Unadulterated Joy

Coming November.

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.

Video Stills - Another Way

Here are some teaser stills from the Jenni Potts video that wrapped back on the 2nd. Thanks to Hollie Huthman for snapping these lovely photos. Now that I'm settling into my new place, I will begin to cut this thing together pretty soon. Until then...

Day 3

continued from Syracuse, New York...

It dawned on me today that the Olympics tend to coincide with some of the more memorable life adjustments I've had. Back in '92 the family moved to Yakima from California and I was on the brink of my third academic year as a student. It's odd because my memory of that year is spotty except a clear recollection of the Dan O'Brien and Dave Johnson triathlon rivalry that was about to take place in Barcelona, Spain. The only distinct impression I got from their unimportant, competitive airtime was that they both enjoyed having Reebok as their corporate sponsor:

In '96, (which still remains my favorite year for the Olympics. What's up, Kerri Strug!) I was making the leap up to the middle school and had my first girlfriend. '04 was the transfer to Western Washington University. You get the idea. All of the Olympic coverage today got me in a nostalgic trance, largely due to this man who keeps popping up on my television set every four years.

Today we started out a little somber and quiet. It's been a demanding weekend for the Drori men. By the time I wrapped on some bedding purchases, moods lightened up some. We made our way to Best Buy to look at some tech. My sights are set on a TV right now. A little present to myself, sure, but realistically can't afford it. I consulted Abiel for some electronic advice and came back to finding Jason and Dad jamming on Guitar Hero, the Aerosmith edition. Man was that an amazing sight to see. I wish I could provide a picture. Dad really, really loves Dream On so much that he wanted to replay it again to hear the song. Well Dad, in your honor, here is your cut. Feel free to replay it as many times as you'd like:

Grabbed a corned beef sammie at a pretty medicore irish pub called PJ's downtown shortly afterwards. I had a sneaking suspicion my apartment was not yet complete and so we swung by to do a check. No one was there. Little improvements had been made. Whatevs. It's going to work out. I have to start thinking positive or else I'm going to completely psyche myself out here. All of the structural work now will seem so insignificant in a matter of time. Otherwise, today was a little more managable all the way through the evening. We ordered in pizza from Dorian's and caught up on more Olympic games coverage. Nom, nom, nom. Medals, medals, medals...

Jason leaves back to Boston tomorrow and so begins a new week and period of acclamation. After Dad leaves Tuesday, I will begin orientation for the assistantship. Hold on to your butts. We've got work to do.

Syracuse, New York

Day 1

After two flights across the United States, a Croissan'Wich, and gnawing lower back pain, Dad and I made it into the city of Syracuse. Jason greeted us at baggage claim with open arms. I studied his joyous expression and let it reflect on me a little bit until it began to perk me up some. The plane rides were particularly emotional. Peering out at the clouds through a window seat while reading inspirational notes from your best friends will only amount to streams of tears wetting your face.

We loaded our belongings inside our rented Jeep Liberty and headed to the hotel. I was utterly famished. Only a pack of peanuts and cheese crackers held me over for 5 hours. Where to eat? How about the highly anticipated Dinosaur BBQ?

(a side view with more dino decals)

(bbq chicken, *fries, black beans and rice, and cornbread)

Though it may look generic from the photo, it was pretty tasty and eventually submerged in Sensous Slathering Sauce. I would have taken more photos of the kitch and populated blue collar atmosphere inside, but my fingers attracted too much grease too manuever the camera and I was blinded by hunger/stopped caring. I also couldn't help but think that my friend Daniel would love it here. At one point I managed to break concentration from gorging my face and checked out the menus posted by the grills. 85% of it caters to fans who eat the shit out of ribs. I tried one of Jason's and thought it was just pretty good. The experience was a 7/10.

We all went back to the hotel afterwards and Jason and i innevitbly had a lengthy discussion about big life-changes. If he wasn't around for this trip I'd be a mess. No question.

The night ended with some tears, but I was more hopeful and felt protected by having family nearby.

*I ordered a side of mac n' chee and was given fries instead. Maybe fries pass off as mac n' chee in New York?

Day 2

Stress. Everywhere. Most of the day I sulked over my new living quarters. It looks better after its renovation, but damn if it isn't cramped and still kind of dirty from the construction. Plus my landlord is a fucking headache and forgot to mention a month prior that the unit would not be fully ready by now even after I reminded her to notify me of any changes. The shower in particular was built in such an impractical way that I am forced to stand sideways in order to clean myself. There's a side wall protruding into the center of the shower space. If i want to scrub another part of my body I have to make a 180 degree rotation. Maybe I'm pissing and moaning over small things, but it adds up when you leave across the country and want a smooth transition.

