Future is an undecided option for this student

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 24 April 2012 14:49

Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty dramatic about my future. Big surprise, I know.

I’ve reached my mental capacity from considering the vast array of options that exist, then reached my emotional capacity after coming to terms with the fact that none of those options particularly interest me.

This crushing disappointment has led to an intense, ongoing inner monologue:

“Has my entire college career been a huge waste? Should I have gone a totally different direction...like maybe tried to live in some African jungle, riding elephants and learning to make soup from tree bark...or something?”

“Of course not,” I tell myself, “There are way too many spiders in the jungle. Big ones, too.”

But should I have come to North Park...

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It’s so easy to succumb to our material world

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 10 April 2012 14:04

Until about a week ago, I found myself with a massive amount of disposable income (three jobs, no bills) and have been basking in the luxuries of a really, really, materialistic life.

New shoes from Steve Madden’s spring line? Sure! Impromptu shopping spree at Forever 21 just because I can? Why not! Extravagant West Coast trip without a budget? What a brilliant idea!

My daily commute to work brings me through some of the coolest neighborhoods in Chicago, filled with unique shops just bursting at the seams with stylish clothing, vintage records and kitschy figurines. In my mind, an unlimited amount of stuff I must have.

Inside these stores, I used to browse aimlessly until I found something to buy: knick-knacks that (insert...

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Commuting by bike is challenging in Chicago

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 27 March 2012 13:51

Ten Things I Never Knew About Bike Commuting in Chicago Until They Happened To Me:

No. 1: Rush hour on Lake Shore Bike Path is just as insane as rush hour on Lake Shore Drive.

Bicycles may not be two-ton death traps, but the cyclists are weaving in and out among the other bikers and rollerbladers, trying to speed ahead just as much as the cars are.

The situation is worse in the summertime when you add drunken beach bros to the picture—huge groups of oblivious, sunburned juiceheads trying to cross the path to the beach while cyclists are zooming to work.... Bad news.

No. 2: Cyclists are as big of jerks as car drivers.

This is a continuation of No. 1. Car drivers cut each other off and, yeah, it’s annoying, but it’s probably not...

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Moving from conviction to action

Written by Abi Humber Tuesday, 28 February 2012 15:03

One of the hardest things about becoming an informed individual and forming new opinions is facing new convictions. It can feel so good to stand firmly on an issue and let the world know you think shooting polar bear cubs is just the worst!

But what about when that opinion needs to be reflected in your life?

What are you doing to keep the baby polar bears from getting shot?

How do your opinions manifest themselves in the way you live? This is when a conviction actually matters, and I’ll be the first to admit it can be hard to reconcile what I say with what I do.

The most current example of this deals with the controversy concerning Rihanna and Chris Brown’s ongoing relationship. Allow me to outline the nature of the conflict for...

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