Altogether, my Christmas was excellent. I received far more than I asked for (or deserved, if you ask me) and I am thankful for it all. The highlights of this Christmas' unwrappings include a five-disk, collector's edition box set of Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks including an entire disk of remixed and unreleased music. (!!!) The amazing and unique thing about Hans Zimmer is that he doesn't just write the music for the film, call it quits and collect his paycheck, he explores all the possibilities for the themes he creates by writing extended, elaborate suites. Disk four of the set includes suites for the Hoist the Colours, Beckett, Davy Jones and Singapore themes and though all of these suites are unbelievable to hear, they pale in comparison to the 11 minute suite for the At World's End love theme. This track is breathtaking and moving. It stirs so many memories for me from the end of an amazing chapter of my life*. The set also includes a 'Behind the Score' featurette with Zimmer and the other important players from the series.
I also found Mac's latest and greatest operating system, Leopard, in my stocking this Christmas. It is beautiful, and I mean that in a way that only the true Mac enthusiast will understand. I haven't come across any glitches yet. Then again, by now I can pretty much tell what will and won't piss off a Mac; don't go against the grain and you won't find a single issue.
My iPod has a slick new case now, one that is rubber-based and will hopefully absorb some of the shock should the unspeakable happen.
Of course, there was cash, which I appreciate because it lets me put it where I want it. Now, more than ever before, I am becoming super-conscious of how expensive my life is. To be honest this subject is one I never really talk about more out of guilt than any other factor. Financially, my family is relatively well-off. My parents have always been there with whatever money I may have needed for this or that. To put it bluntly, I am spoiled and I feel guilty about it. I look around and see so many of my good friends working their asses off with two and three jobs for the money that I just somehow have. These days I do have jobs, they're just jobs that can be done from my laptop and the comfort of my own home. This summer I will be getting a real, daily job, not because I have to but because I want to. Right now, I have a horribly warped perspective on life. I sit around and sulk because none of my friends are online or can do the things I'd like to do. Of course, it's not that they don't want to, it's that they're always working to have the money it takes to have a little fun once in a while. I need to feel that too, as crazy as that sounds.
So, on this Christmas (now Boxing Day if we're being technical) I would like to express how thankful I am and that I am consistently humbled by the gifts I receive, both beneath the tree and in the heart. I have some of the greatest, kindest, most genuine, most hard-working friends anyone could ask for. I expect too much from them, I'm afraid and I am working consciously to change that. After all, it's not all about me. That much, especially now, is clear.
Thank for everything and I hope you all had Christmases even greater than mine.
*More on this chapter in a later post.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Have You?
Have you ever been so tired you can't get to sleep?
Have you ever had so many things you wished you could say but can't find the words?
Have you ever felt so deeply for a group of people that every second you're apart feels like forever?
Have you ever wished you could stop time, just for a moment, so you could be with those people without worrying about a thing?
Have you ever had a friend become a brother?
Have you ever wanted to show someone how much you care about them but can't, for the life of you, find a way that does justice?
Have you ever just wanted to sit and talk?
Have you ever lost sleep worrying about a friend?
Have you ever lost sleep worrying about yourself?
Have you ever dreamed of a happier tomorrow?
Have you ever felt time slip away?
Have you ever felt like nothing you do will ever be enough?
Have you ever known the answers to all of your questions and none at the same time?
Have you ever expected too much?
Have you ever just wanted to sleep?
I have.
Have you ever had so many things you wished you could say but can't find the words?
Have you ever felt so deeply for a group of people that every second you're apart feels like forever?
Have you ever wished you could stop time, just for a moment, so you could be with those people without worrying about a thing?
Have you ever had a friend become a brother?
Have you ever wanted to show someone how much you care about them but can't, for the life of you, find a way that does justice?
Have you ever just wanted to sit and talk?
Have you ever lost sleep worrying about a friend?
Have you ever lost sleep worrying about yourself?
Have you ever dreamed of a happier tomorrow?
Have you ever felt time slip away?
Have you ever felt like nothing you do will ever be enough?
Have you ever known the answers to all of your questions and none at the same time?
Have you ever expected too much?
Have you ever just wanted to sleep?
I have.
Monday, December 17, 2007
What I've Been Up To
Man, it's been almost a month since my last post. Sorry about that. First semester is over and I'm back home for a solid month of Christmas break. The last few weeks of class were busy ones, hence the obvious lack of blogging. Final at Art school are a little different than those at State school. They're not written tests (Except for Art History) but large, multi-step projects due the last week of school. In all honesty, finals week wasn't as bad as I'd imagined it would be. The work load stayed about the same and after each class we thrived on the feeling that we were one step closer to Christmas. I managed to squeak out of all of my classes with an A- or higher (except for Color Concept, the class which is the absolute bane of my existence). I made the President's list, which I'm pretty proud of, and I'm actually excited to go back to school (almost exclusively because I moved to the fourth floor and will now be living with people who actually grasp the concepts of sanitation and respect).
So far, break has been everything I'd hoped it would be. I made it to the second pep band game of the year and had fun catching up with everyone there. I gazed upon the glorious thing that is the iPhone as Mark was texting Zandra during the game. The band phoned in an expertly arranged version of "The Birthday Song" to Mr. Eastham as he sat at home, no doubt glad to be away from the madness for once.
We had Part 1 of our many Christmases Saturday and I managed to rake in a few dollars as well as a damn cool book about the concepts and making of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Sunday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending my best friend Casey's Eagle Court of Honor ceremony. Seeing all the pictures and hearing the stories made me wish more than I ever had before that I'd stuck it out in the scouting program. Although, from what I hear, Case is glad to be able to finish that chapter of his life.
Tuesday, a bunch of us graduates met up at Madeline's for a day of Christmas movie madness and our usual over-the-top brand of merriment. We were at BV as class let out and it was awesome to see the old crowd again. After school we headed to that most-familiar of meeting places, the Mean Bean, for some caffeine and casual conversation.
Being with the people you love the most has a way of reaffirming your faith.With them, there are no worries, no deadlines, no heartache, just pure love and friendship, the kind that can withstand months apart and even the most trying times. With them, all is well in the world again. Thank God.
So far, break has been everything I'd hoped it would be. I made it to the second pep band game of the year and had fun catching up with everyone there. I gazed upon the glorious thing that is the iPhone as Mark was texting Zandra during the game. The band phoned in an expertly arranged version of "The Birthday Song" to Mr. Eastham as he sat at home, no doubt glad to be away from the madness for once.
We had Part 1 of our many Christmases Saturday and I managed to rake in a few dollars as well as a damn cool book about the concepts and making of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Sunday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending my best friend Casey's Eagle Court of Honor ceremony. Seeing all the pictures and hearing the stories made me wish more than I ever had before that I'd stuck it out in the scouting program. Although, from what I hear, Case is glad to be able to finish that chapter of his life.
Tuesday, a bunch of us graduates met up at Madeline's for a day of Christmas movie madness and our usual over-the-top brand of merriment. We were at BV as class let out and it was awesome to see the old crowd again. After school we headed to that most-familiar of meeting places, the Mean Bean, for some caffeine and casual conversation.
Being with the people you love the most has a way of reaffirming your faith.With them, there are no worries, no deadlines, no heartache, just pure love and friendship, the kind that can withstand months apart and even the most trying times. With them, all is well in the world again. Thank God.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Friend Requests
Every once in a while, I'll get a little notice on my Facebook homepage saying I have a new friend request. When I first see this notice my first reaction is "Yes! I wonder who finally got a Facebook," and for the first few months that reaction was the most common one. But these days, now that everyone and their dog has a Facebook profile, friend requests are scarce and when they do happen, they are usually from random people at school. Not that I have anything against random people asking me to be their friend. I consider myself a friendly person so, by all means, the more the merrier but I have to wonder, does passing on the way to Color Concept constitute friendship? Friendship in general has always been a tough subject for me. In some instances, I can be quite the extrovert. This usually happens when I am very comfortable with where I am and who I'm with. In other instances, I stay very contained and quiet.
In elementary school, I never really had a true, undeniable group of friends. I would float from clique to clique, never really fitting in with any of them. I was always on the outside of the "cool" circle but too "cool" to be accepted in the lower classes. I wasn't very fast, I hated running more that five or ten feet and I couldn't kick a kickball to save my life so friendship through sports was definitely out. By middle school, I had become a lot more outgoing, especially by eighth grade. By that time, I thought I knew who I wanted to be, and who I wanted to be with, unfortunately that person was a jerk and those people were even worse. By high school, and freshman band camp, the real me began to come into the light. Here were people who acted like me, laughed with me and genuinely wanted to be around me, an entirely new concept, to say the least.
I was (and remain to this day) apprehensive. I have a hard time justifying to myself why anyone would want to become good friends with me. When I look in the mirror, I see nothing outstanding and when I set down the mirror and look even deeper, I just see a quiet perfectionist who likes film scores, art, and Chipotle: nothing extraordinary. And yet I was surrounded by so many awesome people, people who wanted to call me friend and I often caught myself asking "why?" By my senior year of high school, my circle of friends had grown ten-fold and had come to include a singer, a dancer, a painter, a metalhead, three boyscouts, two sisters, two "sisters", a techie, a Trekkie, and a whole group of people who willingly shared parents. Looking back, I still can't believe how lucky I am. These people have come to mean so much to me, living life without them right here beside me has become a lackluster, if not unpleasant experience. Luckily, college has provided an entirely new set of friend requests to accept and spending my days with them has eased the pain of being torn from my old circle. For a while I was worried that making new friends would mean losing old ones but I have since proven that theory wrong. Actually, even from miles apart, several of my old friends have become as close as family, a fact by which I am honored and humbled. I still wonder why.
In elementary school, I never really had a true, undeniable group of friends. I would float from clique to clique, never really fitting in with any of them. I was always on the outside of the "cool" circle but too "cool" to be accepted in the lower classes. I wasn't very fast, I hated running more that five or ten feet and I couldn't kick a kickball to save my life so friendship through sports was definitely out. By middle school, I had become a lot more outgoing, especially by eighth grade. By that time, I thought I knew who I wanted to be, and who I wanted to be with, unfortunately that person was a jerk and those people were even worse. By high school, and freshman band camp, the real me began to come into the light. Here were people who acted like me, laughed with me and genuinely wanted to be around me, an entirely new concept, to say the least.
