Spring Break

I'm on spring break, and it is a great feeling. I don't know, this semester has just seemed so hectic lately, it feels really good to just be able to kick back. I worked today, which was fine. Got to see Scott, which was fun. I spent about an hour last night just sort of wandering around Barnes and Noble, looking at books, music, etc, etc, etc. It is an activity I enjoy. There are so many things I want to read and listen to, but I lack the funds necessary. I really would like to read some more history. And get some more jazz. Anyways, I also have been researching Britain somewhat on my computer, in anticipation of next year. And you know, I'm increasingly being encouraged by it. I think it's going to be fun. I think I'm going to have an adventure, which is something I enjoy. This is completely ludicrous to even consider, but there also is a girl going who seems very very nice, and has geek potential. I don't even know her, but I don't know, from when I've seen her around and such, she seems very nice. So, yeah. It'll be a good time, full of great stories. I've recently been watching a movie entitled "Love Actually." For those of you who appreciate romantic comedy, I'd highly recommend it. I think it has to be in my top 5 of romantic comedies, possibly even number 3 or 2. It just tells the stories of a variety of people in and around London around Christmas, falling in and out and sideways of love. I find it very entertaining. I really like the storyline with whoever Colin Firth plays and his Portuguese housekeeper, because it transcends the boundries of language. And it's so intense when he learns Portuguese, then goes to her place of employment with a huge crowd, and asks her to marry him in front of everyone, in Portuguese. And she responds in English (she's been learning it to talk to him). Intense. Oh yeah, I've also researched swing dance facilities in the United Kingdom, in order to find suitable place to kick up my heels next year. Dance shoes will definitely be a necessary thing to pack. Speaking of swing dancing, I'm throwing it down on Thursday at the Tapestry with my friend Lindsey. She's really good, so I'm excited to go with her. She's a person I enjoy. Anyways, that's what's up right now. Hope everyone is well.

Internal Questions on Dating

I was walking to the Union on an absolutely beautiful day here at Luther, when something struck me. Why am I attempting to woo Becky, the blonde oboe girl? I don't know, I was just thinking about the direction of my life, with the recent engagements of my two best friends, and I was thinking about what sort of girl I should be on the watch for. And I thought, "You know, Becky is beautiful, nice, has amazing teeth, , likes to dance, is talented, fun to be with, etc, etc, etc. But I don't think I could play Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with her." And that small fact really hit me. I mean, the whole debate isn't based solely on Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, but the idea that it represents. An event later on in the day added to my internal debate. I went to a swing club session with the leader's sister and brother in law, who are awesome dancers. They were teaching collegiate shag, which I got a really good handle on, I think. Anyways, I spent a lot of time dancing with Emily, a girl who often crops up in this blog. Emily is beautiful, loves to dance, talented, fun to be with, nice, and is also a girl I would feel completely comfortable playing Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with. I would feel completely comfortable going to see a movie with her in my Jedi robe, or sitting around and discussing why the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees are on different sides in a cosmic baseball allegory of good and evil, or explaining my conspiracy theory involving John Elway and the state of Colorado. Unfortunately for me, she is involved in a relationship with a great guy. Incredibly unfortunate for me, good for her, I suppose. As aforementioned, I was also thinking about my two friends' recent engagements. Neither of them would I characterize as being in significant relationships before dating their eventual fiancé(e). Well, you could consider one of them, I suppose. If you count 9th grade. Anyways, the question that I was posing to myself today was thus. Should we be holding out for a person we know is going to make us so happy, or in the absence of opportunity, do we get involved in people who we are fairly certain will not make us as happy? And this question I am asking strictly in the sense of dating. Like, I think I'm smart enough to know that marriage should be with the one person that truly completes us, and should never be sacrificed in a quest for time or goal. But in the realm that I operate in, what should I (representing the usual romantically frustrated college student) be looking for. Becky is avaliable, beautiful, nice, fun to talk with, yada, yada, yada. But you line up Becky and Emily, and say "Pick," there's no question. I go for the girl who can recite certain scenes of The Empire Strikes Back. And this is not about Star Wars. It's about someone who I understand, and who understands me. Someone who I'm not ashamed to show my real self. My real self just happens to include Star Wars, and that is the best example in this situation, because it's the least socially acceptable. I don't know. I'm attracted to Becky, and a girl from high school, and Emily, and God knows who else will come around. I so wish I could be with Emily, because I feel it's a relationship that would beget so much. But, I'm not. Does that mean I should just sit here alone, because a person I think will make me happy is not avaliable? Or would it just be a case of settling for second best? I don't mean this to sound like a rowing competition or anything, but that's sort of how it feels. Gah, the complications of women. I just wish I could find a way to help this yearning in my heart, to have someone to care for. Someone to care for me. Someone who, when I see her, will just make me smile, and want to be the best person I can be. There's a reason God is keeping Emily out of that capacity right now. Maybe in the future? Who knows. There's probably a reason why He's putting Becky in right now. Who knows. Just a quick rant. My roommate is watching South Park, and I absolutely loathe it. I hate that show with unbridled passion, and I just want to throw a brick through the TV, and then slap him for having so little self respect to dull his brain watching it. It is such worthless television programming. Anyways, those were my thoughts for the day. Hope everyone is well.

