"Can't sing but I've got soul" ~u2

I know I've used that quote recently, but I feel that it's appropriate for this entry. The other day someone asked me what concerts I've been to, which got me thinking. So I created a list of the bands that I've seen live. No one is allowed to mock me because of any of these. It's not like I paid to see all these bands/groups/artists. Some of them were opening acts for others on the list, some were at events that I attended (not for the music), and some were when I was young and stupid. A few of them are among the most amazing, unbelieveable experiences I've had. I know I'm probably missing a few, but this is what I remember.

My next task is to list all the Broadway shows I've seen. Now THAT would be an incredibly long list.

Adam Pascal
Alanis Morissette
Ben Folds
BBMak
Coldplay
Counting Crows
Daphne Rubin-Vega
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews and Friends (Tim Reynolds, Trey Anastasio, and others)
Delegate
Donna Lewis
Eagles of Death Metal
Guster
Jason Mraz
John Mayer
Kings of Leon
Lil’ Bow Wow
Louis XIV
Maroon 5
Mario
Matt Pond PA
O-Town
Patty Smyth
The Black Eyed Peas
The Killers
The Strokes
U2 (three times)
Virginia Coalition
Vanessa Carlton

"Not everyone is born a witch or a saint. Not everyone is born talented, or crooked, or blessed; some are born definite in no particular at all. We are a fountain of shimmering contradictions, most of us. Beautiful in the concept, if we're lucky, but frequently tedious or regrettable as we flesh ourselves out." ~gregory maguire, "son of a witch"

That's from the sequel to Wicked. If you're looking for some good books to read, read Wicked and Son of a Witch. They're good. And I have so many good quotes from Son of a Witch right now that I'll probably use lots of them here.

Classes are going okay so far. Lit. of the English Renaissance will be difficult, but I like the professor (I've had him before). My professor for Introductory Linguistics is hilarious, so that class will be fun. Technology Enhanced Learning is probably gonna be a lot of work, like all Education classes. I still haven't been to my final class, the Negro as an Invisible Man, but I'm really looking forward to it. It's only one day a week, which means it's a really long class, but hopefully it won't drag on too much. Overall it shouldn't be a bad semester, though.

I'm not used to doing work, so it's hard to get into the swing of things. My last semester ended in October, and it was a ridiculously easy semester anyway. I have to force myself to do my work.

Synchro started last night, and I realized how out of shape I am (well, I knew I was out of shape, but last night was the first time I actually had to confront the fact).

Okay, I have to go get ready for class now. I have a class in half an hour, and it'll take me at least 15 minutes to get there (Pacific to Modlin).

"I want kisses and dresses, A late night message that cradles, halos me to sleep." ~leona naess

If you've never heard Leona Naess before, go listen to her. If you're a Counting Crows fan you probably know who she is (she sings with them a lot). I love that song.

So I'm back at Richmond. It's weird, but good. For the past month or so I've been substitute teaching. For awhile (about 3 weeks) I was in for a woman on maternity leave, so I had the same classes every day. I had to plan the lessons and everything. I got used to it; I felt like the kids were "my" students. I felt like a real teacher. And now I'm back to being a student. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I have the urge to stand at the front of the room and ask questions and encourage kids, but instead I'm stuck in a desk among a sea of other students (and usually it's a right-handed desk, which I hate because I'm a leftie).

My housing situation miraculously improved, so now I'm living in a single in Pacific House. It's a corner room with two huge windows, and it is approximately the same size as the double I had last year. I love it. There are only 5 girls on my floor, and the rest of the building is guys. I've met all the girls and a few of the guys and everyone's really nice. The only downside is that it's really far away from everything; it's a 15 minute walk to D-hall. But I'm not complaining; it's much better than sharing a converted lounge with 5 other girls, which is what I was supposed to be doing.

I had 3 classes today, and I like them all, though I think I'll have a lot of work to do this semester. Only 2 semesters of classes left, though. I can manage.

"Suspended clear in the sky are the words that we sing in our dreams." ~oasis

I know I haven't updated since I got home; I've been incredibly busy. There's no way I can cover everything that's happened in the past month, but I guess I'll give an overview!

I saw U2 at Madison Square Garden two nights in a row (11/21 and 11/22), once from a seat and once from the floor. On the floor I was in the front row directly on the rail. It was perfect. I have some AMAZING pictures that I may post later. I was thisclose to Bono. So yeah, I can't even describe what a great experience those concerts were. And they played some of my absolute favorite songs ever, so I was thrilled. I got to stay with my friend who lives in the city, and it was great to see her. And I made a new friend, too, which is always good.

Thanksgiving was also great. I love Thanksgiving. Every year my big family squeezes about 50 people into a New York City apartment, which is so much fun. I got to catch up with all my cousins and I stuffed myself with wonderful, homemade food that I missed so much while in NZ.


I've been substitute teaching basically every day since I've been home. I mostly stick to my old high school. I've reconnected with my old teachers, which is interesting and fun. It's so strange to be "on their side" now. I sit in the faculty room during lunch and listen to them talk, which is fascinating to me, because you don't really know much about your teacher's lives while you're their student. I see a completely different side of them now.

What else...I'm sure there's more, but I'm distracted right now. Kim and I are going to see Pride and Prejudice soon. I'm sooo glad she's here, because I don't know what I would do without her. All my other friends are at schools far away!

Oh, another thing! I got my housing assignment for next semester. I'm living in a converted North Court lounge with 5 other girls. None of whom I know. Should be interesting.

"Can't sing but I've got soul..." ~u2

I thought this last week would be nice and relaxing, but I've actually been running around a lot. I've had to do all these little errands like closing my bank account and my library account, dropping off clothes at the salvation army, mailing a box of stuff home, dropping off keys...don't even get me started on packing. It is physically impossible to fit five months of your life into one suitcase and a backpack. Impossible.

Despite all my running around, the past few weeks have been really, really great. I've been incredibly happy. The weather is beautiful and I spend a lot of time walking around outside. This morning Nicole and I had brunch at this really great restaurant. I got chocolate pancakes wrapped in fruit salad and cream, and I think it was the best meal I've had since I've been here.

I got my ear pierced (the cartiledge), and it really hurts. More than my other 4 holes did. I'm afraid it'll hurt for awhile.

I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow. I've spent five months of my life here, and it's so strange to think that I may never come back. I'm really, really going to miss it.

There are things I'm looking forward to at home, the main thing being U2. I got a GA ticket for 11/22!!! I know most of you have no idea how amazing that is, but they've been going for thousands of dollars on eBay and I scored one for $75. On what will hopefully be the best night of the tour, the last show at Madison Square Garden. I'm also going the night before. So seeing U2 twice in two days will be pretty exciting, especially from the floor on the second night. I can't wait.