Ray Charles!

Ray Charles: A terrible husband, yes, but also a brilliant musician. This is a great song for a rainy day, and it always reminds me of a lovely part of the movie "Unstrung Heroes" where a family dances while makes pancakes together for breakfast. What a great image.

I just got the album Complete Country & Western Recordings (1959-1986), and it is phenomenal. Favorite tracks include: Just a Little Lovin', Carless Love, Hang Your Head in Shame, and Teardrops in my Heart. Love it.

Revitalized, and Just in Time...

Saturday my group presented our preliminary online database to a dozen prominent members of the local Somali community. We got very good feedback, and it was so cool bringing the community into the HHH computer lab to present a project that they helped to develop for their own benefit. Afterwards SB and I decided to spend the night in, rearranging our living room with hopes that it would clear our minds as well as our space. Success! It feels like a whole new place.

Then, Sunday I got on my bike for the first time this summer. SB and I rode to Hamline to study. I love studying at Hamline. Nothing beats a little desk with its own outlet next to a big window. Following the bike ride SB made the best tofu that I've ever eaten -- it was breaded with spicy cornmeal, with a side of garlicy roasted potatoes. YUM. He even cut the tofu into cute triangular shapes. Love it.

Now, only three more weeks of class to go! And my final week isn't that bad. Just two more crazy weeks. Plus I'm finalizing the toolkit that I have written all on my own for our corner store program. Phew! I am SO close, and SO excited.

PS. Listening to a lot of Atmosphere, lately. It feels like summer!

A New Fav, Thanks to Bright Eyes Live

So, we saw Titus Andronicus and Bright Eyes last night. Bright Eyes is pretty emo for my style, but it is impossible to deny that he is quite the songwriter. Below is my new fav, called "Bowl of Oranges." Bask in the sweet and lovely nerdiness of it!

For those who prefer more rockin' stuff, here is Titus Andronicus. To their guitarist/violinist I say "go, girl!" She was a badass.