Late Night Green Tea and Rice

I just had some green tea, as well as some rice. I am watching Lost in Translation, which is a movie about two Americans in Tokyo who forge a friendship among a foreign culture. It is really good, and I highly recommend it. I was reminded continually this evening of Japan, and my experiences there last summer, traveling, exploring, making music, and meeting people. I have said this many times, and I will continue to say it. If any of you are ever presented with an opportunity to visit Japan, I highly behoove you to go. It is beautiful. I e-mailed Chie, my Japanese host mother/correspondance person tonight, on a whim. I would like to keep some contact with her and her family, who are close to my heart. It's just strange to think how a year ago, we were preparing music to take around the world and play. So different from this year. I don't know, I miss Japan. I miss the people, I miss the bustle, I miss the small beauties that can only be found in that country far away. I miss being there with friends. I re-read a couple posts I wrote while actually in Tokyo, and it just made me more nostalgic. Yeah, I will go back. However, if that experience was so life altering, I guess I'm in for a whole new set of experiences, spending a year in Europe and all. I think travel is such a beautiful thing. I love travel. I love the excitement of going to the airport, of running down a moving walkway to catch a plane as a speaker blares in a 3 different languages, how you have the opportunity to stop being American, and try to immerse yourself in foreign ways, how you are continually afforded opportunities for wonder and transformation. It touches you in so many ways, being immersed in a new culture. Barriers are broken, friendships are forged, and a more intimate understanding of the beauty of humankind emerges. I thank God so much for the people I have met in my travels. Camille, Fabien, Marie-Laure, Chie, Keito, Hidekazu, Takamori, each one of them has had an impact on who I am and how I view the world. I cannot wait to see Camille next year. It's going to be fun, I hope. I hope I can engineer some relationships with some English folk as well. Like, friendships to the extent that we visit each other again. That would be beautiful. I was thinking tonight that I want to make a list of my top five movies in order of preference. So, here's the list.

1- Star Wars saga
2- You've Got Mail
3- Lost in Translation
4- Sideways
5- Shall We Dance/Pulp Fiction/Lord of the Rings (couldn't make up my mind on this one)

Well, I think I'm going to go back to my movie. I hope all of you are well.

St. Patrick's Day

It's St. Patrick's Day, and I, and Irish fellow, am just sitting here alone in my room. My friends are in unknown wherabouts, haven't contacted me, and I don't know, it's sort of depressing. I went and saw V for Vendetta. It was alright. I don't know, it seemed like a lot of manufactured controversy on film. I really don't want to write a lot, I just want to check in with the blog. In searching for my friends, I went to one of their rooms, and was answered by their roommate, a guy who we regularly sort of antagonize for his personal quirks and strange habits. And he also, was sitting around alone. And I don't know, he just seemed so sad to be alone. I felt really bad. I feel really bad. But I don't know what to do. I should go and invite him over, but I really am so uncomfortable with him. My roommate just came back, so maybe I'll have something to do now. Maybe Benjamin will call. I hope he does. He said he would. Happy St. Patty's day to all of you.

