Yeah hi.
Done done done! Saturday morning (well, actually nearly 3pm).
Setting the record yesterday, I handed in an assigment FOUR DAYS EARLY, expediting the end of the semester. Or 'term', but that's a weird thing to say in America.
So, done! It's a bit weird really, what do I do? Exchange kids are packing out of Stony Brook, heading home. Local kids are (already) gearing up for all their unpaid summer internships, and summer classes, which begin in about 2 weeks. Unpaid internships are a BIG DEAL here..everyone's seeking them. Seems it's the only way that people with a Bachelors degree can actually get into a field that they studied. However I know people who are going back for their 2nd, 3rd summer at the same place- still no cash.
I've written a mothhherlong list of all the stuff that needs to happen now, now that I can't procrastinate any longer. Couchsurfing in the city, sorting out travel insurance, getting shots for Central America, finishing off my final batch of 'New York- Wonder City!" postcards, cleaning my room, dying my hair. I'm not sure whether to stick around Stony Brook and chill with the crew, or go to the City and play there for a week, or start adventuring to a part of the country I've never been. I actually just found $450 return flights for Oregon next week, SO TEMPTING. I know some kids there and I'll just have to see if that'll work or not. Either way, it's wonderful to be able to decide impulsively again, and not be tied to that stupid attendance grade.
After finishing up with assessment I rolled to the city, found myself on a lucious lawn in Central Park just north of the Jackie Onassis Reservoir, put on some Nicolas Jaar, and went to sleep in the glorious sun. There were French children running around, picnics, doods with their shirts off, couples, daschunds, the whole shebang. Then I found a vegetarian cafe on the Upper West Side and did some people watching whilst I nommed a quinoa salad. The place is booming right now. Give New York City a balmy Friday night and all 8 million of them are on the streets. Then Pies my sister called and I wandered around, before catching the N/Q/R train (Not Quite Right, Not Quite Right) down to Greenwich Village- saw 'Gay Street!' ( I didn't think that place actually existed!) towards Webster Hall. Saw M. Ward, and it was delicious ordering an $8 bud (thanks, bitches) and retreating to a velvet bench overlooking the theatre and doing some journal/ people-watching/ breathing. It's a nice feeling when you're peaceful enough just to be, when you don't want to do anything else than just sit and soak it up. Once M. Ward started playing I went downstairs and everyone was kind of swaying, jigging in a "We're-New-Yorkers-But-Deep-Down-I-Guess-Country-Music's-Ok" kind of way. It was a lovely show, then caught the train all the way home, watched an episode of Mad Men, and passed the F out.
Today, who knows? I'm totally out of Money until '11am Sydney/Melbourne time'- what's that, like 8 hours? Thanks commonwealth. Imma watch more Mad Men, finish 'How to be a Woman' by Caitlin Moran- a freaking brilliant read- do more chores, and basically not do anything. Weird to stop!
Will keep you posted re: Oregon plans, and if they eventuate or not.
Oh and also, 'balls'. Important. Over the last week I've realised that everyone just needs to grow a pair of balls. For a while now I've held back on certain stuff- on my music, on being brave, on just DOING something without fretting about it. So, from now until it gets old, Imma live by the 'balls' way of life. Maybe a tattoo on the forehead ala Garden State. But seriously. Should I go talk to that person? Should I promote the sounds that I'm making? Should I invite everyone around -even people I've only spoken to once- for a Monster Going Away See Ya Stony Brook Pahty (Potty)? Should I travel by myself and just meet people along the way? Balls.
Obviously, yes.
Until soon, my loves.
G
http://soundcloud.com/gavinsaysyes
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
So Close to Being Done
Gday!
Sitting at home on a rainy, overcast Wednesday nutting out my final assessments. It's not a lot, really: an exam (plus two written pieces), a final report and a final essay. I've got the tingling anticipation when you can sense freedom but this is why I'm locked in my room with a cup of tea, water and nothing but my laptop. And the internet for distraction, I guess.
