Gratitude, Day 11

I've been having too much with with Megs these last few days to blog, but I'm still thankful for things, don't worry.

I spent a little time one afternoon this week with a high school student who has applied to my alma mater. Alumni interviews are part of the application process, and I've spent the last 5 years or so, volunteering to meet with a handful of students each year, talking to them about Georgetown, and then writing a nice little report about them for the admissions committee.

As much as I want to be intimidating and ask obscure questions, I can't.

But it's nice cause to reflect on my college days, and I'm really thankful for my education.  There are lots of ways to be educated in today's world, and not every path is right for everyone.  But for me, being able to attend college was a great blessing.  I know that many struggle with options on where they can attend college or how to pay for it.  It's a privilege that I was able to go without too many hurdles (oh yeah, student loans still loom over my head a bit, but still worth it).

And where I went to school is probably one of the best decisions I've made in life so far.  For me, it was perfect. I am still sometimes amazed that I was accepted from a middle of nowhere town to this place with interesting people from all over the world.  But I was, and I went without question, and I had the time of my life.  It's taken me a lot of places and created great friendships, and I wouldn't change a thing about it.  Except maybe I should've studied more.

Gratitude, Day 10

CLEAN SHEETS ARE THE BEST.

They smell nice.  I've finally succumbed to finding quarters and doing laundry at my own place.  Even if I have to drive to a bank to get quarters, cause the couch cushions are empty.

I will rest well tonight in my comfy, clean bed.

Em Eighty Threeeee

Remember that time a couple years ago when I was driving back to Phoenix after spending the weekend in LA, not totally realizing that M83 was playing with the LA Philharmonic right then at Walt Disney Concert Hall?

Well, I remember, and it stings a little.  Finally last night, redemption!  A new album, great material, and fairly cheap tickets.

I first came across M83 as part of my 2005 pre-Coachella crazy research for optimal festival experience downloading.  Strangely, I don't remember actually seeing M83 at Coachella, but I'm sure they were there.  And I've liked 'em ever since.  Saturdays = Youth?  Best part of 2008.  Hurry Up We're Dreaming, close to best of 2011.

I had high hopes and I wasn't disappointed.  There were a few lulls in energy and as Randy J would say - parts of it were a little pitchy.  But overall, pretty excellent.  The place was packed with a hot crowd.

Pleasantly surprised to hear an old favorite - Teen Angst, which kinda summed up how I've been feeling this week, as things have gotten a little stressful.  We Own the Sky was glorious, and segued perfectly into Steve McQueen.  The young dude on guitar looked like he was living the ultimate rock star dream whenever he sang.  I was jealous.

I was surprised to see Skin of the Night on setlist.  Keep the studio version for your makeout sessions.

The LA Weekly did a more extensive review here (for all 4 of my friends who listen to M83).

And this guy wants to sing with M83.  Hilarious.