Oh... right. I Remember now, I LIKE History.
Despite having slept only a very small amount (3:30- 6:30) and having read nearly 500 pages in a single day this mornings meeting with the other members of my group for my Early Modern Europe seminar went fantastically well. The worry and despair I felt when I was trying to wrap my head around the subject while on my to the meeting evaporated once we got into it. Then it was all posing questions, discussing theories and coming up with ideas. I feel much better. Up until now all I have been doing is getting smacked with readings lists and scary looking assignments. This was the first time I actually got to DO history here. Now I remember, I love history and, frankly, I am Good at it. This isn't ego or cockiness. I happen to be good at history, it is my talent, like other people are good at acting, or writing, or dancing or any other of the inunmerable things that make this world. I suck at math but by God I can synthesize facts and comprehend patterns and trends and events! I complained yesterday that I had to read an entire chapter about wheat, not just any grain but wheat specfically. But, as grueling (get it... grain... gruel eh eh?) as it was, I found it fascinating. I don't see myself becoming an agricultural (or god forbid) economic historian, but it was interesting. On that note, if you want a fascinating read about the development of culture in Europe during the Early Modern period I'd recommend this book, "The Structures of Everyday Life" by Fernand Braudel. Just... please, don't try to read it in under 24 hours.
I have been whining and complaining a lot lately and I must say, it isn't honestly a bad life I am embarking on. It isn't easy, but that is ok. I talked to Ann (through e-mail) yesterday and as she said
"Well--the first year of graduate school is a trying time. Everything just
feels weird. The second year is an immeasurable improvement. So any moments
this year when you are NOT feeling weird, you're really ahead of the
eight-ball!"
so I shall ride this storm and I am sure come to love it.
In other non academic news... I watched a trailer for the RENT movie which is coming out in late November and... damn. It looks really good. That Musical makes me cry quite a bit for personal reasons, not just because it is sad, and the movie will probably do the same. I thought it was interesting that they seem to have added a love interest for Mark, something I do not entirely object to.
Life progresses, I should get back to Middle English.
Also, if you have time, say a prayer to whomever for the people of New Orleans and if you have any spare money, why not donate it.
Thanks as always for reading this poorly organized drivel.
I have been whining and complaining a lot lately and I must say, it isn't honestly a bad life I am embarking on. It isn't easy, but that is ok. I talked to Ann (through e-mail) yesterday and as she said
"Well--the first year of graduate school is a trying time. Everything just
feels weird. The second year is an immeasurable improvement. So any moments
this year when you are NOT feeling weird, you're really ahead of the
eight-ball!"
so I shall ride this storm and I am sure come to love it.
In other non academic news... I watched a trailer for the RENT movie which is coming out in late November and... damn. It looks really good. That Musical makes me cry quite a bit for personal reasons, not just because it is sad, and the movie will probably do the same. I thought it was interesting that they seem to have added a love interest for Mark, something I do not entirely object to.
Life progresses, I should get back to Middle English.
Also, if you have time, say a prayer to whomever for the people of New Orleans and if you have any spare money, why not donate it.
Thanks as always for reading this poorly organized drivel.