Political & Elections

hope · Guru

RE: Update to those who don't go on CC

hope · Guru

If you don't care about "quote marriage unquote" why are you having a wedding? Out of courtesy to your guests, who might be total squares in believing in "marriage" for other than the "legalities," have you considered going

to a JP , having a nice quiet dinner and evening together, then taking a nice little trip, and then just throw a party at a later date unrelated

to "quote marriage unquote?"

Somehow I feel for all those poor saps-- the unhip Catholic side especially -- attendees who actually think they will be attending a real - or, rather, traditional-in-meaning wedding.

And not getting the emphasis on the ring at all if you're doing this for legal reasons only. Think I read you're doing the whole

honeymoon thing too.

Too many non sequiturs here for me to wrap my brain around!

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

I'm well aware. My dad never even got a wedding ring and my parents have been together for over 20 years. I just really like nice jewelry :).

Anyway, I really don't care about "marriage". We're already great partners and the wedding is just a way to bring everyone together. The marriage license is just for the legalities.
I realized today how important it was to have that though. He was taken to the ER when he fainted and had a high fever. I had to get his parents there because there's just about nothing I can do. We're going to see if we can be each other's medical authorizer (I can't think of the term) when we move so that we don't face those situation again.

hope · Guru

Oh, and I left out the two year "engagement."

What the heck does an "engagement" even mean if you are already committed to each other for life?

If marriage is a piece of paper for legal reasons, get the paper tomorrow if you are already committed for life.

Why is it necessary to do this in front of family and friends. Why do you need an "engagement " ring. If yyou like jewelry

he can buy you a ring for our birthday.

If you want to throw a party and get your family and friends together -- do that.

-- Edited by hope on Tuesday 11th of June 2013 07:27:42 PM

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Simple, hope, it's because we want to :). Honestly, I don't really feel the need to explain our decisions or beliefs to anyone.

But basically, it's similar to what lp said. He said the rings don't make the marriage. To me, the piece of paper doesn't make the marriage. What makes the marriage is our commitment to one another which we are doing, publicly, in front of our friends and family. Because we WANT to. This could be done with or without the legal stuff behind it IMO.

-- Edited by romanigypsyeyes on Tuesday 11th of June 2013 07:20:28 PM

longprime · Guru

Remember, the Rings doesn't make the marriage. Its just symbolism.

We haven't worn rings in 35+ years. You can tell in an instant that we are married.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

LOL! SLS- the first engagement ring I got (from my ex) was a hideous hot mess so I vowed to be involved in this one.

And I've never been one to be traditional :p

Thank you both though :)

longprime · Guru

Congrats

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

smile i think you are a little out of sequence, romani!

how wonderful.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

So if anyone on here is interested, I'd like to share an update: my engagement ring is picked out and we're planning on marrying in June of 2015.

The ring is beautiful. He designed it with a jeweler friend and I just added some tweaks. :)

He still has to officially propose though :p

-- Edited by romanigypsyeyes on Saturday 8th of June 2013 08:35:49 PM

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Thanks, SLS.

And yes. It will happen. It'll be so much easier when I'm not trying to cram 40 hours worth of stuff in to a small 24 hour window in SE Michigan lol. The last 3 or 4 times I've visited home, I haven't even had time to grab dinner with old friends!

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

Glad you finally decided, Romani.

I was rooting for Michigan, even if Columbia is awesome. Maybe one of these days our paths will cross - in person! GO BLUE!

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

No more than "public health" :p

But Bioethics is a smaller passion of mine. Unfortunately, can't really do anything with that here in America (not a big field here... in NZ, Australia, and some parts of Europe it is though) so I'm going to study it from the viewpoint of women's health (reproductive ethics... a growing field, especially with the recent attacks on reproductive rights).

longprime · Guru

BioEthics

Not an exactly a straight forward topic.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

It really came down to Michigan and Columbia- both were about the same price so that wasn't a factor.

-I like Michigan and am terrified of NYC.
-Michigan's curriculum is VERY flexible. Columbia's was very strict and left little room for electives. I have almost 30 credits worth of electives at Michigan!
-Michigan has a bioethics center. I'm very interested in reproductive ethics and I have the opportunity to work on that while at Michigan... not so much at Columbia.
-I can more easily go abroad through Michigan because I won't have to worry about rent.
-Michigan is higher ranked. I don't put a lot of stock in rankings but it seems like Michigan's rep edges out Columbia ESPECIALLY in the midwest which is where I want to stay if possible.
-I preferred Health Behavior and Health Education over Epidemiology.

