Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Go Canada!

Something I appreciate: putting the focus on teaching NOT TO rape instead of NOT BEING raped.

"Dont be That Guy" ad campaing in BC, Canada (more info).


The basics:

Putting up posters in bars/public areas telling guys not to be "That Guy" and not to sexually assault people.

Why it is cool:

It has reduced the rate of sexual assaults (which had been climbing, even though the general crime rates of the area had been dropping. Basically- it works!

Why I like it:

Because it takes the focus away from blaming victims, and instead channels that energy into dissuading the perpetrators.

Sweet justice - now if only America could do this.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Alma Matter Woes

I went to Smith College. I loved my time there. I met many fantastic sisters (and a few brothers) that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.

But since I have graduated I have been tremendously disappointed in the administration of my alma mater.

Mostly some of their decisions on their awkward way of steering the college in a way that they think will cut down on our stereotype, and keeping funds rolling in from the older classes.

What the administration doesn't realize is that they are isolating themselves from the future donors, by claiming to be one thing, and then showing they are not.

In August 2012 my friends (too many to list) pointed me in the direction of Calliope Wong's tumblr.

Her tumblr was not a bunch of gifs of cats and funny internet-y things. It was about her decision to try and apply to Smith College.

For the record, Smith College is the largest women's college in the USA, a member of the Seven Sisters, a former sister school to Yale, and a pretty bad ass place to define yourself - which is what I think college is really about. College is about more than the fancy diploma at the end of 4 years - it is about being in an environment that pushes your boundaries, allows you to define yourself as an adult, and decide who you want to be, all while expanding your intellect (or as I prefer to call it, making your brain hurt).

While Smith College is a women's college, it has a loose policy of "accepting women, and graduating people". Which is a really funny way of saying once your accepted you can be who you really are, and yes we will give diplomas to those of you that are FTM (female to male) which is why I said in the beginning that I graduated with a few brothers. The environment at Smith gets a little testy (no pun intended) at times, but for the most time it is an accepting campus that deals well with LBGTQ issues. Some people may argue with me on this, but when we look at the higher education system as a whole- we have a few quirks- but were not like Bob Jones University or something.

So getting back to Calliope's tumblr, she says Smith is her dream school. One dilemma- Calliope was born male. Smith doesn't have an official policy on accepting people who are born male, and now are female.

In her first post (viewed here) she does a fantastic job of outlining why she shouldn't be barred from applying. I agree with her on all points but it is what she says towards the end that really sticks out to me:

The institutional gatekeeper policies keeping transwomen out of Smith are unreasonable and not modeled on the real life struggles of transwomen.


If Smith’s ultimate concern is to provide for the education and empowerment of all women students, then it is clearly cutting out and rejecting a valuable demographic with its outmoded and irrational acceptance policies.

If Smith College’s policies are built on fears of illegitimacy and backlash: men pretending to be women and seeking to gain access to women’s colleges for nefarious or dishonest purposes, there is no empirical evidence that such a case would be in the majority.

I am not a rapist; I am not a criminal, and it is not fair to assume that I am such a person.

Thing is, I’m a girl who wants to just wants her fair shot at Smith.
Fast forward months of back and forth with Smith's administration:
Calliope is told she can apply as long as she says she is female on the application! WIN!

Fast forward to March:

Calliope tells us Smith rejects her first application, finding fault with her transcript, which read “male.” She corrected the clerical error with her high school staff and sent back her application to Smith.

Then, last week or so, Calliope's second try is rejected- Smith states that it is do to her FAFSA saying she is male (something you can't just say you're female on). Of course this breaks Calliope's heart and hope. You can read her post here.

But you know what my emotional response is? I am angry/disappointed/embarrassed that my alma mater would do such a thing.

Seriously, Smith College grow some god damned balls. Get off your mystical unicorn and actually do something to make a change.

Smith is a place where you just know you're home. Why should Calliope, and many past and future Smithie-wannabes, be denied the experience?

It is one thing to reject based on merits. It is a whole other ball game to not even review the application of an applicant you have known about, talked to, and encouraged.
I am ashamed of my alma mater. For an institution that prides itself of diversity and acceptance, I've come to realize they don't mean one bit of it. All they care about is statistics. How many countries, states and ethnic backgrounds. A range of different socio-economic levels. They care about looking good, not about doing good.

Shame on you Smith College.

Charlotte Stanley
Class of 2010


PS Yes, the title is a pun.


