Welcome to the Good Life

You know, it's so funny how things change without the shortest bit of warning. People often talk about change in a negative way, but I'm always most blown away by how the things we worry about so deeply in one moment can become nearly obsolete the next. Perspective has a great way of changing everything completely, and finding solace in new positive qualities can make you forget why you ever worried in the first place. For instance, I decided to do this great internship at one of the DC area's biggest stations: WMZQ. At first, I was really hesitant because it's not exactly in line with my career goals (though completely relevant), plays country music, and involves me waking up a little before 4am 2-3 times a week for no pay. But now, at the end of my first week I really, really like it! The whole sleep thing sucks, but whatever; I get to work with people who have years of experience and a definite voice in the community and I already have great stories. I'm meeting musicians and producers, and my job description involves me talking to listeners all day. I'm learning so much and it's even fun!

Yesterday I met Amy Grant, who is a vet in the country genre. She started as a gospel singer and married Vince Gill, another country great. She was so nice and sweet and it was great to just talk to someone with such passion and experience. When she left the studio, the last thing she said was, "interns rule the world" and I thought that was something to ponder for sure. It's cool to be doing new things and it's great to be learning so much while working and having fun. I'm thinking it's going to be a good summer after all, and I'm excited to see what's next.

Springtime for Hitler in Germany?

So apparently The Producers is premiering for the first time ever in Germany.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8051234.stm

I actually don't have that much to say about it, I just think it's interesting. My favorite part of the segment is when one of the performers is interviewed saying that sometimes he worries that people will see him laughing but then he realizes it's okay to laugh now. That begs the question of how much time needs to pass before controversial or painful topics are brought up as a form of entertainment, and while there is obviously no set method, it's interesting. It's also pretty cool that the advertisements are flags with sausages on them because it's illegal to display Nazi paraphernalia in Germany.

"If You're Bored and You're Listless, You Just Need to get yourself an Enemy"

I read an old NY Times article by Rick Perlstein a while ago in my Advanced Comp. English class where he essentially scorned modern college students for being too marginalized, too mainstream, and an army of "Organization Kids." I wrote a semi-witty response and felt moderately self-righteous, but the truth is I think Perlstein might be on to something (in case you're curious, here is the link to the old article: http://www.nytimes.com/marketing/collegeessay/essay.html ).

I still stand by what I wrote, but I do believe that many modern college students have been unfairly submerged into this way of thinking that forces them to base their actions on what they are supposed to do as opposed to what they want to do. I am a self-proclaimed "organization kid" and I am currently bugging out bc I can't decide which planned course of action to take in my life. I am deciding between internships, jobs, and even residences because I followed the norms of a student my age, overshot, and now have to choose. Unfortunately, it goes against my very nature to reject something that is good for my future or professional image, so I calculate just how I can do it all. I'm toying with the idea of interning at one place at home and working part-time, then going to Philly for a while and writing for a paper there, and then going to school early to prepare for all the new extra-curriculars I have responsibilities in. It sounds like I'm complaining, or bragging, or anything else in between, but I'm not; I'm organizing.

The point is, I'm not happy unless I have a plan and since I haven't yet decided what I'm specifically doing to be productive this summer (and have spent a whole day watching Tool Academy) I am ill at ease. I have been taught by this warped world that direction is my friend and an essential tool to success, and without it I feel lost. I'd even say minor-mid-life-crisis-lost, and I won't be truly at ease until I'm settled. I know that in the grand scheme of things this is completely unnecessary, but this is who I am. I have to stress and I have to plan. It's sick.