That's Amore

So, tonight was our high class party. And I have to say, I think it was a smashing success. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There were tuxedos, beautiful women in beautiful dresses, great music, dancing, martinis, olives, fancy hors d'oeuvres, etc, etc, etc. It was a really fun night. I got a chance to spend some time with Becky, the blond oboe girl. She was pretty intoxicated, and I was definitely under some sort of influence, but we spent a lot of time talking and dancing. I ended up just sort of holding her hand for like, 10 minutes. I don't know, I think only good things can come from it. I made sure to compliment her a lot, saying how she looked beautiful, how I liked her earrings, how her dress looked great. Another girl told me I was suave tonight, so that was sort of cool. I've never been called suave before. It got a little angering, as after the party was over, I ended up going over to Becky's room to watch a movie with her and some other people. And seriously, I couldn't stand how hardcore they were hitting on her. Like, granted, I definitely had my arm around her at the party, and as aforementioned, held her hand for quite a while. And just generally tried to compliment her. But I wasn't like, putting her hand on my inner thigh, as this one guy was. I just thought it was so inapporopriate, especially in the state she was in. Completely inappropriate and disrespectful. But you know, she's a smart girl. I think she knows when a guy really is interested in her, or just interested in her more physical assets. But anyways, I was so offended by how blatant a few individuals were stroking her and such, I left. Came back here, and wrote this blog. But it was a really fun party. I took a lot of photos. I danced a lot. I had two martinis, which basically was like drinking two cups of straight vodka, so it was a little rough for a while. We severely overestimated our supplies, so I know have this huge huge jug of unopened Smirnoff vodka in my room. What am I going to do with this? The way I drink, it will last through the rest of college. Oh well. A good time was had by all, I think. It certainly was swingin'. Tomorrow it's a quick trip up to the cities to go to the Kirby Puckett memorial with my dad. Hope everyone is well.

Remembering Kirby

Kirby Puckett died today, and it is only appropriate and entirely responsible to take a moment to remember this man. I don't know how many of you feel about this, or how well you are acquainted with my relationship with the Minnesota Twins. But for those of us who grew up watching Minnesota Twins baseball in the early 1990's, there was no man closer to the hearts of Twins fans than Kirby Puckett. I was raised in a family that practically worshipped Twins baseball, and that love of the game was passed down to me. I can remember distinctly, in 1st grade, watching Kirby hit the home run in 11 inning of Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, sending the Twins to a decisive Game 7. I remember how nervous everyone was. I remember seeing my dad start shouting when he hit the ball, how the room suddenly lit up with joy. But it wasn't only that amazing night that imprinted Kirby onto my heart, it was his entire being. In my baseball playing days in elementary school, I always wanted to pretend I was Kirby Puckett. When the Twins were at their low point in the mid 90's, Kirby was always there with a smile. I remember going to the Metrodome, just wanting to see Kirby hit. And if he would just hit a home run, or make a catch, no matter who won or lost, the night was complete. But you know, it wasn't so much his batting average, or his home run total, or anything. It was the joy with which he played the game. There was never a man who loved to play baseball more than Kirby Puckett, and no baseball player who ever loved Minnesota as much as Kirby did. My relationship with Kirby continued throughout the years. I remeber how I cried when he woke up with glaucoma, and was forced to retire. I remember dragging my mom to the Metrodome 3 hours before a game during the Kirby Puckett Commemorative Weekend, just so I could get a signed baseball card of him. He signed 15,000 cards to give out to fans. Not a copy, he sat down and singed 15,000 cards for the fans. I remember my joy when he was elected to the Hall of Fame, I hung the front page of the sports section in my room. Who could forget Bob Casey's unforgettable introduction?

"Batting next, number 34"
"The center fielder KIIIIIIIIRRRRBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEE PUUUCCCCCKKKKKKKEEEEETTTTTT!"

I know I can't. And just as I cried when he retired from my beloved Twins, I'm crying right now as I write this. God bless you Kirby Puckett, for a life well lived, a legacy well fulfilled, and most importantly, to the dreams and joy you imparted to this particular little boy, as he eagerly watched you play. Myself and the state of Minnesota say thank you. Thank you so very very much.

Men and Women Can Never Be Friends....