Overall, I just really liked Michigan's program a lot better than Columbia's. Columbia's program offers no flexibility until your 2nd year and even there it's extremely minimal. Plus, staying home is a plus especially since I would really like to stay in the midwest rather than the east coast.

longprime · Guru

So,

what were the advantages of Michigan over the 2nd best?

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Thanks, LP.

Yes. Definitely the start of something new :)

longprime · Guru

Good for you. Congrats on your acceptance.

One phase closed, another chapter opened.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

I put down my deposit for Michigan today. It feels so good to have a decision finally. What a massive weight off lol

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Thanks :).

The MPH isn't research-based so our advisors are more important for our field experience. I'm not sure when I'll get an advisor but I'll find out more on Friday!

longprime · Guru

A good relationship with your principle advisor is extremely important. Your MA topic will be an extension of PA work.

Congrats on your awards.

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

Did not walk at my college graduation. Husband, didn't either. Neither did my two older kids. Maybe daughter will?

Go Blue, Romani!

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

:p

I messaged girl cousin to see if we'd be graduating together. Turns out she's graduating a semester early :(

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

All the cool kids are going there, Romani.

biggrin

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

So after a series of events (some good, some bad), I believe I have decided on Michigan. Of course, I won't know for sure until April 15th when I make my final decision, but Michigan seems to be the best possible fit for me on many different levels. It turns out to be only slightly more debt than SLU (Long story) but without the burden of rent. Columbia's tuition would be cheaper but the housing prices there are just... unbelievable. So housing + tuition > tuition at Michigan. Michigan's funding is guarenteed for 2 years PLUS I have the possibility of being a TA or something my 2nd year to get even more reduced tuition.

My list of schools that accepted me are: SLU*, Michigan*, MN*, George Washington, Columbia*, Tulane, Emory, Pittsburgh, and Arizona. *means that they gave me funding of some sort. I'm still technically waiting to hear from BU; GWU has me on a "merit waitlist" because I applied after the deadline and Arizona will send offers by 4/1.

Thanks everyone who went on this journey with me :).

-- Edited by romanigypsyeyes on Saturday 9th of March 2013 03:13:54 PM

longprime · Guru

BD I went Fremont yesterday. On Bike. Had to stop at a bike clothing store. )

longprime · Guru

longprime wrote:
visiting seattle. Didnt rain all day Friday. Biked all day from Udub to downtown ferry terminals. Even warmer today Sat. High clouds. Purple leaf plums showing a few blossoms. SPRING is very near in the PNW.

-- Edited by longprime on Saturday 2nd of March 2013 10:12:29 AM

busdriver11 · Guru

The problem clothes were sweats and a t-shirt? Ha! That's still what I wear, give me a break. Shoot, plenty of kids look like they're wearing their pajamas, that they've probably worn for days. I could care less what people wear, but I do appreciate if they shower now and then, and that the clothes don't smell.

Sorry I missed the thread.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Sweats and a t-shirt (aka- the college kid's uniform).

That thread was a doozy.

LMFAO, bd- if that happens to me, I'll definitely have to follow suit. I have always lived in a very laid back area. Lots of factory people where I grew up so showing up in not-so-great clothes was almost a badge of honor. It said "Yeah, I worked hard today! Now pass me a beer!" I loved it.

busdriver11 · Guru

Really? What clothes did they think were offensive?

I love the unofficial dress code around Seattle. Ha! I'm lazy, so I just wear my running clothes almost everywhere, and it doesn't bother anyone. I get the same service as if I was wearing a suit. And sometimes....I'm not even going running. But I might go running, so I figure if I wear my running clothes around, it just might motivate me. Okay the real truth is, I don't want to change, because who cares anyways.

When I lived in Memphis (our last location), if I wasn't dressed well and went to a store, people would actually ignore me. It was extraordinary. I could walk through the store without a single person saying hello or offering help, and what was most amazing is that they could actually check you out and not say a word. Not hello, how are you, can I get your credit card, or goodbye. I finally got to where I would say, "Wow, that's amazing! You did the entire transaction without saying a single word. I'm impressed." Leaving them completely baffled.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

That sounds like heaven on Earth. Seriously.

I already wear extremely casual clothes (which, as I found out from certain people on CC is offensive ) so I may have found my people! Whoot!

busdriver11 · Guru

Hmm, I'm betting on full ride everywhere else. That sounds nice!

Maybe you can share an apartment in NYC? Seems like everyone does it there because it is so expensive.

You would definitely fit in, in the PNW. To make a generalization, most people are intelligent and highly educated. Pretty laid back and unpretentious. Very casual, you can wear running/hiking clothes most everywhere. Non-judgmental and friendly, though people don't seem to interfere in others business too much.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

I want to move to the PNW. I kinda feel like I would fit right in there.

