Sequel

As you can see, I have abandoned my blog. After my little stint in August, I figured there weren't enough people who would care to read my blog, and that in general, blogging was a kind of selfish, conceited thing. I also didn't seem to think that there were enough interesting things going on in my life, which is most likely true. However, in the past few weeks, I realized that I have a lot to say, and whether or not people want to read about it is their decision.

I guess I'm selfish now. Such is life. Or maybe my life is more interesting, you tell me.

Speaking of life, it has been markedly snowglobe-esque as of late. Banner Elk is in a record snowfall winter, with over 80 inches since October. Since the semester has started, I haven't seen grass in my yard. It sure is a pain when you get your car stuck twice a week (fact) and your board of trustees hands you 8 snow days in 3 weeks of class. But, damn, its pretty up here.

Accompanying the beauty of Beech Mountain is the Appalachian Literature class I've been taking this semester. I can't tell you how exciting this class is, as our professor, Dr. Michael Joslin, has been submersing us in dozens of writing excerpts from the 18th-19th centuries. The following are the words of James Kirke Paulding, as he describes his first dusk within view of the Appalachians: "Between us and the mountain was spread a wide landscape, shade softening into shade, with such imperceptible gradations, as blended the whole into an indescribable

harmony. Over all was spread that rich purple hue, which painters have often tried to imitate in vain. All that they have been able to do is, to put us in mind of it, and leave the rest to imagination . . . "

I have slowly been falling in love with this place, and as I continue to read about its first descriptions, I'm increasingly jealous of the frontiers who experienced its unindustrialized beauty.

That said, the next comments regard the Winter Olympics. I watched the olympics religiously over the past 2 weeks. Curling/hockey in the afternoon on the treadmill; NBC prime time coverage while riding the trainer/cooking/eating dinner. Its always great to watch Americans coming out on top, and I'm super stoked about how well we did. Nothing like living vicariously

through others.

It was also great to see the Canadians do so well. It was a bummer to lose to them in the men's hockey final but what a game. The story about their first gold medalist, Alex Bilodeau and his brother was certainly a tear jerker as well. Another one of my favorites was Petter Northug's insane comeback in the final leg of the 4x10km relay. The Norwegian is known for telling his competitors mid race that he is going to beat them, then he does it. I wish the Olympics lasted 3 weeks!

Well, there is plenty more to be said, but I certainly don't want to make this one too long. I hope you are all having a wonderful time.

Carpe Diem

Joseph

PS-Kristin, your turn.