Postgrad Land 2016

Everyone agrees this is one of the worst years in recent history. And I won't deny the truth behind that. Many lives have been lost, more lives have been threatened; and we (read: the dominant group) have all watched in horror, tweeted in disdain, showered in neglect.

Despite the shitty world, 2016 was an important year for me personally.

Upon college graduation last May, I had no summer plans lined up. Zero. Nada. Zilch. Beyond moving to my new apartment in Minneapolis, I was unsure how I would spend my warmer days. I toyed with the idea of working on campus (and laughed SO HARD) until I convinced myself that being home was the better option (and then talked myself out of that too). Finally, I started applying to cool jobs and internships whilst spending quality time with Nicole.

Ultimately interning with the Walker Art Center's Moving Image department felt like a dream. I sat across from the design department, researched films, and met fellow film buffs.

In September, I started my full-time service. I love it. The youth surprise me, challenge me, and encourage me. I'm humbled to know such creative young people.

Amid the chaos of November's election, I am reminded of my wonderful and supportive communities. On that note, my best friends from Mac are still my best friends today. I cherish them with my whole soul. They're doing awesome things, too.

I watched a ton of movies. I watched more films by women. I listened to music. I attended concerts. I ate chocolate. I danced. I laughed. I cried. I screenshotted the shit out of magazines. I edited/designed two zines of my own. I finally got my driver's license (what a freaking saga). I took pictures. I had ridiculous conversations with strangers.

Mostly, I tried to understand the world better.

I still have plenty to continue to figure out in 2017. But I'm fortunate that I don't have to go it alone.

Hurray for Crisper, Cooler Air

I love patterns; and so far I've noticed that I've posted here twice every six months during 2016.  In honor of this pattern, I thought I'd come through and write two entries for December.

This fall meant so much change.  On my amazing trip to Madison, WI this past August, I glimpsed various post-grad lives.  Seeing one friend working a quality assurance job confirmed that I was choosing a very different path.  Did I feel insecure about paying for a fairly expensive dinner out?  Yes, of course.  But I have to accept that some of my peers' earnings will double my yearly living allowance doing AmeriCorps.  I'm hoping they'll invest some of the money they're making into the arts, social services, and progressive non-profits.

While also in Madison, I admired the living spaces of friends.  I'm downright obsessed with pleasing aesthetics and good interior design.  Please, give me plants and prints and everything else the yuppie probably likes.  At times I get disgusted aspiring to have any kind of designer home or collect pieces of art because I'm not sure it reflects me and my values.  Is this what I'm turning into?

Scotland, I miss you.  I miss your hills, shops, and landscapes.  I miss your magic powers to connect me with awesome strangers turned lifelong friends.  I miss your autumnal colors.  I even miss your windy disposition.  I wonder if I miss you more in these colder months, especially.  I wonder what it would be like to be back now two years removed.  Will the terrace about the national gallery enchant me still?  Will I find no miracles once again?

This fall, I've tried really freaking hard to live in the now.  It's a state of being that feels chaotic, random, and messy but somehow so right.