Homecoming!!!

Homecoming week came and went with fury!

Monday, I watched some of the Powderpuff football that happened on the quad. Seriously, look out for those Alpha Xi Delta girls. They've got some BITE!

A group karaoke number

Tuesday, sad sad story. I didn't actually get to participate in the karaoke because of my schedule. But I was smiling and chuckling when I was walking past the physical science building. I heard a very brave rendition of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. Then I heard Aaron McCabe singing something but I was too far away at that point to figure it out. I WISHED I could have stayed and really enjoyed myself for that one.

Wednesday was energetic. I LOVE that the bonfire happens so late at night. It meant I could go after work and still participate. By the time I got there the fire was HUGE. The crowd was HUGE. The spirits were high. I still can't believe how tall the flames were.

Thursday, again I only caught glimpses of activity in passing. The twister game was hilarious and I was very disappointed to not have a camera on me. I've seen a few of the tie dyed shirts floating around campus. Good to know that people were there getting their hands dirty - the tie-dye, not the twister.

Orange Man

Friday was True Bengal. My friend, who shall remain nameless experienced herself some disappointment. She was sorta eye-ing Guy A, a good friend. As the kiss approached she was whisked away from our circle and a few moments later she's locked lips with Guy B - a very unexpected surprise as that was DEFINITELY not her plan. I mean, it wasn't terrible. She knew Guy B. So it was fine. But alas, her romance with Guy A will have to find another opportunity to bud.

Saturday morning I'd kinda forgotten that there was a parade. Until I could hear the band and people from my house near center. I ran out in time to see the choir walk past, cheerleaders - both high school and college, cars, clubs and a sea of orange. I would definitely have to say that Orange Man was my favorite. Any It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Fans out there? You know what I'm talking about!

Enthusiastic and mesmerized fans.

The game was alive. It's what a game should be. 8000+ people in the stands. A close score for most of the game. Tons of fans sporting the ISU colors. It only could have gone better if we'd won - what a sad fumble! Our team is doing SO much better this year. GO BENGALS!

XO, Nanette

The English Department Social

Photos Courtesy of  Carlen Donovan

As part of my creative writing class, extra credit was offered to attend the English Department Meet and Greet. Heck yes, I'll take a free assignment or absence! That's just enough to get a long weekend if I need it. I even skipped one of my easier classes for it.

The party was in the LA student lounge/reading room. It was absolutely packed. I was glad to get there early. Professors had baked goods (or at least picked them up from Fred Meyer) and there was a raffle for bookstore gift cards. Students slowly filtered in as time wore on; that girl from my german class, two of my employees from distance learning, the guy who does the movie reviews on the local channel, the guy with the long hair that I saw at the quad concerts.

Everyone was very friendly. Writer students. It was a room full of eyes. Lots of observation. Lots of talking. The professors were milling about as well. Susan Goslee was in charge of coordinating the event. She got an excellent turn out. She had provided students with writing/talking prompts like "What sort of school uniforms would you implement at ISU?" or "Best movie adapted from a book."  I also met all of the Donovans, Carlen and Will and their adorable son. Carlen Donovan roved around getting photos of the event.

I made a few new acquaintances. I had an excellent brownie. I didn't win a raffle. But I did enjoy watching and talking with other students.

XO, Nanette
PS. Going to the Volleyball game this weekend at Reed Gym. Starts at 2:00p.m. Maybe I'll see you there?

Baby's First Game

Sooooo.... I went to an ISU football game. The first sporting event of my collegiate career. I didn't know what to expect. I mean, I went to a couple outdoor games in high school. What do you WEAR to an indoor game? What do you take? I'm a redhead. I don't wear orange. I have a black dress. That's ALMOST school spirit? right? Then I packed my bag full of homework and things to distract myself with incase it was SUPER sucky.

I went up to the Holt with a photographer friend. She hooked me up with an all access press pass. I wandered down on the field. The new field looks less fake and it's squishy. Feeling a little uncomfortable (not having attended any of these games and having privileged access), I returned to my rightful place in the stands.

