Day 2289 - So here's the thing. . .

Currently The Crane Wife By The Decemberists see related

I'm a little bit fussy right now, and I normally try to shy away from cryptic type posts, but this needs to be said:

I used to think you were pretty cool, but now I think you're kind of a jerk.

Good. Glad that's out of the way.

I'm anticipating a very busy weekend. A book to finish and two papers to write, all in the middle of an avalanche of dirty laundry.

My parents told me that they had a bunch of landscaping done, (like the 'we-just-added-five-trees-and-a-big-rock-fountain-in-the-back-yard' style of landscaping). So I'll be going home to a transformed yard, which I think will be interesting.

I don't have much else to say, except that this semester needs to end right meow. Seriously folks.

Day 2287 - The Youth and Beauty Brigade

Currently Castaways and Cutouts By The Decemberists see related

I figured I had paid my debt to society

by paying my overdue fines at the Multnomah county library,
at the library.

They said, 'Son, go join up.

Go join the youth and beauty brigade.'

Come join the youth and beauty brigade.

Well, the end of the semester is arriving, and that means papers, and tests, and graduation parties. And this is seemingly a normal thing, but I can't help but feel completely intrigued by it. It is a massive collision of events and situations, which seems to suggest some sort of overall connection.

Not that my history paper has anything to do with my impending End-of-the-Year Information Desk Potluck, but the way in which every part of my life suddenly springs into action at one moment almost suggests some sort of climax to this story. And within this climax I seem unable to prevent myself from looking for meaning.

Perhaps what is so great about summer is that it is just a sort of denouement. The time given to sum up.

I've been searching for any creative outlet. I'm thinking in very non-concrete ways. I've been carrying fortune cookies in my pockets, in an attempt to constantly have a zen saying at hand. (The one I just opened said "reaffirm your financial plans--make a budget," which was completely not what I was going for).

I think what is so interesting about transition isn't what comes next, but looking back on what has just happened. While I am constantly thinking about internships and grad schools and careers and retirement plans and coffin sizing, none of those things hold a candle to doing Jimmy Stewart impressions, or standing in my kitchen with my favorite people as we sign our names on a pizza box, or sitting in pretentious coffee shops, or watching Jeopardy while eating Reese's Puffs.

I find that all of my plans for the future are wholly intertwined with the past few months. And while I don't feel like I've changed, I feel like I couldn't continue in the way that I am if the events of this semester hadn't occurred.

So thanks.

Day 2264 - A Followup

Currently Hetty: The Genius and Madness of America's First Female Tycoon By Charles Slack see related

Some people asked, so I thought I'd have a followup.

Dear James N. Gregory;

It's me again. I just wanted to let you know something important about your book, American Exodus. I was only able to read the intro to your book and then an additional six sentences at the beginning of a few sections. Trudging any further into the giant swamp that is your analysis of the Okie migration proved impossible.

When I wrote my essay about your book I got an A-.

So, just to save youself time in the future, you can get by with only writing 36 pages and a few sentences. The rest is garbage.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Cordially,

Jim Taggart

I feel lots better now.

Dear Charles Slack;

I'm just writing to comment on your book, Hetty: The Genius and Madness of America's First Female Tycoon. Your book is considerably better than James N. Gregory's book, American Exodus. By about 100%.

Seriously.

Cordially,

Jim Taggart

P.S. Seriously. Exponentially better.

Things are looking up.

love always,

-jim.