Saturday, March 19, 2005

stalking rock stars

just got back from stalking u2. the band has been up here for most of march, rehearsing at GM place for their upcoming tour. last night a few of us went out for dinner (intending to get "mediterranean schnitzel" - we just wanted to find out what it was, upon arriving at the place, we ended up going next door for burgers instead. vera's burger shack: some of the best burgers in vancouver) then on to GM place. we wandered around the building, and loitered around the loading bay. after talking to the nice security guard, he informed us that they'd probably be in there for another 3 or 4 hours. so we headed home, but after we pressed our ears to the doors of the arena and heard them playing "yahweh." it was cool.

we went back tonight, but it looks like they'd packed up and gone. their tour starts up pretty soon. alas. so much for our hopes that bono would come by regent to visit our profs. apparently, darrell johnson, has given him some spiritual advice, as has a former prof, eugene peterson (he wrote the message). we ended up getting some gelato instead - tiramisu and biscottini (italian cookies 'n' cream) for me. good stuff.

it was fun to break out of the studious routine and do something out of the ordinary. "out of the ordinary" = stalking rock stars. i have stalked regular people on occasion also.

deadlines loom in the near future. in the meantime, i've been playing outside a lot on the weekends - finished up the soccer season last weekend, and tomorrow are the ultimate frisbee playoffs. we're undefeated so far, and haven't been challenged too much except by the other regent team. basically the opposite performance from my soccer team - we got bounced out of the playoffs pretty early. it's been a tough season there. in any case, playing for both teams has allowed me plenty of chances to throw myself on the ground, which is my specialty. i like to get dirty and play hard. i've been pretty sore the last few mondays in recovery from the weekend. i'm wondering how i can translate this mentality to how i write my papers. when i'm playing a sport, i just get this confidence that i rarely feel elsewhere especially when it comes to academics. perhaps i just trust my body and instincts more than i trust my intellect. i see no good reason for this way of thinking to continue.

talked to the ubc crew coach last week. looks like i might be able to coach this summer - learn-to-row classes and some competitive programs. we'll see what happens - my student visa limits me to working on the UBC campus or with school affiliated organizations. i've got my fingers crossed and i'm praying hard. not only would it be good money (rowing tends to be a pricey sport) but it would be so so so good for my soul. i miss being out on the water and i totally thrive on coaching/teaching. and i'd get a wicked tan. heh.

all right. not sleepy since i took a long nap this afternoon. didn't leave my place all day except for a short walk. cleaned up the place, read some, and made carrot soup. it turned out all right. could be a little tastier. more soon, because i like to procrastinate.

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