This is so Undeveloped

Tumblr

2010-05-26T22:15:00.002-04:00

Switched to Tumblr so go to http://soundeveloped.tumblr.com/

Two More

2010-05-26T21:54:00.000-04:00

The Appleseed Cast

2010-05-26T21:23:00.002-04:00

Everyone who knows me well enough quickly figures out that I enjoy listening to music. They also will come to find out that upon asking for recommendations I will immediately mention The Appleseed Cast. I will always feel that this is a must have for any music fan. Recently I bought myself a turntable I also proceeded to purchase all The AC's albums on vinyl. However, the problem arose when I could not find a copy of Mare Vitalis their sophomore album. I quickly realized it was out of print. After e-mailing the record company that pressed their most recent pressing (Graveface Records, I was told that Deep Elm Records owns the rights to that album and they had not requested anymore pressings. This upset me since my collection was incomplete. The Graveface employee (there is only one anyway) did inform me that there were copies still floating around since he still receives royalty (or something like that) checks in the mail. So after a few more weeks and a lucky find I found a used copy in very good condition from an online/ physical store in Chicago. It was a great find and at a normal price instead of the hundreds of dollars people wanted on eBay. So now my collection is complete for the moment when it comes to The Appleseed Cast.

Since the recent purchases I have been listening to the AC's albums more frequent than I have been normally. Every time I listen to them I remember the reasons I enjoy them so much, and as always hear a different nuance in the music. If you have listened to them you understand that their music ranges from the simple to the very layered and complex.

Be Sure to watch this in HD if you can!!

Weakness

2010-05-22T20:20:00.002-04:00

This is based off a Jay-Z and Alicia Keys song I know...but I have a weakness for clever geek inspired lyrics.

Constellations

2010-05-02T21:35:00.003-04:00

Listen to Balmorhea - Constellations (the album), but only if you have time to sit and listen to the whole thing. Also you should be in the mood for classical piano with a more modern flair (aka some folk music thrown in).

Minus the Bear - OMNI

2010-04-19T17:57:00.000-04:00

Only Because of Trent

2010-02-27T17:30:00.003-05:00

So...Trent started hounding me about posting on here. He gave me even more trouble because I abandoned my only Xanga and forgot the password. I find myself not wanting to blog most of the time. I hardly have much to say and the little amount I have I do not feel like sharing. If there is anything specific that anyone who is reading this wants to know that would be helpful.

Comfortable

2009-08-31T19:46:00.002-04:00

Lately as in the past month or so, I've been thinking. Probably more of wondering than straight thoughts. I've always felt some importance about me (not in an egotistical way). It might be due to my ever supportive and encouraging parents or a divine calling (or both), but I've always felt the need to do something important. I've probably spent most of my life determining what "important" means. I've never been one to want popularity or fame, so I've always looked for the small interaction that leaves the largest impact. I feel like I should be the one who helps someone cure cancer that doesn't get the media attention. Maybe someone who teaches a student that grows up to be a ethical world leader. The small things that no one will notice but will notice the outcome. I've grown up with educators and not because I went to school for 17 years of my life, but because my parents are teachers. I don't know if I find comfort in education because of this or if I feel drawn to it naturally and spiritually. I love learning. I love helping. But, do I want to teach? It seems the most logical choice for me at the moment. Yes it involves more schooling, potentially a PhD (to become a professor). While deciding between level of education is tough so is deciding between a M. Ed. and a PhD. On top of that would be deciding which school to take this adventure at. In the end will I truly want to teach or will I find another endeavor to pursue? The questions keep coming but I have yet to find answers. I've had many questions since graduation over a year ago and very few answers to them.

One Wing

2009-07-20T19:37:00.003-04:00

I'm really enjoying Wilco's new album and I thought I would give yall some lyrics from one of the songs!

"We belonged to a bird
Who cast his shadow on this world
You were a blessing and I was a curse
I did my best not to make things worse, for you
It isn't true

I always knew this would be our fate
This is what happens when we separate
This is what happens to all dead weight, eventually

We may as well be made of stone
We can't be formed

One Wing will never fly
Neither yours nor mine
I fear we can only wave goodbye

One wing will never ever fly
Neither yours nor mine
I fear we can only wave goodbye

One wing will never ever fly dear
Nether yours nor mine
I fear we can only wave goodbye"

-One Wing by Wilco from Wilco (The Album)

I Remember

2009-07-20T17:45:00.001-04:00

As the sun sets I remember
The warmth of the sun
The heat of midday
The haze at dawn
The people I saw
The places I went

As the rains starts I remember
The dry and cracking ground
The rainbow from the last storm
How much I missed the rain
How it cleanses and heals

As the moon rises I remember
The cool of the night
Late night drives in the summer
Stargazing, searching for shooting stars
How I felt when I was a kid

As I sit still I remember
When life was simple
When kool-aid fixed everything
When a fort was climbing a tree
And home plate was the mark on the road

The Bowl

2009-07-13T19:36:00.001-04:00

I saw the bird fly away
the bowl fell and hit the floor
into million pieces it went
I sat there and wept

to pick up the pieces was a task
no broom to make it easier
one by one each piece was picked up
each one sorted by size

large ones gathered first
they are the easiest to find
as I gather I assemble
the bowl takes shape anew

got to find the glue
it seems hidden somewhere forgotten
days pass and the pieces gathered
one day I'll find the glue to finish

Months and the glue is found
assembly is slow and tedious
the small pieces don't seem to fit
I find holes all over the bowl

the imperfect bowl will be shined
the holes fixed and the paint new
but not yet time will pass
it will be finished in the end

Fly Away

2009-06-24T20:23:00.001-04:00

I sit and write of all the times I feel left
left to think
left to wonder
left to move aimlessly
to move in any direction than the one I want
anger so passive I don't realize its there
it builds and builds till it's resentment
do I resent where I've found myself
who I've found myself
what I've found myself
to be

when does this fly away
is it too late to turn around
find another direction more pleasing
was I too passionate too loving
did I scare you when i cared
where does this leave us
are we friends or enemies
do I hate what has happened to me to us

fly away and don't return
I wonder if I will care when your gone
who will I be
what will I be
where will I be
after that

I guess there is only one way to figure that out
leave, leave, just leave
leave me alone
let me be, let me think
of all the things I've missed
places I've missed
people I've missed
so far

hope that I find a way to run
to see the world through new eyes
vast and interesting everything is
so new to me so fresh and new
can't believe I've missed this

And when you've flown through the sky
when you've realized what you left behind
I'll be here to offer you a perch
So rest your weary wings and take a breath
You have a friend who will hold you up
Over the storms

Twitter

2009-06-23T21:44:00.003-04:00

If your interested in what's going on with me with more frequent updates, follow me on twitter @mallen530.

