of cool how we just ended up having a conversation about bikes. Before I realized I was going to be late of course, and had to run off.

Last year I went to community college in my home state of Oregon. I lived in Eugene for 7 years and it’s an awesome, uber-friendly little town. But the college was not. I hardly ever talked to anyone even in my own classes. So coming here and having people just come sit down and talk to me is really nice. Most days I go sit and make my observations, at least one person will say hello or ask me how I am. Sometimes they’ll ask if a seat at my table is taken and sit to eat their lunch or study and, more often than not, chit chat with me. It’s really refreshing to be in a place that is so friendly with people who aren’t afraid to come sit down  and talk with a stranger.

Skype Relationship

It’s so crowded today! There’s a lot of hustle and bustle, people coming in and out and stopping to chat with friends before going on their merry ways. Almost every table is full; it’s a wonder I even found anywhere to sit today. There are a lot of study groups, or individuals studying, books spread out and fingers flying on laptops. Midterms are next week and everyone is preparing. Except for those lucky few that don’t have any midterms, but of course none of them would be spending their days fighting for study space at Corbett.

What I love about Corbett Center is that there are so many different people that come through here. I never see the same people twice and can make observations about so many different people in a short amount of time. Well usually. Some days are slower than others… But, especially on days like today, there’s a lot of variety.

The girl right in front of me is skyping with her boyfriend. I actually couldn’t say for sure that it’s her boyfriend, but by the way she’s giggling and playing with her hair every thirty seconds, I’d say it’s a safe guess. When she first came and sat down, she seemed just neutral—not in a great mood but not in a bad one either. But as soon as she opened her laptop and said hello it was like a whole different person sitting there. I love watching people talk to their significant others, especially if they don’t get to see them that often. It’s so intriguing how, first of all, they’re so different when they’re talking with them from their normal, everyday selves. But at the same time, it’s almost like they’re their best selves. Being in a good, healthy relationship tends to bring out the best in people, in my opinion, and that kind of relationship is usually when you’re boyfriend/girlfriend/what-have-you, pushes you to strive to be the best person you can be. So being able to see that in a total stranger is almost inspiring, because it validates the thoughts and ideas that I have about relationships and love.     

I’ve seen a lot of couples around campus, and several for my observations, but this one is my favorite so far. She’s sitting sideways to me and I’ve scooted all the way to the end of the booth so I can see her computer screen as well (because that’s just the kind of creep I am apparently). Just the way these two light up when they see and talk to each other is so great. Obviously he doesn’t live in town, and I know that any kind of long-distance relationship is difficult, especially a romantic one. It’s easy to get into a rut and even lose interest a little. Out of sight out of mind right? So for them to still be able to hold onto that joy and excitement when they are able to actually see each other’s faces is just really sweet. I’m glad I got to witness it.

Red Hot Riding Hood

The dinner rush is big tonight. I waited in a long line to enter the cafeteria, something that nearly never happens.

As I sit down, I notice a solid mixture of large and small groups. I am one of the few people sitting alone today. 

I look around and immediately notice a couple girls in athletic clothes walk by and a huge table full of boys almost break their necks to get a better look. I couldn’t help but crack a smile and this stereotypical, almost cartoonish, occurrence.

I’ve noticed that it’s hard to make good observations here without making extremely awkward eye contact. I’ve done it twice in the last 5 minutes. People are more attentive than I previously imagined before making field notes. 

girl on her phone waits for her friend

Frat guys leave in a huge group, over ten of them. It’s like a scary mob. As they leave the check their phones and wave to different girls passing by.

I keep seeing one guy in particular turn his head nearly every time a pretty girl walks by; his eyes fixated at what seems to be their butts. I’ll call him Dave. He doesn’t try to hide his fascination at all, he’s literally sipping on his coffee as he watches girls pass by.

Almost every table here is occupied. It’s hard to keep tabs on everyone since there is so much happening. I can’t find Blue Jumpsuit, my usual suspect of interest. I plan on observing Dave for the remainder of my stay.

He keeps his phone in hand as he takes bites of his food, looks up, and lets his eyes wander. I wonder if he’s expecting something on his phone or if it’s just habit. 

A guy and a girl are play fighting. She’s lightly punching him and he’s laughing as he flexes his muscles. She eventually got tired and returned to eating, he put that same arm around her waist.

That’s all for now. Until next time.

Couple Season

There aren’t very many people sitting alone today. Coming in to the cafeteria right in between lunch and dinner constitutes for quiet, a low mumble of voices in the air.