Classes have wrapped up, which is crazy. How quickly did that go! It's unfair. I'm getting settled, becoming chums with a bunch of people-- can see the opportunities for a great summer of camping, beers, music, campfires, the beach...and I have to leave. I curse the university for disallowing 12 month exchanges. To think of returning now, I feel so unready. Unprepared to go back to it all! To work, to school, to expectations (my own, no doubt) that I'll be involved in all that is work/school/environmental/co-op/drama. It's been a wonderful holiday, and it's definitely not over (more than two months to go), but this stage is wrapping up.
When I went to Montreal I was so nervous to be packing my bags and being on the road again. You just get settled so quickly and upending yourself is a big deal. So I guess we'll see how this next upending goes. I'm pretty excited, really. Apart from leaving people here, it's gonna mean that I've got 2 solid weeks in NYC to play and see theatre and buy nice clothes and hang out. Then I'm off to Tennessee with my father to walk the Smoky Mountains in the foothills of the Appalacians, and maybe the Blue Ridge Mountains (queue Fleet Foxes here). Then to Bonnaroo, a musical extravaganza with 80,000 people, and maybe catch the end of the Country Music Festival in Nashville. Then I plan to skim my way through the southern states of Louisiana and Texas before arriving in Austin where I plan to see my cousin for a bit. Then I'll fly to Cancun and begin my journey south through the Yucatan Peninsula, through Belize and Guatemala (and all that has to offer- including a lobster festival - 'party like a lobSTAR') and then for some diving at Utila, an island off the Honduran coastline. Let's see how it goes eh! I have the sneaking suspicion that imma run out of time.
And then home, and then I graduate at the end of the year, and then what? Who freakin knows. Being on the road will give me some time to mull it all out.
Much love to youse,
Hasta pronto. Better get back to study now, I guess.
PS listen to Patrick Watson- I saw him supporting Andrew Bird at the Beacon Theatre...this guy is gold, and gonna be huge very, very soon.
xoox G
Sitting at home on a rainy, overcast Wednesday nutting out my final assessments. It's not a lot, really: an exam (plus two written pieces), a final report and a final essay. I've got the tingling anticipation when you can sense freedom but this is why I'm locked in my room with a cup of tea, water and nothing but my laptop. And the internet for distraction, I guess.
Classes have wrapped up, which is crazy. How quickly did that go! It's unfair. I'm getting settled, becoming chums with a bunch of people-- can see the opportunities for a great summer of camping, beers, music, campfires, the beach...and I have to leave. I curse the university for disallowing 12 month exchanges. To think of returning now, I feel so unready. Unprepared to go back to it all! To work, to school, to expectations (my own, no doubt) that I'll be involved in all that is work/school/environmental/co-op/drama. It's been a wonderful holiday, and it's definitely not over (more than two months to go), but this stage is wrapping up.
When I went to Montreal I was so nervous to be packing my bags and being on the road again. You just get settled so quickly and upending yourself is a big deal. So I guess we'll see how this next upending goes. I'm pretty excited, really. Apart from leaving people here, it's gonna mean that I've got 2 solid weeks in NYC to play and see theatre and buy nice clothes and hang out. Then I'm off to Tennessee with my father to walk the Smoky Mountains in the foothills of the Appalacians, and maybe the Blue Ridge Mountains (queue Fleet Foxes here). Then to Bonnaroo, a musical extravaganza with 80,000 people, and maybe catch the end of the Country Music Festival in Nashville. Then I plan to skim my way through the southern states of Louisiana and Texas before arriving in Austin where I plan to see my cousin for a bit. Then I'll fly to Cancun and begin my journey south through the Yucatan Peninsula, through Belize and Guatemala (and all that has to offer- including a lobster festival - 'party like a lobSTAR') and then for some diving at Utila, an island off the Honduran coastline. Let's see how it goes eh! I have the sneaking suspicion that imma run out of time.
And then home, and then I graduate at the end of the year, and then what? Who freakin knows. Being on the road will give me some time to mull it all out.
Much love to youse,
Hasta pronto. Better get back to study now, I guess.
PS listen to Patrick Watson- I saw him supporting Andrew Bird at the Beacon Theatre...this guy is gold, and gonna be huge very, very soon.
xoox G
Sunday, April 29, 2012
goodbye you crazy week.