Photo Courtesy of ISU Photographic Services

I sat near the band. My people. I was in the family section. There was an over-gelled and proud father bouncing his knee in anticipation in front of me. He had his video camera out in preparation for the entrance of the team through the inflatable Bengal head. The feeling was electric. Anticipation. I wasn't entirely surrounded by people. I wasn't ready for the real immersion. I'm still an outsider to this whole sporting event thing.

The game started without much hurrah until the first down. Then cheerleaders and band kids and bengal dancers all went crazy. Music! Movement! Shouting! The Idaho Central Credit Union (to whom we owe our thanks for the new field in conjunction with other contributors) handed out free horns to attendees. Each one has a number. If your number is called at any game this season, you can win $100. The horns droned like a traffic jam for the entirety of the game. We scored a touchdown only minutes in.

Was I mistaken? Isn't our recent legacy one of losing every game? I was posting facebook updates as the game went on. We were completing passes, interceptions, plays... TOUCHDOWNS. I'm not a sports person, but I do have a flare for the dramatic, and what a terrific way to start the season. People around me were shouting at random times. I guess you don't have to wait for the right time. It's like shouting "hallelujah" when the spirit hits you. I was tempted to yell random phrases like "GODSAVETHEQUEEN!" because it seems like if you were going to do it, the football game would be an acceptable place.

The father guy in front of me was talking to himself and whomever else was listening. He gave the play by play. He yelled at the refs. He jumped to his feet. He waved his camera around. He rocked in his seat. I suppose this is why people love sports. The immersion. The forgetting where you are.

I watched the band students in the times when I didn't know what was going on. They instrument dance. Whenever they play, the bengal dancers get jiggy in the endzone. Those poor students were clad in polyester in that HOT arena.

We won the game. 44 - 7 (in case you didn't catch the score). I might go to the next one...   Step a little further into the pool. Normally I'm a jump-head-first kind of gal. But this is taking some getting used to.

XO,
Nanette

The end of the world.

I may be in over my head. I've gotten involved alright. Three jobs this semester. 40 hours a week and 12 credits. Any bets on how long before melt down? I've been looking at football calendars. I keep seeing girls with "It's Game Day" shirts on. There are fliers everywhere I look for events every night of the week! I realize how much more time I'm going to need to get active in campus life.
 
All summer I thought "why were you never involved?!" Now I remember. By the time I get home from a full day of classes and five hours in an office, I realize my week is halfway over. I've missed 6 events (Shape UR Yoga Booty, End of Summer Pool Party, Zumba Flash Party, Part-Time Job Fair, Ice cream social, and a Bengal Wednesday) . There's no going back. Only forward. It means giving up one of my Friday nights to go to an ISU event. Or worse, a Saturday night. Choosing to go to a football game instead of a date, or heaven forbid, FOR a date. Choosing a dance over a movie night with friends or even getting my homework done. I'm not sure how I'm going to fit everything in.

Anyway... enough complaining. It's time to plan ahead. I pulled up the ISU calendar. Looks like there's a football game this Saturday. I'm trying to be positive. I'm trying to like it. This really is a first. Nanette Nielson is going to a football game. Hell might freeze over. Farm animals might start flying. The end of the world might come early. At least you've been warned.

XO, Nanette
P.S. I'm so excited for Gabriel Iglesias to get here. This man is funny people. It's Oct 7. Get your tickets.

The week concluded...

Week overall: win.
Being a more participatory student: fail.

There was SO much going on this past week. I didn't get to go to ANY of it. I suspect some of you are in the same boat. With working  in the evening and 6 classes, time just sort of escaped me. I am proud to say though, that I am current and slightly ahead on homework, although that will last a total of MAYBE three weeks and then I'll be looking for things to distract me. 

I never reported in on my Tuesday/Thursday classes. I might have made a mistake. They are LONG days. 