I was (and remain to this day) apprehensive. I have a hard time justifying to myself why anyone would want to become good friends with me. When I look in the mirror, I see nothing outstanding and when I set down the mirror and look even deeper, I just see a quiet perfectionist who likes film scores, art, and Chipotle: nothing extraordinary. And yet I was surrounded by so many awesome people, people who wanted to call me friend and I often caught myself asking "why?" By my senior year of high school, my circle of friends had grown ten-fold and had come to include a singer, a dancer, a painter, a metalhead, three boyscouts, two sisters, two "sisters", a techie, a Trekkie, and a whole group of people who willingly shared parents. Looking back, I still can't believe how lucky I am. These people have come to mean so much to me, living life without them right here beside me has become a lackluster, if not unpleasant experience. Luckily, college has provided an entirely new set of friend requests to accept and spending my days with them has eased the pain of being torn from my old circle. For a while I was worried that making new friends would mean losing old ones but I have since proven that theory wrong. Actually, even from miles apart, several of my old friends have become as close as family, a fact by which I am honored and humbled. I still wonder why.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
A Seemingly Random List
Breaks, Facebook, aquapasto, Dr. Pepper, Pirates of the Caribbean, my iPod, Chipotle, band, PotterCast, iChat, hoodies, my MacBook, erasers, music, spellcheck, JK Rowling, Swiffer Wet, Hans Zimmer, Lysol, dark chocolate, memories, dreams, friends, family, friends who are family1.
1 Things I'm thankful for.
1 Things I'm thankful for.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
SR23
Saturday, I went with some friends to see Thomas Worthington's performance of The Crucible. Having never read the play myself, I was excited to go to a show where I could be completely engaged in the story, without that little voice in the back of my head saying, "this part's coming up" or "he can't die yet, he hasn't said this line". I was very impressed with the whole production. It took place in a "black box" theater which immerses the audience in the action by placing them very close to the stage. The acting was inspiring. I have to wonder if cities like Worthington or Marysville put something in the water or if naturally gifted actors spring up in the same general vicinity on their own. The sets were clean, simple. The lighting design was fantastic (Haha)! In all it was an impressive show.
My ride home was a straight shot up High Street and SR23 which gave my mind a little room to wander (only a little because, of course, one shouldn't let one's mind wander too far when one is behind the wheel of a speeding car). Upon closer observation, SR23 has been at the root of most of my memories from high school. Obviously, Coover Road feeds directly off of 23 so virtually every memory of every trip too and from school contains a small bit of that highway. Some of my favorite memories are from Fridays driving to five o'clock call for band, the sun setting and the windows down, not a care in the world. Chipotle runs are another favorite of mine, from Dave's devirginization between exams junior year to the infamous race between the sedan and the minivan.
As with everything in life, with the happy comes the sad and while SR23 is home to many happy memories (ones of coffee runs before school and trips to Wendy’s for Frosties and French fries), it also has its fare-share of sadness. In early 2006, the road took the life of our friend and classmate Spencer Smith. The silence in the hallways after his death will ring on in the hearts of everyone who knew Spencer.
Another scary memory for me takes place on the stormy night of a jazz band gig at All Occasions, just north of BV on SR23. The clouds had been gathering all night and by the time our show was finished the sky was dark green and churning. The rain battered my windshield as I drove south toward home. Suddenly traffic came to a screeching halt and soon I could see flashing lights in the distance; there had been a crash. My mind immediately began to race. I had seen Casey and Lee pull out in front of me, and I was sure Davy had pulled out before them. What if the lights were rushing past to save one of them? Maybe it was irrational, but I had never felt fear like that before.
Through the happiness and the tears, SR23 has been there, always humming in the background, ready to take us where we need to go and, for that, I am genuinely thankful.
If you have a memory from SR23 that you are thankful for, leave it in the comments.
My ride home was a straight shot up High Street and SR23 which gave my mind a little room to wander (only a little because, of course, one shouldn't let one's mind wander too far when one is behind the wheel of a speeding car). Upon closer observation, SR23 has been at the root of most of my memories from high school. Obviously, Coover Road feeds directly off of 23 so virtually every memory of every trip too and from school contains a small bit of that highway. Some of my favorite memories are from Fridays driving to five o'clock call for band, the sun setting and the windows down, not a care in the world. Chipotle runs are another favorite of mine, from Dave's devirginization between exams junior year to the infamous race between the sedan and the minivan.
As with everything in life, with the happy comes the sad and while SR23 is home to many happy memories (ones of coffee runs before school and trips to Wendy’s for Frosties and French fries), it also has its fare-share of sadness. In early 2006, the road took the life of our friend and classmate Spencer Smith. The silence in the hallways after his death will ring on in the hearts of everyone who knew Spencer.
Another scary memory for me takes place on the stormy night of a jazz band gig at All Occasions, just north of BV on SR23. The clouds had been gathering all night and by the time our show was finished the sky was dark green and churning. The rain battered my windshield as I drove south toward home. Suddenly traffic came to a screeching halt and soon I could see flashing lights in the distance; there had been a crash. My mind immediately began to race. I had seen Casey and Lee pull out in front of me, and I was sure Davy had pulled out before them. What if the lights were rushing past to save one of them? Maybe it was irrational, but I had never felt fear like that before.
Through the happiness and the tears, SR23 has been there, always humming in the background, ready to take us where we need to go and, for that, I am genuinely thankful.
If you have a memory from SR23 that you are thankful for, leave it in the comments.
Friday, October 26, 2007
A Night to Remember
To the seniors,
And that's how it began. Two months and almost three-hundred replies to seven separate Facebook threads later, the night that we had all been waiting for was finally here. The plot had become so elaborate, a multi-faceted plan of epic (that's right, epic) proportions, I am still amazed that it stayed as much of a secret as it did.
It's hard to wrap my head around that fact that it's over. Seeing something that we've been planning for so long, that I've spent so many sleepless nights worrying about, play out in front of my eyes was an amazing thing but incredibly bittersweet. It had come to mean more than just planning a 'surprise party'. For me, this night symbolized something much more, something I still have a hard time putting into words. Friendships like the ones we have must be rare. No one seems to understand why I will gladly set aside a Friday night to go back to my high school to watch the marching band and as hard as I try to rationalize it for people the thing it boils down to is this: you mean the the world to me. I wouldn't have missed this night for anything and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. All that I want is for you to be happy and seeing your faces tonight made up for every lost hour of sleep, every minute of planning and for the almost-unbearable anticipation. I hope you enjoyed as much as I did. Tonight I felt that old, familiar feeling, one that I haven't felt in nearly two months. Tonight I felt whole again and I want that thank you all for that.
Congratulations, again, on a fantastic senior show, on four years that you will never forget, and on making it this far, and thank you, again, for all that you've given me.
Yours always,
Jordan
August 17
Mel Paradise wrote:
Ok I know most of you will be home pretty much every weekend...but just to make things clear. I am trying to make sure we get EVERY ONE is home for Senior Night. It is 10/26/07 it starts at 7:30 but if I remember correctly pre game is like at 7 that night...so i think us college students should meet somewhere, have dinner, then go to the game...not too early b/c I think it would be sweet to see their faces when they come walking up the stands that we would be sitting in their seats! :-)
And that's how it began. Two months and almost three-hundred replies to seven separate Facebook threads later, the night that we had all been waiting for was finally here. The plot had become so elaborate, a multi-faceted plan of epic (that's right, epic) proportions, I am still amazed that it stayed as much of a secret as it did.
It's hard to wrap my head around that fact that it's over. Seeing something that we've been planning for so long, that I've spent so many sleepless nights worrying about, play out in front of my eyes was an amazing thing but incredibly bittersweet. It had come to mean more than just planning a 'surprise party'. For me, this night symbolized something much more, something I still have a hard time putting into words. Friendships like the ones we have must be rare. No one seems to understand why I will gladly set aside a Friday night to go back to my high school to watch the marching band and as hard as I try to rationalize it for people the thing it boils down to is this: you mean the the world to me. I wouldn't have missed this night for anything and I wouldn't trade it for anything else. All that I want is for you to be happy and seeing your faces tonight made up for every lost hour of sleep, every minute of planning and for the almost-unbearable anticipation. I hope you enjoyed as much as I did. Tonight I felt that old, familiar feeling, one that I haven't felt in nearly two months. Tonight I felt whole again and I want that thank you all for that.
Congratulations, again, on a fantastic senior show, on four years that you will never forget, and on making it this far, and thank you, again, for all that you've given me.
Yours always,
Jordan
Friday, October 12, 2007
Coming Home
I'm typically not one to use song lyrics in my posts but I heard this during the ride to Delaware and felt that it deserved inclusion:
I live on campus Monday through Friday. I know what goes on. It's all fine-and-dandy, but I am the kind of person who needs an escape, downtime, quiet (not-to-mention something to look forward to each week). And so, I spend the weekends at home. This is not to say that I will always go home. As a matter of fact, the one weekend out the entire year that I would like to share with my BV friends (the weekend of Casey's, Anna's, Heidi's, Lee's, Davy's, Mark's, Zandra's, Emily's, Anita's and all the other's Senior Show) will be spent in Columbus, away from everyone. I am not happy. I wish there was some way I could change things.
Tonight, however, was a very happy night. I marched halftime, this time as a part of the BVHS Alumni Band it what was the last BV football game I will see this year. It's a a strange feeling being on the inside of the 'B', if you know what I mean. As always, it was great to get to talk with everyone and it was greater to be able to play in the stands again. I miss it so much. Nichole and Nathan came home from Bowling Green, Madeline from Baldwin-Wallace and Tawni from Mount Vernon Nazarene (Carie and Megan basically walked from OWU). It was so good to see them too. Something about being with 'the old crowd' makes everything (even the Everest-sized heap of homework waiting to be done) seem okay. Several notable people were, sadly, not there tonight, the first of which is Melissa. Going to school ten hours away from Ohio makes coming home a near impossibility but we all miss her and can't wait to see her home for Christmas, if not sooner. Homer and Helen were both at school because of big games the next day (football and soccer, respectively) and Davy is recovering from knee surgery and will, regrettably, be out-of-commission for the rest of marching season.
After the game (which BV won, by the way), we went to Pizza Hut and partook in the now-customary, post-game revelry. It is good to know that tradition has not died and that these happy memories will still made, even after we've all graduated. And as for tradition, the next time the 'B' revolves, Anna, Carie, Casey, David, Davy, Emily, Heidi, Lee, Madeline, Mark, Megan, Melissa, Nathan, Nichole, Tawni, Zandra and I may just be marching, side-by-side, in the center.
HomeBV's Homecoming was this weekend and while my Homecoming experience wasn't quite as emotional as it could have been (considering I've been to five other BV games this year) I was still very glad to be there. I've been wrestling with a certain amount of uneasiness about leaving campus on the weekends but I think I've pinned down an answer. One of the reasons I chose CCAD was because it was close to home; otherwise, why not Pittsburgh or Cleveland or Cincinnati? When your college is less than an hour from your hometown, why shouldn't you take advantage of the opportunity to see your friends, your family and sleep in your own bed? Sure, sure, some will argue that I'm not getting the real 'college experience,' and to that I say, fine. I'll live.
Chris Daughtry
I'm staring out into the night,
Trying to hide the pain.
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing.
And the pain you feel's a different kind of pain.
I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from,
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
Well I'm going home.
The miles are getting longer, it seems,
The closer I get to you.
I've not always been the best man or friend for you.
But your love remain true and I don't know why.
You always seem to give me another try.
So I'm going home,
Back to the place where I belong,
And where your love has always been enough for me.
I'm not running from,
No, I think you got me all wrong.
I don't regret this life I chose for me.