Moved

2009-06-20T09:08:00.002-04:00

Well I'm mostly moved in now. Everything hasn't been put away or found a place to stay yet, but it's getting there. I'm going to have to go get bathroom stuff again (shower curtain, bath mat, etc) so that it doesn't look retarded. Sometime this week I'm getting a new bed from Jon's dad's store and I will have a real bed for the first time since I moved to Greenville. (The spell checker on blogger things Greenville is spelled wrong haha) I got to hang out with Jon and John last night (Derek too) and it was lots of fun. We found an insanely simple yet impossible locking mechanism on the pool and resorted to jumping the fence and almost immediately jumping back over. We changed our minds about the swimming (it closed at 10). Today I'm going to be unpacking some more and going car shopping with my parents.

Counting Crows

2009-06-14T17:27:00.002-04:00

So yesterday I had a good conversation with John Halsey about musicians. More specifically we talked about Adam Duritz and Chris Crisci. We talked about how we both respect their writing style and how different they are. This basically inspired me to be listening to Counting Crows right now.

Lately I have been thinking about a ton of stuff pertaining to my life and its future. I always wonder if PAI is where I'm supposed to be at the moment or if I'm missing the signs that I need to move on. I've looked a little at different universities to read about their academic programs. I usually gravitate to either their physics or astronomy programs. I love space and find it fascinating. My trouble is I don't feel aware enough of the current research opportunities to make a decision.

Earlier today I read through my old blog on Xanga. It was pretty funny how different my life is now. I wrote in it a lot my first two years of Erskine. I'm aware that I have grown up a lot since then but I'm not every shown the differences. Reading them I noticed how dedicated to school I was. It really made me miss school. Studying for test and having to learn my notes are just a few things I miss. I sometimes feel that I miss the academics more than the social life.

For some reason I never seem to keep friends for too long. There are a few that have stuck with me here and there but as a whole they drift. I also think that is why I'm usually quick to get to know people. I usually meet someone and tell them my life story. Don't get me wrong I do usually wait to see if I trust them first but I'm also a trusting person so that doesn't last long. This might make me impatient but it has seemed to work in some form for most of my life. One thing that has troubled me lately is how my friends are contradicting each other. One will say something about me and then other will say the opposite. I feel like a pretty smart person but this situation is making me question that. When should I apologize for my own personality and work to fix it and when should I make it clear that this is who I am and that's that. I do a terrible job of hiding my feelings. People often tell me how transparent they are and how I'm not fooling anyone.

David Bazan

2009-06-12T17:17:00.003-04:00

Since it is Friday, I did not have to work today. I woke up late, relatively to what I'm used to, and turned on my iTunes. I made a Bazan playlist with all the songs I have of his on there (solo, headphones, pedro). And now I have basically listened to him all day. I also don't see myself stopping until I've listened to all of the songs I currently have on my computer.

Exerpt

2009-06-10T17:33:00.002-04:00

Patience can only go so far
I've been wrong but not tonight
How do I wait any longer When
I do not know what I'm waiting for

I can't hear anything coming
I can't see anything coming
I can't feel anything coming
Is anything coming for me

Will patience carry me through
Will it keep away my desperation
Will it keep away my apathy
Only time will tell

Yes, Two in One Day!

2009-06-09T19:34:00.002-04:00

After posting the first one today I spruced up my blog a little, nothing that people will probably notice, but still fun for me. I also went back and read a few of the early posts on here. I can remember everything I wrote about back then seeing as how the first post on here is just a mere 18 months ago. Like I said I only read through a few of them and skimmed the titles of the others. I also realized that I do miss having a roommate that sat down and talked to me about real issues as well as music. I know that I'm somewhat of a sappy person, and with that you will have to forgive me. I digress. I should be talking about my state of being as of now.

I am currently working for a pharmaceutical company, last place I imagined I would be a few years ago. No to say that I regret my decision to take the job. It isn't what I was expecting and still isn't everything I wanted. I don't feel substantially challenged in my job. So where does that put me in terms of the future?? That's an excellent question I'd say. One of my personal issues is that I kinda want to do everything. My interests are diverse and so are my options. I somehow need to figure out a way to limit or narrow my options. There lies the challenge. While I say my interests are diverse my experiences with those interests are not that abundant. I could say that I want to do A but I don't have much experience with A. I also have the scary feeling that whatever I choose to do will require me to jump feet first into it. I know that's not fully true, but any decision I make will require a large investment of both time and money.

Everyone I have talked to about this usually says the same thing. Something along the lines of you can do anything you want just go for it. Trouble is people I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT! (not yelling just making it clear)

If anyone has an incredible career option or idea for me let me know.

Rocky Votolato

2009-06-09T18:14:00.006-04:00

For some reason I have only listened to Rocky Votolato today. Both to and from work and now that I'm sitting at home. I love his music especially how heartfelt he sings. I can easily notice a progression in his lyrics as each album comes out. If you haven't ever listened to him before you should pick it up. If your wanting some music trivia his brother Cody Votolato is the guitarist for Blood Brothers. However their music is far from similar. I categorize Rocky's music as the junction of Indie Rock and Folk. He never goes over the top with his music and doesn't try to make his music sound epic. Its all simple but very well put together with the lyrics and the music complimenting each other.

Ok, now for the reason I just told you all that. For some reason when I listen to him I always get this weird urge to write songs/poems. Not that its such an odd thing for me to want to write. It also makes me want to teach myself a little more on the guitar or to finally buy a keyboard (still too expensive for me to just blow money on). I also found out today that he is finishing a new album; I hope that comes out soon. I also read that he is apart of a movie project that is actually premiering tomorrow night at Seattle's Movie Festival. I hope to be able to find this movie so I can see it. The lineup for the music in the movie is like a list from my iTunes. One bummer is he doesn't seem to tour too extensively out of the northwest, which I believe is due to his wife and kids (family man).

On the same not as above, I love how music motivates me to write both in my blog and in my notebook. I seem to also use this fact as a rule for music I like. I seem to categorize music by what it motivates me to do. The more intellectual the action it promotes the closer to the top of my favorites list it seems to go. Don't get me wrong there is some music I have that just makes me happy and doesn't motivate me to do anything. This is by no means a strict categorization but a basic one.

Now its notebook time!

I don't even know

2009-06-05T22:36:00.005-04:00

I don't even know what to write on here anymore. Every time I think or try to write on this my mind goes blank.

