It's been a while

As I was rifling though the flotsam of my life, I realized I hadn't contributed to my blog in quite some time. It's not for want of things to say, of course, I just hadn't thought of it. So this is just a quick note to say "hi," and I'm still here.

By the way, am I the only one who thinks there is a difference between "a while" and "awhile?" Actually, I think I just prefer "a while," because I usually mean "a [span of time]." Anyway . . .

My brain has been pummeled over the last several months. Largely because of many, MANY academic struggles. But this is good. A doctorate (I have always thought) should not be a particularly easy endeavor. I disagree with those professors and students alike who feel it MUST be a painful, humbling experience. That's just silly. But my brain has definitely been stretched as of late. And it feels good! At least, after it's all done.

This next semester looks to be a bit easier, but with new brain-stretching opportunities. In particular, I will be diving into the electronic side of composition. Not sequencing and Pro Tools - I've done that stuff for years. I mean Max/MSP and the like. I have always loved computers, and have torn them apart and put them together, programmed them and repurposed them. This will just be another in a long line of computer-geekdom phases. However, in this case, it will be about 95% completely new to me. I have no problem being completely ignorant (I do it well, and quite often), but I tend to be a bit impatient with myself. But that's all part of the game.

I hope I continue to learn throughout my life; the more I learn, the more I realize there is to know!