Well, I'm now home and settled in. For any who are curious, the Kennedy Center performance went reasonably well, despite 3 minor heart attacks. For those who are MORE curious, the video can be found here; I'm at minute 39, and you should also stick around to watch the 14 year old country singer who went after me, she was phenomenal.
Being back in Madison is really nice. It's been a relaxing few days, although I really should start working today, as I actually WANT to. That's a pretty good indicator. I'm only praying it's not as hot today as it's been the past couple of days, since that would make practicing quite impossible. Went to the farmer's market the other day. Madison's farmer's market is really cool, since unlike the Rochester public market, they only allow people to sell what is in season and that they've grown/made themselves. Of course this means that the market effectively doesn't exist for 8-9 months out of the year, but when it's here it's great.
Not much else to say really. I hope to start blogging regularly, just for fun, but for now, I'm in lazy-ass mode.

I'm done with my undergrad work. Forever. And it only took until 5:00 this evening for it to sink in. WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things I will miss about living in Rochester (in no particular order):
1. Java's.
2. The Penny Arcade, where I have seen some of best metal acts.
3. The Toad. A refuge for those of us who don't like noisy jackasses with our drinks.
4. The way the city looks at sunset from the 7th floor of the Annex.
5. Tied in with number 4, all the great buildings. There are so many amazing churches around here, and all those old buildings from when Rochester was a big industrial center. I remember once when my parents came and took me to see the waterfall (I was a junior and still hadn't been to see it), and I remember looking back on the city and just having my breath taken away by the sheer beauty of Rochester on a dreary day. It has a sort of dark gothic charm about it seen from certain angles at certain times. Or maybe it's just me.
6. The gregarious bus driver who was always at the wheel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. He's been the usual driver for me for the three years that I've been taking a UR a class, and his constant smile and friendly greeting have been the best way I could imagine to start the day. I say "start" because I usually get up five minutes before I have to leave to catch the bus, so it really has been the start of my Tuesdays and Thursdays this year.
7. The inherent sketchiness of so many things in the downtown that lead to so many funny stories. Seems a strange thing to miss, but you have to admit, it gives this place some character.
8. The low cost of living. I had a great apartment this year for what, compared to Madison, is dirt cheap.
9. The fact that so much around here is independent, underground, or caters to a niche audience/clientele. Great music scene, but you have to go places and do some searching to unearth it (outside of Eastman, that is). So much is locally owned, and I think that's a great thing.
10. Park avenue. Perhaps the best way to spend a sunny afternoon is to take a walk down park. Hit the Classy Cookie, Montana Mills, and of course Utta Clutta. Dame Sara(h?) is just insane, those of you who have never met her really should before leaving.
11. The sense of adventure I feel whenever I try to cross Main Street. Each step may well be my last.
12. Golden Port. I've eaten there more times than I could possibly count, although I know that applies to everyone.
13. The public market. I only went a few times, but cheap produce is always a good thing. And there's just SO MUCH stuff there.
14. Marketview liquor. Mmm. Cheap booze.
15. Did I mention Java's?

I'm not usually a huge fan of Mark Fiore. I find most of his comics a little too preachy to ever really be funny. But this one is right on the money (about current fuel prices).

The yearly White House correspondents dinner happened this weekend. It was hosted by Stephen Colbert, who publicly (and, I might add, to his face) skewered our president with some incredibly pointed humor. Links to the three videos here. Quite a few people found it over the top. I'd actually almost agree with them; it seems that this is the one time of year when the president and the press are supposed to cease their war and make nice with one another. Still, it seems Colbert took advantage of his platform when the opportunity was presented to him, and I can't really blame him. Funny, regardless.