Disappearance

2009-04-23T20:50:00.003-04:00

For the few people who read this, I did disappear for about eight months or so. The disappearance did coincide with me moving to Greenville. New job, new house, new etc. kinda kept me from writing for a while, but then I just lost interest.

After getting George's e-mail about his blog going private, I not only decided to start reading it again, but I also decided to maybe write something on here. I probably will not be updating the music section once a week, but if talked into it I might try to do it every so often.

Since eight months ago I have not really done that much. I never fully resolved my issues with what I want to do with the rest of my life. I don't even think I have moved very far from where I was with that decision. On a side note, I am enjoying my job. I cannot complain about it too much. The hours get to me sometimes, but then I remember that I don't work on Fridays. Regardless of my lack of complains I still get the feeling that I would rather be doing something else with my life.

On a fun note, I will post some music on this post. Because of my roommate Jon, I have regularly been jamming out to Brand New and mewithoutyou. They are both very amazing bands and both are shaping the way music will sound in the future. So if you haven't given them a listen or gave them one long ago try again. Brand New's "The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me" is really good and mewithoutyou's cd coming out next month called "It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright" is really good as well.

Try

2009-04-21T12:47:00.001-04:00

I will try and update this at some point this week.

Mega Music Saturday III

2008-08-02T14:26:00.005-04:00

It's been another week so here is a new set of albums you should pick up and listen to. This week is going to be a mixture of indie, folk, and electronic music.

First off we have The Faint and their new album Fasciinatiion. This new CD is amazing; another high quality album from such a stellar band. If you are not aware of who The Faint is you should be shot. Not really but they are both unique and fun. While I'm sure there are a bunch of new bands that are trying to coast on The Faint's success, they are not in the same skill range. The Faint is an Indie Rock Dance-Punk band from Omaha, NE. If you are not aware of the Omaha music scene its pretty stellar. Bands such as Joan of Arc, American Football, and Bright Eyes are all from Omaha. I digress, the new album has the familiar Faint sound complete with a good beat and interesting vocals. The vocals remind me of a robot singing but none of that cheesy stuff you hear from the radio. The core of the band is the vocals and the bass guitar, so if your ready to hear some interesting uses with a bass check out the new cd and their old cds while your at it.

Second we have Rookie of the Year's new cd Sweet Attention. Rookie of the Year is a pop-rock band from NC. When I listen to them I think of the Goo Goo Dolls mixed with JEW's Bleed American. This is a good album if you feel like dancing a little when no one is looking; unless your a girl in which case it doesn't matter who's looking. They do a good job of mixing good upbeat pop-rock songs with some soft-rock songs, which is what makes me think Bleed American. They have some good hooks and guitar riffs even though they do seem somewhat ordinary. I guess it takes a good band to take ordinary and make it sound different enough to be unique.

Third we have a similar band Run Kid Run. Their new release Love At The Core is another pop-rock gem. They hail from Illinois and is basically Side Walk Slam with a new bass player. Similar to SWS, RKR has some punk-rock roots, along the likes of New Found Glory and The Starting Line. The difference is these guys claim to be a Christian band. They also slow down their sound a little to back out of the punk genera and more to the pop-rock arena. This is another good CD to move around to just like the former. I would recommend this CD for people who Jimmy Eat World, Needtobreathe and the bands mentioned above.

Fourth is a post-rock band with electronic influences named God Is An Astronaut. While I don't agree with their name the music is pretty good. Hailing from Ireland the three piece band creates an album that is relaxing and complex at the same time. Reminds me of Explosions in the Sky meets Quantic and Bonobo. The CD is purely instrumental so no singing to get in the way of the music and mood. This one is their first full length released six years ago. Since then they have released two more CDs, but I haven't listened to those yet.

Fifth is an album called Bring Me Your Love by City and Colour. This is the solo effort by Alexixonfire's Dallas Green. It is a folkish album similar to Thrice's Dustin Kensrue. Its very stripped down with usually only a guitar or two playing, but also with some songs featuring a harmonica or organ. I would recommend this CD for people who enjoy indie influenced folk, such as Dustin Kensrue, but also stuff by Rocky Votolato and Dashboard Confessional.

Music Saturday II

2008-07-26T21:05:00.004-04:00

OK well week two and I've learned that its easier as a spur of the moment idea instead of weekly. Well here goes nothing. This week we got three new CDs.

First we have Heavens and their cd Patent Pending. This one is probably the CD I have been listening the least this week but it's only because of the other good ones. Its a decent CD reminds me a lot of Depeche Mode, The National, and Interpol. If you have listened to any of those bands you will realize that all have similar vocalist. Heavens has a similar baritone and brooding vocalist. However, the music is upbeat and can surprise you sometimes. They will throw in some strings and harmony at points on tracks.

Second band is Tokyo Police Club and their new release Elephant Shell, all I could think of while listening to the band is think Band of Horses meets Pop Punk. Now don't let that sound too weird. While pop punk is known for its pretty useless lyrics and overused riffs, Band of Horses isn't. Tokyo Police Club takes elements from both and give the more upbeat areas of Indie Rock some kick. I would recommend TPC for anyone who likes Band of Horses, Vampire Weekend, or loves Indie Rock.

Third is Logh a post-rock abnd from Sweden with their release North. For this release they added another guitarist and keyboardist. This adds a lot to their already stellar sound. Some of their songs seem borderline epic while others are more singer-songwriter. They seem to be able to balance where they have been on previous albums and where they want to be going. The addition of the keys makes every song feel bigger than it would without. I would recommend them for fans of Sigur Rós, Death Cab For Cutie, and even Elliot Smith.

HD Windchimes

2008-07-25T20:28:00.001-04:00

Something cool that I actually might try to do with those burned out and old HDs I have around the house. Oh and by the way this is hard dive not high definition.

Hard Drive Wind Chimes - video powered by Metacafe

Updates

2008-07-23T14:35:00.002-04:00

Well I'd thought I would post the various updates to my blog. I've been trying to figure out ways to make my blog both more interactive and more developed. I added the poll just as a test to see how it worked and of course to get an answer. I also added the Pandora sidebar. I've been a fan of their website for a while but until lately haven't really been visiting it too regularly. I also decided to start telling it what songs I like and dislike and setting up some different radio stations. You can visit my profile with access to my bookmarked artists and songs as well as the ability to listen to the radio stations I have been designing with my likes and dislikes. The newest two are the most developed, "Piano and Acoustic Radio" and "Alternative / Indie Rock". The Appleseed Cast Radio is somewhat developed but its basically the same as the AltIndie one. If you enjoy my, as of this Saturday, New Music Saturday; you will enjoy Pandora since if you set up your own profile can find new music as well. While Pandora isn't my main source of new music it does shed light on some artist I have never listened to. So get ready for New Music Saturday.

