Thoughts in Text

This blog could go many, many different directions, since there are many, many different things running through my head right now about a lot of different stuff, but I’ll just keep it narrowed down to the ones that will scratch my itch to write.

MUSIC: I would like to recommend to each of you the new album by Philadelphia, PA’s mewithoutYou. They just released a brand new album on May 19, 2009, titled It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All a Dream! It’s All Right. This album is lush with lyrical lines of limitless genius, and the musical landscape is a well suited match. There are influences from hard rock, classic rock, eastern music, American indie rock, and I believe my ears have possibly detected a jazz influence or two. It’s a great album that I am still enjoying and will for quite some time.

BOOKS: I recently finished H.G. Well’s The Time Machine. I’m not really sure if I read an abridged or unabridged version, because the book did not say either way. I’ve heard it’s one of the giants of the science fiction world, but upon finishing it, I can’t bring myself to agree. It was a good story, with excellent writing in both form and content to be sure, but I can think of several fiction books which have better held my attention. Nonetheless, I did finish the book, and would not vehemently deter potential readers from its pages. It was just a pretty good story. Not much more, not much less.

FOOD: I’ve had the pleasure of dining at a number of local eateries in the past months, and would like to give praise to Noodles and Company for having an absolutely fantastic meal. I ordered the Pesto Pavatappi with chicken from the Mediterranean section of the menu, and in minutes I was delivered an excellent dish bursting with flavor. Props also go to this clean restaurant for their selection of Izze brand sodas, which are made without any high fructose corn syrup or other additives. I had a great experience and look forward to my next meal at Noodles and Company!

MONEY: Now, there are many, many things I could write about just on the topic of money, but what I’m thinking of specifically is how nice it is to have some expendable income right now. Since moving back home for the summer, I’ve been able to live a bit more of a leisurely lifestyle, rather than having to pinch and watch every penny like I typically do during the school year. Cutting your rent and doubling your income is always a good idea. It is because of this that I have been able to enjoy dining out more, using that money to invest not only in some good food, but also in the time to build and strengthen friendships with some of my closest friends.

LOCAL LIFE: I’ve really gotten to appreciate my summer work schedule. It’s a beautiful split shift, 7-11am, and 2-6pm. I don’t start too early, and I don’t get off too late by any means, and I have a great 3 hour lunch break every day! This has allowed me to embrace the local business social life that comes with living in the Med City. I’d like to highlight a couple things here. First of all, Thursdays on First. Thursday, June 11 was my first time attending this event, which takes place on 1st Ave SW in downtown Rochester. It was a delightful multisensory experience to see the many food vendors, kiosks and local businesses showing off their wares as literally thousands of people crowded the Peace Plaza to have a look. I personally enjoyed a deliciously fresh fruit smoothie, which I purchased from a vendor. I also swung by Hannes Menswear, where I ran into my friends Matt and Emily, both of whom I hadn’t seen in a while. Thursdays on First is the best thing to happen to Rochester since, well, the inception of Rochesterfest. Speaking of Rochesterfest, it’s next week! I eagerly anticipate wandering downtown, again taking in the sites and sounds of our beautiful city.