I have waited 3/4 of my life to see The Shins. It happened, tonight, at Terminal 5 at roughly 9pm. They didn't disappoint. The perfect mix of old/new; pop/acoustic; story-telling;jamming. Berloody great. This reaffirms my long-standing desire to know James Mercer and one day, one day, this shizzle'll be true. For the moment though, I immensely appreciate his lyrics, like ever. And, capping off a big, fat, 'arena spectacular on ice' week like no other.
I'm back in Stony Brook after spending a week in Australia. My grandfather died and I decided to head over for the whirlwind that was. The key things that stood out about home:
- the AIR! crisp, full of eucalypt and autumn rain and sunshine and grass. It fills you right up.
- Cows. Weird, but I haven't seen animals bigger than squirrels for like 4 months now. Just so crazy to see these huge creatures everywhere
- Stars. Boy, we do good stars in the country.
- the view. Woke up to a window-full of gently sloping dewy paddock, with blue gum trees dotted around. The sun was shining through the autumn burn-off smoke, sending 'God's fingers' (or 'aaaahhhs' as we call them in the family- like a perfect chord shining on the promised land-) across the farm.
- space. So few people. Mostly family.
- coffee. I have missed thee.
Food was abundant, as always. Baths, many pots of tea, sleeping. I spent a lot of time raking through old photo albums compining a photo montage of grandpa's life. Struggled with a dust allergy, aggravated by the sorting of my clothes which i hastily shoved into bags back in December. Chats, wine, wine, wine. Back to the wicked McGowan sense of humour, bluntness, and love of a good story (and anti-communist child singalong).
After 30 hours of transit (Albury>Sydney (running through Sydney airport, seeing my 'final call' announcement for my flight, after my Albury leg was delayed due to ''''''''fog''''''''') > LA > JFK > Jamaica to catch the LIRR > Stony Brook. Long bloody time. I slept almost the whole trip, and then slept another 12 hours last night.
And now begins the final week of class. I have 11 pieces of assessment due before the week is over. Yoiks. Lots of library time, coffee and yoga. As you can tell from my writing I am still scattered, and in need of bed. Until later, mis amigos. xo
I'm back in Stony Brook after spending a week in Australia. My grandfather died and I decided to head over for the whirlwind that was. The key things that stood out about home:
- the AIR! crisp, full of eucalypt and autumn rain and sunshine and grass. It fills you right up.
- Cows. Weird, but I haven't seen animals bigger than squirrels for like 4 months now. Just so crazy to see these huge creatures everywhere
- Stars. Boy, we do good stars in the country.
- the view. Woke up to a window-full of gently sloping dewy paddock, with blue gum trees dotted around. The sun was shining through the autumn burn-off smoke, sending 'God's fingers' (or 'aaaahhhs' as we call them in the family- like a perfect chord shining on the promised land-) across the farm.
- space. So few people. Mostly family.
- coffee. I have missed thee.
Food was abundant, as always. Baths, many pots of tea, sleeping. I spent a lot of time raking through old photo albums compining a photo montage of grandpa's life. Struggled with a dust allergy, aggravated by the sorting of my clothes which i hastily shoved into bags back in December. Chats, wine, wine, wine. Back to the wicked McGowan sense of humour, bluntness, and love of a good story (and anti-communist child singalong).
After 30 hours of transit (Albury>Sydney (running through Sydney airport, seeing my 'final call' announcement for my flight, after my Albury leg was delayed due to ''''''''fog''''''''') > LA > JFK > Jamaica to catch the LIRR > Stony Brook. Long bloody time. I slept almost the whole trip, and then slept another 12 hours last night.
