Somewhat Relevant Musings and Commentary

A collection of musings on various things from, college, relationships, Star Wars, friendships, God, and whatever else I think of. Sometimes relevant to the world at large, most of the time relevant only to those with a love of the irrational. Or people really interested in a certain point of view.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Yikes

Man, I was thinking tonight, and it hit me. In less than 3 years, I will be out of college. I will be a real adult. Unless I go to graduate school, I'll be working. I'll be a working adult. Yikes. Some people I knew were like, practically married at that age. Then there's me, who's never even had a relationship. Yikes. I hope stuff turns out well. Gosh, life is so intense. I remember graduating from high school, and thinking, "Yep, here we go again." And I guess we are going again. But there's no going again after this. That is intense. I'm not sitting here afraid or anything. I'm just, musing. Man, I've been thinking about women a lot. Basically how I would enjoy an intimate female friend/girlfriend. I don't mean intimate in a sexual way here, I mean emotionally and mentally. I don't know, it just feels like an experience I would benefit from. Plus, right, you know. Not desperate here, just patiently yearning. That's an oxymoron. Saturday night, I spent at my friend's condo in Minneapolis. It was an interesting time. I really really enjoyed seeing a couple good friends from high school who I don't get to see very often. That was a lot of fun. One individual in particular, she has to be one of my most very favorite people. I felt very fortunate to be able to indulge in some conversation with her. There were other people I also enjoyed seeing, some of whom I haven't seen since graduation, so that was good. But I don't know, the same thing got me. It's like, why am I here? Am I really here to spend time with friends, or am I just here drinking Japanese beer? So no one gets the wrong impression, I am not a heavy drinker at all. When I do choose to drink, which seems to only be when I'm at my friend's condo, I stay the whole night and don't do anything stupid. I don't know, I wish I could have spent more time with the guy who actually owns the place. But, right. Other stuff inhibits that at times. I played bass trombone tonight, really loudly. I probably annoyed a lot of people, but whatever. It helps my tone and my orchestral sound. Right, band list comes up soon, more details coming.

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Revenge of the Holidays

Yes, the holidays are here. A couple of things confirmed that. First was the Elvis' Christmas CD playing in my car, secondly the snow, thirdly the ridiculous line inside Kohls, and fourthly, the camaraderie of good friends. I worked today. I worked with Shane, and that was enjoyable. I forgot how well we get along. It makes work go by so much easier when you have fun. I don't know, I've been finding work a lot more fun this year. Maybe it's Shane, maybe I'm finally competent enough to do stuff, I don't know. But, that went fairly well. Except I kept having to apologize to people for the mistakes of other, newer, employees. That was not fun, but it will be nice to have some cash to buy gifts with. Tonight I went swing dancing at the caves. It was a lot of fun. It felt so good to dance again. I was so bad, I couldn't remember anything, but I had fun. A lot of my very good friends were there which made it even better. It's so much better to dance with friends. I met this girl named Brie (as in the cheese) from Gustavus who was very nice. I definitely would not mind communicating with her again. I keep thinking about England. I had a conversation with some friends of mine in the car returning from St. Paul. There are definitely some other programs out there that interest me, specifically in Japan. I don't know. Am I ready for a whole year away from home, my music, my friends, my country? It is such an amazing opportunity, but yet, is it the opportunity for me? I guess that is the question. Anyways, it snowed today, and it rocks. It's cold, and it rocks. Being home is so great. Not that I don't enjoy Luther, it's just nice to be home. Can't wait for Christmas break. Speaking of Christmas, everyone either watch or listen to the Christmas at Luther concert coming up next weekend. I'm playing in the brass fanfare.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Gah

I don't know why I can't act the way I do at church all the time. I think my social issues would be improved if I did. But then again, it always feels like an act. I don't know, it was very confusing. I was happy to see a lot of my friends, but then again, it was just like, "What do I say to you?" We're not in high school anymore. Our experiences are so different. Why do I feel I have to act so eccentrically to feel accepted? Is it really me? I don't know. That didn't happen with everyone I saw, but a few. I noticed very powerful feelings towards a particular female I saw tonight. Gah, so many feelings fo so many women, but nothing to show. Oh well, it takes time. I was supposed to call my friend tonight. I called them, and they never pick up their phone. And gah, I was frustrated. These people say they want to hang out, they want to talk, and then you can never get a hold of them. I don't know, it's just a very confusing message to me. Do they not want to hang out, do they want me to stop calling, are they just too busy, are other people more interesting? So many possible answers.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Galactic Battlegrounds

