Digital Overtone

A great deal of newness to report today! Flustered after a hectic day at work last Thursday, I climbed aboard a very small aircraft and left my troubles behind en route to the true B-ton of my heart: Bloomington.

The illustrious (and everthroughshining) Crystal and Jim met me at the airport, two sights for these sore eyes. A few hugs later we were afforded the opportunity to catch up a little whilst we awaited the arrival of Eric from Texas. Conversation on topics of seriousness soon gave way to the discussion of trivialities and laughter, as though not time had passed for us during my eleven month absence from Indiana. Just knowing that made my trip worth it. It was close to 60 degrees outside, even at midnight. The moon hung low to the east, glowing blurry through thin clouds in an otherwise clear sky. I woke up the next morning to mid-60s clearness and sun. The rest of the week was simply icing on the cake.

That night I had stayed with Tae, for whose hospitality I remain thankful. His utter lack of extra blankets and pillows was cause for laughter rather than consternation. The mere fact that his apartment was heated was a blessing, given our lack of such over the last month and a half in Boston. We stayed up altogether too late catching up, and I restlessly tried to sleep curled up inside my coat while he finished a paper due the following day.

Friday was the nicest of days, and my only regret was leaving my camera in Tae’s apartment. After a pleasant and relaxing Thai lunch with Mr. Robertello (full of good conversation and confessions of a most scandalous nature) and an introduction to one of his two new dogs, I got down to the serious business of seeing people. Jim, ever-hospitable, allowed to me to sit in on his Advanced II tkd class, where everyone I used to train with (or wish I had trained with) was present! While it was excellent to see Allison, Melissa, and others, imminent belt tests prevented much talking, so I applied my energies elsewhere to learning two(-and-a-half) new forms. As class was ending, in walked to also-illustrious Paco Dolz and his better half, Snowpea! We spent the time intervening class and Happy Hour walking the downtown side of campus, picking up tax forms at the library, and talking of developments new and old (though Eric mostly prattled on about hot girls). Happy Hour brought more fun and the excitement of Lauren Birch, my newest BloomingFriend, who was stout-of-heart enough to come out that night with the boys. Some poorly-played games of pool led to drinking, more drinking, a lap dance for Eric, and the general discomfort of all his compatriots. Followed by sleep, this time with a blanket.

Saturday: black belt test day! I got to do a little working out beforehand (damn my body and its inability to go two days without exercise!). The belt test began more-or-less promptly (by IUTKD standards) at 2:00, and lasted until almost 6:00pm! Unsurprisingly, Crystal, Melissa, and Tabby kicked its pansy ass (opens new window). One might even be tempted to proclaim that they took its anal virginity (to paraphrase my eloquent brother), but would refrain from doing so in the interest of keeping this journal clean. Besides, I happen to know that the black belt test has been similarly violated on previous occasions. The entire test is on tape and will be made available to any interested as soon as I can compress its massiveness onto one or two DVDs. But, more importantly, CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL, I LOVE YOU, YOU RULE!!!!!!!!!!!

Post-test, the intrepid explorer would have found me at Applebee’s with Crystal and her parents, eating of the veggie-burger and drinking of the margarita. Laughter and good times, etc. etc., and then Melissa’s party. I never really partied while I was in school - there was always something else to be busy with - and after Saturday night I remember why. It was a blast (as being un-drunk - but sufficiently happy - around drunk people usually is), but I wouldn’t be able to handle it every weekend. Hilarity and alcohol ruled the evening. If you don’t remember what you did, it was definitely alcohol-induced, and probably hilarious. The evening was not without its proper drama: protocol must be followed, after all. Drunken debauchery and bad decisions have consequences in the world of the sober, and the unfortunate bearers of those consequences have my most heartfelt sympathy.

Sunday was my free day, with neither concern nor commitment. The weather was becoming progressively worse, colder and cloudier, but the sun peeked out from behind the clouds on a few occasions and allowed me to snap some nice photos. Otherwise, after a nice brunch with Theresa and Randy (and running into Stephanie and Jessica) I merely walked around the music school and my old haunts, seeing what (and who!) could be seen, and enjoying my walk back to Katia and Theresa’s apartment, where I stayed the night before and the following two. After watching Bend it Like Beckham, Katia and I took a trip to the delicious La Charreada, which satisfied both body and soul with yummy Mexican goodness.

Monday was my last real day in the enchanting, seductive Bloomington. A fortuitous run-in with the remarkable Tiffany Rice on the bus was cause for happiness and celebration, brief thought it was. My Indian lunch with Prof. Cohn was pleasant as always, and even presented the opportunity for a little venting (on both our parts) about my grad school misfortunes, and discussion on the possibility of returning there for graduate school. Then I made with the Crystal and the Family Guy, followed by my final IU tkd class for what looks to be a long while, in which I learned Koryo (cool form!). Following class was a social at Jim’s “palatial estate” Xanadu, which was just the perfect way to round out my trip, short of winning an award and $200, which fate was sadly reserved for Crystal instead of for me. The night held the promise of future meetings of my tae kwon do fellows (mostly ladies, actually), as Melissa will be celebrating her birthday in The City over the summer, and Jim deemed Boston “drivable.” I look forward to it.

Tuesday, I awoke to wind and clouds. Lunch with Sheila did not pan out, as I had to catch an earlier bus than I expected. As I was walking to the Union for the shuttle, it began to rain, at first drops, then harder, as though it knew it was a metaphor. My flight was delayed briefly, and I unboarded in Boston in the pouring rain and chilly temperatures. Upon returning home I learned that Columbia too has decided not to accept me to their Ph.D. program this fall. None of this would break my mood or slay my spirits. Everyone was extremely hospitable and more beautiful than I remembered: I thank you all for making this trip the time of my life! Bloomington, I do not know how I left you twice, or when I shall return, but I cannot wait.

Posted by Kyle / personal