9:00 - 10:00    Swim 
11:00 - 12:00  Form and Analysis (aka, hard and frustrating, the second time I'm taking it). 
12:00 - 1:00    Diction (learning IPA and applying it to French, German and Italian). 
3:00 - 4:00      Dance Basics 
4:00 - 5:15      Pedagogy (learning how to teach voice lessons).
5:30 - 10:00    Work.

It's homework and reading intensive. But that's not the hard part. Those of you who have met me, understand through body shape alone that I prefer eating to moving. Two physically active classes in one day is a leap for this stationary/office job kind of girl. Thursday was the first day I experienced the full wrath of my laziness. It was hard. It was exhausting. Then Friday and Saturday came along. I could barely walk. Here's the other thing, these classes were NOT hard for some of the other members of class. But one should never measure progress by comparison to others, but comparison to self and MAN, do I have room for improvement. I'm hoping that after about two or three weeks, it gets less hard and my body will start adjusting.

Lately, as part of the renaissance of self, I've made it a goal to do something creative every day. Now, creative writing class's homework assignments do not count. I've taken to visual journaling. Trying to take a photo, paint (poorly) or doodle to pair with an observation that day. I'll post the less personal ones here when I get them scanned in.

Have any of you been trying new things this semester? Any classes that you might regret signing up for? Tell me about your first week!

XO, Nanette

First Day Of School... Side A

Normally, as a music major, the piece of paper in my planner would have between eight and ten classes listed and it would barely equate to 13 or 14 credits. This semester, I feel like a more normal student with my mere six classes.

Today was Creative Writing Workshop with Ms. Goslee. Now, she made it very clear that whatever happens in class, stays in class (very much so like Vegas). So I can't divulge too much about what goes on in there, but I will certainly say it's a classroom full of very interesting characters. The mom, the accountant, the handful of english majors that haven't decided to seek a more cash oriented degree, that girl with the emo hair and the skinny jeans, the overeager, but I'll tell you what's missing... the apathetic. It's absolutely lovely to have a class that everyone seems invested in. This isn't a prerequisite. This isn't a goal class. It's a collection of interesting people with interesting stories (I hope).

Great Aunt Loma - Look at those curls!

Ms. Goslee is chipper and fun. But firstly, I noticed her very curly and playful hair. She is humorous. She is definitely clever. Today during class I noticed a man through the window in the door going into his office, another English professor I assume. He sports the same curly hair. And Ted, an English grad student friend of mine, also sports the same natural perm. I can't help but be led to the conclusion that their brain is so crazy, so full of ideas and so creative that their hair is charged by the rapid electricity of constant thought.

It was a great 50 minutes. Now, let's get serious, Nanette. You WILL go to class. You WILL be prepared. You WILL NOT get lazy or procrastinate-y or excuse-y. You will be curly headed and full of creativity. And THAT is the bottom line!

How was yours? Do you have any goals for yourself this semester?


XO, Nanette

Chicago

One of the great benefits of making friends in different majors all over campus - free stuff. For example, last night I got to go to the final dress rehearsal of Chicago for free because it's "friends and family night." Totally cool. Totally the right price. However, after seeing it, I'd pay the $10 for a ticket. It was colorful. It was sparkly. It was sexy.

Sherri Dienstfrey, the director, took a great interpretive step with her crescendo-ing theme of circus. As the show progressed make-up was added, costumes got more colorful and the spectacle became more grand as the trial of Roxy became more involved and more ridiculous. It accentuated the message that the perception or sense of justice held by an audience (or country) can be manipulated by our want for the fantastic and gruesome. In a way, the things we're fascinated by reflect our nature: The yearning to find a bit of good in a criminal, our want to believe that people are innocent, our want for violence and drama, our tendency to look for the next bit of grotesque and curiosity that will keep our interest piqued.