So, I decided to take a short break to play Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds on my computer today. I ended up playing it for an hour and a half. Oh well, it's the last day before break, who can blame me for losing a little focus? I was successful in my game though, I won. I got an e-mail from Chie today, my host mother in Kumamoto. It was very nice to hear from her again. She sent me her home address, so Benjamin and I are going to try to send her and Keito something for Christmas. They were so good to us. It always brightens my day a bit to hear from them. It's so intense to think about, that I am corresponding with someone who lives 6,000 miles away. It would take me around 14 hours to see them in person. Having friends in far away places is really fun. Speaking of far away places, the England question continues to beckon. Dang it, it's so hard. In all reality though, I think I will be going. It's an opportunity that will not come again. I mean, I could study abroad someplace else, and that is a situation I need to seriously consider. Japan still holds a very dear place in my heart. And I will miss band and music here so much. That is what is causing me the most hesitation. I can talk with my friends via phone or the internet, but I won't be able to make up a whole year away from the scene here at Luther. And I finally feel as if I belong, as if I do something important here. Music is what has given me this feeling. I've gained so much joy by playing in band and jazz band here, and being an active player, and getting to know all the trombone players. And having such experiences, like going to Japan. And meeting great friends like Benjamin. I should have known that it would eventually come though, this is like a rehash of my high school years. Except like, a billion times more intense in terms of the music we play. If I go to England I will miss out on potentially being able to spend a month in residence in Vienna with the Symphony Orchestra. That would all be dependent on making it, of course. Yeah, that's a stupid comparison, a year in England with so much travel opportunities to a month in Vienna. But, I don't know. It's a completely different camaraderie. I don't know if I'm brave enough to do the England thing if Ryan doesn't. I don't want to be alone. It was hard enough to be alone here last year. Imagine that across the Atlantic, with no short drive back home on the weekends. Gah. Anyways, I'm looking forward for Thanksgiving break. Cannot wait to go swing dancing on Friday night. I have missed that. It will also be a good opportunity to spend some time with good friends who don't go to Luther. Good friends making good memories. Hopefully I can take some time and reflect on what I'm thankful for this year. Hopefully I can take some time this holiday season and reflect on what the holidays mean. I did not do that last year. I just did not feel the joy of the season. Everything was so ho-hum. I hope that does not happen this December. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a blessed Advent.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

"But dreams are nothing more than wishes, and a wish is just a dream..."

That's from "The Puppy Song," by Harry Nilsson. It's at the beginning of You've Got Mail. It gives a good introspective start to an introspective post. Today was so humdrum and depressing. Productive, but humdrum and depressing. I completed my last paper for historical methods, explaining how I'd write a research paper on kabuki drama. So you know, that was good. I spent a total of probably around 6 hours on it today. My eyeballs hurt pretty bad after staring at books and computer screens all day. I ate dinner with Emily, this girl I have befriended. You may recall her, she's the Star Wars trombone girl. And she told me of this salsa dance thing with these intense Cuban people at 11:00 tonight. And she told me to go. So, I of course got all excited, and planned on going. So I walked over there, and Emily didn't show. I mean, I basically went because I wanted to dance with her. And I don't know if I have feelings for her or what, but I really wanted to dance with her. I didn't want to dance salsa necessarily. In fact, I've never been that hot about salsa. But yeah, that was depressing. Then, on my way back to my dorm, I ran into two friends of mine. And one of them was like, half drunk. Anyways, we went to Marty's (on campus cafe), I drank a chocolate shake, the other guy drank chai, and the half drunk guy drank mocha. And we all talked about how depressing the evening was, and how bored we were, and how it would be better with girls, and stuff like that. And yes, it was depressing. The whole evening was just like, eh. Do you ever just want to yell, "People, pay attention to me!?" Throw all the humble shyness and all that crap out the window, and just have people care about what you do? I don't even know why I'm ranting, because I know no one reads this thing. There's a good example. You just want people to care. No one really cared tonight.

