"The Nest"

Hello Everyone:

I'm going to a lecture and exhibition this evening at my grad school alma mater USC.  It'll be nice to see some familiar faces and talk with people who understand what I'm saying.  I miss being there from time to time.  It was the best two and half years of my life, not because I got my masters from USC.  What made so great was a combination of things: the people, the program, the support for research.  I definitely felt spoiled.  In my previous grad school effort at San Jose, I often felt alone, like no one cared what I did or could give me guidance.  The upside was I met some people who I still count as actual friends not "friends" in the Facebook way.  USC will always feel like the nest for me because I grew up there.  I became a real adult not prolonged my teenaged years.  Thank goodness.  Despite the frequent exhaustion from overwork and too little time, I was always happy to get up in the morning and go to class, not because I had to, because I wanted to be there.  I loved what I was studying.  I really felt that I was moving towards the future.  So, this evening, I'm going back for an exhibition and lecture on Paul R. Williams.  Of course I'll be blogging away about it but I'm eager to see people I know and can relate to.  Who knows what may come out of it.  

That last sentence was kind of strange for me to type because I'm not a big believer in things turning on a dime or divine intervention.  My mom believes in that stuff more than I do.  Still, the thought had occurred to me that "the nest" may present some good possibilities.  At least it beats staying home and listening to mom carry on all evening.  I did bring plenty of business cards, so who knows, right?  Whatever.  Anyway, I'm going to get going and I'll let you know what comes out of returning to "the nest."