That's why Chicago is a great musical. It's themes extend beyond the time it was written (1975) and the era it was set in (1920's). We see the same sensationalism capture audiences with reality TV today. Honestly, Snooki? Tila Tequila? Kim Kardashian? Paris Hilton? These characters (or more appropriately caricatures) are the parallel entertainment equivalent as the characters in Chicago. Why do we keep coming back to watch them? What about them is so enthralling that they have their own television shows and near-cult followings? It's like real life soap operas... or at least people that have turned their lives into such. I guess it's the drama, the sexuality, the brash and aggressive natures that we don't dare share of ourselves... Are we allowing them to live out situations we only entertain through imagination?

Anyway, what I'm getting at is that it was a fun show. It's not appropriate for all audience members. There is swearing, innuendo, slinky costumes and insinuation of violence. I'd rate it PG-13. There is also a lot of great energy coming from those performers. There is outstanding stage chemistry between Zeke Robinson and Bridget Close. Megan Griggs, Kyle Anderson and Kim Mumford are vocal stand outs. Debbie Bray out did herself with the glitzy and glamorous costumes. The choreography was clever. All in all, It was a night of music, humor and debauchery.

Photo courtesy of A Day To Adore Photography

As school draws near...

It's weird. But this year I'm getting a little excited to start going to class again. Now, I used to feel this way as a little kid because school was a great place to be with friends. It was also a great place to do art projects and play on the playground. It's also invigorating to get new crayons and notebooks... pristine white pages that line up so neatly. I still get a little buzz when I get to go office supply shopping. "A [sharpie], a [sharpie], my kingdom for a [sharpie]!" - Shakespeare.

In the life of Nan, summers are the time when we press the giant "RESET" button of life. They usually have themes. Last summer was the summer of read, the time before was the summer of write and this summer is the summer of rediscovery. It's been a revisitation of all the things I've forgotten about loving.

• Doodling on saturday mornings while watching cartoons. 
• Reading more than one book at a time. 
• Afternoon naps
• Swimming in lakes 
• Collecting freckles
• Going yard sale-ing
• Taking pictures
• Making myself write again. 

Hard life, right? The summer of rediscovery has been light and refreshing. This semester (my last) is padded with classes that I needed to meet financial aid requirements. You know, swimming class, beginning dance, creative writing workshop... stuff like that. I'm hoping that before graduating and going to the great beyond (professional life), I can, again, find what is important to me, thus guiding the career search. 

Now... All these office supply sales are happening and I have yet to get my financial aid refund. Word on the street (aka website and email) is that if you're getting a direct deposit that ISU will be processing those Friday, August 12. This happens every year. The 12th rolls around and no one has gotten their check or deposit. Friends are freaking out. Gradually, the kids at the ISU credit union get theirs first and the people using other banks tizzy even harder. 

FACT OF LIFE: Bank transactions and financial stuff will take time to process. 

Just plan on it coming a few days later. You'll still have time for book shopping, paying rent and buying new clothes. Just sit tight. Be patient. Also... as you read this, keep in mind I'm a student with no more knowledge than most other students. I'm not making a promise on behalf of the university... just a prediction on behalf of myself. 

XO, 

Nanette

Madison Lights & Megan Burt

Guitarist and Lead Singer of Madison Lights

After a short leave of absence, I finally made it to another concert on the quad. It was a great concert. The opening act, Madison Lights, was really high energy and fun. It was the best opening band yet. Talented vocalist, great guitar work and they were so engaging and playful. I was really impressed because, unlike some of the earlier bands, they were in tune THE ENTIRE TIME and their vocalist had agility and accuracy... okay... taking off the music nerd hat.

Dastardly Bassinet

Not to mention that the weather was well-behaved... not a cloud in sight! People were there with their babies, friends, family and dogs. The best thing about gatherings like that is people watching. There were all sorts of interesting things to watch. There was an adorable 3 or 4 year old girl pretending to conduct the band. There was a bassinet suited for a Tim Burton-esque baby. There were dogs of all sort! But the most amazing was the Great Dane that was the size of a baby horse.