Friday, November 18, 2005

England

So, I got accepted to study next year in England. To go or not to go, that is now the question. So many advantages, so many disadvantages. Man, big decisions, so intense. So much rides on them. I will think about it pretty intensely over Thanksgiving break. In all reality, I'll probably end up heading over there, but I have to be sure, or I'll spend a year in regret. I have to be sure. In other news, I'm pretty much positive I'm in concert band again next semester. I told Dr. Smith that if I made it, I wanted to play bass trombone again, and he just looked at me and smiled and said, "It's all taken care of." So, right. That's good news. Anyways, if anyone has an opinion to the England thing, let me know, or whatever.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Tuesday Afternoon Musings


It's snowing here. I love snow. There's something about, a quality I can't quite put my finger on, that just brightens my day. Brightens my life. It's so pure and clean. I mean, a fresh layer of snow, there's just snow everywhere, and it's so smooth, and even, and pristine. Then you can get in your boots and such and go and jump around in it. Both are beautiful, I think. None of this makes sense, I know. Snow is one of those things that causes me to experience joy in being alive. I wonder why that is. Maybe it's because I was reared in a winter climate. Or that I'm a skier. Speaking of skiing, the urge has bitten. I want to go skiing, hardcore. Or going back to snow, maybe it's just one of those things that God put on this earth to make it more beautiful. I think that might be it. Gosh, there are so many beautiful things around us. I'm trying to pay more attention to the small things that add so much to life. I said I was going to write a little about my weekend. I saw Jesus Christ Superstar, put on by Burnsville High School, which in turn caused me to come back to Luther and watch the movie. They did a really good job with it. My drama department in high school was never very good, so I guess I'm continually amazed at what high schoolers can put together. Maybe we were just so backwards. Eh, we had fun though in the pit band. But I think they really did do a good job. One of my good friends was in the pit band at this play, throwing it down on trumpet. If you read this, you guys sounded amazing, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to see your production. I really do enjoy musicals. I like JCS because it puts such a human face on Christ. I mean, probably an overly unrealistic human face, but whatever. It's 70's rock opera, what are you going to do? I found myself actually moved at the end, which I was not expecting. I had this coupon for Starbucks, that allowed me to get whatever I wanted. So, I basically ordered this Venti peppermint mocha that would have otherwise cost in the vicinity of $5.00. And man, it was absolutely stunning. An explosion for the taste buds. I highly recommend the peppermint mocha. I have a weak spot for Starbucks, and I'm guessing I will be encountering the aforementioned beverage multiple times this holiday season. I love the holidays. Life seems so much more happy. Although, I am a fervent opponent of Christmas before Thanksgiving. I will not play one Christmas carol, or buy any Christmas items, or hang any Christmas decorations until November 25th, which coincidentally, is also the beginning of National Ebola Awareness Week. What should I get people for Christmas, seriously? Anyways, had the band audition last night. And you know, I think I played well. I fracked a high B flat, and got a little out of whack on a sixteenth note run, but other than that, I was pleased. What I'm most proud of is the fact that I played with a very solid and full tone throughout. Usually in auditions, I get a flutter in my sound from nervousness. Didn't get it this time, and I'm pretty confident I'll make Concert Band again. Oh yes, I got new shoes this weekend. They're vibrantly orange Pumas. And they are quite cool. They don't have the best traction, but then again, neither did my old ones. I'll live. Oh yeah, and my car broke down. Yeah, the transmission like, died. So, it's going to cost a lot of money. That sucks, but oh well. It could be worse, the car could have blown up. This weekend I came into contact with a friend who I don't see much. Do any of you have those sorts of people who you really don't see a whole lot, or talk to a whole lot, but are just so glad they are in your life? It's one of those things. I feel so blessed to know this person, and be friends with them. I have so much fun with them, I don't get why I don't hang out with them more. One of those things I guess. I am in contact with a guy from Illinois who may have a vintage King 3B Silversonic to sell to me. I'm excited, I hope it goes through. I can't wait to do some playing next semester. It's going to be fun. Anyways people, I hope you are all well. As for this photo here, I think it speaks for itself.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Short Update

Just a quick update so I can keep fresh in my mind what I want to write about when I find time later on today. I want to post a photo of my dog, talk about the wonderful play I saw this weekend, how my car broke down, old friends, crisp mornings, and the coffee I drank. In case anyone cares, I shared a cordial morning greeting today with the object of my affections. That has to be one of the simple joys of life. Being greeted in a friendly, joyful way, and reciprocating as best as possible. Not only with this girl, but with anyone. It just makes the day a little brighter. Band auditions tonight, 8:12 PM. Everyone remember me, I'm going to give it my best shot.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Good News