And now begins the final week of class. I have 11 pieces of assessment due before the week is over. Yoiks. Lots of library time, coffee and yoga. As you can tell from my writing I am still scattered, and in need of bed. Until later, mis amigos. xo
Sunday, April 15, 2012
OOF
Oof it's 2.45pm already. Sunday afternoon, after sleeping in till 12.30pm. Last night walking to Penn station it was so balmy. I was in a new summer dress, no cardigan needed. Today it's overcast, but doors and windows are open, letting the warm air wander inside this cold old house. I put some pasta on the stove and heard my neighbours playing some BADASS rock and roll in their garage. I'm not sure which house, I'm not sure which neighbours, but this music just summed up this carefree spirit which is hitting this area big time right now. Not very good, considering exams are around the corner. You know that first touch of spring and everyone just goes crazy.
This week I have four assessments due. I'm home all day though, so I think maybe Judith and I will go for a drive when she wakes up. Down to the beach maybe. Plans have been starting to shape up for the summer, probably going to Belize, Honduras, Guatemala at this stage. I might buy a Spanish workbook to practice, before I go. I was speaking with an Argentine last night and I realise that I'm still so far away from where I want to be. It's doable though.
Lots of love to everyone, hope it's not too cold! xo
This week I have four assessments due. I'm home all day though, so I think maybe Judith and I will go for a drive when she wakes up. Down to the beach maybe. Plans have been starting to shape up for the summer, probably going to Belize, Honduras, Guatemala at this stage. I might buy a Spanish workbook to practice, before I go. I was speaking with an Argentine last night and I realise that I'm still so far away from where I want to be. It's doable though.
Lots of love to everyone, hope it's not too cold! xo
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
come and meet me in the middle of the air
Not doing yoga has funny effects on me. I've been feeling sensitive for a few days now. It might be due to the cold, the impending break, having lots of work to do. Things are moving quickly and I've been feeling a bit stuck. Spring break will a be a welcome relief.
This afternoon I'm heading into the City, seeing First Aid Kit tonight...I want to wander around in the sun and meditate and eat salad. Just get rid of this euuuugh.
I've put some traxx up. Geddonit.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
only five hours to iceland
Sunday afternoon!
I'm sitting out on the front porch, covered in brilliant spring sun. I have my pasty pins out for the first time. Behind me I can hear the rumble of 25A, one of Long Island's main arterial routes, cranked with traffic. People dropping their kids off to sports, going shopping, driving to the beach, to church, to visit family. I'm nestled at the end of our road, surrounded by trees, isolated but close. I haven't seen anyone today.
Although it hasn't even been a winter- I arrived here mid-Jan, and I've only seen snow fall hard enough to cover the ground once- I feel like it's time for the Spring. Colours are appearing, people are appearing. The place is waking up and the geese are no longer alone. In a month's time I'll nearly be done with school (what the heck), and then will be free for 2 months.
Yesterday was St Patricks Day, I went to the city with some kids. All of Fifth Ave was blocked as we saw High School Marching Band after High School Marching Band, riddled inbetween with some old people wearing chunky woollen sweaters and holding the banner 'England Out of Ireland'. The city was full of tipsy people, there was soft warm light, lots of crowds but no one on edge. I hit a wall at about 11pm after being there all day, and left my friends on the Upper East Side to catch the LIRR home. I'll upload some photos of the day that was.
It's funny being here on the porch, I need a shotgun, a cat, a banjo and a rocking chair and I'd be set for the perfect Americana situation. And I'd need to be a grandma. We're so tucked away that it feels almost intrusive when someone makes their way on down here. We're having a party next Friday which'll be ballsin. Clear night, bonfire, music, good people, good food is what I'm envisaging.
All is good, never youse mind.
Next week: Couchsurfing in the city, seeing Marcus Foster (a British singer-songwriter, who I don't know but my friend is keen), going to the Frick Collection, seeing the Black Keys, House Party, going to the Montauk St Patricks Day parade (Suffolk County's craziest day of the year, from what I hear), seeing Gotye. And class in between.
Love.Love.Love. x
I'm sitting out on the front porch, covered in brilliant spring sun. I have my pasty pins out for the first time. Behind me I can hear the rumble of 25A, one of Long Island's main arterial routes, cranked with traffic. People dropping their kids off to sports, going shopping, driving to the beach, to church, to visit family. I'm nestled at the end of our road, surrounded by trees, isolated but close. I haven't seen anyone today.