Hula-Hoop Contest Winner

It was very fortunate circumstance that brought us our headliner, Megan Burt. The artist that was originally scheduled, Rachel Loy, cancelled on Wednesday. Luckily, Amanda on SAB got in touch with Megan and she hit the road at 4 a.m. in order to make it on time for our Thursday concert. She was lovely and very unpretentious. She proclaimed her love for having contests and giving away free CDs. And encouraged audience members to get up and have a hula-hoop off. She gave away two free CDs and drew everyone's attention to the fact that she had a table to sell goods... very savvy. She has an acoustic indie sound. It inspired dancing among the younger and it was so pleasant to listen to. It was great music to accompany sitting in the sunshine.

Megan Burt

The merchandise table has done so well this summer. I made a call to the SAB office and they told me people have donated 2076 pounds of food to the food bank. The last concert set the record for donations with a whopping 594 pounds donated. Cory also told me that it's been a record setting summer. Attendance is at the highest it's been in a few years! At this last concert there were 585 people in attendance. Which is lovely... but the Clumsy Lovers concert has set this summer's record at 975 attendees. A few more amazing statistics... 31% of people at the concert are women between 18 and 24 years old and 69% of people in attendance are female. Are you listening men? Think that it's hard to meet girls?!?!?   Well, you've got one concert left to get numbers and meet new girls, no pressure, just sayin'.

This Thursday is something completely different. 1) No opening act. 2) BLUES. 3) PURELY LOCAL! Come out and support Soulful Blues! Expect a Billie Holiday and Etta James influenced sound.
                      XO, Nanette

Like that old saying goes...

No news is good news, right? The last two silent weeks have been so much fun and so busy, definitely defining the phrase "summer in full-swing." Funny how that works, the crescendo of summer, things getting so fun so fast that it's almost time to start wanting structure and for life to slow down again.

4th of July wasn't super eventful. I was home nursing my 3rd of July sunburn. But the 3rd was awesome. I went with Justin, Aaron, David and Trent down to Glendale Reservoir. It's near Preston. It has boat access, allows booze, campfire, campers and dogs, but it's pretty clean in comparison to the typical lake party places like Twin Lakes. Even on the 4th of July weekend, there was a shore space and it wasn't crazy busy. However, all five of us had not applied enough sunscreen to be out there for four hours.

New Student Orientation (NSO) was last week. The campus was teeming with Freshmen. I missed the morning sessions of information because I was at my other job. However, I made it in time for the ballroom event where all the organizations on campus are invited to set up informational booths.I compiled a video of the people I talked to that represented different departments and clubs. There were so many that I missed getting a good interview with... LGBTSA, Swing Club, Help Desk, Greek Life etc. There were also so many booths that were too busy to get footage of as well, basically all things dealing with financial aid, class schedules and tours of campus. The whole day was topped off with an AMAZING rainstorm. Consequentially, concert on the quad was moved indoors and I just couldn't talk myself into walking there in that stormy weather.

I hit the jackpot thrifting and yard sale-ing this weekend. I found some italian leather shoes and an amazing brass bottle opener in the shape of an owl. I don't even drink stuff that needs a bottle opener. It was just that cool. These are the moving days though. There are yard sales every weekend. One of my friends expressed that she doesn't particularly like yard sales because there's more crap to sift through than at the thrift stores and that she doesn't like to know who had it before her. But I disagree...   at a yard sale, I'm less likely to feel like I need to immediately wash my hands upon leaving as opposed to going to a thrift store and feeling filmy when you're done. Yard sales are super interesting to me. It's an opportunity to see what people will part with and how much it costs to get them to part with it.

One of my friends has been in the moving process. It is absolutely amazing how much stuff one person can collect over 5 years. I was helping pack boxes and unpack boxes. Which I really don't mind doing, but I know many who find it tedious and honestly, it's not the most efficient way to get from one place to another. Having moved 3 times in the past few years I've learned the following things.