I might have to change its name to just Music Saturday since I feel like the New part might be misleading and evoke a sense of newly released. My projections see it more as both new releases and rediscovered releases. Sometimes it might just be a band I haven't listened to in a while that has really been filling the airways in my room. But I guess you will have to wait and see what develops.

P.S. I would like to know who actually reads my blog so if your brave enough post a comment and tell me who you are, and if its not obvious to me why you do.

Cover Songs WOO HOO!

2008-07-21T15:59:00.002-04:00

One of my favorites bands (The Frames) playing one of my favorite songs (Where Is My Mind?) from another one of my favorite bands (Pixies). Glen Hansard is a ROCK STAR!!!

Dustin Kensrue covering Radiohead's Creep.

New Music Saturday

2008-07-19T16:37:00.008-04:00

Not really going to be a trend at least not to my knowledge; the title just sounded good. Well I just wanted to let everyone know about an amazing band I have recently been acquainted with. Their name is Moving Mountains. If you like The Appleseed Cast then you will like them. They kinda take a few pages from the AC's book with their CD "Pneuma", which is a good thing in my book. They kinda put a little more indie and a little less post-rock approach to it sometimes but that's good too. I'm guessing Two Conversations is the album they were influenced by the most.

Second is Bellador which happens to be Joel Ainsworth's band. They are pretty cool and if you give a listen you will recognize the Mineral and American Football influences. Joel gave me the album at the beginning of the week and its awesome. Some good old EMO and I mean the real stuff. The early-mid 90's stuff before critics labeled the dashboard-ish stuff emo. The Sunny Day Real Estate, Early Appleseed and Brandtson kind of stuff.

Third is Ratatat and their new LP called LP3 and yes its their third. I found it kinda lazy when Portishead named their third album that came out in April "Third," but then Ratatat come a few months later with LP3. I guess its something of a minimalist approach and can also make it very easy to figure out which album it is. Anyways the album is on par with the first two albums. The same electro goodness and signature sound you can expect from Ratatat along with some new sampled sounds. I would recommend this for people who enjoy Daft Punk.

Fourth is Wolf Parade and their new CD "At Mount Zoomer." Its follows the current trend and progression in Indie Rock, the new pop trend. I would consider it a mash up of The Hush Sound (with male vocals instead) and Interpol. I would recommend for fans of the aforementioned as well as Vampire Weekend and anyone who enjoys Indie Rock.

I love B-Sides!

2008-07-11T16:42:00.002-04:00

Not only do they sorta give you a sense of a new album well more like a new EP but they usually aren't bad. I mean no band is going to release a terrible song as a b-side. They are usually the songs that just didn't fit well with the rest of the album. I also think that bands with good bsides are amazing. I mean who else could cut good songs from an album, a good band, I rest my case. So the reason I'm talking about all this stuff is I got lots of b-sides today. Get Up Kids, New Ams, Circa Survive, Baumer, and my favorite bsides so far JEW. The Chase This Light B-sides and Bonus songs are excellent. Seriously great. I don't know if its just bc I just listened to them but they might be better than some of the songs on the real album. Maybe I'm just a sucker for JEW songs. I mean they are one of my fav bands I think I should give them more credit though since I don't talk about the much.

More bands that I should talk about more bc they are amazing, Reggie and the Full Effect the new CD is really hard but I enjoy. Lovedrug excellent awesome (add another good adj). The New Amsterdams = Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids alum) need I say more. Brandtson still waiting for the new cd, I really cant wait its tough.

Coincidence

2008-06-26T11:42:00.002-04:00

While I was doing my normal rundown of websites I visit daily. I came across as usual the Bednar blog and what did I find? The love reading my blog so much that they wanted theirs to look just like mine. I guess I'm flattered and touched that my aesthetics (sp?) skills were copied.

Lets move on. I applied to a job at Circuit City and I'm pretty sure I can get an interview and potential work there and get a Microsoft Certification. I applied to work in the Firedog section as a computer technician. For those of you who don't know what Firedog is its basically Geek Squad but better since Firedog is more resourceful and does a wider range of services.

To talk about what has happened since my last post. I talked to a professor at the Citadel and she suggested that I speak with the department head of the Math and Computer Science department at the Citadel about what I'm wanting to do. I need to e-mail the guy and set up an appointment soon so I can do this. I read his vita and its pretty impressive and I'm hoping he can help me understand what I want to do. Seeing as how I'm not too sure of what I want to do I'm not expecting him to just tell me but hopefully point me in the right direction for self discovery.

Music plug: Everyone should listen to Pendulum's new album In Silico.

Computer Engineering

2008-06-19T23:55:00.002-04:00

Well, I got the e-mail back from the department and did some research with help from my mother. The list of prerequisite courses that I have to take is pretty long. I still think I should talk to someone in person about all this. I mean basically taking all these courses will give me another bachelors if I do it right or maybe all I would have to do is a seminar or take a few more classes. I think its worth investigating. For those who are curious here is the list.

Math:
Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations
Discrete Mathematical Structures I
This happens to have a prereq of Linear Algebra
Theory of Probablility

Computer Engineering:
Logic and Computing Devices
Electric Circuits I
Computer Organization
Computer Systems Structures
Microcomputer Interfacing
Signals, Systems and Transforms
Electronics I (which I may or may not be able to skip since I took a similar course at Erskine)

Computer Science:
Programming Methodology

All these classes add up to 36 hours not to mention that some of these are lab classes. So more like 40 Hours. OH MY.

This is all before Grad school. Which will be like 4-5 years worth of classes and research and brown nosing the professor. The last part may or may not be necessary.

So that is the update, so far.

WOOAHH! YEEEAAHH!

2008-06-18T21:44:00.002-04:00

Well I'm still unemployed. Still searching.
So this process is both annoying and funny. I've applied to jobs from Maryland to Charleston, from Greenville to St. Louis. Seen some job descriptions that called for the ability to handle molten asphalt. I'm also tired of entry-level jobs requiring more than 2 years of experience. Honestly how am I supposed to get a job with requirements like these. The latest job applications were for Boeing as a materials scientist/ engineer which is the job that was in St. Louis. I also applied as a criminologist in Greenville. Basically it means I would be a forensic chemist. Good thing about this job is I think I have an inside connection. I'm also looking at grad school for computer engineering and e-mailed the director at Clemson. So we will see what happens there.

I miss Europe. I really would like to learn German and live in Germany or Austria.

SO the title does refer to the hectic environment of job searching but more to Pop influenced indie rock. Think Bleed American by JEW or maybe just Sherwood who I am currently listening to. I was reading the Wikipedia page for them under the musical styles and I loved the quote. "The Get Up Kids meets Mineral meets Further Seems Forever" These just happen to be three of my favorite bands so I guess this is why I've always liked Sherwood.