Is that statement true? I recently purchased "When Harry Met Sally," a late 80's romantic comedy with Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. It's like, the precurser to movies such as "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail." The first of the great Meg Ryan romantic comedies. Anyways, as you may expect, I had to get out my romantic insecurities. I came up with a great analogy tonight. Actually, about a second ago. My emotions of romance and love are like an orange. They usually are kept in a tidy package (i.e. the peel). However, practically any good romantic comedy (preferably You've Got Mail, Sideways, When Harry Met Sally, or Hitch) is like a juicer. And my romantic insecurities (the orange) are juiced by the romantic comedy (the juicer). So, right now I'm trying to drain the glass of orange juice. So let's be quick with this, because I want to get to the question posed in the title. Basically, I just want romance in my life. Will it be with Becky, the oboist? Who knows. To add another female to my proverbial carousel of women I'm interested in, I was absolutely stunned today by this one girl. This is completely ludicrous, but I've never actually talked to her. I just know she's in the Nottingham program. I just recognized her from a meeting or something today, and I was like, "Holy crap, that girl is incredibly beautiful." Not by any means hot, or like a supermodel, but just genuinely beautiful. I thought so at least. Anyways, yeah. I hope when I actually do find the one, my own courtship/relationship phase isn't a disappointment, after watching all these stupid movies. Anyways, "When Harry Met Sally" poses the idea that men and women can never truly be friends because sex always gets in the way. I'm not quite sure if I agree with that or not. I mean, I do, but I think there are exceptions. I mean, I think to an extent, that is true. Men have way too many hormones than we know what to do with. And sex is a thought pattern that is constantly sort of in the back of the mind. It's not a perverse thing, necessarily, but it's just there. Not solely limited to the physical act of sex, but also to certain emotions of romance and love, also. Lust as well, being the sex part. So better put, men always have a certain thread of emotions relating to relationships and sex in the back of their mind. To me, at least. So I tried to take an honest look at my friendships, and apply them to the topic at hand. In short, I think that the statement is false in most normal situations. Let me explain. Sex gets in the way. It does. It gets in my way every day as I interact with women at Luther, particularly women I find attractive and/or interesting. Like, it really is a challenge for me, a big challenge. It's a struggle to keep such thoughts out of your head, and just try to look at the female as another human being. Actually, I'm really tired, and would rather continue my explanation of this later. Or rather, exploration. If anyone has an opinion, please let me know. I hope everyone is well. Have a good night.

Birthday

So, yesterday was my birthday. And you know, it went well. Let me take you through it. Ear training at 8:00 AM, and it actually wasn’t a disaster. I then got some very quality French Vanilla coffee and a sausage mcmuffin thing from Marty’s, before doing chemistry and watching some Episode III. I then went to chemistry lab, then chemistry, then practiced piano for about an hour. I had my piano quiz, which went well, but my nerves got to me a little. Went to band, played alright. Following that, I did some religion reading, and then went out to Chosun with Benjamin, Klein, Ryan, Becky, and Michael for some birthday celebration. More on that later. Went back to Klein’s room, listened to some phone messages that Benjamin left during our night of irresponsibility in the cities on Friday, had a Guinness with Benjamin, returned to the room. Completed homework, had a wonderful Kirin Ichiban, and am currently watching The Empire Strikes Back. I’ve had a lot of people wish me well, be it in person, via the phone, or via the internet, which was nice. Emily bought me a chocolate tootsie pop. And Benjamin, Klein, and Michael bought me a Luther shotglass. I’m disappointed though, as it seems my best friend has forgotten it was my birthday. That is somewhat disheartening. To the birthday thing. I wish I had taken photos. I want to document my life at Luther more fully. Anyways, I sort of invited Becky last night on a whim to come along, and she eagerly accepted my invitation. She seemed very pleased to be invited. If you don’t know, Becky is the blond oboe girl with beautiful teeth who I swing dance with. So yeah, she really seemed to enjoy herself. I can’t help but think she may have somewhat of an interest in me. I don’t know, I tried to be chivalric towards her (i.e. opening doors, being polite, kissing the hand at the end of the evening). So, I hope I continue to make a good impression. I told her about the high class party in a week and a half, and she said she would come, and thought it sounded really fun. So, I hope all these signs bode well for my future endeavors with her. I find her to be exquisitely beautiful, and so kind. I mean, she sounds like just another piece of the revolving women of Aaron’s life, and I suppose that’s true. But this one, there is a chance. I really am blessed by the friends I have here at Luther. Just a quick update from the weekend. Benjamin and I took a little trip up to the cities on Friday, and ended up staying the night at Scott’s, and Gary was out of town. Needless to say, all three of us drank irresponsibly, and were ill the next day. It was not a good idea, but it’s okay. Now I know what not to do. Never that much again. It was fun while it lasted. So, now I’m 20. It really doesn’t feel any different from being 19. It’s sort of strange to not be able to classify yourself as a teenager, but other than that, eh. It’s also sort of weird to think that ¼ to 1/5 of your life is behind you. Sort of ages you. But you know, even with all my relationship woes, I feel like the next 20 are going to go well. I know there is a girl out there for me, either at Luther, in Europe, or beyond. And I have wonderful friends to enjoy the path with. And I’m working on regaining some semblance of an active and inspiring Christian faith. Plus, I can watch the entire Star Wars saga in order, whenever I want. It’s a good time. Hope everyone is well.