grow up!

I think I need to submit to the fact that I've accepted the Americorps Aurora position. While it's not quite the adventure I imagine Oregon to pose, it is still new, it is still exciting, it is still a challenge, it is still good. It offers a chance to really know this region, to maybe even come to see it as home.... while I doubt that, I've been finding a lot of comfort in the chance to stay here near people I know for just a little while longer.


Perhaps it is the new car, but I feel so suddenly grown up, free, and excited to "settle" for a little.
Though searching for affordable apartments is proving tricky...


Button, my 2009 gold Nissan Sentra, happily basking in the sun.


She is well outfitted, with all the cool gadgets I like.

$3500 to travel the world.

Starting to plan my summer travels and I'm running into some significant mental obstacles.

Other than being drawn to Turkey for it's architectural significance and Lebanon for it's exoticism, I need something stronger, a firmly burning question, to drive purpose into my July expedition.

I am both inspired and intimidated by Bas Princen's photos of Istanbul, Beirut, Amman, Cairo, and Dubai I recently found on bldgblog.


Beirut


Dubai

I would like to enjoy myself there, but also come away with: excellent photos, descriptive sketches, heritage souvenirs, and a richly educational experience.
So I have a lot of cultural reading to do, in addition to logistical planning.

$3500 is not a fortune and airfare is expensive. But fear not... this is NOT me complaining!! Only starting to get excited =)

Spring Swing at IIT

On the Saturday after the final crit, Dance101 and Vandercook College of Music hosted a party featuring the Jazz Ensembles and the Rhythm Rockets. I spent the entire semester planning the event, inspired by the previous jazz concert I played at, and worked closely with Tony (the Jazz director) to work everything all out. It was a great success, a lot of fun, and the perfect cap to my involvement with both organizations. Another student took these photos, but I figured I'd share a few.

The Final Crit

It went well. I had some excellent compliments, good commentary, and overall satisfactory review. My presentation, aesthetically, turned out really well... especially my boards... which I was able to show off in the open house the following week.


My panels, post crit. (the model is all taken apart)


Tim, Elena, Sophia, Andy, Lorena


Michael's perfect plotting and model


I have posted a few more photos of other student work on the picasa album