Giving in to Complex Simplicity

Hmm...life. As simple as it is complex. As beautiful as it is ugly. As comforting as it is distressing. One must play the cards life has dealt. I have come to understand that. I have also come to understand that certain things we put under a microscope are simply not worth it. So many aspects, concepts and ideas are becoming clear to me. It's like waking up from a century long sleep. Ephihany, anyone?

Overanalyzing and scrutinizing every little thing is impossible and improbable. And yes, sometimes it takes a blow to the ego to wake you up to that. It seems like as many steps as i take forward, I also seem to be going backwards...but as long as I am making progress I won't really worry about it. I won't put it under the microscope. I'm not perfect nor will I ever be, but I can strive to be...human, understanding, compassionate, etc. I have a LONG way to go but slow and steady wins the race, right? And with the right people in my path, that may be a little easier.

I just thank God for everything, the good, bad and indifferent...because they all open my eyes to new and interesting things. I am alive. I have wonderful friends. My family is sane(for the most part) haha. And to top it off, I may just have opened my heart to someone who though I don't feel he deserves it, may just be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Today is here, yesterday is gone, and tomarrow may never ever come. You can ride the wave, or let the tide pull you under. So all we can do is smile, laugh and enjoy what time we have. Love those who love you, ignore those who don't and take comfort in the world's mini-pleasures

Musings of a Young Mind

WARNING: THIS IS A LONG BLOG...READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

The below is a writing I found a couple nights ago. I think it's hilarious...apparently, I've always hated formal education, and it shows. So yea, here it is...enjoy. Try not to judge it too harshly...I mean I wasn't legal when I wrote it lol. Without further adieu...

High-school has got to be the single most traumatic event in the average human life(assuming the person doesn't suffer any devastating losses of family, finances, etc). 5 days, 6 hours of nothing but relentless pressure, paper work, and popularity contests.

I see high-school as one big rat race, and the yummy low-fat cheese is our diploma. You've got some mice who want to get to the cheese first aka your overachievers ( I fall into this category, sadly)..then you have your average mice, who are content to get to the cheese when they get there (hey it's not as if it's going anywhere). Of course you can't forget your morbid lil rats who lag behind complaining about how sorry their life is and how they wish they could escape their pointless society of mindless pop princess...these rats graduate out of sheer boredom or drop out. Lastly you have your defective rats, the ones with the diseases and handicaps that keep them last in the race. They are shunned by most of the other rats and tend to remain in a large solitary unit, eventually getting to the cheese or committing unneeded suicide. Either way, they're usually easily remembered at class reunions.

Whoever said, "that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger"...tell him to come and see me..I have a few choice words for him (and they involve a large metal bat). Not saying high-school is a complete waste; quite the opposite...lasting friendships are formed, house parties are crashed, and freshman are shoved into lockers. Ahh the good life, right? No, it's more the type of people you find in high-school, abrasive teachers, cliquey girls, wannabe boys..and the list goes on and on.

The high school years are supposed to be a time of self exploration and development a time for finding that niche and filling it, yet for many people..the opposite seems to occur. They become so obsessed with being trendy and having the freshest clothes and newest tims, that they lose some (if not all) of themselves to media and peer pressure. And yes we are ALL guilty of it at some point or another. The need to be accepted by those surrounding us is a normal human need, as normal as the need for food, water and shelter. Many go to great lengths to find acceptance and or approval in the blood-shot eyes of the people around them. This includes but is not limited to assimilation, self humiliation, and decomposition.

Wearing designer names (that most can't afford) just to look presentable in the eyes of others. At any one time, at least 3 trends can be found in any high school (in FHS right now: urban wear jackets{Rocawear, Babyphat, Enyce}, shiny gold sparkly belts, and track jackets) circulating through the students. Always buying the newest electronics just to be known as the "It" guy/girl on campus. It's a constant race to "keep up with the Jones"...unnecessary but a part of high school subculture nonetheless.

Then there is self-humiliation..making an idiot of ones' self just to see goofy grins and receive pats on the back from "friends". Falling classes to look "good" and "cool", being disrespectful to teachers in order to maintain your "rep"...sickening. The guys who go into the bathroom and smoke weed until they smell like an incense shop (dead giveaway). It's as though everything parents have taught is thrown right out the window and replaced by lessons from Johnny Knoxville.