One of my good friends (and perhaps future SIL- we'll see) is from Portland. I secretly want her to marry her bf (my boy's brother) and convince him to move back to Portland so that I have a reason to move out there :D

busdriver11 · Guru

"Wait! Once I had to scrape off a raw egg off my car after some hoodlum threw it on my car.

I guess that doesn't count, though. Does it count for all the awful snowstorms when we went snowboarding?

Busdriver is secretly wishing and hoping I move to Pacific NW just for the karmic payback about my weather updates"

NO, that doesn't count!!

And I am overtly hoping you move to the PNW so I can have a friend that might occasionally want to hang out with me! My (few) friends are all so busy with work, it takes us months to even get a date for coffee going. When I'm home, I'm always available to do stuff, even at a moments notice, but they are always working...working...working!

I think you guys would love it in so many ways. I just hope when you come out it doesn't pour down rain and turn you off.

busdriver11 · Guru

That is awesome, romani! But why do I have a feeling that you're going to be getting many more offers? Does this place Columbia over SLU now?
So Columbia would work for me. All you have to do is dump your boyfriend and then you can date my handsome son, who will be living nearby. You need to consider your ccpolitical friends needs too, you know.

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

WOW! smile smile smile smile

That is fantastic!!!!!!

I am so happy for you!

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

OMG I was just selected as for the Heilbrunn Scholarship at Columbia! It's over half of the tuition (it's like just under 75% of tuition- not R&B). It would put the loans in to my comfort zone. AHHHHHH!!!!!

I'm so excited. I almost cried when I read it.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Ha :D Will keep it in mind ;)

Zoose has already offered to show me around NY.

I think they're about a tie at the moment. Honestly, I am absolutely and completely terrified of big cities. I have to decide whether the prestige and some debt is > lower rank and no debt (from grad at least). I would end up having to take about 20k for tuition (total) and then probably my whole cost of living since I can't find a darned apartment under 1.2+k/month >.
I kind of want to stay in the midwest, truth be told. Just a warmer part of the midwest :). I like a simple life. I like quieter cities.

A perk to Columbia (besides the obvious) is that their funding is guarenteed for me. It's one amount spread out over the 2 years I go there. Technically, I have no guarentee from SLU that I could get the same deal in year 2.

I have a lot of decisions to make. All of my FA packages should be in in the next couple of weeks.

-- Edited by romanigypsyeyes on Thursday 28th of February 2013 09:14:55 PM

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

I think Duluth is a much better punishment :p

Thanks, bd. It doesn't look like I'm getting anything other than loans from everywhere else so it'll likely be slu.

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

Wait! Once I had to scrape off a raw egg off my car after some hoodlum threw it on my car.

I guess that doesn't count, though. Does it count for all the awful snowstorms when we went snowboarding?

Busdriver is secretly wishing and hoping I move to Pacific NW just for the karmic payback about my weather updates. evileye

busdriver11 · Guru

Congratulations on Columbia and especially St Louis, romani! What an amazing offer, wow. No debt, and the freedom to do what you want. Awesome.

You're right, SLS, we DON'T want to hear about your scraping ice escapades in SoCal. That would be only having to scrape a dropped popsicle off your windshield? biggrin

Your girl child must be going through serious weather shock!

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

I don't know if she did it last year. They made the freshman do it this year - it was about 20 degrees out!

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

OMG I did not see that lol.

I was supposed to surprise my dad with dinner today for his birthday with girl-cousin but the weather was not cooperating. I will have to ask her about this next time I see her.

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

She texts me sometimes with weather updates. the snow angel bit was probably a bad idea, a few weeks ago. In their uniforms, I might add. cry

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

You probably don't want to know how many times I have scraped snow off my car. ;)

i hear it is a little chilly right now. You guys are stoic. Really.

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

Yeah... :p

The person I'm talking to at SLU said she's scraped snow off of her car only three times in 2 years. *Dreams*

Although I'm sure she'll be scraping tomorrow >.

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

Hurry up an wait.

Isn't Minnesota in March pretty unpleasant, weather-wise? ;)

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

I have no idea. They're particularly evasive about this :/

From studentdoctor.net stalking it looks like most were awarded late March. Though if you don't hear about scholarships by early March you're probably not getting anything.

Emory said late March.

SamuraiLandshark · Guru

When will those aid packages b awarded?

romanigypsyeyes · Guru

I'm going to visit MN in 2 weeks so I'll be sure to ask then. I did send him an email asking for a early response. I figure they can't take away aid, yah? (Maybe?) lol

And thanks, SLS :).

I want to go to Columbia or Emory. But you can't always get what you want *belts it*