California...so far
I've only been here like 3 weeks, and in the apartment for less than 2. But anyhow, here are some musings:
1. I miss michigan much more than i would have expected. I know, it's weird. When I heard they had snow over there, I even felt kind of jealous. Don't get me wrong, snow in mid-october is shitty and all, i haven't forgotten that, but I think its just the changing of seasons, and all of my friends back there experiencing it sans me. It's oddly difficult for me to accept that I'm fading in many memories right now. pretty egotistical i guess, but that's just me. It's something I really didn't expect to feel, at least not nearly as strong as I have.
2. That being said, there is a lot here to love, and there is not really any place better for me, despite my occasional feelings of loss. Today Justin and I drove up the coast, and saw some amazing coast line, jagged rocky mountains that basically cut right into the Pacific. Needless to say, I risked my life climbing a good 60-70 feet up one of them (i know, its a problem) overlooking the water. It was incredible though, and the trip gave us both a great understanding of the feelings of disdain and entitlement a lot of californians seem to feel throughout their lives. If i was brought up in a place like that, I would be spoiled and disappointed with the rest of the country too. I'm very grateful to have a place as level-headed as Detroit as my home. Believe me, you need that sense of grounding to survive out here, or at least i do.
3. Regardless of what you may believe, there actually is some great culture out here. Oh, there is a lot of crap, don't get me wrong, and the whole place is built on taking advantage of poor people and the dreams of the naive and desperate, but still, I've already seen some fine films that aren't easily available in Detroit, and look forward to checking out some of the many theatre productions all going on literally blocks from the apartment, as well as auditioning soon.
4. Speaking of great films, I recently saw a great documentary called Jesus Camp. I urge anyone, liberal or conservative to view this non-judgemental film regarding the larger-than-you-think-and-growing population of evangelical christians in the U.S., and the power they hold over a large number of our leaders. It was a real eye-opener for me, and I'm a pretty jaded fellow. Anyhow, the hour-and-a-half doc flies by, and I know you'll appreciate having seen it.
So there ya go, there are some thoughts from me. I know its kind of a slog this time around, but what the hell, you read this far, so what are you complaining about? You're almost done for god's sake. In fact, you are done. Right. Now. Now. Okay, later.
1. I miss michigan much more than i would have expected. I know, it's weird. When I heard they had snow over there, I even felt kind of jealous. Don't get me wrong, snow in mid-october is shitty and all, i haven't forgotten that, but I think its just the changing of seasons, and all of my friends back there experiencing it sans me. It's oddly difficult for me to accept that I'm fading in many memories right now. pretty egotistical i guess, but that's just me. It's something I really didn't expect to feel, at least not nearly as strong as I have.
2. That being said, there is a lot here to love, and there is not really any place better for me, despite my occasional feelings of loss. Today Justin and I drove up the coast, and saw some amazing coast line, jagged rocky mountains that basically cut right into the Pacific. Needless to say, I risked my life climbing a good 60-70 feet up one of them (i know, its a problem) overlooking the water. It was incredible though, and the trip gave us both a great understanding of the feelings of disdain and entitlement a lot of californians seem to feel throughout their lives. If i was brought up in a place like that, I would be spoiled and disappointed with the rest of the country too. I'm very grateful to have a place as level-headed as Detroit as my home. Believe me, you need that sense of grounding to survive out here, or at least i do.
3. Regardless of what you may believe, there actually is some great culture out here. Oh, there is a lot of crap, don't get me wrong, and the whole place is built on taking advantage of poor people and the dreams of the naive and desperate, but still, I've already seen some fine films that aren't easily available in Detroit, and look forward to checking out some of the many theatre productions all going on literally blocks from the apartment, as well as auditioning soon.
4. Speaking of great films, I recently saw a great documentary called Jesus Camp. I urge anyone, liberal or conservative to view this non-judgemental film regarding the larger-than-you-think-and-growing population of evangelical christians in the U.S., and the power they hold over a large number of our leaders. It was a real eye-opener for me, and I'm a pretty jaded fellow. Anyhow, the hour-and-a-half doc flies by, and I know you'll appreciate having seen it.
So there ya go, there are some thoughts from me. I know its kind of a slog this time around, but what the hell, you read this far, so what are you complaining about? You're almost done for god's sake. In fact, you are done. Right. Now. Now. Okay, later.