But these places and these faces are getting old,
So I'm going home.
I'm going home.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all,
And then some you don't want.
Be careful what you wish for,
'Cause you just might get it all.
You just might get it all, yeah.
I live on campus Monday through Friday. I know what goes on. It's all fine-and-dandy, but I am the kind of person who needs an escape, downtime, quiet (not-to-mention something to look forward to each week). And so, I spend the weekends at home. This is not to say that I will always go home. As a matter of fact, the one weekend out the entire year that I would like to share with my BV friends (the weekend of Casey's, Anna's, Heidi's, Lee's, Davy's, Mark's, Zandra's, Emily's, Anita's and all the other's Senior Show) will be spent in Columbus, away from everyone. I am not happy. I wish there was some way I could change things.
Tonight, however, was a very happy night. I marched halftime, this time as a part of the BVHS Alumni Band it what was the last BV football game I will see this year. It's a a strange feeling being on the inside of the 'B', if you know what I mean. As always, it was great to get to talk with everyone and it was greater to be able to play in the stands again. I miss it so much. Nichole and Nathan came home from Bowling Green, Madeline from Baldwin-Wallace and Tawni from Mount Vernon Nazarene (Carie and Megan basically walked from OWU). It was so good to see them too. Something about being with 'the old crowd' makes everything (even the Everest-sized heap of homework waiting to be done) seem okay. Several notable people were, sadly, not there tonight, the first of which is Melissa. Going to school ten hours away from Ohio makes coming home a near impossibility but we all miss her and can't wait to see her home for Christmas, if not sooner. Homer and Helen were both at school because of big games the next day (football and soccer, respectively) and Davy is recovering from knee surgery and will, regrettably, be out-of-commission for the rest of marching season.
After the game (which BV won, by the way), we went to Pizza Hut and partook in the now-customary, post-game revelry. It is good to know that tradition has not died and that these happy memories will still made, even after we've all graduated. And as for tradition, the next time the 'B' revolves, Anna, Carie, Casey, David, Davy, Emily, Heidi, Lee, Madeline, Mark, Megan, Melissa, Nathan, Nichole, Tawni, Zandra and I may just be marching, side-by-side, in the center.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Current Status: Working
Sorry it's been forever. Things are teetering on the edge of insanity at this point and finding time to blog is difficult. The past few weeks have been good ones. I'm meeting people, which, about a month ago, I had no real desire to do. What I love about CCAD's Foundation Studies year is that everyone suffers through the same hellish projects. We can sympathize with each other when we mess up, rejoice with each other when we finish a particularly grueling assignment and struggle through the process together. It's strange how much bonding can be done over a few odd pieces of wood or a drawing of a barn.
Last week was a doozie. The workload took a dramatic surge upward and just at the time when I needed a little free time. My parents bought me tickets to see John Williams conduct the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the show was Wednesday. I wanted that night to be as stress-free as possible. This meant cramming two-days worth of work, an enormous 2D Design project, drawing assignment, 3D Design project and Digital Design/Type project into the span of one night. At one point I thought my eyes were going to fall out of my skull in protest but, after many, many hours of work, I finished and God was that feeling gratifying. The concert was amazing. I took my friend Ashley and we had a great time being nerds. The pizza we ordered afterward was some of the best tasting food I had ever ingested simply because I hadn't eaten since 8 o'clock that morning.
I spent the weekend in the peace and quiet of my own back yard. I love fall and sitting out beneath the changing trees. The peace of home is such a contrast to the non-stop action of school and, for me at least, it's a necessity. I watched Emily and the rest of the marching band compete in their first-ever band festival hosted by North Union High School. They looked so great and I am still very proud of them. As a group, they sounded great even while missing several key players (namely Casey who is currently recovering from a particularly nasty bout with mono and Davy who took a rather unpleasant spill during school and injured his knee. Guys, we're all thinking about you and hoping you get better soon).
Other than that, my life has consisted of working, eating and sleeping, one of which I am looking forward to doing now.
Note to those who are not attending school due to illness or immobilization and who wish to talk, I'm free every day from 11 o'clock to 12:15; IM me or call, whatever.
Miss you.
Last week was a doozie. The workload took a dramatic surge upward and just at the time when I needed a little free time. My parents bought me tickets to see John Williams conduct the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the show was Wednesday. I wanted that night to be as stress-free as possible. This meant cramming two-days worth of work, an enormous 2D Design project, drawing assignment, 3D Design project and Digital Design/Type project into the span of one night. At one point I thought my eyes were going to fall out of my skull in protest but, after many, many hours of work, I finished and God was that feeling gratifying. The concert was amazing. I took my friend Ashley and we had a great time being nerds. The pizza we ordered afterward was some of the best tasting food I had ever ingested simply because I hadn't eaten since 8 o'clock that morning.
I spent the weekend in the peace and quiet of my own back yard. I love fall and sitting out beneath the changing trees. The peace of home is such a contrast to the non-stop action of school and, for me at least, it's a necessity. I watched Emily and the rest of the marching band compete in their first-ever band festival hosted by North Union High School. They looked so great and I am still very proud of them. As a group, they sounded great even while missing several key players (namely Casey who is currently recovering from a particularly nasty bout with mono and Davy who took a rather unpleasant spill during school and injured his knee. Guys, we're all thinking about you and hoping you get better soon).
Other than that, my life has consisted of working, eating and sleeping, one of which I am looking forward to doing now.
Note to those who are not attending school due to illness or immobilization and who wish to talk, I'm free every day from 11 o'clock to 12:15; IM me or call, whatever.
Miss you.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Revelations
I made a revelation a few days ago while talking to Dave. In college, weekends are not "week-ends" as much as they are "week-extensions". The work never really ends, certainly not for two whole days. At least for me, weekends in high school meant sleeping in, laying around, watching football, hanging out, having fun. In college, weekends are hard-earned chunks of quiet, precious moments of uninterrupted work time. The work load is growing, my friends. In 2D Design alone I have three rather daunting assignments due in less than a week. I'm not worried though. It's nothing I can't handle.
I've also realized that, in general, I am far more introverted in college as compared to high school. I'm sure this has something to do with my completely new surroundings, group of friends and work load, but over all, I would much rather be alone, in my dorm, drawing and listening to some Pirates or Potter than out gallivanting around campus or the city. I like the quiet, it lets me focus and be productive; some of the happiest times of the week are the ones when I am alone with my music and a pencil.
In keeping the this week's theme, I would like to stress that things are going great here at school. Plans are underway for the annual CCAD Boo Ball (we're going as Death Eaters), I really like the people in my classes, I've made an admirable set of friends who are so remarkably like me we can't help but get along and I've stopped dreading the alarm each morning. That being said, I miss my friends: the original group, the one-and-only. I think about them every day and miss them more than anything else. The lapses of time that pass without hearing anything from them are starting to hurt but I realize that, like me, they are busy. They have more important things to do.
And so, I venture ever onward, sailing swiftly into the Unknown, all the while keeping a weathered eye on the horizon, searching for signs from the past.
I've also realized that, in general, I am far more introverted in college as compared to high school. I'm sure this has something to do with my completely new surroundings, group of friends and work load, but over all, I would much rather be alone, in my dorm, drawing and listening to some Pirates or Potter than out gallivanting around campus or the city. I like the quiet, it lets me focus and be productive; some of the happiest times of the week are the ones when I am alone with my music and a pencil.
In keeping the this week's theme, I would like to stress that things are going great here at school. Plans are underway for the annual CCAD Boo Ball (we're going as Death Eaters), I really like the people in my classes, I've made an admirable set of friends who are so remarkably like me we can't help but get along and I've stopped dreading the alarm each morning. That being said, I miss my friends: the original group, the one-and-only. I think about them every day and miss them more than anything else. The lapses of time that pass without hearing anything from them are starting to hurt but I realize that, like me, they are busy. They have more important things to do.
And so, I venture ever onward, sailing swiftly into the Unknown, all the while keeping a weathered eye on the horizon, searching for signs from the past.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Three Weeks and Counting
After three weeks, I have started to dig myself into a niche here in college. I know the difference between what I "need" for class and what I need for class. I know exactly when I need to leave my bed each morning to make it to class on time. I know that the shower takes seven seconds to transition from cold to hot. I know what classes demand the better part of my attention and what classes don't. I know to have my CCAD-ID out and ready so as not to piss off the lunch lady when going through the line in the café. I know that the raspberry Creamice smoothies are the greatest beverages on Earth (and at four dollars a pop, they damn-well better be). I know how to unlock the door of my room with one hand (which comes in very handy when carrying a large drawing board, 18 x 24 inch sketch pad, box of drawing pencils, and a backpack of notebooks). I know not to take critiques personally; they exist only to make me better, although they still suck. I know that Armbrust means "crossbow" in Ancient Germanic and I know that without my daily retreat into the safe haven of my iPod, my routine swim through a sea of good memories, I would not have made it this far.
My birthday was a good one. Thanks to everyone for the onslaught of wall well-wishes and if I didn't thank you personally, I apologize and hope this mention will suffice. My parents bought me a fantastic Casio camera which I make an attempt to use at least once every day (although today was an exception because the battery was charging). I am spending iTunes money like there's no tomorrow. I know, I know. I could pirate but I can't, out of respect for the composers, bring myself to steal the music I listen to. Speaking of composers, one week from today I will be listening to the music of John Williams, live, and conducted by the genius himself (again, thanks to my parents). I can't wait and will do my best to take clear, flash-less pictures. Don't hold your breath.
I had an unusual lull in homework today. It's worrisome: I feel like I've forgotten something but I can't think of what it could be. Oh well, here's hoping I'm wrong. I am, for the most part, completely exhausted and looking forward to Friday and a little extra sleep. Until then, I'll take what I can get.
I miss you all (and I mean that. Sure, it's turned into a kind of tag line [inspired fully by the awesome sign-off of Potter-Watch] but it is the truth. I can't stress that enough). Stay in touch (please). See you when I can.
My birthday was a good one. Thanks to everyone for the onslaught of wall well-wishes and if I didn't thank you personally, I apologize and hope this mention will suffice. My parents bought me a fantastic Casio camera which I make an attempt to use at least once every day (although today was an exception because the battery was charging). I am spending iTunes money like there's no tomorrow. I know, I know. I could pirate but I can't, out of respect for the composers, bring myself to steal the music I listen to. Speaking of composers, one week from today I will be listening to the music of John Williams, live, and conducted by the genius himself (again, thanks to my parents). I can't wait and will do my best to take clear, flash-less pictures. Don't hold your breath.
I had an unusual lull in homework today. It's worrisome: I feel like I've forgotten something but I can't think of what it could be. Oh well, here's hoping I'm wrong. I am, for the most part, completely exhausted and looking forward to Friday and a little extra sleep. Until then, I'll take what I can get.
