A New Day Arises

Today marked the last first day of school at Luther College. I haven't really thought about it that much until right now. How do I feel about it? Eh, whatever. I've been going to school for long enough that the first day is just another day. My classes all seem to have some redeeming potential, with the exception of personal fitness and wellness, which may or may not be a monumental waste of time and book money.

I've resumed my spot as a moonlighting bass trombonist in the world famous Luther College Concert Band. And I must admit, as much homesickness as I have been feeling for England, there's nothing like ripping out a low D flat to remember what I missed in Decorah. We are playing two phenomenal pieces for the opening convocation for fall semester. One is a killer piece by Alfred Reed, the other is a coronation march for Edward VI by Sir William Walton. Naturally, the first time we played through the Walton, I damn near welled up in tears. I've discovered these first few days that I am inordinately missing England. It's a feeling I haven't really felt since I returned from Nottingham in June. Maybe it's the collegiate atmosphere of Luther vs. Uni, or maybe it's the relative constraint of Decorah, IA. As one of my close friends put it, instead of getting ready to go to France or Italy, I'm preparing to go to Escanaba for the band tour. And honestly, that is fairly depressing. My worldview has most assuredly broadened, and it is being tested as I try and reacclimate to American collegiate life. I guess my biggest problem is my attempts to cling to my English identity are being faced with the fact that I am no longer in England, and I'm sort of in denial. Love that place. Love the people that were there. But I suppose, such is life. Nothing can take away the Englishness that I feel resonating within me, much as they might try. I don't know, maybe it's just a struggle trying to fit the new me, full of new experiences, a different culture, and additional friends into a new (yet familiar) environment.

In other news, I am happy to be back at Luther. I always knew I had good friends that I left behind, but I guess I didn't quite realize how great they were. I guess I'm being exposed to some sides of people I haven't seen before, and that's okay. I feel as if my old friendships are already deepening, despite all that was left behind last year. And that's the truth. I've also been able to keep connecting with the England crew, which has been great. And it's been fun to play some trombone again. This LSAT thing is sort of scaring the hell out of me, but I think I'll pull it off. Stay optimistic, that's the key.

It's late. I'm out of here. Later.

New Beginning

With a heavy heart, I finished off my England blog a few days ago. After hitting the "publish post" button one last time, I decided I liked blogging enough to start a new blog, independent of my England chronicle. So, here goes. Deep breath...