The room is filled with the smell of blueberry waffles. A few people are waiting for theirs to finish cooking, standing with great anticipation with their plates held tight to their chests.

I’m sitting next to a large booth filled with guys. As they talk, one loudly raps a song saying “bands a make her dance”. I recognize this song from the radio. It’s pretty derogatory, meaning that bands of dollar bills make strippers dance. No one seems to give him any attention.

Ahead of me, two guys sit with one girl. They’re talking and smiling, and as they all get up to leave one of the guys grabbed her plate for her to take it to the dirty dishes. They’re most likely dating and the third male must be a friend.

A guy wearing an ASNMU shirt sits on his phone eating alone. I wonder if he’s working on things related to student government on his phone or if he’s just playing games/on social media. He looks pretty focused on whatever he’s doing.

As the weather begins to change, I’m noticing a lot more couples than previously. It may be because we’ve been in school long enough now that relationships are starting to be built. Either this, or lots of friendships have been formed between the female and male students. It’s hard to say either way.

A woman walked in with her son. He’s running wild, perhaps 5 or 6 years old. He grabs into the salad bin with his bare hands, the woman didn’t notice. She handed her son a cup filled with soda and he quickly spills it. A worker comes to the rescue with a mop and smiles at the boy. The woman must be his mother and a student here at the university. I’ve noticed quite a few students with what I assume to be their children recently. It must be tough to raise a child and focus on ones education.

As I look around, I notice more people who have sat down alone to eat. As they eat, they look through their phones. 

To the other side of me in a booth, three girls are talking about their family’s. One of them mentions her sisters birthday who is coming up. They are all three African American, thus bringing up my previous observation that races tend to sit together.

The guys sitting in the booth are talking about sports and passing around their smartphone with the latest scores on it. Whenever someone in the booth needs to get up, he hops over back of booth rather than scooting out. I’ve never seen any females do this.

The ASNMSU guy has left in a hurry. He must have student government business to attend to.

Blue Jumpsuit is here wearing muscle shirt that says USA. I see him often in the cafeteria, he must come here for every meal. I can’t make out what he’s saying, but he’s talking to one of the workers and keeps touching his elbow. They hug as he walks away. He goes back to sit with one other male friend, they are drinking chocolate milk- a good post exercise drink.

There are a lot more guys are sitting together than girls today.

The group of guys sitting next to me are leaving. As they leave, one guy shouts “go talk to her!”

My meal is over and people are catching on to my observing them. Better go.

Time Change

Tonight’s dinner is a bit slow, everyone is relaxed and quiet. My guess is that the time change caused people to show up to dinner earlier than usual. At 6:40 PM, the traffic here is nearly nonexistent.

There are small groups of people here today, most tables consist of groups of 2 to 4 people. Unlike previous days, there are more females than males. The three closest tables to me each have two girls sitting at them. One of the tables has sorority girls, their shirts say so in bold, neon pink writing. They were in the middle of eating when they caught sight of someone and left, leaving their dirty plates on the table.

A couple, one guy and one girl, drink orange juice and eat a waffle together. They’re both of Asian decent and are speaking a language other than English. 

Other than that, nothing interesting is going on tonight. A lot of people are drinking coffee with their meals. Most of the girls here are dressed comfortably, wearing sweats and boots. The few guys that are here are wearing hat’s most of them are worn backwards.

The boy in the Asian couple is taking his and her plate to the dirty dishes. She turned around smiling and said something in her language, to which he smiled back. He is returning now with a cup of coffee or tea.

As I look around, I notice that there are more few older people here than usual. About four older gentleman sit alone at different tables. Two of them are looking at their smartphones. It’s reassuring in a strange way to see older people use the same technology that we college students use. Perhaps not all technology is evil like my grandma thinks.

The crowd is dying down even more so than before. If I stay here much longer I’ll be the last one in the cafeteria. Adieu.

U.S National Park

As we approached the venue, there was a sea of people inside and outside. I had never encountered such an array of social cliques, ranging from your hipsters, gangsters, rave kids, as well as your neighborhood meat heads (the group of guys who usually care way to much about their appearance.) The band that was playing is called The Drums, and they're an alternative indie rock band, so this kind of crowd was very strange to see. The venue was so full, it felt like we were packed sardines. 