• Pick a moving day. 
• Collect enough boxes to move all of your stuff (from grocery stores, walmart, liquor stores)
• Set aside what you think you'll need for the two weeks prior to moving, also set aside a tote or box in which to carry said items. 
• PACK EVERYTHING ELSE BEFORE MOVING DAY. (If you're so inclined, mark the contents of boxes and clearly mark the heavy boxes)
• Advertise among friends that you need help moving. Be kind. Give them advance notice. Acknowledge that they may only be able (or want) to help for an hour or two. Maybe throw in free pizza and beverage to entice them. They don't have to help you and your move depends entirely on their graciousness and willingness to assist. 
• Find one friend with a truck to help, especially. Maybe consider getting them a gift card for helping and a little cash for gas. 

My dear friend has been moving for over a week now. I really don't think it needs to take that long. My last move from a house to a studio (so yes, enough stuff to furnish a house) took an hour and fifteen minutes. Of course, I'm subtracting the packing time. Having done this process with many friends in different states of disorganization, please consider the people you're asking the favor of and be prepared to make the most of their time. 

Also, I'd love to acknowledge the office of Financial Aid for getting my loans and grants figured out a MONTH earlier this year! My stress levels thank you... and so does my savings account (it wasn't fully prepared to take on the responsibility of paying for school entirely). 

43 days until school starts...   

XO, Nanette

A Little Thinking...

Hey! 

So it's been a long week and it's only Wednesday morning. I'm working on a new project at work. I'm finally digging into a video project. Okay... I was hired based on my YouTube stuff and my previous promotional work. I'm finding it much harder to find my professional voice and find happy shiny faces to be in front of the camera while I'm behind it, whereas I'm used to sitting in front of my iSight cam and just goofing from there. So far I've learned:

1.  Big expensive camera equipment is scary and intimidating. 
2.  The only way to get this project rolling is by failing some and taking something from those failures.
3.  There are a lot of REALLY cool people on campus willing to help out if you just ask.  

This week's concert on the quad is a little country. That means I'll probably require some severe motivational speaking to get myself there. That's something I can say for college, I'm becoming a better self-motivational speaker: convincing myself to get out of bed, convincing myself to wear clothing, convincing myself that I should go to class, convincing myself to go to work. I blame my couch. If I sit on it, there is little else I want in life. I also blame my computer... glowing screen of hypnotic doom. From these multiple motivational speeches I've learned:

1.  I really stink at going to class/work/social events before 10 a.m.
2.  It's easier to get going if I pick out clothing the night before or at least between snoozes on the alarm clock. 
3. I could sell sand to a camel. Too bad that sometimes that sand is sleep and the camel is myself.

Photo by Philip Murphey - Ashley Kirby. 

I went to Coho (big yellow building on 4th near Elmer's) last night for the open mic night. I was informed that it happens every Tuesday. I'm seriously considering getting a little jazz set together. My voice student, an enthusiastic 12 year old, is doing a set there soon. Maybe I'll do one too. It's a good little venue, intimate and small. Phil, the owner, has it rigged with mics, a keyboard, music stands, stools as needed and a little extra light in the performing area. Last night there were a few acoustic guitar sets and one guy read some poetry he wrote. It seemed like a great place to just try stuff out. People were very forgiving of mistakes because they're there to enjoy themselves, not listen analytically (dang that classical music training). If you're ever bumming around on a Tuesday night, try heading over there... maybe sing something, maybe read something.... maybe just take it all in. 

XO, Nanette

Quad Concert - Round Three: Somewhere In The Middle and Truman.

Hello Readers and Listeners!

FINALLY... The concert was out on the quad. It's almost been a week of real summer without rain. Attendance was up. Still haven't run into many of you who I KNOW read this blog {hint, hint}. People showed up with camp chairs, blankets, footballs, coolers, bikes and sweatshirts.

Somewhere In The Middle did a great cover of Gaga's "Bad Romance." Of course, minus the meat dresses and lingerie (at least that I could tell). They got a pretty good crowd dancing. They also announced that they're performing at the upcoming RiverFest on June 18.

By the time Truman took the stage, clouds came rolling in and the wind picked up. Poor guys, trying to play the keyboard and guitar with frozen fingers. They brought some excellent energy, read the crowd really well and played some good John Mayer covers. They come from Nashville. It came through, they played a little country next to their more popular stuff. Not as many dancers... except that guy in the blue shirt...   He was really into it.