I miss you all (and I mean that. Sure, it's turned into a kind of tag line [inspired fully by the awesome sign-off of Potter-Watch] but it is the truth. I can't stress that enough). Stay in touch (please). See you when I can.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Brown and Gold Forever
I am home again this weekend. I had convinced myself that I wasn't going to go to the game tonight, that I was going to let them have their space, let them make their own memories, but the thought of missing out on seeing everyone tore holes in my stomach, heart and soul, so I went. I've said it before, and I'm sure by now it's getting redundant: I love the atmosphere of a Friday night football game. I helped mom sell sweatshirts today and at one point we needed a role of masking tape to hang up the pricing signs so I set off to find some. Walking around, I was reminded profoundly of a Xanga post I made a little over a year ago:
It's a Friday night. The sun is setting slowly in the west. You step out of the school and stare at the football stadium. On the press box is a large new sign with the words " Buckeye Valley High School: Home of the Fighting Barons" spread across a huge brown and gold shield. Flying from the newly erected stadium lights are dozens of gold banners each fluttering gently in the late August air. On the chain-link fences hang signs of brown and gold, displaying spirited words of inspiration and pride. In the parking lot are hundreds of cars, each displaying a window flag or a bumper sticker with the brown and gold shield and the words, "BV's teams will forever fight for Victory". As you walk into the stadium itself you see hundreds, maybe thousands of people wearing brilliant gold shirts and brown and gold scarves and hats. A group of students waves a giant flag with the shield emblazoned across the center. Looking around in amazement, you realize that not only is the stadium clad in brown and gold but the entire area. The lampposts surrounding the stadium and the middle school proudly display banners that welcome the visitors to Baron Country. Children wave small flags and students twirl bright gold towels frantically above their heads. You are called to attention (because if you're reading this you are most likely in the Band) and at the command there is a resounding roar from the crowd as the cadence starts and you march proudly onto the field. You pass Mrs. Sturni who is cheering frantically and waving a gold towel like a old-fashioned handkerchief. You can't help but smile. You breath a deep breath of warm air, smelling the cooking hamburgers and hot dogs, savoring the memory. As you step onto the field, it hits you: you are a senior and this is your last, first football game. The roar of the crowd dies away as you begin to play the alma mater. The crowd is singing along. Pride radiates from you and everyone around you. You are home.
I was thrilled to see how close BV is coming to this ideal. There was more gold in the stands tonight than ever before, people had their faces painted, they clapped for the fight song. Our class gift was a series of pennant-flags for the top of the press box representing the schools in our district and to see them fluttering in the breeze made me feel a deep sense of accomplishment and happiness. I was pleased to see so many people wearing the sweatshirts I designed for the show-choir. I think people are finally beginning to understand that supporting your school by wearing the colors is not only acceptable, it's encouraged.
Wading through past Xanga posts is like taking a sudden trip back in time. For the most part, my posts were lame, emo, whining sessions and so reading them is depressing, yes, but oddly hilarious. Hindsight is 20-20, so they say, and looking back at all the trivial things I usually wrote about makes me sick. In my search for the above post I did come across one prophetic excerpt from the night of our last football game as seniors:
It gave me the warm-fuzzies when they applauded us on the bus ride home. Those juniors are something else. I sure am going to miss them.Truer words were never written. I think about them every day.
I talked to Melissa today, which lifted my spirits considerably. She and I are about the same, emotionally speaking. We feel the same way about a lot of things and it is great to talk to someone who you know, without a doubt, understands the way you are feeling. I miss her too.
After the game, we went to Pizza Hut for some "just-like-old-times" chitchat. I love spending time with some of the people I was just getting to know, namely Emily, Anita and Mick. They are great kids and I love their enthusiasm and senses of humor. I brought up the fact that I can't wait for Pep Band season because I will be able to make it to quite a few games during my month-long Christmas break. I love that atmosphere too.
Well, this post is much longer than I wanted it to be, and it lacks a clear theme; but who cares? Not me.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you sometime.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Scarlet and Gray
Saturday was the Ohio State game versus Akron. Dad and I left early this morning to meet Dave and his friends, and get seats for the Skull Session. Unfortunately, they weren't able to get in to see the rehearsal; they close the gates once the show starts. The band sounded great, as usual. There's something breathtaking about seeing such a legendary group live, and in person. As far as games go, this one was okay. The Buckeye's didn't get their shit in gear until after halftime but luckily the weather improved just as much as the team after the break. It was nice to see David, and to meet his new Akron friends. More than anything else, I wish CCAD had some kind of music program. I have found a few people who were in the bands at their respective high school s but for the most part, they are few and far between.
Speaking of band, Sunday was the All-Horse Parade through Delaware. I met Carie and her friend Lauren on the lawn of the Court House building and we watched with great pride as our band marched by. After the initial passing, Carie and I stalked the band all the way back to the fairgrounds where they stopped to enjoy their annual Post-Parade Picnic. Seeing everyone was great. I can't figure out why, but being away from those people, (Casey, Anna, Davy, Emily, Zandra, Mark and Lee in particular) for a few days is like a month for me. I miss them all a lot but swell up with pride when I see how well they are leading the band.
I came back to CCAD Sunday night to piles and piles of homework. It's getting crazy now but through all the madness I'll keep you updated here. Tomorrows the big 1-8! I'm pretty excited! I'm looking forward to winning the lottery with the LOST numbers, and turning down my first legal cigarette!
Anyway, things are good here. I still miss you. Keep in touch. See you later.
Speaking of band, Sunday was the All-Horse Parade through Delaware. I met Carie and her friend Lauren on the lawn of the Court House building and we watched with great pride as our band marched by. After the initial passing, Carie and I stalked the band all the way back to the fairgrounds where they stopped to enjoy their annual Post-Parade Picnic. Seeing everyone was great. I can't figure out why, but being away from those people, (Casey, Anna, Davy, Emily, Zandra, Mark and Lee in particular) for a few days is like a month for me. I miss them all a lot but swell up with pride when I see how well they are leading the band.
I came back to CCAD Sunday night to piles and piles of homework. It's getting crazy now but through all the madness I'll keep you updated here. Tomorrows the big 1-8! I'm pretty excited! I'm looking forward to winning the lottery with the LOST numbers, and turning down my first legal cigarette!
Anyway, things are good here. I still miss you. Keep in touch. See you later.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Stretch, Yawn; Repeat As Needed.
This is morning was one of those curse-the-alarm-clock, stub-your-toe, shampoo-in-the eyes kind of mornings. I didn't make it to bed until 1:00 last night so the 6:00 alarm seemed t0 c0me out of nowhere in the middle of the night. I did manage however, to finish my four sketchbook pages which are due today. Thursdays suck for me: 2D Design, Drawing and Art History. I bought my mammoth, eight-pound Art History book yesterday for an account-killing one-hundred twenty-two dollars. I honestly think that if you can return the book at the end of the year, in good condition, they should give at least some of that money back.
I can feel the workload growing already, and they keep telling us that our current assignments are the easiest we'll ever see. This is going to be rough. I miss jazz band; I had "On Green Dolphin Street" stuck in my head for the majority of Digital Design yesterday. I miss the music, the relaxing, anything-goes atmosphere but most of all, I miss the people.
Thanks to Emily for my fantastic Chipotle gift card, complete with "Shoes" parody.
Good Luck to Heidi in her final Cross Country meet.
Good luck to Anna, Casey, Davy, Emily, Heidi, Lee and everyone else for Friday night. You guys have one hell of a show put together and I am really proud.
To everyone else, miss you all. Stay in touch. See you later.
I can feel the workload growing already, and they keep telling us that our current assignments are the easiest we'll ever see. This is going to be rough. I miss jazz band; I had "On Green Dolphin Street" stuck in my head for the majority of Digital Design yesterday. I miss the music, the relaxing, anything-goes atmosphere but most of all, I miss the people.
Thanks to Emily for my fantastic Chipotle gift card, complete with "Shoes" parody.
Good Luck to Heidi in her final Cross Country meet.
Good luck to Anna, Casey, Davy, Emily, Heidi, Lee and everyone else for Friday night. You guys have one hell of a show put together and I am really proud.
To everyone else, miss you all. Stay in touch. See you later.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Music Makes You Lose Control.
Actually, no. Music helps me stay in control. It keeps me focused and I could happily sit through three hours of Painting Fundamentals just so long as I had good music playing absentmindedly in the background. Today was a Hans Zimmer day. Last night I downloaded the soundtracks to Gladiator and The Da Vinci Code and have been listening to them on and off all day today.
While not as good a Pirates of the Caribbean, they come pretty damn close. Gladiator is a lot like Pirates in that its main themes are brash and bold; you can hear the battle raging on as you listen. Interestingly enough, at one point in Gladiator's track three, "The Battle," a theme almost identical to "Jack Sparrow's Theme" staggers in and out of the action. When I heard it today during Drawing, I let out an audible "Ha!" and several people glanced up at me, no doubt wondering what the hell was so funny. Funny or not, those kind of musical moments make listening exciting to me. Zimmer is a master of weaving themes together in great, grand, sweeping suites ("At Wit's End" on the At World's End soundtrack is a prime example) although I must admit, hearing such blatant personal plagiarism came as quite a shock, hence the mid-still-life "Ha!"
The Da Vinci Code score is much more subdued, more ethereal and haunting just like it's ink-and-paper counterpart. Zimmer's use of choir and the female voice is amazing and suites the story perfectly. It is almost as though angels are singing from heaven, addressing the horror, the mystery, the action themselves. The prominent theme (found in its full glory in track twelve, "Chevaliers de Sangreal") is broad and sweeping using the strings to their fullest potential. It is inspiring, as I'm sure it was intended to be.
I didn't intend for this to turn into a review but these things tend to write themselves, you know. All I can say is without music, my life would be silent; and what good is a silent life?
The soundtracks to Gladiator and The Da Vinci Code are both available from the iTunes Store.
Hope you enjoyed this little diversion for the the norm, I know I did.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you later.
While not as good a Pirates of the Caribbean, they come pretty damn close. Gladiator is a lot like Pirates in that its main themes are brash and bold; you can hear the battle raging on as you listen. Interestingly enough, at one point in Gladiator's track three, "The Battle," a theme almost identical to "Jack Sparrow's Theme" staggers in and out of the action. When I heard it today during Drawing, I let out an audible "Ha!" and several people glanced up at me, no doubt wondering what the hell was so funny. Funny or not, those kind of musical moments make listening exciting to me. Zimmer is a master of weaving themes together in great, grand, sweeping suites ("At Wit's End" on the At World's End soundtrack is a prime example) although I must admit, hearing such blatant personal plagiarism came as quite a shock, hence the mid-still-life "Ha!"
The Da Vinci Code score is much more subdued, more ethereal and haunting just like it's ink-and-paper counterpart. Zimmer's use of choir and the female voice is amazing and suites the story perfectly. It is almost as though angels are singing from heaven, addressing the horror, the mystery, the action themselves. The prominent theme (found in its full glory in track twelve, "Chevaliers de Sangreal") is broad and sweeping using the strings to their fullest potential. It is inspiring, as I'm sure it was intended to be.
I didn't intend for this to turn into a review but these things tend to write themselves, you know. All I can say is without music, my life would be silent; and what good is a silent life?
