Bullies, swing dance and other musings.

Today I read more about the bus monitor who was viscously bullied by seventh graders, (see video here, though you've probably seen it already.) A website started up for her raised more than $500,000 dollars to send her on a vacation; the intended goal was $5,000.

That's absolutely remarkable.

Consider how much effort goes into raising money for natural disasters or diseases. It takes time. It takes dedication. Sometimes, it takes a celebrity at the other end of the phone call. But in this case? That money was raised in 36 hours.
For me, this whole story has been an interesting look into the psyche of people. It's fascinating to see what makes us tick.

First of all, it's crazy how much hatred a 12-year-old heart can house. Maybe that's just it, though. They can't possibly understand the plight of another human being because they've hardly started living yet. And they take advantage of it. They conveniently forget that human beings have emotions and lives of their own. And there is no way they can possibly understand what kind of a wrench they've just thrown in their life.

Then it also says something about what really gets our blood boiling. I think it's because, unlike hurricanes and genocide, we all have someone in our life that reminds us of the bus monitor. We think of grandmas or moms or aunts. That makes it relatable, personal even.

But it's strange how easy it is for children to be heartless. And it's unfortunate, too, because by the time they realize the scope of what they've done, it'll be years later. And that's likely when they'll have the maturity to process the severity of it. But the fact that so many people came together to show that woman that someone cares really re-instilled my faith in humanity.

On a lighter note-

Tom and I went swing dancing last night!

So it was lots of fun because it was outside, it was free, and we did a pretty good job! I did not like, however, that we had to change partners often. I ended up dancing with a lot of old men and a few high school theater kids. But still, we had a good time. And I must say, we looked pretty classy.

But I was thinking how much I enjoy these college years. I enjoy finding free things to do. Everything is fairly simple (compared to real grown-up living), and it's easy to live a decadent life on hardly anything. Because a dip in the pool on a hot afternoon or staying out late for a scoop of ice cream feels indulgent. And I hope that I never forget that, because that's what life is about. 

Later on, when I've got a mortgage to pay and kids to raise and a retirement fund, I want to remember that these are the kinds of things that really make a life worth living. And for me and Tom, it's fun to find creative dates to do while we're living as broke college students. That feels like real wealth to me.

And tonight, my roommate is back in town and we're all going to see "Brave"! I can't wait. I read that it took three years to make her hair.

Happy weekend!