And onto decomposition, interesting choice of words, no? The decomposition I refer to is the rotting and erosion of one's spirit...that thing that stands out and makes Billy different from Bradley and Ashley different from Angie. High school and it's pressures (outside the regular smoking ,drinking, sex) seem to strip people of their spark. Their luster for life, which leads me to understand how so many students could commit suicide while in their academic years. I admit that at times I am so worn out from term papers, algebraic equations and the population density in Kenya, that I want to curl into the fetal position and cry until my tear ducts run dry (that or my mom calls me for dinner, whichever comes first). But then I ask myself (or rather my friends and mom ask me), "Is it worth it?" At the end of the day is a grade worth your mental stability. The answer: no.

So I suppose in the end, we must all just take it one day at a time, don't try to do too much, and don't try to get by on too little(or barely enough). Find your happy medium and work with it. Don't lose yourself in the frustrating and sometimes dangerous pathways, make your own trail, for others to follow in. Remember, there is life beyond high-school(as amazing as that seems, where no one will care if you were prom queen or voted "Most Likely to Succeed", or who you dated(or didn't). And we shall all get to that big college dorm room in the sky and hear the sweet words we've all waited so long to hear,

"TOGA PARTY AT MATT'S. BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE"

~Sarah

Oh NO, he didn't...

As I am writing this I am speaking with a new buddy of mine, about a topic one should never, EVER discuss with a member of the male gender. The topic of "Female Beauty". Let me say that again so that it can sink in. I was speaking to a person without the ability to give birth about his perceptions of female beauty.

Yea, I sounds like a bad idea to me as well. But nevertheless, I indulged my new acquaintance. To be fair, I will state that my friend is of African heritage and his culture still values many traditional ideals and ideals that are far removed from those valued here in American culture. With that being said...I completely disagreed with almost everything he said.

Now, I rarely take the opinions of the male gender into account when forming my own views of feminine beauty, but I will listen with open ears. It seems impossible to me that someone who is not a woman, would try to construct an (often confining) view of what a woman should be.

So this guy tells me that he he prefers women with natural hair (not unprocessed hair but rather without any extensions). Anyone who knows me, knows that this is a touchy subject for me. I consider myself very well read and knowledgeable as to the hair of African-American women (though by far we are not the only ones weaving it up). He tells me that he believes a woman's hair to be her crowning glory (which I agree with). So is he then trying to say that having extensions, weaves, what-have-you in your hair is...not beautiful?

I definitely loves myself some extra hair...braids. weaves, buns...it doesn't matter. So I am very pro creative hair. I consider myself and other women no less beautiful because we desire length, volume or protection for our hair (which we achieve through the use of extensions). Seeing as my friend is damn near bald..again, his argument holds no water.

Personally, I've always felt that women should be free to be creative. It is the visually stunning choices we make, which brand as as women...new age women to be exact. I mean if we went around looking all plain and boring (and without hair, might I add)..there would be another name for us...MEN!

A Living Legend

Two weeks ago, I got to embark on an experience of a lifetime. I met a celebrity..or at least saw one. No, it wasn't Justin Timberlake or Madonna (though, either of them would have excited me). I met a legend, someone whose life has impacted millions, whose words have inspired countries, and whose legacy shall not be soon forgotten. She is a famed activist, poem, scholar, and spokesperson. Can you guess who I saw?

Miss Maya Angelou. Excuse me, the famed Dr. Maya Angelou.

Yes..and you can not imagine what a surreal joy it was. There I was, sitting with a couple hundred people in a crowded auditorium on Ohio State's campus staring up at one of the most influential people...ever. Dr. Angelou was seated during her speech, shrinking her six foot frame to that of a woman half her size. She looked frail and tired due to her senior age and bouts of sickness. But when she spoke...man-oh-man! Her voice was so robust and full of life.

She began by telling the audience how she had longed to come to Ohio (ha!), she then recited some poetry I hadn't heard before and recounted some of the highlights of her life. Listening to her speak, was like being a bee drawn to honey...you couldn't look away (nor did you want t0). Her lyrical voice held you in rapture, whether she was laughing discussing being called "ugly" or recounting painful childhood memories. I sat there thinking, "This woman...this woman...she is the real deal." Being in the prescence of greatness, can be an amazingly wonderful thing.