On top of moving, my family is growing towards drastic changes. Mom is looking at moving to Connecticut soon and now I am becoming more concerned for my Dad staying behind temporarily. Having the family individually set up in different states is nerve wracking and awkward. Times have become overwhelmingly conflicting.

After buying some new supplies for the place we decided to break and walk around campus. I showed Jason my department, but most of the areas were locked or under slight renovation. A bit later, I discovered a small strip of eateries and shops that I missed last time I ventured out by campus. Have you heard of Insomnia Cookies? I'm assuming it's a chain, but it totally reminded me of late nights with Lil' and Big Stef and I laughed.


I also found some sandwich shop with this sign that confused me:


The day wore down after a final visit to the apartment to drop off some odds and ends. We had dinner at Lemon Grass downtown. I was hoping to find another Thai place, maybe something with a little more local personality, but we didn't have any luck. Plus, no one wanted to eat at the space-eccentric sushi bar we stumbled upon. Too bad. Into the evening, Jason set up the Wii in the hotel room and blasted some Guitar Hero doodley-doodlies. It's been a long day and now Family Matters is on TV and I feel comforted by the sight of Urkel. He's sadly the only other familiar face around here.

Goodnight.

The Key To Bellingham

(Thank you.)

This past Saturday was eventful to say the least. There was an agenda (possibly the most eclectic) to run through that easily occupied a full day's work. Despite a late start in the early morning, the Potts video shoot went well. Everyone was so supportive and in good spirits. I learned first hand that dogs, and probably most animals, are pretty goddamn hard to work with. Below is a list of credits and thank yous:

Dogs: Summit Flory, PJ Huthman, Grey Maxwell, Polly Maxwell, Otis Tupper-Richards, Brenny Tupper-Richards

On-Site Baristas: Erick Gammon, Jessica Cox, Ken Trough

Catering: Dave Richards, Kali Tupper

Special Thanks: Jessie _____, Scott Rickey, Holly Huthman, Mike Flory, Shannon Flory, Drew Maxwell, Tory Maxwell.

And a big thanks to Jimmy Marble for lending his talents as cinematographer, Mike Wilson for creative input and on-set assistance, and Jenni Potts for her professionalism.

Can't wait to start piecing it together. I will post some teaser stills once I get those from Holly.

By no means did the day let up after the shoot wrapped. Jimmy had organized a wiffleball round-robin tournament in my honor. Congratulations to the Stinktown Warriors for their outstanding performance and victory.

Following the tournament, preparations began for the series finale party at my apartment. Several of my friends have documented the party so well that I think I will just give an overview.

• I raffled off the following possessions: A new package of college ruled paper, 1 Star Trek Trading Card feat. Lwaxana Troi, a Star Trek Commodore 64 Book/Text based game, my poloroid camera, a wolves themed calendar from 2007, and the biggest prize, my XXL Hardrock Cafe Bahamas shirt that I wore as part of my stand-up gimmick. That prize rightfully ended up in the hands of Nick Bild.

• Following the raffle I retired my jersey and number above Karl's bedroom door and paid homage to the number 4 for watching over me through the years.

• The night capped off with a ceremonial presentation. After a enjoyable speech by Jimmy, he and my good friend Nick joined together to bestow me with the honorable key to the city of Bellingham.

I was flattered to have such a great group here under the same roof, dancing and laughing. The night was wonderful.

Now I prepare for the real transition. Tomorrow morning I am flying away from Washington to New York. Tonight I am rallying up my close friends together for a final goodbye dinner at Smith's in Seattle. Over a delectable burger I will declare my immeasurable love to my dear, dear friends.

Video Project - Jenni Potts

Ok! Here we go!

I registered for classes earlier this morning. I'm officially enrolled in my film program. What better way to celebrate than to shoot a new project, right? I just got back from planning out tomorrow's video shoot for Jenni Potts. We're going to use the song "Another Way," which is one of the tracks I like best turns out.

(Potts crooning above)

Should be fun. Think tacky musical recital featuring an audience of canines. Although I wish this project could have been done earlier in the year, I am pretty relieved to finally get things prepped and ready to shoot. Hopefully I'll have some nice stills to post this weekend.