Carbon Copy

What's in a name?

You may have noticed a change or two around here. As in, a new name and new colors and stuff. I just got sick of the old one and asked if I could change it. So instead of reading, I spent some time listening to NPR and rearranging colors and doing a little drawing. Here's to a new beginning.

Purdue (in Photos - briefly)

After church today, I took a quick walk around campus with my camera, snapping some shots to share with those who may be curious about where I live. Sometimes I feel awkward taking pictures. Today, I did, so most of these were taken discreetly, thus not framed very well. Also, there's a lot more to Purdue than just these photos. I just wanted to get some of the principle places that I visit on a daily basis.

Above is University Hall and the fountain next to the grave of John Purdue.

This is the Union Building where students go to hang out. I had lunch there last Monday (and probably will every Monday). It was super crowded, but they have carved wooden chairs at all the tables and it has this castle feel to it. I like the reliefs on the front of the building. They show acts of courtship. If you look closely, you'll notice that this one shows the man helping the woman put on her coat.

This is the Stewart Building where I used to go to the computer lab before I got the Internet at home. I think there's a bowling alley in the basement of it.

And this is a pretty fence with flowers.

This is the campus bell tower. I read a little plaque about it today. Appparently, the original one was part of the first building on campus, but it was destroyed in an explosion, so they built a new one, nine bricks taller than the last. That one was taken down and then rebuilt into this one, which is even taller than the last one. Apparently, it symbolizes that we are continually building taller.

Purdue has lots of fountains on campus. This is one of them near one of my buildings. The first time I saw it, freshmen in swimsuits were playing around in it and I was kind of shocked. I think of fountains as being august and dignified structures, but apparently (as I should've known from Friends) you can play in them too.

Welcome to Beering Hall, home of the Liberal Arts and Education Department. I have a class here.

This is Heavilon Hall, home of the English Department. Consequently, my other two classes are here.

As a folklorist, I like to look at campus customs. This was a different one for me. People tape flyers all over the ground. It doesn't seem like it would be that effective, though, because it's not like you stop and read them. Ok, so I've stopped and read some of them. Apparently there's a railroading club and a parachuting club. Still... sometimes the print is way too small. They need to figure out to use big print and catchy phrases.

Finally, the guardians of Elliot Hall of Music. I could figure out that one is for drama (the face, you know) and the other is for music (harp), but I can't figure out the last one. Any suggestions?

Well, that's a brief virtual tour of Purdue after my weeklong acquaintance. It's a nice campus. I like it.

Chicago

Okay, so I can't help it. EVERY time I think of Chicago, I think of this dumb line by the mailman in A River Runs Through It: "Chicken in a car; car won't go; that's how they spell, Chi-car-go." I know, I know. It's so lame. But it's stuck nonetheless. So as we got in the car that Tuesday morning, I just had to say it. Anyway, there it is online now, too.

So Chicago: After making our way through abominable traffic and construction around Gary, Indiana, we pulled into the city. Have to admit I was a little anxious about driving in the big city. I've never really driven in one before, but it turned out fine. We passed the Magnificent Mile and went straight on to the campus of Northwestern. I had visited there about 7 years ago when I stayed with Anna. I remembered the spray-painted rocks on the shores of Lake Michigan, so I wanted to relive that experience.

There was even a message that I like to think was really written just for me.

We snuck around the campus a bit, peaking in at the chapel in the Theology building.

And stopped for a bit to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Shakespeare Garden adjacent to the chapel.

We decided to write a little message on the garden leaves for those that followed. I suggested Yeats, "Though leaves are many, the root is one." It seemed appropriate. It ended up being, "Tho leaves R many, the root is one" due to space constriction, but I think Yeats would approve of the aesthetic changes.

Self-portraits ensued.

(I don't know what that face really means, but I seem to make it quite often.)

And then we went back to the car, where I had received a citation for parking in the wrong parking lot. I don't think it will matter, though. I mean, it's not like I need my diploma or anything (which is why I had to pay my three parking tickets acquired at USU before I left). At least, I hope not.

Then back down Lake Shore for some time at the Art Institute of Chicago, after stopping in a little shop for some gyros. Little bit of luck - it was Free Tuesday at the Institute. Couldn't ask for anything better than that. Something I liked to do this time while I was looking at paintings was take pictures of some of the small details rather than the whole. I've uploaded some of them.

Hmm... looking back over these details, I'm sensing a theme. Can you tell I tend to relate to feelings of isolation? Probably especially right now. It hits home.

