Sewing and self-efficacy

Ever since Kate moved out, I've been wanting to get one of those big pillows with arms and turn the other bed into a couch. I don't have the time or money to go out and buy a pillow like that, but as fate would have it, I spotted one in the trash can by the stairwell a few days ago.

( Of course, it looked like this. )

I rescued it, dug a needle and thread out of my random-crap drawer, and got to work.

( Ta-da! )

We've talked about self-efficacy a lot in my social psych class. At first glance, it seems like an unnecessary synonym for self-esteem, but the more I think about it with regards to my own life, the more I see the difference. It's one thing to assure myself that I'm good enough; it's another thing entirely to do things well and feel capable because I did them well.

I think that's why abstract, pointless things like honors designations and good grades don't really make me feel good about myself. I mean, they do to some extent, but it's mostly because I know they should. Something little like this, though, finding a pillow in the trash and fixing it--not perfectly, perhaps, and I hope the textiles-inclined among my flist don't look too closely at those seams--that kind of pride feels more real, more honest.

Wishlist

I'm probably going to be sharing a room next semester, and I'll be moving a lot over the next few years, so I'm trying not to accumulate too much stuff right now. With that in mind, here's what I'd like for Christmas.

1. Letters. I love getting handwritten letters.
2. Holiday cards. I don't know if I'll manage to send any out this year, but I'll happily accept yours if you don't require reciprocation.
3. Recommendations for good psychology books, especially ones I can find or request at the college library.
4. Recommendations for any good books, actually. I don't have a lot of time for reading, but I'm trying to make more, and it's not like my "to read" list is finite.
5. A visit! No one's come to see me at college yet, and I would absolutely love it if you did.
6. Spread the news of Calendar Geeks. Not necessarily buying, but just letting people know that it exists.
7. Pictures of yourself, your favorite things, the people and places that make you happy. I like getting glimpses into people's lives.
8. Tasty vegan recipes with relatively cheap ingredients. I think I'm going off the meal plan next semester, and I'm really looking forward to cooking for myself.
9. Crossword puzzles that can be solved online or with Across Lite.
10. Tip your sacker at the grocery store. Seriously. It sucks to be a sacker, and tips are little things that make life better.

FOURtissimo singing pi

This concert happened this afternoon--I was in the audience. The blonde girl who sings first is my friend Sophie. The sound quality is kinda crappy, but you can still get the gist of the awesomeness. Note that she and two of the others are not looking at their books.