I got good news this morning, in the bathroom of the music building. I go into the bathroom, and my jazz band director is utilizing the facilities. So, I stand next to him using the other facility, and that awkward silence starts. Anyways, the moral of the story is, while I was in the bathroom, my jazz band director asked me if I could be in the Jazz Orchestra next semester, which is the top jazz group here at Luther. He said the 3rd trombone player was going abroad, and there was an open spot. In addition, he said that in the fall, I had rightly deserved that spot in the group, but he wanted me in the jazz band to be a strong leader in the trombone section. I really appreciated what he said to me. I mean, I have no problem being in jazz band, and I enjoy it, but I would really like to be in jazz orchestra. And it felt really good to be told that I was doing a good job in jazz band, because I often times screw up, and feel as if I am letting him down. I don't know, this is just really exciting for me, because I love jazz, and I love playing good jazz with good players. Prime example, 11th grade jazz band in high school. That was the experience that made me fall in love with jazz, the true American art form. 20 individuals who pulled together to create some beautiful music, and have fun doing it. That was the year we placed second at Nationals. Man, it was so much fun. It is just so amazing to have such an experience. I had the good fortune to experience it again last year with the Japan Concert Band. Whenever I listen to our recording, the feeling comes back to me. It's really cool. So yeah, I'm excited right now. I think it's going to be a very fruitful second semester. I'm hoping for some good music, good friends, good times, and good experiences. Somewhat of an experience with the lady would be nice too. I don't mean that in a sick way, I mean just a general experience, like hanging out. But anyways, Aaron is going to play in ja

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Enrichment


So, do any of you guys know what the facebook is? It's like this internet yearbook thing, with a buttload of colleges on it. And you can look at people's profiles, and figure out their interests, and a bunch of stuff like that. And now you can add photos. Like, albums. I put two up. One of just photos of my life, and another of epic photographs. It's interesting, to see other people's photos as well. People have so many different experiences, it's amazing. People have such different backgrounds, it's easy to see why people grow up to be so different. I wish I had more photos of like, me and my friends. And I have a lot, but not on my computer. So, yeah. I saw Kathleen at lunch, then lost her in the crowd, so I didn't sit by her. It was disappointing, because I was convinced I was actually going to be able to talk with her. Nope, I was wrong. I saw her again at dinner, she was sitting with the guy I think she likes. Oh well, whatever. I mean, what can you do, really? Just be yourself, and not worry about things out of your control. Man she is a gorgeous girl though, in more ways than just looks. I ate dinner with Benjamin tonight, which was night. I then proceeded to go to the Symphony Orchestra concert. It was very good. I'm not going to lie, I wish I was in it. But the most worthy trombonists have the spots, and I respect that. I can't play the bass trombone near as good as Benjamin. Afterwards, we played some duets together in the music building, then talked with Dr. Smith for a while, who was there late doing some work. I feel so blessed to have Dr. Smith as my teacher. He is so knowledgeable about the trombone, and he's so easy to get along with. We have a good rapport, and that just helps me learn better. The title of this post has to deal with the fact that I am gaining a lot of personal enrichment from my trombone lately. Like, I don't go to practice just to practice. I actually want to go practice, because I want to make music, because it brings me personal fulfillment to do so. I'm really thinking of only taking 3 classes next semester, and just spending a lot of time playing trombone and making music. Benjamin and I want to do a general recital together, maybe playing a duet or do a trio with Kelsey. Who knows. It's a very musically exciting time for me right now. I'm excited to be able to play for the opera this spring too. I've never played anything with strings before. Anyways, so that's the day. It was a fairly successful one, if I do say so myself. More failures with the ladies, but that's pretty typical, so we won't count that. I had an obscene comment made to me regarding this intensely religiouis girl who one of my friends wants to woo. Like, an obscene comment about the girl towards me. Basically the comment said this girl wanted to jump on me. It was odd, because my friend is all about this girl, and she's intensely religious. So, right, that made no sense. On that note, hope everyone is well.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Brisk Fall Day

