From South Dakota to South Boston

Well today marks the one year anniversary of my time spent in Boston, Massachusetts. I had hoped to keep up this blog better (I wonder of that type of sentiment isn’t one of the most common in the blogosphere). But, nonetheless here I am – ready to recount what was arguably the most exciting and scary year of my life.

September 2nd of 2009 was one of the worst days in my recent memory. Sick with the flu, sick with nostalgia and packing until 2 in the morning. These big risks seem like such a great idea. Months out. But that night, perhaps more aptly stated, that week I was regretting my decision. We’re talking more than my regret at not voting for John McCain. And my impending move was scarier than Obamacare too. But that’s another blog…

I’m trying to think back and find one moment in my last couple years when I decided to move. Can’t do it. Sure I could send applications to the East Coast, but that was the extent of my commitment. I guess even anxiety-ridden homebodies like me get the itch for adventure.

And adventure is what I’ve got. I’ve seen the blue of the Atlantic, the green of Fenway Park. I’ve visited the homes of Emily Dickinson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. I’ve seen Jude Law play Hamlet on Broadway. I’ve eaten lobsters in Maine. I’ve heard the Goo Goo Dolls sing “Maybe” on the Boston Waterfront. I’ve sailed that waterfront on a Harbor cruise with my Mom.

I used to just read Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and Herman Melville. This year I would weekly find myself in the Boston Public Library’s Rare Books Room holding first editions of their books and even manuscripts of their now-iconic works-in-progress.

I’ve seen the colors change in New England’s fall. I’ve looked right in the face of Monet painting and in the same week crashed someone else’s college reunion with the most amazing friends anyone could hope for. I’ve done a cheers in “Cheers” and I’ve sat in the TD Garden and cheered for the Celtics.

And then there’s those random nights with great people a girl from South Dakota should never have met, bottles of wine, and talk of the meaning of life. Cheesy but true. Cheesy but treasured.

I’ve even done a little schoolwork too. Halfway through my Master’s degree I’ve clung to a 4.0 and this semester, believe it or not, they’re going to let me teach my very own college class.

For those of you keeping track of me (those kind enough to read my poor neglected blog) I appreciate it. The support of my friends and family has meant the world, or it’s meant at least half the country to me. Thanks for believing in me – arguably the last person that should be writing a blog like this. And for those of you who didn’t believe I could do it (and with good reason) I happily prove you wrong today.

Happy Anniversary to me.

It hasn’t been easy, I’ve had to squash my own bugs, ride and trust the subway, build every piece of furniture in my apartment. And, most importantly, I miss South Dakota all the time (especially now during political primary season).

I begin this school year with the best of intentions. Stay organized, don’t procrastinate, and above all else, blog. We’ll see how it goes.

For the record, I think it gets easier. 3:00 AM this year certainly was.

Happy Birthday Elvis! Some West River Musings.

It’s not too often the stretch between Murdo and Rapid City provokes some profound revelation just begging for a blogger. I can't tell you how many times my family and I have driven west across the great state of South Dakota to visit some people we love, who just happen to live on the wrong side of the river ;) But, the trips get better as the kids get older I think. For the record, I'm the kid.

I'm the newly 24-year-old kid listening to my iPod and looking out the window. I don't know how I knew it was Elvis's birthday. Either Twitter or one of the few scratchy radio channels one can only find in this part of America.

Anyways, there it was, (in the words of Ace of Base) "I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes." Elvis's motorcycle was the in remote town we passed through probably just to get a burger. Could've been Kadkoa. But not that day.

So, this post lacks a real point except, "Here's to Elvis." Not only was he the King of Rock and Roll, but he has made me look forward to seeing the Murdo signs on 1-90.

What's everyone's favorite Elvis song? Here's mine:

"Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day,
Wwhen I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you Lonesome tonight?

I wonder if you're lonesome tonight
You know someone said the world's stage
And each must play a part
And fate had me playing in love, you as my sweetheart.
Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance.
You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seem to change and you acted strange

And why, I'll never know
Honey you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I rather go on hearing your lies than go on living without you.
Now the stage is bare and I'm standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won’t come back to me,
Then make them bring the curtain down.

Is your heart filled with pain?
Shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?"