Monday, March 11, 2013

Things I want to wear right now

Perfect Boyfriend Chambray, Madewell, $78

Dolce & Gabbana, $1595. Via

Jennifer Fisher cuff, $750. Via

Sungarden neakers, Keds x Madewell, $62

Painted Lace Bloom dress, Madewell, $155


Short dress, SUNO, $608. Via
 Going window shopping on my lunch break is dangerous.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Run Disney's Princess Half Marathon!

On February 24th I ran my first half marathon/race!

I did it! And now I love running - as long as I have a designated goal and end.






These photos are crappy because they are the thumbnails off of the photo site.

My end time was 3hrs and 38 mins. I'm hoping for a faster time next year!


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Disney World

In less than ONE week I will be in Florida with my best childhood friend!

Super excited for all sorts of grown-up Disney adventures.

Things I'm excited for:

Adults only pool time!

Teacup ride!

Visiting other resorts for dinner!

Flying first classs there and back.

Running (jogging? crawling?) my first half marathon.

The Princess medal at the finish line.

Visiting a whole bunch of countries at Epcot.

Finding hidden little spots throughout the park

Celebrating my birthday with Mickey and Friends!

Not being over impatient in all the ride lines.

Lots of photo ops.

Minnie Mouse ears.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I love the internet...

Because it gives me gems such as this:


wa


Excerpts:

Salmon. Don't even bring up Atlantic Salmon. It's insulting. Pacific Salmon are noble, gentle creatures and native Washingtonians can pick out a Coho from a Sockeye or Chinook on sight. That's a fact. We eat fresh Salmon for breakfast lunch and dinner while you're eating frozen seafood at Sizzler in a strip mall.

Oh, you have a Long John Silver's next to Applebee's?

Get hip to Ivar's, bitches.


salmon


Cascadia. Some day the Pacific Northwest will be its own NATION and we'll get to enjoy our wonderful region as it was meant to be; without a bunch of assholes moving here and bitching about the weather. Cascadia will be a land of rocky shores, emerald forests, golden prairies and glorious alpine peaks bountiful with apples, beer, elk and Amazon employees. It will be perfection, and we'll even let the weirdos from Portland join in.

Cascadia


and this:





Oh and you can also thank Washington State for being so awesome.


Colorado- you have a lot to prove.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Shopping without Spending (very much!)

Getting a job with JCrew/Madewell was one of the best and worst decisions I ever made.

Yesterday JCrew had their associate sale- to push out the old to make room for Spring's new.

I got over $200 worth of clothes (1 mint toothpick cord, 1 pink toothpick cord, purple wool cafe capris, 1 necklace, 2 very pretty bangles, and a tshirt for the bf). Total cost for me? $50 total.

But there goes my paycheck from them this week (good thing I have another job!).

I just checked by BirchBox account and I have 220 points which equals about $20 to spend.

I'm trying to decide between a few items:


Chambre de Sucre Macaron Trinket Box - $14

BAGGU Zipper Bags - $12

Herringbone Napkins - $5

Ssupergoop! SPF 30 Sunstick - $15
TOCCA Candelina in Havana - $20

I'm definitely leaning towards the macaron trinket box.

But a sample of this:
Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo - $32


Was in my BirchBox this month and I loved it! The smell was divine!
It's expensive, but would make a great occasional shampoo.

Love,

Charlotte

Friday, January 18, 2013

2013! And Updates!

So I failed miserably at blogging these past few months.

But I have a ton of updates!

I got a job as a recruiter for a marketing company.

The company was a joke, and I'm pretty sure a pyramid scheme (via Smart Circle International).

I missed immigration work.

I started to interview for immigration paralegal positions.

One really big imressive firm kept dragging their feet about actually hiring me (even though they said tey wanted me) but we are a "huge company and just don't move that fast".

I waited 3 months... from my interview at the beginning of September... and they posted the job in May.

I interviewed with another firm, I got the offer, and took the position.

Gave my notice to the sketchy marketing firm.

And now I'm sitting at my paid, hour long lunch blogging.

Moved into my dream apartment with a HUGE walk-in closet.

I've got a FANTASTIC new roommate I met at Madewell.

Oh yeah, I work part time at Madewell too, and it is AWESOME.

My best friend is engaged and I'm super excited for her and the wedding (wherever it may be!)

My hair is bobbed, and I'm thinking about adding bangs.

I saw my familyand friends in Seattle in late November.

I hung out with my aunt and cousins for Christmas.

I've lost 3 dress sizes since moving to Colorado - down to a size 0 at Jcrew!

I walk every day.

I have new friends I go out to happy hour with.

I am really really happy with my life right now, and so excited for 2013.

Living a bright life,

Charlotte