There was also an installation by Felix Gonzalez-Torres of hundreds of cellophane-wrapped pieces of candy lined up and sparkling under the lights. While contemplating this exhibit, a man came up and took a piece. At first, we looked at each other in disbelief, shock, and admiration at his chutzpah, but then we found out later that patrons were encouraged to take some because it symbolized the artist's diminishing body. So when we each took a piece (mine falling awkwardly back on the floor) the girls who had just walked in the room looked at us with the same expression of disbelief we had earlier felt. There was also a large stack of paper, so I took one of those pieces. Not only did we get in for free, but we got to take art out with us.

After a couple hours at the Institute, we walked down Michigan Ave, people-watching and city-watching.

The buildings are tall in Chicago. And some people have to wash the windows. Like this guy:

After paying enormous amounts of money to get my car out of parking, we drove around a bit and ended up on the concrete shore of Lake Michigan where we chilled with some seagulls, our feet hanging over the edge, sometimes splashed with water. I didn't bring my camera to this part of the day, and afterwards, I was disappointed because I liked the way the concrete terraced down and the corrugated texture that imprinted into my hand as I leaned back. I liked the whiteness of it, the city to my left and turbulent waters ahead. I liked people riding their bikes and sitting there feeding the seagulls. I liked chatting and feeling confused about things.

And then we decided to find something to eat. While we were hoping for Indian food, after getting lost and feeling conspicuously white, we found a sushi place. I had never gone for sushi before, and since Chicago was making me feel adventurous, I thought, "What the hell, might as well try it." Then we got the menu, and I was faced with eel, crab, lobster, and all sorts of stuff that I don't really like, but I settled on tuna and avocado rolls. The tuna was raw, but it was good. I enjoyed my first sushi experience, despite the techno blaring.

To round out the night, we ascended to the heights of the Sears Tower for nighttime views of the city and a little history mixed in. The elevator girl liked my Blonde Redhead shirt.

Here are the lights cut off by the black mass of Lake Michigan:

And here they stretch on over Illinois (with the reflection of the skydeck included):

And then we left and paid about $5 in tolls back to Indiana, using up a cupholder full of change (except the pennies). Steve fell asleep on the way back home, and I was all excited to find my way to my house on my own and surprise him with my sense of direction. Unfortunately, he woke up just as I was making a wrong turn and had to correct me. He's so damn smug.

Across Four States

Now that I finally have reliable Internet access, I can share the story of my trip across four (and two partial) states. I enlisted the company of a friend to go with me. He's a rather mysterious sort. I tried to get some photos throughout the trip. I think he suspicioned they would end up on the Internet. And he was right. Sorry. Also, many of these pictures were taken through the windshield which varied in its cleanliness. All that aside, lets hop in the car and see where I-80 (and its side roads) takes us.

We left early Sunday morning - 6:30 on the dot - and headed east through Logan Canyon Scenic Byway where we stumbled upon some gravel. This was boulders in the middle of the road. I envisioned my tires puncturing not even 100 miles from home. Luckily, we made it through ok and headed out towards Why-oming. Eventually we junctioned with I-80, where the lovely picture from above was taken.

We did shifts of driving - 300 miles each. This wasn't set in stone, though. So at about Wamsutter, we stopped for some jerky, cheetohs, and gas. Then we switched drivers. Not even the distraction of driving allowed me to get a good candid of my co-pilot (who was at this point piloting).

We saw some windmills in the distance.

We stopped in Cheyenne for some lunch at the Egg and I, in accordance with our no fast food policy. Apparently, the Egg and I is the best breakfast place in Cheyenne. It was right across the street from the Capitol building. On the way there, we had a little conversation with Jesus.

Jesus was holding this adorable bronze baby.

After lunch, we walked around the Capitol. I wrestled a calf while this guy caressed the buffalo. We both applauded Wyoming's role in Women's Rights.

Then back in the car and off towards Nebraska. I have never been to Nebraska before. For the most part, we took an alternate route, US 6, through the state. We saw lots of silos and smokestacks and grain elevators and trains and sunflowers. We also saw lots of generic roadside motels.

We had tacos in a little taco shop in Grand Island. My bones buzzed from driving so much. But we pressed on all the way to Omaha, where we spent the evening at the Econo-lodge. The guy at the front desk tried to persuade me to take the jacuzzi suite, with a wink, but I stayed firm for the cheapest room there was.

Early the next morning, we continued the trek, crossing the border into Iowa - land of the rolling hills and mist. At least, from what we saw. And I think Grant Wood would agree

Those who think Iowa is behind the times technologically, just need to remember that it has wireless Internet at each rest stop. We stopped by the University of Iowa to infiltrate the Writer's Workshop. After discreetly reading a couple manuscripts, I think we were both feeling a little better about ourselves. Although, I do wonder whatever happened in the story about the big shot lawyer. There were lots of parents dropping their kids off at school. It made me sad to think that would soon be me.

