I went all summer without a single post... not because I had nothing to say but because other things just always seem to take priority over blogging, even if I don't want them to. I've had so many ideas for things I'd like to write, mostly concerning music, but I never have the time to get them all down. I also feel at a loss for words sometimes... as though the English language isn't adequate for expressing the things I feel. In the words of Ben Gibbard: "The boundaries of language I quietly curse." More frequently than anyone realizes...
The new school year has begun. It's off to a good start as far as I'm concerned. My thesis topic was approved, so I'm FINALLY enrolled in my thesis research hours. I'll be working on a project that truly interests me, so I know I'll be motivated. I'm teaching a General Psychology course full of freshmen that have no clue about college yet. It's fun and interesting to watch them as I lecture. Teaching is going to be a great experience for me; I can tell already. As a graduate assistant, I get an office that I share with one other person. He's hardly ever here at the same times as me, so it's quiet most of the time and I can listen to my music if I want. Pretty sweet set up. I've decorated my blinding white office walls will pictures of Seattle and Washington state that I've printed out, along with album art from Death Cab for Cutie's stuff and xkcd comic strips. It's added a little character, to say the least. I'm taking two classes, both of which I think will be pretty interesting. I only have one paper and one presentation this semester, which is great because I have so much to do for my thesis. I HAVE to stay on track to finish by May so I can graduate and get the hell out of here. Also this fall, I will be applying to the Social Psychology PhD. program at the University of Washington in Seattle. I completely expect to be rejected, but I have to try. Who knows? The universe my pleasantly surprise me for a change. Busy year ahead of me... but I know it will be worth it in the end. I'm counting down the days until I can walk through the streets of Seattle and call it home. So close...
Over the past few months, I've fallen even more in love with Death Cab for Cutie. I saw them in concert in May in Columbia, Missouri, and it was one of the most moving experiences of my life. The way I felt after that show, half deaf and wearing a smile that would not go away... it was as though I'd been missing something essential in my life but just never noticed it. But after hearing and SEEING Ben Gibbard and Chris Walla and Jason McGerr and Nick Harmer make music together on an open air stage in the middle of a street, I felt as though some piece of a puzzle had locked securely into place. To be able to convey such feeling and force through the manipulation of airwaves via instrument and voice... it never ceases to amaze me. I'll be seeing them again in October and I simply cannot wait.
Benjamin Gibbard
Chris Walla
I'll try to update a little more frequently throughout the upcoming year. I have some time here in this office where I'm simply chilling and thinking and planning. Perhaps I can blog then.
Peace