Insert Random City

2008-06-03T21:18:00.003-04:00

I've been noticing lately in music how bands often have at least one song about some random city. Its usually always a longing song about how everything would be better if they were there. All there problems go away and everything is perfect. Anyways that was a random thought.

I'm trying to learn how to play guitar, day 2 and my fingers hurt. I'm still wondering if I should take lessons or just do it by myself. Watch out world here comes the next indie folk artist Matt Allen. Prob not but I can dream right?? Also trying to get back in shape, but thats not working out so well either. I guess I will have to brain storm on how to motivate myself. I also need to learn how to read a book without falling asleep every few pages. So many problems that aren't "REAL" problems.

I've been finding myself reading a lot of science fiction this year. The scary part for me is the fact that none of it seems that fantastic. Everything I'm reading is possible under the right circumstances. At least the social and political aspects of the books. I love watching movies, but the character depth that theses authors can make is tremendous. So kids should read more and watch less TV.

Music Update: Too many to talk about here. If your interested call me or e-mail me.
Job Update: Nothing yet, kind of scaring me.
Navy Update: Met some guys that are in the program that I was referred to. Sounds pretty interesting and tough. I'm still thinking about joining at the moment.

It's Over and a Band of Horses

2008-05-16T11:42:00.003-04:00

Well, college is over and more so this Saturday when I graduate. I'm fully expecting Alexis to go to some amazing concert Saturday, kinda a trend. It is hard to understand and realize yet that I'm probably not going to see these people ever again, even if I do it won't be as often. Not quite sure when all of this is going to hit me either. I mean I'm going to have a B.S. in Chemistry in a day, I'm going to have to get a job, I'm going to have to live in the real world.

Music update:

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs = awesome, seriously its really good and I'm not only saying that bc they are one of my fav bands.

Band of Horses = really good too, they don't have a new cd out but there two cds are really good.

Pendulum - In Silico = Really good Drum and Bass mixed with some Rock. Its good, really good if you like Drum and Bass music. There first cd Hold Your Colour is more DnB goodness.

The Appleseed Cast = Still the best band ever, can't wait for their new cd to come out.

Daphne Loves Derby = Cheezy but good like Cheeto's. Very mature sappy, like an old maple tree. Okay, too many similes, but they are really good and fun to listen to.

Portugal. The Man = Good experimental rock. If you haven't listened you need to since they will most likely get popular in like 6 months since bands I like usually take a year to get popular and its already been half that. Other than that they are also fun to listen to and their choruses get stuck in your head easily. You will be humming/singing them while you sit at work or at home and everywhere else.

Did I mention The Appleseed Cast?????? Because they are AMAZING!!!!!

That concludes my music update, maybe not much of an update but close enough. I did talk about at least two new albums.

This is what makes me excited.

2008-04-28T11:27:00.001-04:00

It is worth all eight and a half minutes.

Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
New single from the upcoming CD Narrow Stairs out May 13, 2008.

Almost There

2008-04-14T19:52:00.002-04:00

There is no getting past the fact that in less than a month I will be a college graduate. This also means that I will have to face the real world as such. While I know I can make it and all that jazz it doesn't lessen the shear terror of having all this placed on my shoulders. I guess I was supposed to be preparing myself but then how do you do that?? I would also like to point out that my sister was preparing for her wedding at my age, scary huh. Well not really for me since I am not planning a wedding or really planning dates or anything of that sort.
I am debating with myself if a "its going to happen eventually" stance to politics is a bad one or not? I mean for such controversial topics its inevitable that eventually it will get passed in favor of some left wing liberal. Not that I'm calling myself a liberal more like a moderate. While I still have conservative beliefs I see myself as politically moderate. I'm still trying to figure out where I need to stand with my beliefs.
I have a bad case of seniorities seriously its terrible. Its so hard to motivate myself to do homework and to study.
I'm still trying to figure out what I am doing next year. So far I have only interviewed seriously with one company, PAI in Greenville. That means I will have to find a place to live in Greenville and find a roommate and somehow survive. While I don't want it to seem like I have any problem with Greenville just out of my comfort zone. I'm also wondering what is going to happen after a year. I have had plans to join the Navy but who knows after a year. Too many "what ifs" floating around to be certain. I guess you can say that I'm still trying to find where I fit into this puzzle called life. I'm leaving it up to the One and Only G-O-D. Its still not easy to sit and wait for that still small voice, just wish sometimes it was more direct.
I still have my aspirations to be a rock star. I enjoy music more and more which sounds totally crazy to me but it seriously is happening.

Easter and Spring Break

2008-03-23T13:36:00.002-04:00

Well Happy Easter everyone!
I like originality, It is what makes anything special, the ability to set something apart from the mainstream and trendy will make or break something. I know that is contradicting itself but honestly think about it. When it comes to pop culture everyone has to be the same. You need to walk around with your iPhone listening to music that all sounds the same. You need to blend in to be "popular" But what happens when someone is unique, well first they are considered a freak until maybe a few people catch on and it becomes "popular" So does that mean that the unique person was popular or a freak? I find that there is a fine line between the two and they are very relative terms. People who know me know what kind of music I listen to. I dabble in a lot of different types of genres but my heart lies in the indie scene. Its funny since I have been on the receiving end of how stupid my music is and such but looking at movie soundtracks and such today its almost complete grown out of my favorite genre. A wise person said that the only constant is change and don't I believe him. While don't get me wrong I think its awesome that indie music is becoming popular I just wish people knew where music came from and not immediately think that if its not playing on the radio its stupid. I have been learning for the past few years that everything that IS playing on the radio is not stupid. So everyone should meet in the middle.

This week I'm supposed to "figure out" what I want to do with the rest of my life. It seems that everyone I call never answers which is funny. I mean it takes enough courage for me to actually call the people and when I actually do they don't answer. Well I guess tomorrow will be phone day. I have to call a few important people and get some info and my name out. Wish me Luck.

Good DAY!

Its New and its not April.