Today was a brisk fall day. It was windy, and cold. It was enjoyable. I've decided to adopt a trademark fashion item. I think I'm going to wear a scarf whenever I wear a coat. That's classy, isn't it? So, I played my trombone tonight. We have band auditions next Monday. And as usual, I am over preparing for them. I don't know, I just get very paranoid. I want absolutely no chance of being usurped in concert band. And you know, to be honest, there really is no chance of me being beat. I have attained a skill in trombone that unless you are Benjamin Yates, Luke Sodergren, or Kelsey Eisenmann, cannot be topped at Luther College. I'm not trying to be cocky, but it's just how it's going down right now. I feel pretty confident in my playing. But still, I want to make sure I nail this audition. I don't want to make any dumb mistakes, and I want to have all the technical aspects under my fingers. So, yeah. My philosophy class has been making me think. I am a slave to physical desires. And most likely, you the reader, are too. And I realized the other day, it sucks, and I want to stop it. My roommate and I got into a conversation about sexuality the other night that just accentuated it. I don't know, I am definitely starting to feel the effects of my decision to wait until marriage to have sex. Like, in a sexual atmosphere (college), you definitely are feeling pulls to engage in intercourse. It's just something I have to control and get over. And along with that whole thing, I'm having issues with how I react to others' sexuality. What I mean is that some individuals I know have engaged in sexual intercourse, and I just don't really know how to react to it. Because I don't condone it, and don't agree with it, but at the same time, I don't want to judge these people. And I have to think, "Have I lost respect for these individuals?" I don't know, I have and I haven't. Actually, it's not my place to lose respect for anyone who did such an act. Their decisions on whether or not to have sex are obviously different than mine. And I respect their opinions and such. But I can't agree with them. Eh, so there's that rant. I never see Kathleen. It sucks. That situation is going nowhere, and it is just depressing. I mean, I'm not depressed, but it is depressing. If that makes sense. Man, I miss my dog. I can't wait to see him on Friday. I was going to go to the Gopher football game on Saturday, but now my friend at the U of M will not be in town, so I'm not going. That's disappointing, but he has a very good reason for not being there. So, that's what's going on right now. Trombone, philosophical issues, going nowhere with Kathleen, going home for the weekend. I could have sworn I had something of actual substance to write about, but I forget it now. At any rate, I hope everyone is doing well.

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Macalaster

We had a mock trial tournament at Macalaster College this weekend, in St. Paul. And you know, we had a really solid showing pretty much throughout the whole weekend. But, as is so typical in mock trial, we got screwed by some stupid judges. We finished with a record of 3-5, when in reality, it should have been 4-4 or 5-3. So, you know, that was frustrating. But we had a pretty fun time. And I have fun playing Frankie Gustavo, the eccentric yet high class liquor store owner. Yeah, so I was 10 seconds away from owning a vintage 1960's King 3B trombone on eBay. Then some communist sniped it from me. My mom had a good point though. I shouldn't just get a 3B. If I'm going to play this for the rest of my jazz life, I need my Holy Grail of trombones. I need to find a King 3B Silversonic. So, the quest is on. I spent part of Saturday evening with my friend at his condo in Minneapolis. It was very odd for me. I don't know, I feel like my experiences and course of study here at Luther is taking me farther and farther away from my friends. Like, I spend my time reading history, practicing trombone, talking about band, going to classical recitals, etc, etc, etc. A lot of my other friends are out going to bars, hanging out with friends, having girlfriends, drinking beer, etc, etc, etc. Living the college life. It's sort of distressing, because I don't want to lose touch with these people, but at the same time, I feel being pulled apart from them all the time. I mean, it seems all I do when I go to my friend's place in the city is drink Japanese beer, and lounge around. I want to go see my friends to see my friends, not just drink Japanese beer. And I don't ever get to really talk to them. They just don't understand me as well anymore. So yeah, definitely not a fan of that. We'll see how it goes. So, a lot of the old guard at my Walgreens is like, leaving, or potentially leaving. It makes me very nervous, because our other employees are not experienced enough to pick up the slack right now. And we tend to hire not very competent technicians. I really hope things go well. It's sad though, these people leaving. I will miss working with them. And I fear for the continued standing of our pharmacy in the community. We need to stay upright and reliable. I heard an absolutely phenomenal saxophone recital tonight. I knew this kid a little bit, but I had no idea he was so good at sax. Tonight at this recital, Benjamin asked if I wanted to do junior recitals together. I felt very honored that he would want me to play in a recital with him. For those of you that don't know, music majors have to give at least one recital. A common way of doing this is two individuals each take half of a full recital. So, you basically play a half hour to 45 minutes of music, and so does your partner. And Benjamin is so good, and I look up to him as a musician so much, I was very honored, as I previously stated. But if I go to Nottingham, can't really do that. That would be a very unfortunate thing. There is no one at Luther I would rather share a stage with than that guy, I just have so much musical respect for him. Plus, he's one of my best friends here. It'd be nice to share a stage with Kathleen too, but for different reasons. Ha, right. Yeah, that's definitely going nowhere right now. I'm going home this coming weekend. I can't wait. Anyways, I need to go watch some Sideways or Episode III (I haven't decided yet), and go to bed. I hope everyoone is doing well.