Next week is the Orange Promo. It's going to be a bit more country with Brody and The Outlaws. Ryan Horne will be headlining.  Don't forget your canned food donations. Donation might not be the right word... you DO get a T-shirt or hammock, etc in return.

xo, Nanette

Quad Concert... Round Two

I'm sitting in the SUB again for another quad concert (rained out again). Now, I looked up both of the bands before I came so I'd know what to expect. I'd suggest it, so you know what you're getting yourself into. Though next week's opener is a great local band, Somewhere In The Middle. They've played all the bars and performed at RiverFest last year. Okay... I might be biased. My friend, Chris McElprang, is their bassist.

At the Student Activities table they had T-shirts and fun trinkets for purchase. T-shirts can be purchased  for 3 cans of food or a $5 donation to the food bank... just like last time. But apparently they're color coordinated to the promo material. Each event is a different color. Tonight's is yellow. So even if you've never heard of the band... if you think you'll look good in green, come to the green concert. Or The red, or the blue, or the purple... you get the idea. 

The opening act, Vestige Vindicated, is a local band from McCammon. Now, I'm not well-versed in acoustic emo-punk-esque bands, but I guess I'd could compare their sound to Strung Out's "Velvet Alley" on the Punk Goes Acoustic album. 

It was an interesting contrast with the main act JD Eichner. He played his own guitar, wrote some of his own music and did a GREAT cover of "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson. It was a really chill, coffeehouse sort of vibe. It was disappointing that the audience was so much smaller than last time (I think they had 900 people here last time?)... JD was great. He was musical, personable with the audience and not to mention pretty attractive. From the rumor mill, I hear that Student Activities Board (SAB) is trying to bring him back (with the rest of his band this time) for another gig this fall. I hope they do. That's something I'd go to.

I made a new friend while at the concert, Phillip. He's on the Student Activity Board. I was glad on two accounts - A) it's always lovely to meet new people and B) It made me look busy when I ran into the ex AGAIN. I will give Mr. ex points for liking live music.

Next week is the blue week. Come grab a T-shirt, donate to the food bank, run into friends (or foes), listen to Somewhere In The Middle and Truman 

XO, Nanette

Summer Working... Reading...

Hello again!

It's been a slow few days as far as student life on campus goes. But that's typical for summer... There's plenty of time to read books, watch all the TV and movies that you've missed during the last school year, not to mention friends to catch up with, parties to attend, house to clean and non-procrastination tainted relaxation. Plus with this bipolar weather, it's a good idea to have plenty of inside and outside activities available.

Like a lot of students, I'm working this summer. Two jobs actually, this one - which is more fun than a job - and at the library Distance Learning Center (DL in future references). I couldn't be a bigger fan of working on campus, particularly work study jobs. In the summer, when the work is slow and you don't have anything to study, it's almost like designated reading time. It's not for everyone (particularly if you don't like down-time... or reading) but if you enjoy a little forced quietude, it makes for an excellent environment.

Last summer I made it through 26 books (not all at work, they keep you busier than THAT). This year, I'm taking it easy on the reading. I can't recommend everything I read, but I've weeded out the tedious novels. If you're looking for suggestions, look no further.

Uplifting - Same Kind of Different As Me - Hall + Moore
Short Stories - Couldn't Keep It To Myself* - Wally Lamb and a bunch of lady prisoners
Young Adult - An Abundance of Katherines* - John Green
Mystery - The Body of Christopher Creed - Carol Plum-Ucci
Historical Fiction - The Heretic's Daughter - Kent
Fiction - The Help - Kathryn Stockett
Holocaust - The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
Series - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo* - Steig Larsson
Last Year's Campus Read - The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time - Mark Haddon

*Disclaimer:  These books contain adult language, violence and/or suggestive content and could be rated R.

