Taking Shape

Kitchen.

Exactly one week ago I celebrated my departure with my dearest circle of friends. It's been downright excruciating at times, but changes have shifted rapidly. Since Jason and Dad left, I've been in the process of finishing my Teaching Assistanship orientation and modified a new apartment to feel comfortable in. It's been a welcome distraction, but usually on my way home, I'll catch a moment to assess my whereabouts and tend to make the assumption that I'm just temporarily visiting. Even though some of my belongings from Washington are here sitting with me, they somehow maintain an oddly unfamiliar connection.

Shower.

However, progress has been apparent. What began on Tuesday, and through the continuation of this week, I've been in the company of other graduate students from around the world. The atmosphere and vibe is quite interesting. We are a collective of young professionals salivating at the chance to dive into our respective fields. It's a serious environment, but there's room to have fun and to acquaint yourself with people in the other departments. During one of the seminars on problematic classroom situations, I placed myself next to an unsuspecting student. I decided to introduce myself to him and we chatted a bit. He informed me that I happened to be seated with his second-year architecture colleagues and was in good hands. Sarcasm on his part? Yes, but a few wise cracks later and I was in. During lunch break I met with the other four members of his class. Over Indian food we discussed our programs and hometowns. We repeated the process today and sat next to each other during a couple large seminars and followed suit with lunch. We grew friendlier, guards naturally fell, and we joked. It felt safe to set aside talks about school now. The duration of our conversation was colorful. I managed to explain the concept behind Taco Trucks, its relation to authentic Mexican cuisine and weather patterns in Bellingham and Seattle.

Orientation ID.

Guess who's coming to dinner? Well, it already took place earlier this evening, but a former coworker at the bookstore took me to experience some fine teriyaki and sushi. Andrew is vacationing in Auburn, a neighboring town west of Syracuse, with some family. To clarify for some of my familiar bloggers and readers, yes, the same Andrew that eats steak at dance parties and wears white-out contact lenses. A short time after devouring a hardy meal, he taught me the significance of Wegmans. As much as supermarket chains stimulate me, this one truly commanded my attention. My God, the variety, the discounts... Syracuse has a few treasures it seems.

This week is brimming with an exciting blend of the past and present. I am planning to visit Ithaca this weekend after Andrew offered a trek out there. Why the hell not? Tom Green goes to school there, right?

*I started a Flickr account. After this weekend I should have something posted.