And the love profusion you make me feel, you make me know

- Madonna


So I guess I haven't been around lately. In truth, I was in France from early September to Christmas, and at that time I wrote on my other blog, Travel 101. I'm not actually done with that one yet because a) I haven't really shared all the experiences I had in Europe, and b) I'm not quite done traveling. But for now, I'm back here, talking about who knows what, and saying whatever I like because, hey, it's my blog.

Today's blog will be kinda random because I just want to briefly share some things I've been thinking lately...

Sounds
Do you realize how much the voice is attached to identity? When you think of someone you're close to, you imagine their face, perhaps the way they are around you, and... you guessed it! Their voice. When I think of the friends I made in Europe, each one comes attached with their voice; its register, its timbre, its tone, its accent, and even the things the person would say. Auditory perception is so strong, yet subtle so we don't even realize it's happening.

For that matter, some sounds can be so familiar to us, they remind of us things we know or knew, places we love or don't. If you've ever been in the kitchen and all of a sudden the fridge stops buzzing, you'll know what I mean. How about the sound of swings in a playground? (This really takes me back, because I grew up with a schoolyard behind my backyard and I spent a lot of time there. I also happen to know that those swings produced a pitch that, as I swung forward, would slide from a Bb to an Ab.) Sounds - those sneaky little things that we didn't realize were even ingrained in our memories. It's so cool.

History
What's even the point of learning about it, if we just repeat it over and over?

Music
You all know how much I love music. I do. My favourite thing about it though is that there is something for everyone. Really. I'm not a fan of rap, you'll know this if you know me even a little. But apparently there are actually people who like it, and you know what? I'm cool with that. It really doesn't bother me, as long as you don't force it down my throat.

Everyone's tastes are different and everyone's styles are different. Justin Bieber. Yeah, he's 15 years old, he sings songs that are way too old for him, his voice will change one day, and he's currently a huge icon in the teeny-bopper culture. So what? Give the kid a break and let him have his 15 minutes, k?

Spring
I'd like to believe in the most magical, beautiful thing in the entire world, but come on. This is Southern Ontario. Spring means melting snow, which ultimately leads to slush, puddles, mud, muddy grass, and dead-looking lawns. Not to mention how much salt, cigarette butts and general garbage you can see left behind during the winter months. Thank goodness it eventually rains and washes all that crap away.

And then, there's the cold. Ah yes, flu season always seems to strike those enjoying the beautiful, ten-degree weather without checking to see that there wasn't a blizzard coming the next day. And then they're stuck in bed for a week. Which is awesome when you're a kid and it's ok if you miss class. Not so awesome when you're trying to graduate from university.

Seriously, the only good thing about Spring is... No, can't think of one single thing. Except maybe the end.


My lovely, faithful readers, thank you for stopping by once again.

I've got you under my skin, I've got you under my skin.