The most powerful message, I took away from the speech was one of immense hope. Dr. Angelou told us to, "Not let anyone stand in the way of your liberation." She encouraged us to read more, take things to memory and to forge ahead in whatever ventures we would like. She spoke of a "If-he-can-I-could' mentally; telling us that great men have accomplished great things..and none of them are any greater than we could be.

Sadly, we as an audience, were made all too aware of Ms. Maya's declining health. She wore what appeared to be a brace on her arm. She would forget where she was in her speech and pause and stray to another subject. She did not stay to sign autographs or take pictures. The overrall length of the speech was shorter than I had hoped. Nevertheless, it was a lecture I wouldn't have missed for the world.

To be a light for yourself, is to be a light for others...and Dr. Angelou knows more about that than most. After listening to her, I was encouraged that I will indeed find some direction in this sordid thing we call life. Until then, I should continue to build my wealth of knowledge and continue to attempt to be, "a rainbow in somebody's cloud". Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou, for being a rainbow in my cloud that cold February day.

To Be or Not to BE...

For me, the above isn't the true question. For me the better question is...how and how soon. It occurred to me as I was dancing around my apartment (like a bonafide maniac) to Shakira's ridicoulously infectious, "La Tortura", that I am 20 and haven't accomplished shit-excuse my french.

Not diddly squat.

Now, I know many people would consider 20 a bit young and just on the cusp of life. I...DO...NOT. Plenty of 20-year old music moguls, international fashion models, and CEO's of companies can be find all over the world. Apparently, 20 is the new 30...at least in my world. Yes, I know I am impatient and I shouldn't judge myself by anyone else's success...but how can I not?

Everyone does, conciously or unconciously. Take a moment and think about it. We look at Oprah and Donald Trump, or Lebron James and we think..."I'd like to be like that girl/guy. I'd like to accomplish as much as he/she has accomplished. Or at the very least we say to ourselves, "Whoo...I'd like to be as rich as that mutha******".

Here is a PARTIAL list of things, I'd like to accomplish before I die:

• Learn to Salsa/Ballroom Dance


• Go Skydiving


• Learn to cook rice(I'm really bad at it)


• Publish at least two books


• Be featured in 3 major motion pictures


• Obtain one degree from an accredited institution of higher learning


• Have a piece of clothing named after me(preferrably a nice stilletto).


• Write one children's book


• Learn to professionally drive a race car


• Become skilled martial artist


• Open a "half-way house" for recovering alcoholics


• Have my own website


• Be CEO of a non-profit(maybe) organization


• Do volunteer work in two 3rd world countries.


• Travel to Japan, Italy, Ireland, and Dubai


• Research my geneology and visit the country of my ethnic origin

So yea, considering the fact that no one knows when their expiration date will be. I think I need to get started. I've got some diverse and compicated tasks ahead of me. And 20 years old is as good a time to start as any, wouldn't you agree?

Ode to Vaseline

I've been thinking about a beauty staple that goes without much deserved recognition. Petroleum Jelly, or as it's more commonly(and affectionately) known,Vaseline, is my can't live without beauty essential. My skin only has to thank Vaseline for its lusterous sheen and baby soft feel. Vaseline can be used to do so much from remedying dry, cracked skin to being used as a base for eyeshadow. Some fast facts about Vaseline:

• It is flammable


• Vaseline is NOT absorbed by the skin


• It has NO medicinal properties


• Vaseline dissolves the latex in condems (so let's not use it as a lubricant, people)


• Often used by beauty pageant contestants to keep their lips from sticking to their teeth.

Vaseline as we know it was created by a chemist by the name of Robert Chesebrough. Mr. Chesebrough, from the bottom of my beating heart, I thank you! Without you, my days would be filled with loneliness and ashy feet. Neither of which I find particularly pleasant.

Now, I will admit I have strayed from the beaten path and turned to other moisturizers...but they were all charlatans. They duped me. Convinced me with their fancy names and famous ingredients, that they too would give me soft, supple skin. How they lied! Sure, I was happy at first, content with their wonderful smells and "botanical" ingredients. Content to slather myself in coco-butter-this and aloe-vera-that. Until the dryness set in, followed by the itching and finally the ashy flakes (maybe not in that particular order). It is a known fact: No one is cute with glow in the dark hands...in the daytime.