That's one thing that can be said for all of this rainy weather... perfect timing for curling up with your beverage of choice and good novel. Too bad I've burned through most of my "To Read" list. If you have any suggestions or recommendations for me or other readers, please feel free to leave them in the comments! :)

XO, Nanette

My First Concert On The Quad

Okay... well, the cool kids never show up right when the gig starts right? WRONG. I showed up 30 minutes late and they were already putting out more seats. Apparently this concert thing is a big deal. Due to poor weather it was held in the Student Union Building (SUB)... Which is tough because there's infinitely more seating on the quad. There were short food lines for free BBQ and soda (with "summer" student ID).  And summer program t-shirts and lunch boxes and merchandise available for trade - they accept canned goods as monetary compensation.

There were all folks of all ages running around. Little kids spinning in circles to the music and elderly people clapping along. A smattering of college students here and there. I ran into a few friends like Emma Doupe, Cory Winter and Natalie Keezer, along with a couple of ex-boyfriends that shall not be named... and few kids who I went to high school with. Seems to be a great mixing place.

Now the thing about concerts and being schooled in the way of classical music...  I feel so out of place at things like this. Because people are standing and dancing... talking... cellphones going off... running... eating. This is nothing like what i'm used to. I had Emma remind me on two different occasions "Relax Nanette, this is not a symphony."

That being said... I have an appreciation for music of all sorts. The opening band, The Wild Coyotes, was something that should be enjoyed on a front porch while enjoying sweet tea, or whiskey sours. It was a blue grass night. However, I will give it up for The Clumsy Lovers... they started slow with a violin solo but as soon as the rest of the group joined in they had the audience clapping and children spinning and dancing all over again. Bouncy and fun... the bluegrass just seemed so out of place in the Canoe Room. It belongs in a field, or barn, or county fair or place where the feet are free and skirts are flow-y. Though that didn't stop people from kicking off their shoes and dancing away.

I'm sure that once i break through this shell of discomfort these events will turn into really cool experiences. Probably even meet a concert going crowd... or create my own and bring them. but I still just cannot wait until the sun comes out and we get to have fun outdoors on blankets... it's a great venue for a picnic with friends, lovers or whole family. Plus, it was a lovely walk home.

XO, Nanette

So Here's The Gist...

Hello readers, both future and present!

Let me break this down for you. Like I say in my profile, I am the cynical student. I expect motives and kitsch behind most events in life. I have been at this university for six years now and am near graduating with my bachelors in music. So in those moments of self deprecation, I often feel like that I've spent too long pursuing a degree of no worth. If that's not enough to make someone cynical, I don't know what is.

Many of my professors have said, if you have a question, chances are that someone else has the same one. I think it's safe to say that about most facets of life. I feel like a pretty normal student. I worry about bills, work, grades, tuition, dating, dieting/health, friends and when the next school vacation is. I have survived college this far without a car. My parents are not fiscally responsible for me. At 24, I have reached independence.

Now in pursuit of the elusive degree, I have devoted most of my time to the Music Department and to working. I have NOT been a well-rounded student. If it doesn't have credits or cash attached to it, chances are I won't be there. I have not attended any sporting events, well... I went to a rugby game once so my friend could check out one of the cute players. I don't get too involved with activities on campus. I haven't even been to a FREE movie at the Bengal Theater. I haven't been to the bingo nights (even though I hear some of the prizes are amazing, Wii, flatscreens, gift baskets from Silver Fox {wink}). I basically haven't been a REAL student. I've been a Music Zombie Student. So I'm going to spend my last year, trying to start it all over.

So for six years I have worked on campus... through the Help Desk, Distance Learning and most recently Photographic Services. Part of the new job is this blog. Part of this blog is attending events and documenting life as a student. I hope it can reach other students, maybe help us understand each other, maybe get people more involved, maybe just improve my writing skills, or maybe I'll just have some fun. It may or may not work. But I hope I can make it amusing enough to bring you back.

XO, Nanette

P.S. You may note, I'm not an english student. I'm a music student. Pardon grammatical errors.