HEY

Not as in "Hey you guys". As in every single song by Of Monsters and Men. Just bought their album. The single "Little Talks" has been stuck in my head for days and days. It's fabulous. And now I'm listening to the first song on the album My Head is an Animal ("Dirty Paws") and it too has a bunch of HEYs keeping time. Must be an Icelandic thing.

But oh gosh they are so good. I love the sound of two lead singers, one male and one female with a full ensemble to back them up. It is so satisfying. I've been listening to too much pop music I think.



ANYWAY. Looks like I'm going to be here for another semester. They don't want me to defend until the fall. I personally think it's for their own selfish reasons, but they are saying they're worried I won't get done in time. Oh well. I do have another TA position lined up. So that's good.

Just writing now. The good news that came from my meeting is that all my results are valid. I was wrong. Whoops. And all I have to do is write em up.

Oh, and happy May. I freaking love spring. But it's not like I've never ever mentioned that.

Also, this.

I haven't bought an album in a long time. I just did about 30 minutess ago. And it feels. so. good. I used to be really "in" to music, yknow? I used to be one of those people who wouldn't shut up about my favorite bands and I would always have music playing and I would download as many live shows of the Grateful Dead that I possibly could. (I told you I was one of those people).

And then there was a fundamental shift. I moved to Boston. And the people that I hung out with weren't connected to me through music (unlike my L&C friends) (also, that's not entirely true, but I don't really want to get into my relationship with that person). I was connected to those Boston people on an entirely different level. And in most ways, it was good, better even than my music-related friends. We connected through activities and academic interests. We didn't spend hours trying to prove who was more of a fan.

On top of that, I lived in BOSTON. I no longer listened to my ipod when I walked because I wanted to be able to hear what was around me. I wanted to be apart of my surroundings, not removed from them. And it that's not because I'm some safety conscience  prude (though arguments can be made, I guess), it's because I honestly believe that it's more interesting to hear what the crazy guys on the bus have to say, what the ditzy girls walking through campus have to moan about (like, seriously?). I saw more when I wasn't listening to music. I looked around and noticed the architecture, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, flowers.

Pretty soon I only listened to music when I worked out. That mentality stayed with me through my move to Utah. Sure, I listen to Pandora when I'm writing (Mozart, mostly soooooo). And yes the ipod does get frequent use at parties and on road trips, but mostly not. I listen to NPR when running errands, or nothing if there is someone in the car with me. So now I'm that person. Ugh. Not much better huh?

Which brings me back to today. My favorite band ever (besides the Dead...), Yonder Mountain String Band is coming to Utah in a few weeks, so to prepare for their show I decided to look up their latest tunes. What a fan I am, they put out a new album almost three years ago THAT I'VE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF. So I bought it, and I put it on. And it's so good. I've been sitting with my back to the door, my chin resting on my Nalgene, my eyes closed, and my fingers tapping. I haven't gotten any work done. Ooops. So worth it.

I'm sorry that I haven't been around much, music world, but I promise I'll frequent you more often. I forgot how much fun I have.

My favorite track, so far

Happy New Year!

This pretty much sums up my night (or at least it better)

Pro/Con

When it comes to picking a graduate school, what is more important? Specific program, or everything else?

Will I hate living in Salt Lake?

Will I regret not being with him [I don't want this to be a factor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]?

Is the money worth it?

Do I risk being at a computer instead of in the field because it's "cutting edge"?

Is one peer better than three?

Am I being too impulsive?

Have I already made up my mind, but pretending I didn't for the sake of argument?






[The scary part is, I think the last one is true...]


PS: Type Tony Bennett & The Count Basie Band into your pandora and fall in love.

Just in time for the holiest of holiest days: St. Paddy's

This song just came up on Pandora. They're not Irish, but they sure are good!



So happy Saint Patrick's day, everyone. And once, even though I'm living in Boston, I'm missing it. Three years running. I suck at being Irish.