People were fighting their way in and out, trying to get to the front of the stage or to the front of the bar. Once they started setting up, everyone started shifting forward, making it nearly impossible to move anywhere, and just my luck, I got stuck straight center. Most people would consider that the best spot, but I call it the danger zone. People push you forward, elbow you, and if a mosh pit is created there is no way out. Thankfully this crowd was so diverse that nothing too out of hand happened besides your average pushers here and there. 

While being in the middle, I had the best view to people watch. Towards the font, there was a lot of space available, but there was a group of people dancing and twirling all over the place. People who tried to push their way up seemed to instantly regret it because they seemed afraid to get hit by the three guys dancing.

All three guys seemed to be Caucasian, well dressed and somewhat drunk. The were what people my age call "frat stars" - Nice button downs, khaki shorts, and Sperry shoes. The entire show, no one seemed to enjoy the concert as much as they did. They knew all the words to all the songs, and just danced as much as they could. Mostly everyone else was just nodding their heads or doing slight movements, considering there really wasn't any space to really dance to. 

By the end, people became very friendly with one another considering there really wasn't any where else to go, but the security was circling like vultures. I'm assuming this was because they didn't want anyone to start fights, clearly there was alcohol involved all night and people were pushing one another from here and there. 

The two artists from the band left the stage, and started greeting their fans. At this point, people were getting restless trying to meet their idols, pushing and taking selfies. Both artists seemed grateful for such a big crowd, that they didn't mind waiting around for the meet and greets. One girl in particular was about to have a heart attack because she was able to take a picture with both artists, and got her phone and a napkin signed. The rest of the night, this girl was going around the entire venue having a mental breakdown, and gloating to everyone she could get close to. She became so rowdy that security escorted her out. Because of this, The Drums gave her a special shout out and left the vicinity. 

Overall, the vibe of the concert was a lot more peaceful and upbeat than most people thought. 

Just Another Day at LAX

It’s early morning right before sunrise and I’m tiredly waiting in the security check line at LAX. The line is so long it raps around like multiple fives stacked on top of each other. Yet even with the ropes that organize the people within the line, there were still too many people so I was standing outside towards the end of the line. The people in the line were all from different cultures. A young woman who stood behind me was on the phone. She seemed very distressed and her eyes were puffy and red like she had been crying all night. She seemed to be in her mid-twenties and was African American. Her hair was in many small thin braids that went up to her shoulders in length. She wore a plain black shirt with black leggings, and to my surprise she was wearing pink fluffy slippers. She reminded me of my old classmates from Jr. High. They often wore their pajama bottoms with furry slippers to school and most of them were African American girls. “And why not? Why you even gonna say that?” The young woman argued on the phone and was still moving her hands like the person she was talking to was right in front of her. She proceeded with her conversation and occasionally made heads turn towards her because she was being a little too loud. An older Caucasian man stood before me, and he seemed pretty irritated at nothing in particular. Perhaps he did not have patience when it came to waiting in lines. He was in his early forties and wore a light blue button up shirt with tan dress pants. He looked like a business man and he repeatedly tapped his dress shoes which I presume is just a habit derived from being irritated. As the line continued to move forward, I kept noticing the expression on people’s faces. Everyone looked either tired or bored. It was a blank look, however I notice that only infants and children looked entertained. A little girl, no more than 6 years old sang a lullaby to herself. Her singing made random people smile around her. She wore flower printed pajama bottoms and a purple shirt and held what seemed to be an iPod touch. The little girl seemed like she was mixed, but her mother was definitely Asian. The mother looked at her daughter and nodded to the song. They exchanged smiles and then the mother started going through her purse. I was almost at the front of the line and noticed the TSA woman scanning the ID’s and passports. She was Hispanic with her hair slicked back in a ponytail. She looked bored and would give a fake smile after handing people their ID’s back. I finally made it to the security check, and while I waited to go through the huge drug scanner, I saw the Asian mother and daughter placing their bags through security. The daughter seemed as though she had gone through airport security plenty of times. I finally went through security and hoped that this day ahead of me would not be as brutal as standing in that hour long line.     

Lights

It was a slightly cold Friday, and our dress attire was not apt for the night. Thankfully we only had to walk around downtown El Paso for a few minutes before we got to the desired destination. We were waiting in line for a few minutes before we were let inside the venue, strangely, we were patted down like criminals, especially the boys. They searched our bags and pockets, and made us throw away the strangest items, like gum for example. Many of the people inside the venue looked very young, and were dressed in strange attire. Some girls were just in bikinis and fishnet tights, while others were dressed a little more "modest" wearing just booty shorts and crop tops. I didn't really understand what was going on. Some of the boys were shirtless with just pants or shorts, while both males and females were covered in what is called "kandi" - basically little colorful bead bracelets that they exchange with other "rave kids." 