Alas, I soon realized the error of my ways and went back to my tried and true love, Vaseline. Thankfully, it didn't reject me and instead ushered me back into the fold of moisurized lips and shiny legs. Never shall I stray again. Vaseline has been by my side, my mother's, my grandmother's and will continue to fight the good fight against peeling, cracking and other forms of skin unpleasantries. So this is for you, Vaseline. A true unsung hero!

Lights, Camera...ACTION

As of February 11th, 2010, I, Miss Sarah Suzuki can officially call myself a "professional actress". It feels kinda good too. No more (well at least for the time being) school productions, I finally worked with an actual theater production company, Heads Up Productions. Heads Up Productions is the dream child of my friend and once fellow castmate, Ben Rexroad. It is a fledgling company that is sure to do amazing things in the future, feel free to take a look or get more info about the company on twitter at Heads UP Productions.

The show was an amazing experience. Directed by my friend, mentor and veteran actress, India Burton, the production has been one of the best theatrical experiences I have had thus far. The play, For Colored Girls Who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough, was written by activist and playwright Ntozake Shange and his her best known play to date. The play is actually a choreopoem, with 20 different scenes that tells the stories of seven women from various cities. The poems a hard-hitting, dealing with issues of love, racism, self-hate, abortion, and abuse.

I think it is the subject matter of the play, that makes it so enticing and at the same time, so difficult to understand. People clapped and enjoyed themselves; but never seemed to truly understand the pieces as they don't flow together like a plot(found in most storyline based plays). We've had a mixed audience the 3 nights we've performed the play, with black and white patrons. As expected the black and female members of the audience were more responsive to the subject matter; as the could more readily identify with the issues. But considering the fact that we garnered standing ovations 2 out of the 3 nights(with one performance left to go), I think we sufficiently entertained our entire crowd.

Looking back, I'd have to say the process of bringing it all together was quite daunting. I had to go through a lot of "ups and downs" to bring Lady in Green (my character) to life. From long rehearsals, to cattiness between the all-female cast, to constantly having to reschedule my hours at my job (dwindling them and my pay check down to almost nothing at all)...No one ever said theater was an easy business. But I'd go through it all again to see the huge grin plastered all over my mom's face after the curtain closed for our 3rd performance. Before that Saturday evening, she hadn't seen me perform in anything for at least a year. I was ecstatic, that my talent still brings her such happiness.

I definitely took a lot away from the experience. I am more behaved, I take better direction and I've learned how to deal with the madness of "tech week"(aka the week of hell right before opening night). I've meet incredible talents, not only my fellow actresses but lighting designers, choreographers, sound engineers, costume designers and the list goes on. I am truly blessed to have been offered a role in the cast. Not so secretly, I have hope that we will be able to take the show to another venue where we can bring the tales of seven colored girls to life for even more audiences.

Finding a Path

Robert Frost once famously penned the words, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." I wonder if Mr. Frost knew what an impact he'd have on the world of literature with those words. Even more, I wonder if he know why he was on that path. I mean, did he plan to find the path or did he just stumbled across it, as so many of us do? Did he wake up some morning before hand, setting out to find adventure or was it a last minute idea that occurred to him as he bent down to tie his shoe?

Personally, I believe knowing whether or not Frost's character intentionally set out to find his destiny or whether faith dealt him a blessed hand, changes the entire mood of the poem. It is a rarity nowadays to find people who truly know where they are going; at least at the level I am speaking of, which is the collegiate one. I attend a college of little more than 20-some thousand students, from all walks of life, and I am positive that less than 1/3 of them know what they (truly) want to accomplish in life.

Sure, some want to be police officers, because they're 3rd in a long family line of them. And of course, some want to become doctors because their homelands don't have enough of them and they want to make a "difference". Still others want to be pharmacists due to the fact that they happened to overhear that the profession earns a lot of money. But most, I am willing to bet, were told by numerous parents, teachers and friends that college was what you are supposed to do after highschool.

What a laugh!

We're told that without college(or some other form of formal education), we won't amount to anything. Advisors quote statistics showing the ratio of money a college graduate makes in comparison to someone without a degree. Parents point to the picture of big brother or sister so-and-so, "Don't you wanna be as successful as (insert name here)?"