The soundtracks to Gladiator and The Da Vinci Code are both available from the iTunes Store.
Hope you enjoyed this little diversion for the the norm, I know I did.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you later.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Reckless Reminiscing
According to the calendar, I have been in school now for over a week. In that period of seven days, a lot has happened and a lot hasn't. I have made quite a few friends and I will be glad to have them by my side in the next weeks and months. I have started to dig out my place in the world, filling my space with as many memories of home as will fit. My classes are great. It is a good feeling to be doing what you love each night for homework: no equations, no critical analysis. I am happy school. Each day is brighter than the next and the future glints vaguely ahead. I don't know where I am going, I just know I'm on my way.
I went home this weekend. Friday night was Buckeye Valley's first home game. I'm not sure what it is but something about the atmosphere of a football game brings me home to place where I could stay forever. Surrounded by familiar faces, smiles, laughter, I am at peace with myself, with the world. Sounds nice, huh?
That's probably a little over-dramatic, but I do love it. I was never one of those people who hated high school. Quite the opposite, really. I loved high school. I liked the intense sense of community, of knowing everyone you passed in the hallway. I loved knowing all the teachers, what they liked, what they didn't. I liked pep rallies. That's right, I said it. I liked what they stood for, a unquestioned sense of pride, of shared excitement and spirit; it's too bad only three other people shared that sentiment. I liked being able to make a difference, to share an idea and see it come to fruition a few weeks later. I liked having a purpose, not to say I don't have purpose now, I'm just not sure what it is at this point.
Before long, the tide will begin to turn. I will work my way into this new and different community. I will get to know my teachers, what they like, what they don't. There are no sports at CCAD and therefore no pep rallies but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be school spirit. Maybe that could become my purpose here. Maybe I could work, like I did at BV, to bolster student pride, share my ideas and see them come to fruition. Maybe, someday.
Until then, I make my way to class each day, head down, homework done. I make my way back, check my phone, my Facebook, IM and email in hopes that someone has left some kind of message. Be the one to brighten my day, leave me something. Thanks.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you later.
I went home this weekend. Friday night was Buckeye Valley's first home game. I'm not sure what it is but something about the atmosphere of a football game brings me home to place where I could stay forever. Surrounded by familiar faces, smiles, laughter, I am at peace with myself, with the world. Sounds nice, huh?
That's probably a little over-dramatic, but I do love it. I was never one of those people who hated high school. Quite the opposite, really. I loved high school. I liked the intense sense of community, of knowing everyone you passed in the hallway. I loved knowing all the teachers, what they liked, what they didn't. I liked pep rallies. That's right, I said it. I liked what they stood for, a unquestioned sense of pride, of shared excitement and spirit; it's too bad only three other people shared that sentiment. I liked being able to make a difference, to share an idea and see it come to fruition a few weeks later. I liked having a purpose, not to say I don't have purpose now, I'm just not sure what it is at this point.
Before long, the tide will begin to turn. I will work my way into this new and different community. I will get to know my teachers, what they like, what they don't. There are no sports at CCAD and therefore no pep rallies but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be school spirit. Maybe that could become my purpose here. Maybe I could work, like I did at BV, to bolster student pride, share my ideas and see them come to fruition. Maybe, someday.
Until then, I make my way to class each day, head down, homework done. I make my way back, check my phone, my Facebook, IM and email in hopes that someone has left some kind of message. Be the one to brighten my day, leave me something. Thanks.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you later.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Whirlwind
With September comes autumn, my favorite season. I love the fall for lots of reasons: the deep yellow-orange of the trees; the hint of red or yellow-green every once-in-a-while; the chilly briskness of the air; the distant smell of burning wood that seems to drift out of nowhere, the steely gray of the morning sky; the warmness of a jacket; the pumpkins; the taste of apple cider; the rustle of the leaves; the richer, heartier foods; the anticipation of winter and the Holidays.
School is getting good. Classes have started, the monotony is gone, the craziness is about to begin. I'm glad, I deal well with craziness.
School is getting good. Classes have started, the monotony is gone, the craziness is about to begin. I'm glad, I deal well with craziness.
Friday, August 31, 2007
A Break in the Action
Friday is my day off, at least for this semester. I'm really kind of glad because I need it. Maybe it's just the fact that this is the first week, or that I'm still used to getting thirteen hours of sleep per night, either way, I'm exhausted. My Thursdays are pretty packed: three classes, two of which are three hours long.
Last night was our New Student Seminar. All 300 new students filed in, took our seats and waited. As the seminar started, the speaker seemed shocked that we were being so attentive which makes me wonder just how bad they expected us to be. So far, I haven't met many truly bad people, which is encouraging. Sure, some are better than others but everyone seems tolerable. After the seminar we ran back to the cafeteria for a last-minute dinner (technically, the cafe closed during the meeting but we were just lucky, I guess). After dinner I hung out with some friends I'd met at "80's Night" on Saturday. We're a fun group, much laughter ensued. It's nice to have classes to talk, complain, laugh and worry about. Saturday we were all kind of like, "So...yeah, Art College. Fun stuff, huh?" It was awkward. But last night was much better, as it should be. I met a fellow by the name of Dunkin, who hailed from the UK. Accents are awesome. I can't not like someone with an accent. Dunkin, it turns out, is a magician. After wowing us with some slight-of-hand he coined the tag line "It's fuckin' simple."* Again, much laughter ensued. Last night was also our Floor Meeting, which consisted of our First Floor RA's dishing out information that we would all forget the minute the meeting was over. So far, I'm not too impressed with the whole RA thing, but who knows? Things might change.
That brings us back to Friday, glorious, classless Friday. Tonight, I'm headed to the Chipotle and the BV game. Does it get much better? I don't think so.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you (very) soon.
Last night was our New Student Seminar. All 300 new students filed in, took our seats and waited. As the seminar started, the speaker seemed shocked that we were being so attentive which makes me wonder just how bad they expected us to be. So far, I haven't met many truly bad people, which is encouraging. Sure, some are better than others but everyone seems tolerable. After the seminar we ran back to the cafeteria for a last-minute dinner (technically, the cafe closed during the meeting but we were just lucky, I guess). After dinner I hung out with some friends I'd met at "80's Night" on Saturday. We're a fun group, much laughter ensued. It's nice to have classes to talk, complain, laugh and worry about. Saturday we were all kind of like, "So...yeah, Art College. Fun stuff, huh?" It was awkward. But last night was much better, as it should be. I met a fellow by the name of Dunkin, who hailed from the UK. Accents are awesome. I can't not like someone with an accent. Dunkin, it turns out, is a magician. After wowing us with some slight-of-hand he coined the tag line "It's fuckin' simple."* Again, much laughter ensued. Last night was also our Floor Meeting, which consisted of our First Floor RA's dishing out information that we would all forget the minute the meeting was over. So far, I'm not too impressed with the whole RA thing, but who knows? Things might change.
That brings us back to Friday, glorious, classless Friday. Tonight, I'm headed to the Chipotle and the BV game. Does it get much better? I don't think so.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you (very) soon.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesdays Trump the Rest
Yesterday was, by far, my favorite day so far. Even with an 8:00 3D Design class, it was an awesome day. I'm really lucky that the majority of my classes are with Sam. Something about a familiar face in each new situation makes things a little easier to swallow. I travel to my core classes (Painting, Drawing, 3D, 2D) with the same "family" group of people. Luckily for me, they are all cool people who know what they're doing. So far, college life hasn't been too bad. This, I believe, is a plot to lure us into a false sense of security just before they pull the big red lever sending avalanches of work careening perilously our way (wow, that was exciting). I do feel like this is the watered-down version of college but even so, I think I could handle a little more. This would just mean a little less Facebook an a little more sketchbook.
During lunch yesterday, the Denny Griffith, the President of CCAD sat down right next to me and began to eat his sandwich. He's a great guy, really funny and genuinely interested in everyone and their experiences. We talked about my trip to Europe and when Mr. Griffith found out it was with my Spanish class, we proceeded to converse completely in Spanish complete with correct tense and pronunciation. It was great, bizarre, but great.
My second and final class of the day, Digital Design and Type is the reason why I applied to CCAD. The class is perfect for me, for instance, our first assignment is a report about a font. Perfect, I know.
Well, I'm late. Today's a killer.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
During lunch yesterday, the Denny Griffith, the President of CCAD sat down right next to me and began to eat his sandwich. He's a great guy, really funny and genuinely interested in everyone and their experiences. We talked about my trip to Europe and when Mr. Griffith found out it was with my Spanish class, we proceeded to converse completely in Spanish complete with correct tense and pronunciation. It was great, bizarre, but great.
My second and final class of the day, Digital Design and Type is the reason why I applied to CCAD. The class is perfect for me, for instance, our first assignment is a report about a font. Perfect, I know.
Well, I'm late. Today's a killer.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesdays Make Me Tired
So yesterday was pretty busy. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the only days where I have three classes per day so I'm on the run a lot. My 8:00 class, Painting, is in the furthest building on campus (which, in reality only means about two blocks away). I can tell I'm going to need a coffee or three before that class. The professor, while a nice guy, has a very calm voice that, when paired with the early hour and the cold of the studio, lulls you back to sleep. I yawned a lot, not out of disrespect or boredom but just because I was generally tired and trying to stay awake.
After Painting came a small break and another glorious nap. These naps are turning out to be my favorite times of the day. I have Drawing at B&E, the same building as Painting, but after a nap and lunch the walk seems much shorter. My teacher can't be older than 26 or 27 years old. She's pretty cool and I'm looking forward to actually getting started. My Art History course is in another building, much closer to my dorm. I could tell from the off that this wasn't going to be a "blah-blah-date-date" kind of history class. My teacher seems, in a word, experienced. She knows her stuff and I like that.
Today I'm off to see what Wednesdays bring, hopefully that means another nap.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
After Painting came a small break and another glorious nap. These naps are turning out to be my favorite times of the day. I have Drawing at B&E, the same building as Painting, but after a nap and lunch the walk seems much shorter. My teacher can't be older than 26 or 27 years old. She's pretty cool and I'm looking forward to actually getting started. My Art History course is in another building, much closer to my dorm. I could tell from the off that this wasn't going to be a "blah-blah-date-date" kind of history class. My teacher seems, in a word, experienced. She knows her stuff and I like that.
Today I'm off to see what Wednesdays bring, hopefully that means another nap.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Day One: The Aftermath
Well, well. Day one is over and it has been a long, albeit enjoyable one. My first class, Color Concept wasn't until 12:30 but I got up early to take advantage of breakfast. After downing a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, I made a V-line for the dorm and went back to sleep. It was glorious. Today was our Convocation, which is nothing more than an over-glorified welcoming ceremony. We were escorted in by bagpiper, which I have to admit was pretty freakin' sweet. They gave everyone a sketchbook as we walked in and later in the ceremony we made our symbolic 'first-mark' together. It was clever.