Although it hasn't even been a winter- I arrived here mid-Jan, and I've only seen snow fall hard enough to cover the ground once- I feel like it's time for the Spring. Colours are appearing, people are appearing. The place is waking up and the geese are no longer alone. In a month's time I'll nearly be done with school (what the heck), and then will be free for 2 months.
Yesterday was St Patricks Day, I went to the city with some kids. All of Fifth Ave was blocked as we saw High School Marching Band after High School Marching Band, riddled inbetween with some old people wearing chunky woollen sweaters and holding the banner 'England Out of Ireland'. The city was full of tipsy people, there was soft warm light, lots of crowds but no one on edge. I hit a wall at about 11pm after being there all day, and left my friends on the Upper East Side to catch the LIRR home. I'll upload some photos of the day that was.
It's funny being here on the porch, I need a shotgun, a cat, a banjo and a rocking chair and I'd be set for the perfect Americana situation. And I'd need to be a grandma. We're so tucked away that it feels almost intrusive when someone makes their way on down here. We're having a party next Friday which'll be ballsin. Clear night, bonfire, music, good people, good food is what I'm envisaging.
All is good, never youse mind.
Next week: Couchsurfing in the city, seeing Marcus Foster (a British singer-songwriter, who I don't know but my friend is keen), going to the Frick Collection, seeing the Black Keys, House Party, going to the Montauk St Patricks Day parade (Suffolk County's craziest day of the year, from what I hear), seeing Gotye. And class in between.
Love.Love.Love. x
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bright Blue Winter Morning
HULLO.
Yes indeedy I've been a bitta the old slack tart on this front, so now I shall make it up. I could also be spending this time doing my readings for my class in 1.5 hours, BUT.....compared to home I can get by on doing verrrry little work and continue to get pretty great marks (diz shiii be ezzz).
How are we? Tell ya what, as of last time I wrote, things have been berloody great. March is looking like being a hella grouse month as well---MANY concerts planned, trips to city, SPRING BREAK (woooooo!!) as well as the beginning of fall. I've yet to step outside this morning, but the sky is deep blue and there is sun everywhhherrree. Daffodils are beginning to bud their little flowers, and if you sit in the sun long enough you can feel a hint of warmth. You cannot understand how exciting that is.
I've just got back from Boston- was there for the weekend with some of the international kids. I divided up my time hanging out with rellies, wandering around in a big group, and wandering around by myself which was actually perfect. All of my previous travels alert me to the fact that being in a big group can make me a tetchy grump - not the kind of person I like to be- so I had to spread my wings at times.
Boston unfortunately didn't offer us the best weather, actually, supposedly it was the worst all year. When we arrived on Friday night it was snowing like crazy...big soft snowflakes that would break up all over your jacket when they hit you. We also had a bit of difficulty getting into bars because none of us brought our passports and supposedly Massachusetts (sp?) is pretty el stricto with that kind of thing. We know for next time. Went to a Mexican place for dinner which totally took me back to the place. Heck, even the cleaning product that was drying on our table when we sat down smelt like Mexico. There were lucha libre posters everywhere, and dia de los muertos skeletons. We ate tacos and drank margaritas.
The next two days consisted of walking around, visitng the JFK museum (whereupon I bought a token JFK t-shirt, naturally), eating, dancing to funk/soul long Mass Ave, meeting some very handsome people, and enjoying being out of the university routine. We got back to Stony Brook circa 1.30am, then I had to ride home through the cold. My housemate was up when I got home so we ended up chatting til like 4am...I had to sleep in this morning to make up for my whacko system.
Last night some post-university plans progressed substantially. Dad's probably coming mid-May to come hiking the appalacians with me; BONNAROO; Obtaining my open-water diving license for hella cheap somwhere in the Carribean; maybe some travels/wwoofing with my cuz; Spring Break plans for carving up Montreal, etc etc. I'm getting little bursts of happiness on a pretty regular basis, and (still) am consistently amazed when I remember that I'm in America, in New York, and have this much freedom and this much time. Everyone is very friendly, there is so much happening, and it's getting warmer, and I'm making some sikkkkas friends. There is not much to complain about at this point in time.