Completely new to this scene, I was amazed at how everyone interacted with each other. Complete strangers going up to other strangers and taking pictures or discussing music interests. My friend Autumn, was explaining to me how its part of the "rave culture" or "PLUR life." Plur stands for "peace, love, unity, respect." All this rave and plur life instantly got my attention. 

While the show began, most of the crowd was just standing and listening to the opening artists. They were a hardcore underground dub-step couple who were taking the stage. It seemed like many of the people in the crown weren't really into the firsts DJ's. Many of them were just sitting around with their group of friends, or walking around the venue meeting new people, granted there was literally only about 25 people tops at the beginning. Once the main DJ's started playing their set, more and more people started to show up. 

At this point, security was doubled. Reason being is because at events like this many people tend to do recreational drugs. This is why they band the chewing gum and certain edible things, because they are drug related. 

Being a rave kid is basically like a subculture: there are certain things people wear to shows, a certain behavior people have, even the drugs people take. Calling yourself a "rave kid" in this generation isn't the best way to get people to be interested in you, not many people like this new musical culture that has become very popular within the past few years. Of course, there are those that swear and live by "eat, sleep, rave, repeat." 

Seeing everyone interact together and help each other out during the entire show was very refreshing, you dont see that at many shows. When one goes to a concert, its usually every man on their own, here, there was a sense of community - girls helping other girls in the restroom for whatever reason, and people spotting each other with drinks. 

  

Sunday night

This long Sunday night I'm sitting here in my dorm watching Sunday night football. I have my purple and gold LSU gear on lol. As I currently sit here and think this is are Last weak of school and are last field note of the year. I walk outside and there is really anybody here on campus it might be a lot of different vehicles but there is really no one here. The season is winter and it sure do feel like it wind blowing 40 miles per her and are trees look naked. The leaves are falling waiting to be re in burst in the spring. Tonight on campus there are bags lit up all around with candles in them I never seen nothing so strange it seem like a prank, but I notice a whole bunch of people I never seen before on campus and there are men on campus riding people around in a carriage. It was no ordinary carriage the carriage and lights lit up all around it to this was very strange to me but I never seen nothing so beautiful like it. The horses were pulling the carriages it was multiple carriages and horses. The horses was built big wide and chunky and the colors of the horses was white, black, and brown. The lights on the carriages were blue, red, and white well it was some clear. I never seen nothing like this on campus every since I been here maybe its because its the last weak or maybe because Christmas is near. The game I was watching was the Patriots vs the Chargers and the Pats was 23-14.  Now that the game is off I don't know what to write anymore lol so I'm going to end this by saying have a wonderful Christmas break people! XoXoXo Elmo!

Stressful Finals Week

Time is ticking to go home it's about 4 days now. My body is physically and mentally tired but I can't give up. I refuse to give up. Stressing about passing all of my classes without any distractions. It's about 4:43 p.m in Pete's Place trying to finish up my work. I'm so tired, I just wish I was back in California. I need to go home soon to see my mom. One of the reasons why I'm not focused is because of what I am focused on. Going home sounds great when you haven't seen your loved ones in a while. Football season is over so now it's really time to finish off the semester the right way. Every one faces some form of stress either now or during a very important time in life. I have to deal with this the right way. What's wrong with me? I'm not sure I'm myself right now. My body feels all worked up. Last week of school is the only thing in my head, knowing that I leave Thursday morning. It honestly just made me happy just typing that. But if I don't do good on my finals for my classes I will be so angry. Why does two of my finals have to be on the same day? I'm not a morning person but I guess I would have to be if I wan the grade that I deserve. Head pounding feeling like an aftershock of a earthquake, a lot on my mind. It's making it hard for me to just be focused on school work. Keep stopping doing what I am doing because of my phone. I get easily distracted and sometimes sidetracked. I look around the computer lounge and see mostly almost everybody on a computer with ear plugs in. A mixture of males and females. By the look on their face it seems like they really came here to get work done. Then you always have those 2 people that are loud for no reason. While others are trying to get ready for their final. It is now 5:22 p.m and I'm still staying focus but sometimes I may take a break. These 4 days need to hurry up I feel so miserable I'm so fed up with this school. I just need to get away from this place. This place doesn't make me feel as if I'm home at all and the finals seem pretty easy but I can't speak so soon. Voices coming from behind me but don't know where there coming from but I do know that they need to keep it down. I just hope the best for myself this week coming up overall I feel I had a good year and I just need to finish it off the right way.  