Color Concept was fun, or as fun as the first day of class can be. I can tell it's going to be stressful but not impossible. Structural Drawing, which started at 6:45, was okay, lots of steps and seemingly pointless explanations. I enjoyed it, though. So far, I've met some really cool people. Last night was "80's Night" in the Crane Center and rather than watch drunken rave that was unfolding in the main room, I played pool with some (or, more like watched pool being played by some) really cool people. It's a little freaky how we Harry Potter fans are drawn to one another. Thank you Jo! It's nice to have that common bond right out of the shoot. After the party we headed back to a dorm room and had a great, and surprisingly enthusiastic discussion of the series. I loved it, so much so that it has now been determined that I will be going to the Halloween "Big Boo!" bash as The-Boy-Who-Lived with my friend Ashley going as Ms. Lovegood. It'll be awesome. I need a cloak.
So, I was thinking: You seniors are getting one hell of a "What to Expect in College" guide. With that in mind, here is a list of some things I have learned so far:
• You will feel homesick. No question. If someone tells you they don’t, they are lying. Don’t feel bad.
• Chocolate is an effective homesickness remedy.
• The scrambled eggs aren’t eggs, I don’t think.
• Your iPod will become your passport back to reality. If you don’t have one, good luck staying sane.
• Every once in a while, you’ll spot something or hear something that reminds you of home so much that you can’t help but smile. Embrace that moment.
• Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. It’s only polite and it cuts down on the awkwardness.
• Laugh, even if it’s not really all that funny. Laughter bonds people.
• If you’re like me, you will check Facebook a lot. It’s okay (although I must say it sucks when, after seven hours of class there are only two updates from people you don’t really care about. Hint, hint.)
• Get sleep, you’ll need it. Two classes and I’m drained.
• Call your friends. They’ll appreciate it and you won’t regret it.
• Get in the habit of silencing your phone before class and turning it back up after.
• Force yourself to leave the dorm. The more active you are, the less guilty you feel. But when you get back, post about what you just did to keep your online friends in the loop. It’s a cycle.
And that's from just two days here. Imagine what a wealth of knowledge you will have gained by the end of the year.
Well, I'm off to bed. I have my first morning class tomorrow, ugh.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
Color Concept was fun, or as fun as the first day of class can be. I can tell it's going to be stressful but not impossible. Structural Drawing, which started at 6:45, was okay, lots of steps and seemingly pointless explanations. I enjoyed it, though. So far, I've met some really cool people. Last night was "80's Night" in the Crane Center and rather than watch drunken rave that was unfolding in the main room, I played pool with some (or, more like watched pool being played by some) really cool people. It's a little freaky how we Harry Potter fans are drawn to one another. Thank you Jo! It's nice to have that common bond right out of the shoot. After the party we headed back to a dorm room and had a great, and surprisingly enthusiastic discussion of the series. I loved it, so much so that it has now been determined that I will be going to the Halloween "Big Boo!" bash as The-Boy-Who-Lived with my friend Ashley going as Ms. Lovegood. It'll be awesome. I need a cloak.
So, I was thinking: You seniors are getting one hell of a "What to Expect in College" guide. With that in mind, here is a list of some things I have learned so far:
• You will feel homesick. No question. If someone tells you they don’t, they are lying. Don’t feel bad.
• Chocolate is an effective homesickness remedy.
• The scrambled eggs aren’t eggs, I don’t think.
• Your iPod will become your passport back to reality. If you don’t have one, good luck staying sane.
• Every once in a while, you’ll spot something or hear something that reminds you of home so much that you can’t help but smile. Embrace that moment.
• Introduce yourself to everyone you meet. It’s only polite and it cuts down on the awkwardness.
• Laugh, even if it’s not really all that funny. Laughter bonds people.
• If you’re like me, you will check Facebook a lot. It’s okay (although I must say it sucks when, after seven hours of class there are only two updates from people you don’t really care about. Hint, hint.)
• Get sleep, you’ll need it. Two classes and I’m drained.
• Call your friends. They’ll appreciate it and you won’t regret it.
• Get in the habit of silencing your phone before class and turning it back up after.
• Force yourself to leave the dorm. The more active you are, the less guilty you feel. But when you get back, post about what you just did to keep your online friends in the loop. It’s a cycle.
And that's from just two days here. Imagine what a wealth of knowledge you will have gained by the end of the year.
Well, I'm off to bed. I have my first morning class tomorrow, ugh.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
First Impressions
I've always heard first impressions are everything. They dictate how people will see you later on and how willing they will be to call themselves your "friend." So far, based on first impressions alone, the people here are decent. My roommate is a funny guy who has introduced me to some equaly-hilarious websites. He is a gamer. I am not. But other than that we get along fine. Frankly speaking, I am definitly at a disadvantage for not being into gaming (or drinking, or partying). Everyone here is, oh well. Today is a low-key day. Not much is going on anywhere on campus until later on tonight. CCAD is hosting an 80's Night (yippie) after our Housing Orientation. It should be interesting. Needless to say, I do not own any eighties-style clothing, and even if I did, I would not have thought to bring it here.
By chance, I walk down to lobby eariler today and a group of people were sitting around watching a movie. I sat down awkwardly only to realize that the movie was "Drumline." I smiled. A good omen. I miss band a lot, not only the people but the activity, the sense of accomplishment. So far, all I have accomplished is getting the mini-fridge to work. I'm looking forward to classes. Maybe then, I will have something to keep my mind from shutting itself down from boredom.
Sam moved in today. It's great to see a familiar face, however briefly.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
By chance, I walk down to lobby eariler today and a group of people were sitting around watching a movie. I sat down awkwardly only to realize that the movie was "Drumline." I smiled. A good omen. I miss band a lot, not only the people but the activity, the sense of accomplishment. So far, all I have accomplished is getting the mini-fridge to work. I'm looking forward to classes. Maybe then, I will have something to keep my mind from shutting itself down from boredom.
Sam moved in today. It's great to see a familiar face, however briefly.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thirteen - Seven
BV played their first game of the season tonight against Galion. First of all, I propose that Mike Goebel personally pay for the tank of gas it took to drive to GHS. It's his fault, after all, that BV no longer plays Hayes at the beginning of each season (but that will all change, soon). It was hot, ninety-three degrees at kickoff. By the time dad and I found a parking spot, BV had already scored. It was an odd feeling to hear the fight-song from afar, but it sounded good and I was happy.
For the first game of the season and fresh from a brutally hot two weeks at camp, the band sounded great. Three sousaphones and something like five trombones can work wonders for a band their size. I was pleasantly surprised at how many fellow graduates I saw sitting in the stands and at how warmly I was welcomed. Mattea is doing great as Field Commandress (I like that term) and it seems as though the rest of the band thinks so to. I feel like a proud parent. It was great to see Casey, Anna, Heidi, Davey and Lee one last time before the move. We sat through the second half together "watching the game" and coaxing one of the field lights to catch fire (it did send sparks raining down onto Galion's band, after which they moved seats). I also had a laugh with Zandra, Emily and Anita about Kirby apparently "liking your mama." You had to be there. I lamented the loss of all the "Pirates" music I had arranged and saved on my now-dead computer with Mick. He's a great kid and really talented. I also had the rare chance of seeing a wizard's duel behind the concession stands during which Emily Expeliarmused Davey even after having just been AK'd by him. You had to be there for that too.
The game was delayed for about forty-five minutes do to the looming threat of storms that never came. I was glad, it was a prime opportunity for some last-minute banter amongst friends. BV won, by the way, thirteen - seven. Go Barons.
Unfortunately the evening ended on a less-than-happy note. Andrew was taken to Marion Hospital after passing out on the bus ride home. He had evidently been given permission to march but the strain and lack of water had proven too much. As much as he can annoy me at times, I do hope he's okay and that he realizes his health and safety should come first. The bus pulled into the high school at 12:30-something and everyone piled off. The goodbyes were as strained and as awkward as usual but the facts are beginning to sink in: Today's the day.
My next post will be from the campus of the Columbus College of Art & Design...God help me.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
For the first game of the season and fresh from a brutally hot two weeks at camp, the band sounded great. Three sousaphones and something like five trombones can work wonders for a band their size. I was pleasantly surprised at how many fellow graduates I saw sitting in the stands and at how warmly I was welcomed. Mattea is doing great as Field Commandress (I like that term) and it seems as though the rest of the band thinks so to. I feel like a proud parent. It was great to see Casey, Anna, Heidi, Davey and Lee one last time before the move. We sat through the second half together "watching the game" and coaxing one of the field lights to catch fire (it did send sparks raining down onto Galion's band, after which they moved seats). I also had a laugh with Zandra, Emily and Anita about Kirby apparently "liking your mama." You had to be there. I lamented the loss of all the "Pirates" music I had arranged and saved on my now-dead computer with Mick. He's a great kid and really talented. I also had the rare chance of seeing a wizard's duel behind the concession stands during which Emily Expeliarmused Davey even after having just been AK'd by him. You had to be there for that too.
The game was delayed for about forty-five minutes do to the looming threat of storms that never came. I was glad, it was a prime opportunity for some last-minute banter amongst friends. BV won, by the way, thirteen - seven. Go Barons.
Unfortunately the evening ended on a less-than-happy note. Andrew was taken to Marion Hospital after passing out on the bus ride home. He had evidently been given permission to march but the strain and lack of water had proven too much. As much as he can annoy me at times, I do hope he's okay and that he realizes his health and safety should come first. The bus pulled into the high school at 12:30-something and everyone piled off. The goodbyes were as strained and as awkward as usual but the facts are beginning to sink in: Today's the day.
My next post will be from the campus of the Columbus College of Art & Design...God help me.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Move-In: Day One
Today we loaded up the PT and headed for Columbus. Surprisingly, everything fit easily into the back of the car so loading and unloading was a breeze. It would have been more of a breeze had there actually been one. The thermometer on the dashboard remained at a stubborn and stifling 95 degrees the entire morning. The RA's were out in full force from the minute we got there. They are extraordinarily helpful people; it's almost un-natural but I was glad they were there. In no time the bed was made, the fridge was unpacked and the windows were open. The dorms are supposedly air-conditioned; perhaps the heat was just so great that whatever draft of conditioned air came from the vent was immediately re-heated because by the time we were finished we were mopping sweat from our foreheads. Mom and I ventured around the city refusing to admit that we had no idea where we actually were. Eventually we wound up at a Target where we stocked up on all the necessities: chips, Dr. Pepper, Purell and Oust. After lunching at Don Pablo’s* we found our way back to CCAD to pick up the much-talked-about Freshman Supply Kit. Dear God. In my mind I was picturing a small bag of what I could only assume would be colored pencils, pens and a tray of Crayola watercolors. I was grossly mistaken. The Freshman Supply Kit consisted of no less than three stove-top sized boxes, two bags and a tackle box full of goodies. We also received a textbook and two blank CD's. So, by the end of the day, the PT was hauling over 1,300 dollars worth of essentials. Luckily the locks work.
We head back Saturday for the final plunge. Wish me luck.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
*Does it bother anyone else that most “Mexican” Restaurants show possession with an apostrophe?
