From Beantown to Coffee Beans

This past week has been a whirlwind of traveling, reuniting, and hammering elementary algebra concepts into my wee mind.

Last weekend my dear friend and best friend's big brother, Marc, graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. I couldn't possibly be more proud of him. I remember hanging out at Chenelle's Aunt's house way back when we were all adult ducklings (teens) and hearing him practice the cello in his room for hours each day after school. He went from first chair in our school's orchestra to being accepted to one of the most acclaimed musical institutions in the country. Marc has more determination and focus than anyone else I know. It was fantabulous to see it paying off for him as he walked across the stage and receive his much deserved degree. The graduation itself was rather cool as it was graced with the celebrity presence of Gloria and Emilio Estefan and The Edge (from U2). Witnessing this event and hearing the testimonies of hard work, personal fulfillment, and enlightenment really affirmed my desire to finish college and gain my teaching credential.

The best part of my wicked cool weekend in Bah-stan was seeing the Doutherd/Shortt clan. I had to make the sacrifice of missing out on "Night of a Thousand Stevies" but it was worth it as I got to spend extra time with Chenelle (who I hadn't seen in 5 months) and the rest of her familial posse (most of whom I hadn't seen in a good two years). We spent our time oohing and ahhing at the various historical spots throughout Boston, wandering around the campuses of Harvard, Boston University, and MIT, and Saturday night at Marc's house a fantastical musical potluck was held. I got to hear the incredible stylings of Chenelle's ethereal vocals and Marc's soulful cellist touch combined. For a sample of Chenelle's graceful voice and manic guitar, go here. It was a glorious evening of eating, drinking, and being musically merry.

On my voyage back from Boston I took the infamous Fung Wah bus. Fortunately, I didn't die and the ride was an entirely smooth one. Hey, crash history or no crash history- these days I'll do anything to save a few bucks.

The remainder of my week was spent studying furiously for my final in my remedial math class. I fortunately passed and can now let the shame and embarrassment of taking elementary algebra (when most people my age are well into their collegiate careers) cease looming over me.

On top of discovering the concepts behind algebraic formulas, I've discovered that I quite enjoy cooking. The kitchen in my apartment is often just a vegan frenzy in which tofu is often being pressed, veggies are being chopped, and kale is being sauteed.

As I type this, I'm completely high off of the best coffee I've ever had. I bought some Dark Roast Italian beans (brewed in a french press) from a glorious coffee shop in the Village called, "Porto Rico Importing Co." I feel like my cranium is vibrating due to the immense amount of caffeine coursing through my system. Bliss, pure jittery bliss.

So there you have it. My week in a formless, incoherent nutshell.