Cold Day

Today the weather is very cold. Most of the patrons are bundled up in warm down coats and boots. I decide to buy a hot cocoa, to get in the cozy mood of the place.

I sit down behind a young girl with purple colored hair. She has gauges and multiple piercings. She is wearing a black hoodie with converse. She is sitting across from a guy with larger gauges. He has snake bites and his skateboard is propped up against the table. They drink their warm drinks and continue with their conversations.

I continue to observe several people in the cafe. A woman with light brown hair, and black coat is standing in line waiting for her coffee. She looks to be of caucasian descent. Eventually her order is ready and she takes a seat a table on the other side of the premises.

A young man with a black wind breaker jacket and timberland boots stands in line  he eventually approaches the counter and orders. He is tall, with black hair and glasses. He has his hands nestled in his wind breaker's pockets and pulls out his wallet. He hands over the needed amount and waits for his order.

There is a couple three tables down from mine. They are sipping their warm drinks and talking. The girl is wearing a tan trench coat. and tall boots with a grey sweater and the boy was wearing a red long sleeve with jean. The girl had dark brown hair, she looked to be of Hispanic descent. So did the male.

A young lady with a light blue sweater with sparkles on it is sitting on a lounge seat and reading a book. Her dark hair is in a side braid and she is sporting ugg boots and skinny jeans. Very trendy. She has a hot drink in front of her sitting on the table. I'm guessing its coffee, as this establishment's coffee is some of the most popular.

A woman about the age of 35 is sitting at a table by the counter. She is on her laptop and her cell phone is pressed between her shoulder and ear as she is multi-tasking. She has light red hair. Somewhat orangey. She almost looks a bit like Julian Moore. Eventually her phone call ends and she begins to focus on whatever it is she was typing. She stops briefly and takes a sip of her warm beverage.

An older man of African descent sits a table away from the red headed woman. He is on the phone with someone. He is wearing a light brown sweater or long sleeve, with jeans and black boots. He is reclined a bit and has a happy disposition as he talks. He has a warm beverage in front of him as well. (note: hot beverages are very popular today, due to the cold weather) He takes a sip and continues his conversation.

A young man of about 25, and Hispanic descent is sitting at the other side of the cafe. He is typing on his Mac book and has a bag of chips besides him. He sits back for a bit and eats a chip. Then he continues to type. He is wearing a black hoodie with jeans and sneakers.

Eventually I see that it is time for my next class. So I pack up and head out into the cold weather.

Finals Week with O.U.G.

It is Finals Week. It is the week that everyone dreads due mostly to all the stress that it causes. Some people have Math, English, History, Science, etc. It gets pretty hectic because everyone always seems to stress over what to study for the final exams that teachers seem to put up. Fortunately, the O.U.G. came up with an answer. On a Saturday, it was asked for everyone to show up to do some praying for Finals Week and also to do some studying. It’s no surprise that this was something everyone should pray for. So, I thought it would be very helpful if I showed up to this studying “party” that they had planned for everyone.

As soon as I arrived, everyone was there. Some were praying and some were studying. And some people were going on talking about their day. But it wasn’t necessarily time to do anything yet. So I decided to sit down and have a normal chat with others. Then, the group leader arrived. He thanked everyone for showing up and asked everyone to bow their heads for prayer. He went to pray for everyone to have a good Finals Week and hope for the best. He ended the prayer and everyone got to studying.

It was amazing how serious everyone took this. It was as if it was a contest to see who had the most knowledge. And as for me, I had to study for my Communications class, which was a very hard class (surprisingly). I had previously did bad on the midterm with a 55% and I did not want to finish off in a bad way as well. So I made it my mission to study.

It was also amazing how many people were there. It was a huge surprise to see people with different religions to actually be here. I didn’t think much of it however. The O.U.G. highly accepts anyone who is willing to open up to God, even if they have had different views. One person that I noticed was a woman who seemed to live with a Muslim community. She had on her “cloak” and had her hair covered with it. It was highly required for her to do this. It was her first time here, and I had barely just noticed how much the O.U.G. accepts.

But there wasn’t much else to talk about. There was nothing but people who studied for their exams, including myself. I had managed to just stay there for an hour and decided to leave. It’s pretty good to study, but it was even better to pray for it! Good luck to everyone!