fall break

we don't have classes today to mark the half-way point in fall semester. this would ordinarily be great, but i have so much homework due in the next week, that it's hardly a break at all. i suppose it is just a nice way to do my work at my own speed and enjoy the finally cool autumn weather- it was 90 degrees up until a few days ago!

my fall, so far, has been busy busy busy and much more interesting than last year. i have been specifically going out of my way to see new parts of the city, spend time with different people, and step outside my comfort level. i usually end up going to baltimore city every saturday and being completely swamped in homework every sunday. during the week i usually have about ten minutes of down time between classes, work and activities. again- that's how i like it.

i've been to many festivals this fall: the baltimore book festival, reggae and brew at the zoo, hampdenfest, the chocolate festival at lexington market. i've also had a chance to explore some awesome neighborhoods: hampden (home of the biggest slice of pizza in baltimore, a variety of hip bars, and near a strange but artsy cinematheque/theatre), canton, catonsville, mount vernon, the other side of towson, etc. i saw a wonderful, intriguing, beautiful and plotless film about iceland made by the band sigur ros; i went duckpin bowling to celebrate my good friend timmy's 22nd birthday; i've been to several bars (who knew you could get in if you're under 21?); i've met many, many colorful and genuine friends; i saw the fabulous musician andrew bird in concert; i started working on a project for the maryland state folklorist. this fall has been packed so far, and i hope this trend continues!

although i should be studying for my midterms right now and working on the next issue of the newspaper, i am going to pause to share a list of things i feel everyone should do at some point in their life (in no real order):
1. explore a city without a car. living in both boston and baltimore without a car has been such a valuable experience. not only does it improve your problem-solving skills and confidence in being independent, but it can also give you a unique view of a city that you completely miss from the safety of your own vehicle. public transportation is there for a reason, and i strongly feel that everyone should be able to use it. although, i won't lie- today, i got a ride instead of taking five different buses and it made my day so much more simple. i suppose the best solution is to have access to a car but to utilize public transportation whenever possible.
2. learn about architecture and art history. you appreciate city life so much more if you can walk down the street and identify the order of columns supporting a building or know why the architect chose a certain style. your space becomes illuminated as you learn about the decisions that went into building it. art history is a mirror of society at any given time- it's important to know!
3. go to a baseball game. for the ultimate american experience, try to absorb as much of the surroundings as possible. i suppose those of us who abstain from sporting events (ie. the husted family) are more of a minority, but it really is beneficial to understanding american culture.
4. march on washington. even if your particular protest may not change the world, being surrounded by impassioned activists in one of the most powerful cities imaginable is quite the experience.
5. among other things, sit/stand in the front at a concert, be in the minority of a group, send a letter to an old friend, keep a journal, and travel whenever possible.

here are some recent photos-