Apparently, the only successful people in the world have college degrees under their belts. Does a signed piece of paper guarantee happiness? If it does, I need to stop writing this and do some(more) homework. See, that's just it...

A degree DOES NOT, I REPEAT, DOES NOT guarantee happiness.

Yes, this is coming from a sophomore/junior with no such degree to speak of. But I have come to the conclusion, that I must be right. Maybe, it's because I am in the middle of trying to decide which major I actually want to pursue (isn't it a little late for that, I keep wondering). Or maybe it's the fact that I've spoken to several of my friends and they feel the same way and have the same question.

"What the hell am I supposed to be doing with my life?"

And do not tell me, the answer involves me going to college with thousands of other people asking the same question. I like to have definate reasons for the things I do. And while the fact that I want to earn a substantial amount of money later in life is good, for me, it is insufficient. The repetitiveness of college is getting to me. The getting up in time for the same classes, to listen to teachers who teach the same way, walking the same familar campus...BORING.

Perhaps, I just need a change of scenery. Lately, I've thought about getting out of this small town. Away from the small-minded people and the never small snowstorms. As much as I'd like to up and book a flight to Hawaii or Cali, I know that's an illogical step right now. I have far too many credit hours to squander them. No, this next move will require careful, deliberate planning on my part. Only problem with that is I lack patience. It's a virtue I never inheirited from my instant gratification of a mother.

Hmm, I suppose I'll just have to see what cards fate deals me. Maybe with a little luck and a lot of prayer, it'll be a royal flush. I feel as though I am about to come upon my fork-in-the-road. Meet the two paths that will force me to choose. Will I take the red or the blue pill? Will I follow the rabbit down the hole? Is the force strong with me? LOL...we'll see...stay tuned.

Hurricane Katrina Vs. The Haitian Earthquake

In the red corner, killing an impressive 1, 500 people, causing 8.1 billion dollars in damages and leaving thousands more displaced 4 years after it hit...is the hurricane of hurricanes, Ms. Katrina. And in the blue corner, ranking a 7.0 on the Richter scale and leaving more than 3 million people in need of emergency assistance is what is being called the greatest disaster in Haiti's history, the Haitian Earthquake. Now what is the major difference between these two catastrophes? Well, both have caused significant damage to the lands they hit. And of course, both have resulted in billions of dollars of fiscal damage. And probably most importantly, both events have significantly changed the lives of all those involved. So what, do you ask, is the big thing that separates these two tragedies.

It can be summed up in one word:

RESPONSE

I swear, I heard about the Haitian earthquake before some Haitians heard about it. The news coverage was so dead on. One minute, I am checking my Facebook account(which I do at least three times a day). The next, I am getting bombarded with links from ABC, MSN and every other rinky-dink news station out there, depicting in graphic detail the tragedy. Soon, it was "Text ***** to _____and $10 will be donated to the Haitian relief fund." Or, "Please send toiletries and canned goods to _____." Even major radio stations were urging people to "do something to help the Haitian population." And let's not get started on the star-studded concert benefit shows put on to raise money.

PUH-LEESE.

I'm all for helping my fellow man and all that jazz. But how on God's green earth, do I, as an American; justify the outpouring of support that seems to have come from all directions to Haiti, when the victims of Hurricane Katrina are still living in trailers. I do not ever remember such a strong showing of support and assistance when we had our tragedy. No Haitians were wiring money to the U.S(not that they had the means, but still, it's the principal) to help flood evacuees. There were no cell phone numbers to call and donate funds. The benefit concerts came late as did the telethons.

Perhaps, because we are America, land of the free and the home of the brave, people believe we are not susceptible to hurt and downfall. I'm pretty sure the events of 9/11 disproved that notion. We, as a nation, are just as vulnerable to the ways of fate of circumstance as any other country. Were we just supposed to suck it up and nurse our own wounds? Understandably, we do have a much better(or at least smarter) president now than we did when Hurricane Katrina hit. But damn, have we put the Katrina victims out of our thoughts? Let this new tragedy eclipse an old one?