Thursday, November 03, 2005

Buddy


So, my mom bought my dog a Darth Vader costume. And then she took him for a walk in it. When I go home next weekend, I'm going to take a photo of myself in my Jedi robe and my dog in his Darth Vader costume. I almost get teary eyed just thinking of it. Here's a photo of my dog, for your viewing pleasure. I know, he's pretty geeky. But ridiculously awesome as well. Plus another band photo. Actually, the band photo didn't work too hot. Sorry. Anyways, one of my good friends from home who has had a somewhat tumultuous relationship past has finally found a guy who treats her right. Or so I gather. So, I rejoice in that. I also talked with Kathleen today, which was very fulfilling to me. I invited her to the trombone choir concert tonight. She didn't come, but I mean really, who does want to hear 25 trombones? Anyways, it was just good to make more contact with her. Man, she is beautiful. I saw her at lunch. I was eating with Michael, but after I finished, I walked over and had some conversation. Small steps. I also worked out today, which was personally fulfilling. A stationary bike is nothing like a real bike, but you make do. I'll be quite pained in the morning though. I played an absolutely horrendous solo tonight in jazz band. It made me want to throw up. Seriously, it was bad. Then I missed an A flat at the trombone choir concert tonight. I was really angered, because I had no reason to miss it. And if I want people to take me seriously as a musician, I have to stop making dumb mistakes. Last night, I watched this documentary on the Episode III DVD. It was really interesting, it shows everything that went into making one minute of the Mustafar duel. Let's just say, a lot of work went into it. Tonight I was practicing my solo, and it was sounding good. Especially after my less than stellar showing in jazz band and trombone choir. I'm going to attempt to win a vintage 1960's King 3B trombone off eBay. Everyone wish me luck. If I win it, I will be very happy. Especially at Christmas, when I'll actually be able to play it. Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well. I am. .

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

The Saga is Complete


As I write this, I am watching Episode III in the comfort of my own room, in spectacular digital clarity. Currently, Darth Vader is just about to massacre the Seperatist leaders on Mustafar. We'll see where we're at when I finish. Man, I forgot how much I enjoyed this movie. It's so good. It works on so many levels. For a Star Wars geek like myself, the ability to own all 6 episodes of the saga is just one of those great moments. Gosh, I love Star Wars, I can't lie. It's one of my few little pleasures. The weather is getting colder down here, which I enjoy. The fall is very beautiful at Luther. I've gotten some good practice in on my trombone lately. It feels really good. I had a solid hour and a half Sunday night, which was great. Kathleen situation continues to be nonexistent. Like, I haven't said a word to her since over a week ago. I don't know. Do I just have a little crush on her, or do I really want to get to know her? That's one of those questions. I don't know, in my romantic type dealings with women, I find myself becoming more and more complacent. It just never seems to work out when I try to woo a girl, so I guess I sort of wish a girl would try and woo me. Eh, keep the faith. If you and Kathleen are supposed to be friends, you will be. Man, these intense taiko drummers came to Luther tonight. It was just phenomenal. I really enjoyed myself. And of course, it caused me to think about Japan, and all of that. Same old, same old. Man, I love that country. Turned in my Nottingham application today, so hopefully that will turn out well. Hopefully I can make the decisions I need to make. So, it looks as though I'm playing bass trombone in the pit orchestra for the big opera production here at Luther this spring. I'm excited. I've never played in any sort of orchestra before, nor under Dr. Baldwin. It will also sort of be fun to sit next to Kelsey, who is a fun girl. And a dang good trombone player. Anyways, Yoda is about to confront Palpatine, I need to go. Here's a photo of me purchasing Revenge of the Sith at midnight.