We head back Saturday for the final plunge. Wish me luck.
Miss you all. Stay in touch. See you soon.
*Does it bother anyone else that most “Mexican” Restaurants show possession with an apostrophe?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Mac-Daddy
Wow. That's really all I have to say.
I picked up my MacBook today and after only two hours of play-time I am in awe. Their ads don't lie; Macs really are clean, simple, easy and fun. Right now, I am still in the investigatory stage, clicking around, still discovering what everything does. iChat is amazing. Is it sad that I derive so much pleasure out of the fact that an instant messaging service has spell-check? My heart leapt with joy when I saw that little red line appear under "Haha." What's even better is that the spell-checker adapts to your IM slang; so when you frequently use "Haha," it decides that you obviously mean to spell it that way and stops underlining it. From what I've heard, the great thing about Macs is that they assume you are a bright person. Unlike PC's they don't ask you the same questions over and over looking for reassurance that you know what you're talking about, they assume that you do, which is nice.
Unfortunately, my Photoshop CS3 had a few strings attached and therefore won't ship until the middle of next month, which I guess is okay seeing as I won't have much time for it anyway. I move in today, which is a little unnerving. I don't have everything ready; I've been in a kind of denial, as of late but it's ebbing away slowly, gradually revealing the reality of the situation. It only just recently hit me how much I will, in fact, miss my family (which had a lot to do with the aforementioned denial). I knew all along that I would miss my friends, I've been with you day in and day out for so long but the thought of life without an Emily to joke around with, a mom to talk to or a dad to be there for me is staggering. Liberating, yes, but sad too. I'm excited to see just what dorm-life entails. I have a lot of pre-conceived notions that I hope (for my sanity's sake) are false. We shall soon see.
Well, today's a big day and much rest is needed (although putting down this laptop is tough).
As always, miss you all, stay in touch, see you soon.
I picked up my MacBook today and after only two hours of play-time I am in awe. Their ads don't lie; Macs really are clean, simple, easy and fun. Right now, I am still in the investigatory stage, clicking around, still discovering what everything does. iChat is amazing. Is it sad that I derive so much pleasure out of the fact that an instant messaging service has spell-check? My heart leapt with joy when I saw that little red line appear under "Haha." What's even better is that the spell-checker adapts to your IM slang; so when you frequently use "Haha," it decides that you obviously mean to spell it that way and stops underlining it. From what I've heard, the great thing about Macs is that they assume you are a bright person. Unlike PC's they don't ask you the same questions over and over looking for reassurance that you know what you're talking about, they assume that you do, which is nice.
Unfortunately, my Photoshop CS3 had a few strings attached and therefore won't ship until the middle of next month, which I guess is okay seeing as I won't have much time for it anyway. I move in today, which is a little unnerving. I don't have everything ready; I've been in a kind of denial, as of late but it's ebbing away slowly, gradually revealing the reality of the situation. It only just recently hit me how much I will, in fact, miss my family (which had a lot to do with the aforementioned denial). I knew all along that I would miss my friends, I've been with you day in and day out for so long but the thought of life without an Emily to joke around with, a mom to talk to or a dad to be there for me is staggering. Liberating, yes, but sad too. I'm excited to see just what dorm-life entails. I have a lot of pre-conceived notions that I hope (for my sanity's sake) are false. We shall soon see.
Well, today's a big day and much rest is needed (although putting down this laptop is tough).
As always, miss you all, stay in touch, see you soon.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Final, Yet Not-So-Final, Farewell
Be forewarned: Melancholy makes an prominent appearance in this post.
Today was Melissa's last real day in Ohio, well, by know it was yesterday. We met up at BV one last time. I played the piano as she sat, like always, on top. I tried to force my fingers to play something happy, a jaunty tune to lighten the mood, but they would only play slow, minor chords of sorrow. We sat for a while, thinking the same thoughts; its over, these are the last moments. The whole reason we were there was for goodbyes and last hugs. As the band waded back into the band room we received happy welcomes and smiles from the group which I gladly returned. The mere fact that they didn't hate us for coming back was enough to put a smile on my face. Afterward, Emily, Melissa, Casey and I stopped at Rocky's to cool down and reminisce. We talked over Gelatis for a good hour-and-a-half but it could have been the blink of and eye. I've found that time flies not only when you're having fun but when you least want it to. Reluctantly, we made our way back to the car for what would be the final meeting of this small family.
Saying goodbye is, perhaps, the hardest thing I have had to do. It's funny, when you picture a final farewell, every word is perfect and the strings swell to a heart-wrenching crescendo as you go your separate ways. In reality, we are all working so hard not to break down emotionally; the most I could manage was a feeble hug and an, "I'll miss you," comparatively, pretty lame. Emily and I sank into the car, trying our best not to impede on what we both wanted to be a personal moment. And so, one brother and sister left another to say what needed to be said.
The ride home was silent except for the occasional sigh or sniff. I was glad, I was in no mood to talk. That was it. It was over. Or was it?
It is important to remember this: the ones who love us never really leave us. If we truly want to stay close, we will. That doesn't mean stopping time and refusing to move forward, it means carrying on, living life, always remembering that blood is thicker that water, after all, we are family.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Memories: Now Playing
I was told that my blog is melancholy so, in an effort to reduce the amount of melancholyness, I will do my best to stay positive. I will also do my best to make these more regular.
Melissa, Carie, Heidi and I went to the Mean Bean tonight in a last-stitch attempt at memory-making before we all head our separate directions. Nathan was there (in photographic form) too. The night consisted of two lattes, two hot chocolates, two good phones, two crap phones, puddle-jumping, wet bushes, a Brown Jug bathroom break and Moulin Rouge. Quite the combination. It amazes me how easily good times come to us. I guess that is to be expected after so many years of friendship and shared memories. Memories will come in handy in college; familiar little wafts of happiness that crop up every once-in-a-while to remind us home and the way things used to be. Luckily for me, most of my memories sit happily in my iPod in the form of music. Whenever I push play the songs follow bring back sensations of time and place, feelings, emotions and memories. For example:
Melissa, Carie, Heidi and I went to the Mean Bean tonight in a last-stitch attempt at memory-making before we all head our separate directions. Nathan was there (in photographic form) too. The night consisted of two lattes, two hot chocolates, two good phones, two crap phones, puddle-jumping, wet bushes, a Brown Jug bathroom break and Moulin Rouge. Quite the combination. It amazes me how easily good times come to us. I guess that is to be expected after so many years of friendship and shared memories. Memories will come in handy in college; familiar little wafts of happiness that crop up every once-in-a-while to remind us home and the way things used to be. Luckily for me, most of my memories sit happily in my iPod in the form of music. Whenever I push play the songs follow bring back sensations of time and place, feelings, emotions and memories. For example:
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End will forever remind me of an amazing day at Cedar Point and night with a group of twenty-something of my closest friends at the movies.
- Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones brings back memories of sophomore year, reading Edith Hamilton's Mythology for Enriched English (every book I read must have its own soundtrack Mythology's happened to be this).
- Wicked is riding in the car with Emily on our way to Chicago to see the play, reveling in the greatness of the music. It is also junior year during the stint where the band was playing it and the show choir was singing it.
- Hairspray is great times in the Visions combo, beehive wigs, Casey's valiant attempts at being suave and Lee's accidental impersonation of Duane.
- Superman is band camp freshman year, touching my toes and thanking God for giving me food. It is also Tony's solo sophomore year and our kick-ass senior show.
- The Chronicles of Narnia is the amazing time junior year during which I read that series and the magical Christmas that followed. It is sleepy bus rides and dreary winter mornings at Larry Lukas' plaque.
- Moulin Rouge is prom, junior year. Of course.
- West Side Story is my first days as field commander, waking up at odd hours of the night, conducting Maria/Cool or One Hand, One Heart. It is also jazz band; frantic, fun-filled attempts at Mambo up to tempo; covert excursions to the DECA store and Vince on the woodblock.
- The Beatles: Love is band, my amazing senior year; painting the concession stand with Zandra and Anita and glee-filled, post-win joyrides to B-Dubs with Emily and the crew.
- Duel of the Fates is pep band, more specifically "Broom Wars."
- Friends in Low Places is us, our group from our humble beginnings to present day; that song will always bring me home.
So many great memories and I am so lucky that they are all at my fingertips, ready at the push of a button. I have no doubt that they will all resurface at some point over the next year and the idea of that is exciting.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Bridges
It sounds so cliché, "I am about to begin a new chapter of my life, to do new things, go new places and make new friends," but it's true. But to be perfectly honest, I like the chapter I'm in right now just fine, thank you. I am ready to start school, to do what I love, to learn and grow. I am even looking somewhat forward to living on-campus, close to my school and its resources. I am excited for the classes, to see how different they are and to find a routine again. I'm not nervous about school anymore. I will be fine, I'm sure.
That being said, I can't help but ask myself, is it selfish that the thing I want more than anything is for time to stop? Is it wrong that so many of my best friends are still in high school? Is it wrong for me to still be around? I don't mean to intrude or seem pathetic but it feels like I am. I used to hate it when graduates would hang around with us; they were lame. Why am I any different? I almost wish someone would call me out, tell me to get lost, to go home, so I could at least know that I'm not wanted, so I can begin to move on. I like to think I'm wanted, and people say that I am, but if it's true, why do I feel so guilty?
I guess, like everyone, I am going to have to let go. But letting go means being swept off into the abyss, far from the people and places I know and love. What's worse is that I will not far from home, less than 45 minutes away: close enough to see everyone once-in-a-while, but too far to keep some bridges from crumbling. And it's the bridges I'm worried most about crumbling (ironically, some of the newest ones) that I want most to maintain.
Come September we will all be busy, fitting in to weird, new places or enjoying our time in old, familiar ones but I am asking, as a friend who will be checking his inbox by the hour, please write. Even if it's just a few sentences, that contact will keep me sane and will keep even the most strained bridges from breaking.
That being said, I can't help but ask myself, is it selfish that the thing I want more than anything is for time to stop? Is it wrong that so many of my best friends are still in high school? Is it wrong for me to still be around? I don't mean to intrude or seem pathetic but it feels like I am. I used to hate it when graduates would hang around with us; they were lame. Why am I any different? I almost wish someone would call me out, tell me to get lost, to go home, so I could at least know that I'm not wanted, so I can begin to move on. I like to think I'm wanted, and people say that I am, but if it's true, why do I feel so guilty?
I guess, like everyone, I am going to have to let go. But letting go means being swept off into the abyss, far from the people and places I know and love. What's worse is that I will not far from home, less than 45 minutes away: close enough to see everyone once-in-a-while, but too far to keep some bridges from crumbling. And it's the bridges I'm worried most about crumbling (ironically, some of the newest ones) that I want most to maintain.