2008-03-12T19:34:00.002-04:00

So to start out I just want to make sure everyone knows that my iTunes is on shuffle, which is glorious sometimes. I think I'm still trying to fine tune the music it plays so I only hear what i want. Kinda hard when you keep adding new stuff you have no idea if you will like or not. I really need to get on the ball and start some spring cleaning with the music I no longer want. Or maybe tuck it away somewhere.
Speaking of music I still want to know where my taste in music comes from. Its rather eclectic but still specific, hard to explain. If you know me you know what I mean. Having this on shuffle I can really tell.
I want to thank everyone who is helping me with my last post. Your comments are welcome and much appreciated.
School is going alright. Spring break is quickly approaching which is a good thing. Still trying to figure out the rest of my life. I think as it gets closer it might get a little more hectic, but I feel like I'm consolidating my interests, which is a great thing.
Good news my friend Andy is still alive. I found out yesterday that he is back in the US and is at Utah St. He has a few years to graduate but he seems happy. I didn't get to talk to him but after "facebook stalking" he seems happy. Hopefully we will be able to catch up sometime soon and maybe hang out depending on where he is. I cannot believe that it has been two years already. Time flies when your in college. I can't imagine having 3-4 years more of school left, kind of sucks for him, but I have a feeling he doesn't regret his decision.
For those who value my taste in music, go do yourself a service and listen to Portugal. The Man They are amazing. I'm partial to their first album Waiter: "You Vultures!" but their new one Church Mouth is good as well. Listen if your a fan of the Postal Service, The Faint, Baumer, or Minus the Bear or if you just like alternative experimental pop rock.
No Country for Old Men is a good movie, if your a fan of the Cohen Bros. then you will like it. I would not recommend it for people who dislike violence and blood. It is slow moving thriller that reminds me a of good mystery without being a mystery, don't ask hard for me to explain. A funny thing was I could not watch James Brolin act without thinking about him in the Goonies.
I really miss Stargate-SG1. While, Atlantis is a great show, I'm missing the original team. JO, T, SC, and DJ's chemistry are absent in my life. I'm excited about receiving The Ark of Truth in the mail soon and enjoying a DVD's worth of that goodness along with the other two new people.
I'm trying to get into this new show called New Amsterdam. Since Journeyman got canceled, I need something to take its place. It is not as good as Journeyman but it has some good qualities. I just hope it doesn't become a cop drama like all those others that have been on TV.
Since this one is so random, I'm going to wrap this up.
WRAP UP!

If You Insist, New Bloggage almost a month later.

2008-03-10T00:40:00.004-04:00

So as the title says, It's been a month almost.

I don't know what to say. I'm frustrated for many reasons.
1. Some of my classes seem pointless to me. Usually that not an issue but it is if its in my Major.
2. Hardly anyone shows up to my soccer pick-up games on Thursdays.
3. I do not know what to do with my life after I graduate.
4. (Insert something I forgot)

Ok, to lay it all out in paragraph form.

1. I enjoy most of my classes. I was even sad when I had to drop Graphic Design II. It was a great class but I just couldn't devote enough time to it, sad. One good thing is my professor told me that I was talented at it, that made me happy. I even enjoy physical chem 2, its conceptually hard and sometimes over my head a little, which makes me have to study at it, but in the end I enjoy the class. Its chill and we only have 4 students in it, including me. Its informal but we get a lot done in a class period. The tests are really challenging but still in the end I enjoy the class. It is probably my favorite this semester. To get to my point. I have Instrumental Analysis. Its a chemistry class which is my major and I should be able to tolerate it but not in this case. Not only is it a big rehash of the first semester of analytical chem but we study obsolete instruments from the 1970s. We also don't even learn how to read the output of the instruments which i think is the most important part. Instead I'm learning the schematic of a UV-Vis, or IR, or AA, or etc. that scientists haven't used in forever and they are so old that they do not even work the same. There is always some sort of blurb at the bottom of the page or spoken that says oh by the way we don't use these parts anymore, in fact our new instruments are less complex. The other thing I find funny is there will be a caption that reads "Modern Spectroscopic Instruments" and then I see that the paper was published in the late 1980s. Real modern. Ok enough of that.

2. I've been organizing pick-up soccer games on Thursdays every week since the beginning of Feb. The most we have had is nine the first week. The second week we had seven. The next week we had 2. And its been the same since then. I do not know why no one is showing up. People ask me during the day about it and even say "Oh I'll be there" and then don't show up. I hate excuses like "I have a paper/ test/ hw" Its just an hour. If your time management is that bad then you don't need to be in college. I just wish people would be straight with me "I don't want to play, ever, stop asking" I would be fine with it. I just miss all those people who graduated that played soccer every week.

3. I don't know what to do with my life. Ive thought about grad school but I don't want to do more school right now. I've been told that I need to want to go to grad school in order to survive. I believe this and so I have really large doubts that I'm going to be in grad school in the fall. I've also been looking at jobs but they all sound so boring and tedious. I just wish I could find something that piques my interest, something I can get excited about. I've worked in a lab and I don't have a problem with it I just wish I was doing something productive and no just testing product to make sure it meets specs. I want to design something. I want to be in charge of something. I want to make a difference in something. That leads me to my other option. Joining the Navy. This has been going through my mind for I guess a couple weeks. I do not know why I'm drawn to it. I'm still asking God if its because He is pushing me to do it. I do not have a problem joining the Navy but its still an uncertain issue for me. What do I do after I become an officer, Can I make it thought boot camp, Am I fit to be a Naval Officer??? These are just a few that run through my noggin every day. I'm sure I can make it though boot camp as long as i do some preliminary training. I made it through two pre-seasons with Coach Freakly, I know not quite the same but it has to be close. My family sorta has a history with the Navy. My grandfather and dad were in the Navy. Interesting fact is they aren't related, mother's father. I've been looking up info on what I can do in the Navy and I don't know how to approach it. There are many options and I have no idea which I will be interested in. They have scientific positions, but I'm not sure I'm interested in them. They also have intelligence positions that sound interesting but again I'm not sure I would enjoy them. The one good thing is that any position on the Navy helps someone. That is the biggest pro for me. I've even started telling people that its a good possibility that I will join after graduation. I'm still waiting to talk to someone about it, aka a recruiter. I just don't want to sign my life away for a few years and then hate it. Big decisions always scare me.

4. My misc category of things that frustrate me. It seems like a bunch of my friends are getting girlfriends/boyfriends depending on the sex of my friend. While I'm doing well being single its not always the most fun to be the 3rd, 5th, nth wheel. It is also harder to hang out with friends with significant others since they are almost always hanging out with each other alone. I know that I'm making it sound like a huge deal and its not but I still feel like complaining about it. With this happiness there is also the opposite, sadness. It seems like my friends are loosing parents, pets, opportunities. One of my friends lost her mother to cancer, another lost her dad to a heart attack, one of my friends cat is about to die, and people are getting rejected from grad schools and med schools. I'm having trouble being there for them because none of these things have happened to me. I don't understand what it is like to loose a parent. I hope I do not have to anytime soon. One of them used to be my best friend and I did not know what to say to her. I also did not go to the funeral. I do not know if I should feel bad. I was not told any details and I only knew of the death through the Erskine grapevine. I also haven't heard from the person since a week prior to the death. I'm just in a confused state. It's things like that that just make me want to run and hide. I don't know how to support my friends unless they ask me to. I also have trouble figuring out what is appropriate to do when and where. For example, I don't know if I should call or if they need to be left alone. Like I said earlier I haven't had to deal with this. Like I said earlier I USED to be her best friend so what is a former best friend supposed to do? What is my place? Too many permutation to consider. Maybe I am just thinking about this too much.

