Concurrent Lives and Election Day

As November 4th has come and gone, I feel that many people will remember the day for the obvious reason of the presidential race, but it is also interesting to think about what other things will stay in people's minds about that day. For me, this election was interesting and important, but honestly there were other matters at hand that I feel will stick with me with just as much strength. The biggest deal for this day as part of my trip lined up with the fact that I have now completed the first half of the course. This happened as my instructors reviewed my drawing assignments and we talked about how I wanted to move forward with the individual work that will carry on from here until the wrap-up show. It felt good, as always, to hear nice things about my work and progression and I am happy to see that my instructors were pleased. The other big event of the day was our goodbye dinner for Professor Cummins, who has led us through our experiences here with an admirable amount of insight and a wacky charm which helped bolster spirits. While these events might not rank anywhere on the world stage, in my life, at this moment they are quite powerful and important features.

I want to talk again about how I never seem to get sleep on evenings of importance to me on this trip. Just as many evenings have carried into morning hanging out with friends or perhaps more recently a duo playing cards, this morning was spent with little rest as we sat in anticipation wondering how the people of our country would vote. In anxiety, some craved the embrace of nicotine. In insecurity, some bolstered themselves with alcohol. In tension, some paced or rocked where they were. But, in the end, we were all drawn to see the results. Seeking some respite from the drone of CNN, I embraced a friend as I attempted to catch some precious slumber. This brief escape was broken not much later, and in my disoriented waking I heard the ramble of Sen. McCain as he addressed the nation. Initial shock (as I thought he was giving a victory speech) was fast quelled as I stumbled to a spot from which I could observe the television. McCain's speech was instead about his acceptance that he had been defeated, and it was a very humble one about joining together as a nation and making these upcoming years into better years. Following was the touching speech of Obama as he accepted the victory. Political speeches always have a way of tugging at people's hearts, and it was interesting to see how my classmates reacted to the results and resolution of the evening. I can only hope that we can truly move forward as these two men have directed, and I wonder how this important event will compare with the multitude of memories I have gathered and will continue to collect over the course of this wonderful conclusion to my time in school. I hope everyone can have nights like these; nights where the lack of sleep is acceptable when weighed against the experiences gained instead.

A Welcome Escape

Over the last two weeks we have been working on a project, and like most projects it was getting a little hectic as the procrastination turned to desperation for many. In fact, quite a few of my classmates were burning the midnight oil last night to be ready for the critiques today. I on the other hand had a very relaxed weekend. It was really nice to be able to sit back and do nothing, but I started to feel really lazy and finally decided to go for an exploratory walk. My friend David and I traveled over through Trastevere and up to the large park on the hill, a place we had previously visited during one of the drawing adventures taught by one of the professors here. On a mindless, timeless wander we walked all around the park, taking in the sights as well as just being free of the city.

Growing up in Washington, I am used to plants being everywhere (especially when in rural areas like my parents' house), and so being in this concrete sprawl starts to get me down. I think that may be why I liked walking through the park so much, that and the fact that I didn't want to sit around all day like some people do. There were quite a few people going through the park and I again think about trying to come out here to run, despite the distance. Maybe I can take my backpack and carry water and some food and just be out for awhile... Anyway, we decided to leave through one of the other entrances and see what the non-center of Rome is like. Much like going to Lake-City Seattle, this part of town just feels a little less cared for, a little less of a place to hang out. It was interesting walking back toward town with just an idea of where to head and also nothing in the way of sidewalks to keep you away from cars. Despite those odds, we made it back just fine. I enjoyed my escape from the city as well as just an escape from thinking about everything that has been going on. Much like meditating, it was nice to just be out in the woods.
I miss cycling.