I guess what I'm saying is, "I still wonder why so little was done for Katrina evacuees." Seeing so much attention and energy being poured into another country's problem, simply spotlights how greatly our government failed its people. We were happy to go to war and die, supposedly for our country. But we were much less willing to help preserve the lives of those on our shores, who faced imminent danger. Yet, in the same breath, the U.S is quick to put a Superman "S" on its chest and go charging in to "save" Haiti. For international acclaim? Global recognition? That, I cannot be sure of. But what I am sure of, is that it's a crying shame, when you care for more for your neighborhood across the pond; than the one living right next door. I am in no way, shape or form advising people not to support or care for the situation in Haiti. I am simply asking that people not forget those who are still putting the pieces of their lives together. Looking at the picture in a more optimist light...perhaps, by helping the earthquake survivors(whose sentiments echo that of Katrina survivors), our government may in some way redeem itself.

We shall see.

Are You there People, It's me...God.

Let me first start this blog by saying, "My heart goes out the victims of the earthquake disaster in Haiti. I sincerely hope that all is being done to aid them in their time of need." Now, with that being said...let me get directly to the point. I am baffled, bamboozled and geniunely puzzled. But above all, I am pissed with a capital "P". Can someone help me out here? I just can't seem to understand why it takes yet another tragic situation to get people moving and giving. It appears the human race can only be shaken from the blanket of its personal selfishness in the wake of a catastrophe. Let's get one thing clear, Haitians were in a bad way before the earthquake hit.
For years, the country has faced political unrest, poor health care conditions and numerous other unpleasantries. S0, let's not act like they were simply dandy before January 12th, 2010(the day the earthquake occurred). Yet, that is the only time the world took notice. If it had not been for Mother Nature having a hissy fit in Haiti, the U.S would still have its main focus on the latest release of New Moon.
So often we(specifically speaking in reference to Americans and other so called "third world" countries) get caught up in the insignificant issues that surround us and turn a blind eye to the critical ones. It's like families that only come together when a member dies, only to disperse once the funeral is over. Plainly put, it...it's a damn shame. I'd wager to bet, that most people couldn't point out Haiti on a simple map. We must begin to look around and not only see others around us, but...examine. Not only examine but understand. And finally not only understand but come to fully appreciate the many diverse cultures of the world. Only then can we look in the mirror and be alright with ourselves. And don't think that just because you texted 555 to some random number, that charged you ten bucks, that you've done your good deed for the day. Most of us are so caught up in our own grossly materialistic lives, that it would take many more texts than we could possibly send. Hmm, Idk...makes me wonder if God sometimes allows these tragedies to happen as a way of saying, "Don't forget...you are still your brother's keeper."

She's Gonna Blow...

Money that is. That lovely green thing our economy seems to fixate or at the very least depend upon. Today, as I was browsing around an Asian-owned hair store looking at an array of goodies(fake ugg boots, deep wave human hair, hello kitty necklaces), I began to wonder about my own spending habits. Before coming to the counter, I'd mentally calculated what my final bill would look like. Needless to say, I spent well over what I intended. And when the polite salesclerk asked, "The total is $48.02. Will that be all?" I had to look down to make sure my jaw wasn't indeed, lying on the floor at my feet. What in the world did I buy? Surely, a couple packs of (synthetic) hair, some conditioner, a can of hair gel, and some eyeshadow palettes couldn't be worth nearly fifty bucks! My reciept seemed to disagree with me. What happened to the days of frivolous money spending; that I had eagerly enjoyed in my youth? Being able to say, "I want that" without having to check a price tag first? Before I had a Chase bank account, there was my frequent use of my ASM(Automatically Sarah's Money) aka my mother. Gosh, did she come in handy. It seems that ever since I entered the "adult world" and took on real-world responsibilites, my get-it-and-go method of shopping is a thing of the past. Apparently, being a "grown-up" really translates into, "You're paying for your own crap now, buddy." From my rent payments to having to fill up my gas tank(ever other day), it seems like everything costs money. Even the seemingly insignificant aspects of my life come with a price; oh yea, you'd better believe I am paying for the internet service that is allowing me to write this very blog. Financial times and hardships like these are what, I believe, lead poor, backwards Anna Nicole to marry a millionaire with one foot in the grave. As the old saying goes, "If you can't beat'em...join'em." Anyone know any single millionaires with a soft spot for poor college girls with semi-dangerous shopping addictions?