Only thing keeping me going is God, music as always and good friends.

Be Patient, I'm Busy

2008-02-14T19:02:00.002-05:00

Well first of all I would like to declare my love for post-rock music. I have recently found a bunch of new bands that fit this genera and they are really good. So if your wondering what kind of new music do I want to listen to here are some options:

The Besnard Lakes (Canada)
Efterklang (Denmark)
Godspeed You! Black Emperor (Canada)
Pelican (USA)
Red Sparowes (USA)
Gregor Samsa (USA)
Under Byen (Denmark)
Yndi Halda (UK)

As you can tell not all of these are not American, and that is a good things. That means they are not influenced by our huge record labels that only want to sell music and thus rehash the same album with different bands. I highly recommend the danish bands.

School is going alright. Things seems a little more relaxed this semester but only because I do not have my senior seminar to worry about. My classes keep me busy and more so in the next coming weeks. I have been able to watch scrubs and some movies. I'm almost done with the 3rd season, George and Alexis.

Job hunting is going alright right now as well. I know that I just need to stay on top of things and not let things slip between the cracks. Dr. Thomas seems excited for me, and is helping me anyway he can. One of my contacts called me today, Kyle Kilroy, he was really nice and helpful. He told me a little about his company which was actually pretty amazing. Bechtel just happens to be the top engineering firm in the world. They built the Hoover Dam! He seemed pretty excited to be able to help me. We will see what develops over the next few weeks and such. I told him that I'm not opposed to moving and that staying in the South was not a priority. Who knows where I will be in a few months. Kinda scares me, but I also find it exciting. He was telling me that there are opportunities in Washington State, I'm not sure where but WS sounds like fun to me.

I need another hobby other than my music and movie addiction. Any suggestions?

I love Starbucks!

I think I like foreign languages, esp the Central European ones.

Happy Valentine's Day

Time to go,
Hasta La Vista Readers

Coffee Break with The Shins

2008-01-31T21:03:00.001-05:00

I would like to point out that I think I am officially addicted to coffee. I mean, I have been in love with it for a few years now, but since I have started to associate calmness and reflection with coffee its just gotten out of control. I would like to thank George and Alexis for the coffee, grinder and the coffee maker because without these I would be making Folgers in a 4 cup machine as opposed to fresh ground Starbucks in a huge machine, not that I make a whole pot. So as my title states, I am taking a coffee break and listening to The Shins. I currently regretting and kicking myself for the lack of Shins listenage over the past year. I do not know why I basically stopped listening to them. It was not that I stopped liking them, but more like I forgot about them, wrote them off, whatever you would like to say. Could be that their popularity coincided with my short vacation of listenage. So to finish this section, I have rediscovered the wonderfulness of The Shins, YAY, George will be proud.

I also realized that for the moment I am sick of politics and current issues. I know this sounds like I'm becoming apathetic but actually just taking a vacation from it. It all started when people started to talk about Obama's political views on The War, illegal immigration, the economy, etc. in which I found myself becoming really annoyed. While most people will just say that its not hard to make me annoyed, this was different. I briefly became apathetic and wished that I couldn't vote anymore so I would not have to worry about these issues. Quickly I remembered the incredible burden placed upon me by my citizenship to take an active role in elections so I can help shape my vision for USA. So in short, I'm still a good American who will vote for the one I feel best embodies my political beliefs.

Classes are slow right now, I know that I'm shooting myself in the foot for bringing this up, since in a few days I'm going to be swamped. I do need to figure out my priorities for this school year 1) Get a Job 2) School, and not in the other order. While making good grades my last semester is good, I do need a direction for next year. I do not want to become a 30 year old who lives in his parents basement. (I would make my parents move to a house with a basement just for this purpose.)

To reiterate my point before about the Shins here is a quote from Jacob.
"I've never really sat down and listened to them.
I don't know why because they are amazing."

Erskine

2008-01-30T19:59:00.000-05:00

Here we go again, with a new semester. Today was the first day of my last semester. It went alright. My first class got canceled, weird way to start. My other two classes today went well. Two chemistry classes to round out my mon, wed, friday classes. My tuesdays are filled with the same prof twice, kinda funny but should be fun.

This one is going to be short. Not much has happened lately. I started season one of Scrubs and I'm halfway through Everything is Illuminated by Johnathan Safran Foer, its a good book and the movie is pretty accurate.

Short sorry,
Hasta la vista Readers.

Home Sweet Berlin?

2008-01-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Well, we rode back into Berlin today, by train no less. Interesting experience to say the least. First it started with a mad rush to get on the train which was pretty interesting. Imagine lots of people crammed into a small space with barely enough room to move. It was great fun.

The trip is rapidly coming to a close and every one seems to be getting on each other's nerves. In short there is a lot of drama/complaining going on over here. Things seem to be winding down though. People know the end is near, some want it to come others could care less. I kinda wish i could stay a little longer, but it has been fun. Tomorrow I'm going to go see some of the sites i missed when I was in Berlin a few weeks ago. Paul, my friend, is correcting my grammar for some reason. He is a history major so I don't see the big deal.

Music lately has been good. I think the theme for Europe for me has been the Daphny Loves Derby cd that I cannot stop listening to. I have also been hitting up the new National cd which is good after you get used to his low vocals (hint for GEORGE). Paul, my friend, has enlightened me to the fact that their old cds are better and pointed me towards another band called Tindersticks.

Hasta La Vista Readers.

Rant from Krakow

2008-01-18T11:19:00.000-05:00

So today I made it back to the internet cafe, not actually a cafe at all but the internet part is right. This is a really cheap neat little place, I need to take a photo out my window and post if. Great view of the main square. Its dark here and its only 17:20 (5:20) for those impaired. Reading George's blog has inspired me to say. I'm glad im not the only one with those problems, the political and Relevant Magazine ones that is. I don't have the housing or starbucks problems.

Note: I want to drink lots of Dr. Pepper when I get home. There is no DRP in Europe, boo!
Note 2: I miss soccer. All the fields here are still REALLY green in WINTER. Come one people (Americans that is.) Hate how my sport gets the shaft in USA.
Note 3: Im out

Hasta La Vista Readeres.