So, Iowa. It just rolled by and then we crossed the Mississippi, and I couldn't even see it over the barricades. But here's the bridge.

Oh yeah, I totally forgot about visiting the Amana Colonies before we hit Iowa City. But that's probably because it was totally forgettable, except for this grave off the side of the road and the railroad nail that I just found in my car the other day.

Ok, back to Illinois. I tried to sleep through Illinois, but it didn't work very well. Maybe I dozed for 20 minutes and woke up again when we detoured through Peoria. We originally planned on going through Chicago and maybe seeing a few things, but thought better of it. So we took little highways past Peoria and into Indiana, getting somewhat lost in a cornfield along the way. Had to stop for directions at what appeared to be an all ladies health spa.

We pulled into West Lafayette around 7 o'clock that evening. The house lights were on.

We walked around the campus in the dark. There were fireflies and Steve almost caught one. Houses had porches and porch swings, and I was introduced to the cicadas, my new favorite insect.

Just because we had made it to Indiana didn't mean the trip was over. The next day we returned to the comfy confines of my Mazda for a little jaunt up to Chicago. I'll write about that tomorrow, though. Right now I have to read. It's called grad school and it kinda sucks so far.

Sounds of Indiana

I wish you could all hear what it sounds like here. I mean, beyond the cicadas (which seriously drive me crazy), there are all sorts of noises. This morning, I think I heard an owl hoot. (Although, I thought they were nocturnal.) There are also crickets and birds and cars driving by and all sorts of other noises that I don't know how to identify. At night, I sleep with my windows open. Sometimes its so noisy, I feel like calling the cops on nature, but I don't think it would do any good.

Friday Night on Campus

Hi. It's Friday night. I'm sitting on the grass in front of the Hillel building because I discovered on Monday that I can get free wireless internet here. I had to drive around for about twenty minutes to rediscover the location of the Hillel. It's 11:08 pm. The cicadas are whirring in the trees. They sound like machines or monsters or monster machines. I'm sick of them. I've heard that you get used to them and after a while you can hear the birds over their incessent buzz. That'll be a nice day. It's humid here. I'm lonely.

But I felt enormously satisfied because today, I made it to and from campus without getting lost AND I also made it to the Borders earlier without getting lost, so... guess I'm finding my way around.

Something else about here is the sun. It's huge and round. It's not the setting sun in the West, which peaks over the mountains and you get just glimpses of its curve. This sun is the red disk taking over the sky. The annoying thing about this is that it provides a horrible glare while I'm trying to Internet. See, it all goes back to technology. The red/orange sun should please keep my convenience in mind the next time it sets while I'm sitting at a patio table at Borders trying to keep in touch with people.

Kay, I'm going home now... Or maybe I'll drive around some more.

Wedding Bells

August 11th was an eventful day in the life of my sister. She got married. I got to participate in the celebrations and take some pictures along the way. It started off early in the morning with the temple ceremony. Then we waited outside for the newlyweds to come out (to a chorus of cheers, as though they were the starting lineup, which I guess they kind of are.) I started off the entry with the grand arrival, but here are some behind the scene photos of people waiting for the newlyweds.

Izzy holding the bouquet.

Mikey looking thrilled.

Claire with her favorite uncle.

And just Claire, being perfectly Claire-like and cute.

So Amanda and Mike came out of the doors and everyone cheered and they kissed.

And then we all lined up for photos and the bride and groom took some traditional ones by the temple doors.

And Matt, Izzy, Claire, Alison, and I went to Crossroads for a refreshing coke/orange julius. Then we had lunch at the Lion House.

Later that night, we had a backyard reception for people to eat and talk with Amanda and Mike and leave gifts. This reception has been in the works for a long time, so it was nice to see it all pulled together. I'm glad the tablecloths got ironed and the candles hung. It really did look perfect.

There was, of course, lots of food, which I was somewhat begrudgingly in charge of all night. The eclairs were a big hit. Mormons love eclairs.

And there was a table of candy for people to scoop into little boxes before they left. Thanks for sharing in our evening.

The night before, we hung about 70 candles all in the trees. They were my favorite part of the evening.

And I guess it was fun meeting up with friends. I was pretty busy filling the eclair and brownie trays, but I did take some time to chat with people. Kylie and Jonathan helped, too. Here they are having lots of fun.

What a handsome couple!

And of course, Kylie and me.

Later that night, the Mike Nicholases left for their honeymoon in Bar Harbor, Maine. The remaining friends and family threw white mints in their honor.

Coming up - my trip to Indiana. And all sorts of new observations. Only thing is - spotty internet. lame.