Last week I invited some peeps around for dinner and then a jam session (dinner- stir fry with wine, naturally. Tim Tam slams for dessert), and BY JOES it felt so good to be playing music with people again. It wasn't a nervous experience, it was just very exciting and a lot of fun. It's been ages, but my voice is coming along nicely. Just need to work on the old guitar a bit more. Maybe I'll take it travelling around the country with me in the summertime? Creo que si.
Love and peace to all. I'm checking my mailbox everyday on my way home from school so don't be afraid to let me know what the shit's going on in everyone's lives. If you know me you know that I love receiving and sending hand-written letters. I do also like chocolate quite a lot.
Take care, xoxox!
Yours, bubbling with the anticipation of spring,
G
Yes indeedy I've been a bitta the old slack tart on this front, so now I shall make it up. I could also be spending this time doing my readings for my class in 1.5 hours, BUT.....compared to home I can get by on doing verrrry little work and continue to get pretty great marks (diz shiii be ezzz).
How are we? Tell ya what, as of last time I wrote, things have been berloody great. March is looking like being a hella grouse month as well---MANY concerts planned, trips to city, SPRING BREAK (woooooo!!) as well as the beginning of fall. I've yet to step outside this morning, but the sky is deep blue and there is sun everywhhherrree. Daffodils are beginning to bud their little flowers, and if you sit in the sun long enough you can feel a hint of warmth. You cannot understand how exciting that is.
I've just got back from Boston- was there for the weekend with some of the international kids. I divided up my time hanging out with rellies, wandering around in a big group, and wandering around by myself which was actually perfect. All of my previous travels alert me to the fact that being in a big group can make me a tetchy grump - not the kind of person I like to be- so I had to spread my wings at times.
Boston unfortunately didn't offer us the best weather, actually, supposedly it was the worst all year. When we arrived on Friday night it was snowing like crazy...big soft snowflakes that would break up all over your jacket when they hit you. We also had a bit of difficulty getting into bars because none of us brought our passports and supposedly Massachusetts (sp?) is pretty el stricto with that kind of thing. We know for next time. Went to a Mexican place for dinner which totally took me back to the place. Heck, even the cleaning product that was drying on our table when we sat down smelt like Mexico. There were lucha libre posters everywhere, and dia de los muertos skeletons. We ate tacos and drank margaritas.
The next two days consisted of walking around, visitng the JFK museum (whereupon I bought a token JFK t-shirt, naturally), eating, dancing to funk/soul long Mass Ave, meeting some very handsome people, and enjoying being out of the university routine. We got back to Stony Brook circa 1.30am, then I had to ride home through the cold. My housemate was up when I got home so we ended up chatting til like 4am...I had to sleep in this morning to make up for my whacko system.
Last night some post-university plans progressed substantially. Dad's probably coming mid-May to come hiking the appalacians with me; BONNAROO; Obtaining my open-water diving license for hella cheap somwhere in the Carribean; maybe some travels/wwoofing with my cuz; Spring Break plans for carving up Montreal, etc etc. I'm getting little bursts of happiness on a pretty regular basis, and (still) am consistently amazed when I remember that I'm in America, in New York, and have this much freedom and this much time. Everyone is very friendly, there is so much happening, and it's getting warmer, and I'm making some sikkkkas friends. There is not much to complain about at this point in time.
Last week I invited some peeps around for dinner and then a jam session (dinner- stir fry with wine, naturally. Tim Tam slams for dessert), and BY JOES it felt so good to be playing music with people again. It wasn't a nervous experience, it was just very exciting and a lot of fun. It's been ages, but my voice is coming along nicely. Just need to work on the old guitar a bit more. Maybe I'll take it travelling around the country with me in the summertime? Creo que si.
Love and peace to all. I'm checking my mailbox everyday on my way home from school so don't be afraid to let me know what the shit's going on in everyone's lives. If you know me you know that I love receiving and sending hand-written letters. I do also like chocolate quite a lot.
Take care, xoxox!
Yours, bubbling with the anticipation of spring,
G
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