Retrospective

Exactly one year ago right now, I was sitting at the Eagan Regal watching Star Wars after 6 months of anticipation, and 6 hours of waiting in line. That was a lot of fun. A lot of fun. I just thought, in my capacity as resident Star Wars geek, that I had to mention that. I titled this post retrospective, because I thought it might be nice to retrospect on my second year of college. So, in no particular order, here are the events, people, ideas, and activities that have made this year what it was, and made me who I am.

1- Trombone- I've continued to play trombone, and hopefully improve. I think I took it more seriously this year, even though I may not have practiced quite as much. In any case, my musical horizons have definitely been expanded and my capacity to fulfill those horizons markedly improved. The world of jazz is on the brink of being explored this summer, and it's going to be fun. Hand in hand with trombone is my entering of the "inner circle" of trombone players here at Luther. And I must say, imitating Dr. Smith is one of the funniest things you can possibly do.

2- Newfound Friends- I cultivated a group of friends at Luther other than my roommate, who I actively spent time with and felt comfortable being myself with. These include, Benjamin, Klein, Michael, Jeannette, and Mexican Kate, just to name a few. I think my most valued friendships continue to be with Benjamin and Klein. Good good people, even though one of them does a lot of stupid stuff. I'm going to miss those two more than anything next year.

3- Academic Study of Music- This year marked my entrance into the academic study of music. Let me break it down. Piano was fun, theory was fine, and ear training made me want to shoot myself.

4- Concert Band- Concert Band continued to be the way I defined myself in the midst of a rapidly changing world. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with last year's Japan tour, but the LCCB is definitely the most important aspect of my musical life at Luther, and I feel very honored to be able to play in it. I will miss it a lot.

5- High Class Party- The high class party, held on March 11, was just a lot of fun. It also led me to having a huge bottle of vodka in my room for the rest of the semester (yes, it's still there).

6- Swing Dancing- I got myself into the swing dance community at Luther, and actively partook of it, which was a lot of fun. I've found that I really enjoy swing dancing, and would really like to expand my improvisational skills in the lindy style. I'm looking forward to years and years to come of some soul moving swinging.

7- The College Life- I use this term to describe the cliche college activity of alcohol consumption. I have definitely indulged in alcohol this year, and although most of the times in moderation, a couple times went pretty bad. The night that Benjamin, Scott, and I spent in his dad's basement is a good example of what not to do.

8- New Entertainments- With the absence of a Star Wars movie to look forward to with ridiculous anticipation, I found new ways to amuse myself. Probably most significant are the TV shows Seinfeld and 24. I'd highly recommend both of them.

9- Women- As usual, my romantic life has been a bust. Failed with both the dark haired and blonde oboe girls (the blond one was a mistake though), which pretty much continues my track record of not being successful. But you know, I am really not feeling too bad about it. I don't know, I just feel that my life is headed in the right direction, whichever direction that is, and that God will do something special soon (regarding a special girl). And you know, it's really not worth it to chase all these ramdom girls who really don't make you feel as comfortable as a real special girl does. So you know, I think I can wait a little longer. Things have to look up eventually. As this blog has mentioned before, there's a very intriguing girl going to England. Which leads into...

10- Nottingham- Yes, I am officially spending next academic year in England. Nottingham, to be precise. Man, it was a difficult decision. And it was an important decision too, as it was the first big decision that I made against the wishes of my parents (well, my mom). She now supports me, but she was not too pleased when I first decided to go. And understandably, because a lot is at risk, in terms of music and such. But man, it's time for me to go do something. Something real and exciting. It's time for me to do the things that I've always wanted to do, and not just wish for them to happen, even if it means sacrifice. And man, this trip does require sacrifice. I'm leaving my school, my music (well, at Luther), and most importantly, the people that I care about most to chase a dream. But who knows where this dream will take me. I think it's going to take me someplace really great.

So yeah, there's a top 10 of sorts. Anyways, it's senior week here at Luther, which basically means everyone is drunk all the time. I went to a party last night, then went on the band canoe trip today. It was fun. I don't think I'm going to stay for graduation on Sunday. I really want to see Emily and Laura graduate, but they really have no need of me, and I am really at the point where I want to be done. Benjamin is quite adamant that I stay though, and given that this is the last time we'll have to hang out at Luther for over a year, I'm tempted to stay. But I think I'm going to leave after the concert on Saturday. We'll see. Anyways, hope everyone is well.