Europe, Im Here

2008-01-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it for the people who don't know. I'm safe and actually been here for about 2 weeks. Its been fun and weird at the same time. Some people like to complain a lot, and I mean A LOT. I just take everything in stride. I wouldn't mind living here or anything, stuff is usually more expensive but thats due to the fact that our dollar just is not doing so hot here. Every city seems to have a different experience to see. They all have their own little claim to fame as it were. Every time I talk or someone around me talks I feel the eyes staring at me. People just hate Americans, its too bad that some people ruin it for all of us. The worst thing is when you turn on the tv and actually find something recognizable it happens to be Family Guy or The Simpson's. I know that people here are not stupid but when this stuff is pumped into the country they have to wonder if Americans are really like this. They also seem to associate all of America with our president. If they hate George W. then they hate all Americans. I understand that Americans are the same way with stereotyping people, but i think its stupid.
Anyway enough ranting. I guess after complaining about complainers i seem like a hypocrite.

Music, the best part of my day. Still listening to Daphne Loves Derby's new CD, still great. Also have been enjoying Portugal. The Man a lot. Its hard for me to categorize them. They are a mix of a lot of thing but nothing i can specifically pinpoint. I also want to say that Enter Shikari is basically awesome.

Thats all from Poland

Hasta la Vista Readers.

Europe

2008-01-04T07:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm off to Europe. Just wanted to say bye to people who read this.

Hasta la vista readers.

Rant of Modern Church

2008-01-03T10:29:00.000-05:00

Well I am back at school now, where everything is pretty laid back since it is J-term. One of the drawbacks of the trip to Europe is missing J-term here at school, but that is a price I'm very willing to make. Everyone seems excited to be back. Late trips to Taco Bell and late night movie watching is already in effect.

I watched the Bourne Ultimatum last night with Jacob, his first time my first since the theater fiasco. I enjoyed it a lot. I let him borrow the first book over break and he read it in three days. So while I'm in Europe i expect him to finish the other two, I wish I could read that fast.

I had two conversations yesterday with two different people on the sad state of the modern church. Both reminded me of talks with George and Alexis this summer. One was tired of alter calls every Sunday and wished they would incorporate that whole bible and not just the gospel. The other was tired of how "entertaining" the church has gotten, and wanted a church that was focused on the "simplicity" of worshiping God.

My roommate being the latter had a lot to say about the subject, but he usually does about any subject. The pros and cons of having a philosophy major as a roommate is their highly opinionated personalties. He is tired of the revolutionary direction most churches are pushing these days. "Lets start a revolution for God" His quip is with the fact that a revolution is bloody and messy and they just need to fix things not radically change things. It seems to me that whenever things start going wrong or things are not working people want a revolution. Instead of fixing things they want to run over here and start over or to completely cut off the problem. First this doesn't fix anything and second what happens to the problem after it is cut off or worse ignored. When Christians finally realize that their goal in life should only be to glorify God, I think we will be at his feet in heaven.

Ok, I need to get off this subject since I think I'm not making sense anymore and because it was digressing. Comments are welcome and encouraged, esp if you think I'm wrong. I don't like being wrong and knowing the truth is better than being stubborn.

Today I have class, the only class before I leave tomorrow bright and early. People keep asking me if I'm nervous, and I am not. Should I be? I cannot see a reason why I should be. I'm excited.

Music section: Currently listening to Rosie Thomas. I like her. Sweet and smooth. Reminds me of Imogen Heap, but more folkish and not electronic. Maybe I can say a female Ray LaMontague.

Hasta La Vista Readers.

New, Bandwagon, Maybe

2008-01-02T00:52:00.001-05:00

So I found myself reading The Bednar blog the past few days. Remembering the times I used to blog. Since I kinda want to start over this is new and my old one will sit in an a dark internet corner for eternity probably.

On to new things now. New year, new ideas, new opportunities, and other various new things. When I reflect on the past year, I notice a lot of changes to my life, good and bad. Good, loosing my unhealthy relationships. Yeah, loosing is the correct term as they were not voluntary on my part, which is mostly why I am not bitter about it all. It gets to me but I end up being rational about it. I guess my sisters know some about what's best for me (both telling me their feelings last year about my choices in females) With that loss I gained new and good friendships, and a closer tie with the more important aspect in my life, yeah that's right the big GOD. It's been a year of noticing new things about him and even old things renewed.

I have also noticed a strong change in my musical tastes, singer-songwriter types and even dabbling in some bluegrass and folk. While my main genera is still "indie" music, which in turn is too broad to categorize with one word, I've found an appreciation for different generas never before listened to. Things such as trance and even some mainstream radio rock, oh my goodness. Part of this is due to my new roommate who I believe I have been blessed with by Him. Crazy story, if you haven't heard it let me know I'll post later with it. Let me just say that it fell into my lap like usual but this one had more fruit on the tree. The tree/roommate/Jacob was also more mature than my past roommates which is a huge plus. Not only does he help keep the room clean (I'm no longer solo on the cleaning), he listens to great music. While we don't agree on everything (who does) we have strong similarities it good.

Ok, now I have gotten started on music. While I could probably type a 50 page dissertation on music just in the past year, I'm not mostly because it might end up being very prideful and because I'm lazy. At the moment I'm chilling to Daphne Loves Derby album (Good Night Witness Light) which is amazing. I would say singer-songwriter meets indie rock and maybe mix in some "emo". It's poppy but smooth, sappy but mature, sweet but raw. If any of that makes sense.
Well, I'm just going to leave it at one CD for now. I might start letting people who read this know about the music I'm listening to so they can join in the fun, woo.

Big news if you don't know. Friday I'll be on a plane all day (timezone change included) flying from GSP to Newark to Berlin. Yay for Eastern Europe, which I credit for most of last centuries history from Germany (WWI and WWII) to Russian (Cold War and Communism, need I say more) I think the latter has the most repercussions, stretching from South America to South East Asia, and Eastern Europe to Central Asia and even parts of Africa. Basically affecting every continent but Antarctica. While I won't be going to Russia I will be seeing some of the nations behind the Iron Curtain. So here I come Eastern Europe.

Future update, I don't have one right now. That's scary, and hard to swallow. Knowing that I'm not in control helps but I can't get lazy. I'm still wanting to figure out which direction I need/want to go in, school or job. The possibilities are endless and that is what sucks. I guess I would be a good poster child for Erskine, "the possibilities are endless after you graduate" in fact "the possibilities are overwhelming and tough to sort out" well I would leave out the last part but still you get the picture.

Signing off. Hasta La Vista Readers