On-campus Life in the Midst of Protest

Hello friends!

I hope you are all well in the midst of the activity on campus and around the world. We find ourselves in quite the place with the sorrow of Haiti, Chile, Japan, the Olympics, and the list goes on. But closer to home, we are constantly surrounded by the new age of protest in which the UCSD campus finds itself. As an on-campus resident, I must admit I find myself overwhelmed in a somewhat helpless way. The campus has energy each day~ and when you live on campus you absorb that energy in a sense. With all of the recent protests going on, I can't help but want to hide, to emerse in beauty, dig myself deep in warm sand or soil and be relieved for a few moments of silence, not of ignorance of world happenings, but just a quiet place of meditation in a neutral environment. That is how I feel about you, the Neighborhood Community Garden at UCSD. You have been like a shelter to me. Your soil can absorb my tears and my weight, and in return I get joy and the overwhelming peace and beauty of nature.

My dear friends, please use UCSD's transportation to explore off campus. The beach is right there- hop on a bicycle or take a walk if you prefer to do so. Take advantage of the closeness you have to the pulchritudinous ocean~ it is right there, waiting. And don't forget about the dear Garden behind the Che Cafe. I know I won't.


Me in the midst of the Garden:



Wishing you love and peace,
email me with any questions/concerns/needs of support/feedback and feel free to post comments of opinion.


I am your friend and open ears.
Jessica
jbaltman@ucsd.edu

Thanksgiving Break!

What an exciting time for everyone!

For many, it is their first time going home from the entire school year. It is so warm to imagine everyone with their families, spread out all over California and elsewhere, taking in the love and intimacy of family. I love it!

While all the excitement is going on there... the school is going to be sleeping a little more. Dining halls, staff, and faculty are all enjoying their break. If you are on campus for very quiet days, you may have to be a little innovative in how you get your goods. All of the Places and Markets are closed all day (only on T-Day), so don't worry, you're still going to be fed the rest of break! Check out the dining hours on this link: http://hdh.ucsd.edu/diningservices/hours.asp

Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are just a quick walk from campus. Also, look for others that may have stayed on campus for break. Meet up with them, have good conversation, and enjoy a unique experience of being here while the school sleeps. It is a really nice time.

Those who will be gone, remember there are shuttles from the SD Airport to

Peterson Hall. Here is the schedule:

San Diego Airport to Peterson Hall
Day/Date	Departure Times
Thanksgiving break 2009 Sunday, Nov. 29	10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 10 p.m.

Found on this site: http://www.ucsd.edu/current-students/student-life/parking-and-transportation/commuting-alternatives/holiday-airport-shuttle.html

How nice to have free transportation!

I wish you all a wonderful break, and want to encourage you to beautify your living space. Check out my mini-garden in my Warren apartment:

Notice how I reused a hummus container... using recyclables for gardening purposes is SO much better than recycling.

Peace and love,

Jessica