Meet My New Baby

Ta daa!
No, it's not a new fella or dog. It's a very lovely Fender Sonoran S acoustic guitar with which I plan to spend a significant amount of time. Ain't she lovely?

Test in Philly

I had my test in Philadelphia this morning. Boy howdy was I bleary eyed when I arrived. I think my eyes matched my hair. The test was exhausting, but I am happy it's over. Since I think I earned a break I wandered the streets of Philadelphia. First I hit Philly's Chinatown. I walked into a great little store. I just wanted to browse the tea pots, erasers, and trinkets. But the proprietor insisted that I sit and have tea with him. The tea break was awkward but enjoyable - I am not used to drinking tea with random shop keepers. After Chinatown I went to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch. I love that market. It's not as good as the markets in Mexico City but it comes close. The have all kinds of food there, everything ranging from Amish to Thai. I chose a roast beef sandwich on a baugette with sharp provolone. I took my sandwich and wandered over to the beer garden to order a beer, the perfect remedy for an over-worked brain. After lunch, I trolled around the market. I found a shop that could help me replenish my formerly great mustard collection. The aforementioned collection was up to 8 kinds of mustard before my refrigerator decided to kick the bucket. I chose a lovely chamagne dill mustard as a starter to the new collection. I will return to the market for breakfast tomorrow. Email me and I may pick you up an interesting mustard.

Buffalo's Better with the Drams and the Drive-By Truckers

I am a week late on this, but my move has taken over my life. Last Thursday Abby and I drove to Buffalo to see the Drams and the Drive-By Truckers at the Town Ballroom (for some reason I repeatedly called it the Townhall Ballroom). It was a great mid-size venue with a great layout and sound. It was a grand show. The Drams made me feel like I was home or maybe that was the whiskey talking. As usual, the Drive-By Truckers played a lengthy and impeccable show. After the show Abby and I wandered back stage to say hello to my fellow Dentonites. After the gear was packed up we ventured down to the infamous Mohawk Place. The lucky few of us there were were treated to a grand surprise. As the scheduled band packed up their stuff, the Drams and Jason Isbell decided to commandeer the stage. It was wonderful watching the meeting of great musicians. They even played a few Centro-matic songs. There was a small gaggle of men all gathered at the front of the stage, even though there was plenty of space close to the stage to spread out. I guess they like to huddle. I was even invited to join the group, but I respectfully declined. After a few hours of sleep, Abby and I ventured back to State College. We even drove through some snow in the Southern Tier of New York.

You are no longer safe from the New Testament in public restrooms

The other day I was shopping for moving supplies in my neighborhood box store. I found evidence that the Gideon's have run out of hotels rooms in which to deposit bibles. I found the New Testament in a restroom stall of the box store.

Plans are in motion

In less than a month I will be moving out of my house in Central PA. I have lived in Coleville for over 4 years; this is the longest I have ever lived in one place since I started college. I have no set plans of where I am going; it all depends on what happens with my job search. Most of my items will be stored until I find a permanent location. That means I need to start packing soon. Any packing tips are greatly appreciated (I will not accept the answer: chuck everything and start over). I will keep some essential items with me: my dog, music, musical equipment, books, and a cap gun.

I have not ventured outside of the boundaries of State for several weeks now; it is time to venture forth. On Saturday I am traveling through the wilds of PA with Abby to visit Sharon and Eric in Albany, NY. We will join Erick, Sarah, Jefe, and Ellen who fled State College this afternoon. I am looking forward to getting out of State College and spending time with friends. Hopefully I will be ready to get back to work on my dissertation when I return.