Mood:  happy

I fully intended to spend the next half an hour watching DC United take on the Houston Dynamo, but alas, it is not meant to be. This is my third attempt to watch this game. The first time was about a month ago, the game got postponed when the rain turned the pitch into a lake. Last night, RFK Stadium had power issues. Finally, tonight, the game was on, but now Direct Kick is having issues. I was just not meant to see this game. Instead, I'll call home and figure out tomorrow's plans. Or not. No set plans, just some meandering. This is good, I enjoy a good meander. I'm a pretty mean meanderer.

Before my attempt to watch DC United trounce the Dynamo (Dynamo? Really? Could you come up with a lamer name? Really?), I was involved in a lovely chat with my Abby that lasted four hours. I can't wait until Tuesday, when she gets back to the States. I just can't wait to hold her in my arms again. I know she's not looking forward to living in the US again, but hopefully there's some solace in the fact that it is temporary. I know that someday, we'll live in Europe. Or perhaps even Asia. Australia even. Who knows? I want to see the world with her.

As for current events in my life, I started a new art project. I was randomly exploring Flickr and found several people who embarked in what they called Project 365. This project requires them to post one self-portrait each day. I thought this would be a fascinating endeavor to undertake. I'm about to go through one hell of a semester, graduate, and more than likely move to a brand new city. I couldn't think of a better time to start documenting a year! Aside from that, I feel that this project could challenge my creativity to find new ways to photograph the same subject each day for an entire year. I have yet to take tonight's photo, which will be number seven of 365. I'm not sure how "artistic" I will get with these. For example, many people of various shapes and sizes have integrated a few nudes in there, I'm not so sure I want that on the internet, especially given the fact that my family checks out my page every now and then. I am looking forward to seeing what I come up with, and knowing that I can always look back on this year. You can check it out here if you like. 

The MLSNet thing keeps looping the same minute or two of generic rock music and it is getting old fast. I think I might have to give up on this game altogether.

On Saturday I'm taking a little trip out to Lancaster County. I'll have a nice, hour-long train ride out to the land of the Amish, during which I hope to read one of the shorter books I have for my Lit course. Mr. Weiss is going to pick me up and take me to Stevens. Once at the Weiss residence, I'll collect a few things for Abby, hop in her car, and drive off into the sunset, with one important stop for pizza, either at Cici's or Riv's. We shall see. Either way I'm pretty freaking excited for some delicious pizza, and it will be cool to see the Weiss clan again.

I just finished White Teeth by Zadie Smith. I definitely recommend this novel, mainly because I want to talk to other people who have read it. I think it's quite the literary accomplishment considering it is Ms. Smith's first novel. It was sort of strange to read a book for a class without having a specific assignment or theme in mind. I think I like it this way better. I'm going to try and read both Watchmen and the nutrition book Abby gave me before the weekend so I can get back to my class readings. I need to read more.

This week marked the beginning of serious second thoughts about Brooklyn.  My ultimate goal over the next couple of years is to save money, and unless I make some major dough next year, it's just not going to happen in Brooklyn. I'd love to go with Abby if she ends up in Myrtle Beach where living is very affordable, but I doubt there are many options for me in the job market there. I just really need to get in-depth with my research over the next couple of months. If I could have an idea of what my options are by Thanksgiving I will be happy. 

Unfortunately, I think my reel is absolute shit. Not that I have one made, but going with what footage I have, it does not look promising. I suppose I could've taken more time to work on other people's projects. Actually, I have done that. It's mostly uncredited work of me "helping" people in post-production. By helping, I mean actually doing half of the editing for people. Maybe I should try and score some of that footage to work with. I need to get in touch with Katja and see if she will have equipment access in the Fall so we can shoot this pilot. I am determined to get it done.

It is currently 9:26, I haven't had dinner, and I want to be in bed in an hour. Therefore, I am cutting this a tad short. Abby, I will try and add more after the weekend for your reading pleasure. To everyone else, see you at the picnic on August 2nd!

peace and love

Pat