It's been a little hectic in Nicole's world this week, so my apologies if anyone was sitting on the edge of his/her seat waiting for an update from good old Poultney. Among other things, I've been busily working on getting my passport for a trip to Tibet this summer, meeting with my advisors to plan next fall's schedule, enjoying the rays of the spring sun (it's finally here!), brushing up on my Jack Kerouac, and giving Happy Birthday wishes to my mom...
So more details about the aforementioned chaos. I'm planning on going to Tibet to study Buddhist philosophy and art this summer through a tour program that is affiliated with Castleton State College (their campus isn't too far away from GMC, and I've a few friends there). I've been into Buddhism for a while, so I'm hoping that this will be the experience that I've always dreamed of, in that I'll have the opportunity to be totally immersed in it. Connected to that is the book I'm currently reading for my American Literature class (The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac) which, if you haven't read, is about his travels across the country and how his travels helped him grow and become more enlightened. I highly suggest it to anyone into the Beatnik generation, or anyone who is simply curious about him in general. Tied into that (the connections!) is a class I'm taking next semester here at GMC called Buddhism in Literature, which, needless to say, I'm jumping for joy about. Well, then. Excitement.
In other news, I saw my first robin of the season yesterday, which is a clear sign that spring is here to stay. I had some doubts about this as the winter came a little late this year, which usually indicates that it will extend into the April and May months. That robin made my day.
My mother just recently celebrated her birthday yesterday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) and when I called her to wish her such yesterday, she informed me of the absolute awesomeness of my little sister (who will be 12 shortly) who not only made my father's lunch for my mother yesterday, but purchased earrings for her (with my mother's money :) ) and made breakfast and a huge happy birthday banner for her. And yes, this did require that my sister get up at 5am to get everything done in time. That's dedication, my friends. I don't remember the last time I woke up at 5am. I actually don't think I ever have...
In other news, this weekend looks to be a little crazy itself, too. It consists of the opening debut of "Hurlyburly," a play directed by Alejandro for his senior project. A good friend of mine, Andrew, is the main dude, and I'm looking forward to dressing up to go see it tonight. (My roommate and I often go to the plays on campus together, as if we were attending Broadway. Pictures will come soon of our sophisticated loveliness!)
Tonight also indicates some Open House fun-- my roommate is hosting two prospective students who, ironically enough, visited last semester as well, but thought we were so cool they decided to come visit us again and requested her as their host. They are both good friends, too, so it's always a good time. Very nice people.
Brent and Becky are leaving tomorrow for NH to celebrate Passover with Becky's mom and grandmother, but my workload indicates I will not be able to join them on this occasion. This saddens me greatly, but I am looking forward to some "me" time on Saturday night after I've done the majority of my work. With the craziness of this past week, it will be quite relieving, and some poetry may be written or hats may be knitted. We'll see. I’m actually looking forward to silence and solitude for a while.
Anyways, not too many exciting pictures or anything for this week, but hopefully I'm visiting the cemetery this weekend to take pictures of the sunset over the hills and for the enjoyment of the quaint little walk through the woods and over the river that going to the cemetery entails. It's a nice, peaceful spot, and is absolutely beautiful.
Until my next entry: Peace!