(A reflection written for drawing class)

Looking back: September 2006-April 2007

"It's the little things that remind me of how certain months felt. The way a certain shirt will smell of laundry detergent that I used to use, or specific albums that I listened to endlessly. Usually I don't even realize how much of an impact certain events had on me, until those little things raise their heads again.
The first month or so that I was here was filled with a blank depression. I didn't miss home (wherever that is); it came down to pure loneliness. I didn't want to eat alone and see other people making friends - a simple task that most people seem to relish but that makes me break into a cold sweat - so I hid in my room and chose not to eat.
The next period came in a sudden whirlwind of activity. I didn't have time to be alone if that's what I'd wanted. I hurt people because I'd forgotten how to act like a sociable human being. I was so desperate for any kind of attention. The end of the first semester brought the reflection, "These past few months have probably been the best months of my life." That was an exaggeration.
Now, I'm comfortable. I won't go to class in my pajamas, but I can fore-go those when I'm not sleeping alone. I take things for granted, specifically things like having someone who is what both my brain and heart have always wanted. I guess once we get that thing we want, no matter how much we desired it, it seems less important, and that's unfortunate. Nonetheless, he is the most important thing in my life.
My capacity for creative thinking has grown (along with my waistline), and I owe that to a few specific people (and foods). I've learned that I'm never going to be amazing at anything, but now that the pressure is decreasing as far as that goes, I'm more inclined to do what I want (especially in artwork). I can draw a lot better, I'm learning to be less shy, and I never skip dessert. But, I still wear the same shoes that I have for four years, even though all the seams are busting."
-from my sketchbook for freshman year art classes

Concert Memoir: The White Stripes

First off, this was my second time seeing the White Stripes (I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to see my favorite band twice!) and I enjoyed this show just as much as the first time I saw them.
However, it was a pretty different experience...

CONCERT COMPARISON TIME!
1st Time (In Phoenix):
-the venue was a huge old theater
-I had assigned seats (not bad seats, they were in the 2nd row, but still seats nonetheless)
-I went to the show with my boyfriend whom I'd recently broken up with and hadn't seen in a couple of weeks (see: awkward city)
-Most of the material they played was off their latest release, Get Behind Me Satan
-They had various decorations on stage and their backdrop was black with a glowing white apple that later turned red
-Jack and Meg were in somewhat elaborate costume
-Their encore consisted of mostly covers (Jolene, De Ballad Of De Boll Weevil)

...as opposed to:
2nd Time (In Fairfax):
-the venue was a large college stadium
-I had floor seats (We were fairly close, but I got sick and had to leave for a period of time, so when we got back we were farther away...and I'm shorter than most of the people that were there, so it was hard to see at times. Still better than assigned seats, though)
-Attended the show with my loving boyfriend :)
-Only played 4 songs off their newest album, Icky Thump... a lot of older material was included
-Simpler stage setup, with a solid red backdrop - it did have 2 giant steps in front of it, though, that Jack strutted on a couple of times
-Awesome light effects, courtesy of a large spinning disco ball that reflected red and white lights
-Meg and Jack were more casually dressed
-The encore actually didn't include Jolene

Similarities:
-Both shows opened with "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground"
-Both included "Seven Nation Army" in their encore sets
-Both were fucking awesome

I was really glad that I got to hear "Screwdriver" live again. It's probably my favorite White Stripes song, or one of my very top favorites. Icky Thump was amazing live, especially when Jack made it a medley with "When I Hear My Name". There were actually a lot of songs that he mixed together...especially using some of their oldest material. That was exciting for me, because I think some of their best songs, or at least most entertaining, are on their debut album.
So, I may not have gotten any M&Ms from one of Jack's bodyguard look-a-likes this time (sugar never tasted so good), but I DID almost run into them when I was leaving the backstage area, after being sick (the nurse). Too bad I didn't get to actually see them back there.
Seen this summer: The National, The White Stripes
Hopefully seeing soon: Animal Collective (in September)