Come September we will all be busy, fitting in to weird, new places or enjoying our time in old, familiar ones but I am asking, as a friend who will be checking his inbox by the hour, please write. Even if it's just a few sentences, that contact will keep me sane and will keep even the most strained bridges from breaking.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Fatal Error
Ugh. My computer has finally given up. Coming home today, I noticed it was acting a bit odd. There was a scary, scraping, clicking noise issuing from deep within the tower and IE could barely stay open for five minutes at a time. I restarted (the correct way, even) and that must have been the final straw. Now, it can't even make it past the initial start up. Dad is running some diagnostic software, trying to figure out just what went (or is going) wrong. Oh well, it just must have been it's time. It's seen a lot, my old computer: over seven years, thousands of Photoshop files, hundreds of music files, and two whole site re-designs for BV.
Luckily, I'm close to getting my MacBook which will mean a new chapter in my tech life.
It's just sad because this crash couldn't have happened at a worse time; I'd like, now more than ever, to communicate, to maintain friendships and stay connected. Oh well, such is life.
Luckily, I'm close to getting my MacBook which will mean a new chapter in my tech life.
It's just sad because this crash couldn't have happened at a worse time; I'd like, now more than ever, to communicate, to maintain friendships and stay connected. Oh well, such is life.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The Agony of Defeat
I'm not going to sulk. It failed, by a lot. Oh well. I guess I was right in assuming that no matter how big the need, some people just can't find it in themselves to give a little for the greater good. It's a shame, really.
The End.
The End.
Friday, August 3, 2007
BV Horizon
Well folks, it's up. The new BV website design took it's first breath of fresh air about three hours ago after being cooped up in my PC for more than two months. It is entitled BV Horizon because, from a visual standpoint it is much cleaner, much clearer as if you were standing on a mountaintop gazing off into the horizon. Ha! What a load of crap. I named it that because it sounded cool (sort of like Windows Vista).Naming aside, I really hope you like what we've been able to cook up. The look is definitely different but better, I think. We're still converting some pages to the new style but all-in-all, things are looking good. If, while poking around, you come across anything that doesn't work or is wrong or missing, you can bypass the Feedback Form and come straight to me through the comments of this post. A little praise wouldn't hurt either.
We need content, bad. So if you (or your parents, or anyone you know for that matter) would like to become a regular contributor to the site, please let me know. This means you would send us pictures, briefs, game scores, concert dates; you name it, we need it. Even if it means a few pictures and the score from the football games each week, any help is appreciated immensely.
So, browse around, try the BVSearch, check for spelling mistakes (!) but most of all, don't be afraid to have some pride in your school.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Birthday For Two
"And he couldn't know that at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: "To Harry Potter–the boy who lived!"
Today, two of my favorite people celebrate birthdays, Harry Potter and his author J.K. Rowling. It's hard to describe the impact that these books have had on my life. I can remember sitting in Ms. Higgins' fifth-grade class wondering what all the hype was about; "A boy wizard," I thought, "that's dumb." In fact it wasn't until November of the next year that my eyes were truly opened to Harry's wonderous world.
I went with my aunt and my sister to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I remember it was a cold, blustery November evening and the theater was almost empty. I had attempted, back in fifth grade, to read the book that this movie was based on but I didn't get very far. I hated reading and plus, a boy wizard, that was dumb. The movie started and all-of-a-sudden, it was as if my imagination had sloshed out onto the screen. The setting, the characters and the mood of the opening scene on Privet Drive were exactly as I'd imagined them. I walked out of the theater in awe. The next thing we did was head to Target Greatland in search of the soundtrack. I didn't know who wrote the music, or even if you could buy soundtracks in the store, just that something about that music moved me; it was as if I had heard it before, sometime long ago, or in a dream. We found the CD and bought it right away. It was written by some guy–John Williams, I didn't know him.
It wasn't until the next year that I actually picked up a book and began to read. In middle school, we would go to the library once a week. It was a complete joke. Nobody actually read anything, I certainly never did. And then I saw it, sitting neatly on a shelf: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. "Well," I thought, "it wouldn't hurt to at least try to read it before the movie comes out." And so, it began. Every week while my class sat around the library, bored, talking blandly to one another, I would escape to a secluded corner and fall once again into Harry's world. Having never enjoyed reading before, I was slow, managing about one chapter per class period. By Christmas, I had finish Chamber and received Prisoner of Azkaban as a gift. I flew through that book faster than any I had read before. By the debut of the Chamber of Secrets film, I had finished not only Azkaban but Goblet of Fire as well.
Waiting for the next book, I wandered into the amazing online fan community where I immersed myself in editorials, Fan Fiction and forum discussion about the books I had originally thought to be 'dumb'. I celebrated the release of the title, Order of the Phoenix, and mourned the loss of Sirius Black with my new found family of more than one-million. Not long after, J.K. Rowling opened her personal website and fans around the globe rejoiced. Together, we found the clues, uncovered the secrets and reveled over the smallest tidbits of information we were given.
After Half-Blood Prince was released in 2005, I heard about podcasting and decided to see what all the buzz was about. This was it: weekly talk shows made by fans of the books, to discuss theories, interview important people involved with the series and make the most of the books we have come to love, my way of escaping the drama and stress of daily life. Melissa, John and Sue, the hosts of PotterCast, soon became like friends and I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to meet them this summer.
Deathly Hallows marked the end of the books series that has captivated so many. Some may wonder why we are so passionate about these books and, as I said, it's difficult to explain. This world, so rich in detail and mystery and magic, complete with its own history and customs, has a way of drawing you in. As fans, we feel at home in Harry's world as much as, if not more so than our own. For many teens and young adults, Harry Potter has helped them to discover what kind of people they are or want to be. I know it has for me and on their birthdays, I say to Harry and Jo, I am extremely grateful.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
True Colors
In case you've been living under a rock: BV's Bond Issue is going back on the ballot August 7.
If you know me, or my family, you know that we are ardent supporters of the bond. It's not that we're particularly passionate about BV because, realistically, we stand to gain nothing should it pass or loose, should it fail. It is simply written into our code to never vote against a school; my grandma has given me this same, sound advice dozens of times.
It's common knowledge that schools in America do not receive nearly enough support from the government. Evidently there are much more important issues to be dealt with. But I ask you, what is more important that ensuring that the doctors, scientists, engineers and artists of tomorrow receive an education that they can be proud of, one that that can stack up against that of other countries? Nothing. And so we will vote yes.
I've talked with many people about their stance on bond and honestly, the opinions scare me. Many have made the decision to oppose the bond based purely off of personal grudges against teachers and administrators. They say that BV doesn't deserve it. This boggles my mind. How can anyone say that Buckeye Valley, a district that has gone so long without any real support from the community, that has had to make do with so little and yet has managed to defy the odds and produce the highest test scores in the region, doesn't deserve for this bond to pass?
But forget all that. They will be voting no because Johnny wasn't played enough in basketball and Susie didn't make the cheer squad. People, this is about more than sports. This is about showing the students, the average students who come to school just to learn, not to be the captain of the football team, that we believe in them. Voting no says that those average kids aren't worth the time of day. They can study in the dark for all we care, just as long as Susie gets captain of the cheerleaders.
I just don't get it.
If you can, show your true colors August 7. Vote Yes! for the BV Bond Issue.
If you know me, or my family, you know that we are ardent supporters of the bond. It's not that we're particularly passionate about BV because, realistically, we stand to gain nothing should it pass or loose, should it fail. It is simply written into our code to never vote against a school; my grandma has given me this same, sound advice dozens of times.
It's common knowledge that schools in America do not receive nearly enough support from the government. Evidently there are much more important issues to be dealt with. But I ask you, what is more important that ensuring that the doctors, scientists, engineers and artists of tomorrow receive an education that they can be proud of, one that that can stack up against that of other countries? Nothing. And so we will vote yes.
I've talked with many people about their stance on bond and honestly, the opinions scare me. Many have made the decision to oppose the bond based purely off of personal grudges against teachers and administrators. They say that BV doesn't deserve it. This boggles my mind. How can anyone say that Buckeye Valley, a district that has gone so long without any real support from the community, that has had to make do with so little and yet has managed to defy the odds and produce the highest test scores in the region, doesn't deserve for this bond to pass?
But forget all that. They will be voting no because Johnny wasn't played enough in basketball and Susie didn't make the cheer squad. People, this is about more than sports. This is about showing the students, the average students who come to school just to learn, not to be the captain of the football team, that we believe in them. Voting no says that those average kids aren't worth the time of day. They can study in the dark for all we care, just as long as Susie gets captain of the cheerleaders.
I just don't get it.
If you can, show your true colors August 7. Vote Yes! for the BV Bond Issue.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
The First Of Many
First of all, welcome to my Blog.
Second of all, I looked at the calendar today and realized that in less than one month I will be in college. The Columbus College of Art and Design (Dorm Room 897 to be specific) will, from that point on, be my home. Scary thoughts ran through my mind at that thought. I'm excited for school, to be honest, for the change in tempo and scenery. I can only hope that I will meet people of the same caliber there that I have had the pleasure of meeting here, people who aren't so caught-up in themselves that they forget to take a step back and enjoy the moment, people who aren't interested in living the crazy-life just because it's available, people who have the same doubts, the same fears, the same passions as me. Can such people exist at an Art school? We'll see.
This summer has been spent either on the computer (much to the dismay of my parents), in the movie theater, or in bed and that's the way I like it. The computer part involves a lot of things: Desperate attempts to maintain contact with all-too-distant friends, working on a complete re-design for my (grade)school website, working on various design odd-jobs and Potter. This being the Summer of Seven, a large portion of my time has been spent reading, writing, talking and hearing about my favorite book series. I had the amazing good fortune of stumbling across The Leaky Cauldron about four years ago in my desperate search for answers after finishing Goblet of Fire. It has since then become not only my homepage but a fantastic second family for me. Now that Deathly Hallows is out, I hope that family can stay intact; but there's a whole other post there.
I'm liking this idea of a true Blog. Hope you are too.
Second of all, I looked at the calendar today and realized that in less than one month I will be in college. The Columbus College of Art and Design (Dorm Room 897 to be specific) will, from that point on, be my home. Scary thoughts ran through my mind at that thought. I'm excited for school, to be honest, for the change in tempo and scenery. I can only hope that I will meet people of the same caliber there that I have had the pleasure of meeting here, people who aren't so caught-up in themselves that they forget to take a step back and enjoy the moment, people who aren't interested in living the crazy-life just because it's available, people who have the same doubts, the same fears, the same passions as me. Can such people exist at an Art school? We'll see.
This summer has been spent either on the computer (much to the dismay of my parents), in the movie theater, or in bed and that's the way I like it. The computer part involves a lot of things: Desperate attempts to maintain contact with all-too-distant friends, working on a complete re-design for my (grade)school website, working on various design odd-jobs and Potter. This being the Summer of Seven, a large portion of my time has been spent reading, writing, talking and hearing about my favorite book series. I had the amazing good fortune of stumbling across The Leaky Cauldron about four years ago in my desperate search for answers after finishing Goblet of Fire. It has since then become not only my homepage but a fantastic second family for me. Now that Deathly Hallows is out, I hope that family can stay intact; but there's a whole other post there.
I'm liking this idea of a true Blog. Hope you are too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
