THREE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO

SONG OF THE DAY #342
Monday, April 25, 2011
All Over Town
by The Kooks

This morning I got up to finish several things: It's my last day before the end of the semester. My last final's tomorrow: Myth, Ritual, & Mysticism in the morning. I decided there were a few things I had to do today: finish my essay for Ecology (the Final Draft, due at 5), study for Mysticism, and not do much else. Plans change. Mileini came over while I still hadn't even changed out of my paJams, to pick up the Tao of Pooh, Un Rey en La Habana (after hearing Crys and I gabbing about it over some masitas de puerco), and An American In Paris. She left, and soon after, with a house full of my confused entire family sitting around (había comelata de Arroz con Pollo), Jaife came over. We ate together after everyone else, and then, after my grandparents left, we went to my room to kill some time. I finished my essay while she snooped in my books and ticket case, and after a brilliant quick finish at 4:45, we spent the rest of the afternoon listening to good music and talking. Of course, ambiguously looking into each other's eyes and showing her the map consumed the down time. When she left, I stayed awe-struck at how situations like these in my life can be so difficultly discernable as either friendly and not. I continue to surprise myself thinking about how complicated human relationships are. I dedicate this song to a sentiment: doubt.

In any case-

I got myself over to the Dunkin' Donuts by Crystal's later that night. Study date. Moved it back to her house when we couldn't get internet, and amidst the books, managed to get to know each other better. Also, the new mint oreos and the chocolate cafecito were fantastic. Killed some bugs, looked through some books, and teased her romantic collection. A truly humble abode of films and literature, hehe. It was the night I went back to the gate. The second time seeing her, and it felt better than the first.

I lie... The first was... the first.

THREE HUNDRED FOURTEEN

SONG OF THE DAY #314
Monday, March 28th, 2011
See the Sun
The Kooks

This morning I refused to go to sleep, and instead stayed up watching Hellboy until almost 4 in the morning. I woke up a few hours later for school at 9, on the way to which I rediscovered The Kooks. I've had a fun ride with The Kooks over the years, at one point loving it all, and then not having any of it, and then starting all over again... The current status on me vs. The Kooks is this: (putting the fact that their music has come at me in meaningful waves throughout the course of our relationship, further discussed soon) once you get past feeling silly for loving and relating to pretentious Brit kids with guitars, and when you learn to love the strange arrangement of B-sides that composes their catalog, you discover some kind of truth you never thought you could find in Brighton.

...I got to Ecology at 9:12 and was not the latest one, then went to the Environmental Studies office for packet on the on-campus preserve after class with Onstead.
Went home, cleaned, and then aimlessly lingered about on the computer until I left for school again, at 4, to meet with some reacting kids. Stayed until 7:30, then came home, ate a sandwich, watched an episode of Scrubs and went to sleep an hour later. Got up at 11, watched Tales From the Script, and went back to bed at 1:30. The next list I'm making is the "Great films come in twos" concept.
Goodnight, moon.

THIRTY-ONE

SONG OF THE DAY #31
Friday, June 18th, 2010
California
by The Kooks

The end of THE SOUND's Summer Series 2010, Playlist I

A hell of a lot has changed in the past year alone, and it's taken a couple anniversaries to make me realize it. This time last year I never would've seen myself here, today, thinking what I'm thinking, having seen what I've seen, having learned what I've learned. It's been a ride this year, and I'm only just realizing how much of one. Eventful ended up being an understatement, and it's all because of the people I surround myself with, each geniuses in their own right.

I was reminded that we're all human beings at the core who are driven by a desire, an instinct, and a drive to both live and learn, fully and at every opportunity.
I was reminded that life is too short to worry about disapproval.
I was reminded to live my life.

I thought I'd grow out of The Kooks' metaphorical California. I thought practicality would eventually take over; I thought I'd forget it. As it turns out, I realized our California will always be there, and the only thing that's changing is how we see it. We'll always be kids, some of us just forget it. Thanks guys, for helping me notice it, albeit often inadvertently.

So grow up with yourself, instead of out of yourself. Notice that your experiences aren't your life, but rather what help you find it. And after you've created your own mold, you'll realize you're almost there.

Peace, and let the good times roll

Rob

TWO

SONG OF THE DAY #2
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
One Last Time
by The Kooks

Would talking about these songs be like Spider-Man showing New York he's Peter Parker?
For now just enjoy them and apply them as you see fit.. I'll explain if I need to.