I'm Back

Good morning everyone and welcome back to another special edition of my xanga. Yes, I still use this thing. In fact, I did check it every day during my absence. College has been killer on my desire to update, but now that I have officially turned in my last final, I feel that it is time for an update. I am more than long overdue and I sure everyone is wondering about what is going on in my life. So, welcome back everyone.

It is hard to believe, but the last time that I updated was on December 20th of 2007.  That's nearly a full five months ago. A mind-numbing amount of events have occurred during that time. I guess I'll start with the reason I stopped updating - school work.  Yes, that dreaded college bug bit me once again this semester. I think 26 credits is more than enough to keep any student busy.  I really did love my classes though this semester. I had American Foreign Policy, which was a ton of work, but I learned so much thanks to Dr. Lopez. Intermediate Microeconomic Theory was also great, and even rekindled my love of calculus. Data Analysis and Research Methods was a computer-based course using SPSS. That kind of stuff is right down my alley, so all in all, the course was a breeze. International Political Economy also kept me pretty busy, but the class itself was pretty simple. Choral Masterworks was a great, relaxing course, but the final exam I took on Friday was deceptively tricky.  All in all, I read way too many textbooks, journal articles, and wrote a few too many papers, while solving some pretty intense problems. I deem this semester a success though, that's for sure.

Extracurricularly, I have done some things that I have never dreamed of. I successfully completed my stint as Parliamentarian of the SGA on campus. I had to oversee elections, make sure meetings ran according to Roberts Rules of Order, Master the Constitution, help clubs get SGA recognition, and various other odds and ends. In hindsight, this was a great position for me. I really got lost in SGA, which was a great escape from the mundane. That being said, I am more than glad to be done. I put in a lot of hard work to help the organization run, and spent so many hours with the Exec Board. They are some of my closest friends up here because of it. Thanks guys. Musically, I've kept very active. My first attempt to start a drumline up here has pretty much been a failure. I think next year we can really get something going though. The biggest musical thing I've done is performing in Carnegie Hall in front of a sold out audience. Simply an unbelievable experience, considering all of the famous names that have been on that very stage. SU got to perform since it was our 150th anniversary.  100 alumni were chosen to sing with the choir, chorale, and perform with the SU orchestra. My brother and I stood side by side on the grandest *arguable* stage of them all. How amazing. We also had a successful choir tour around the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.  The concerts all went very well and I had a blast with the choir. I had a xylophone solo in percussion ensemble. It certainly didn't go as well as I had hoped, but it could have gone a lot worse. I was really nervous, it was my first solo on campus. I played in a recital which came off really well.  All in all, I've had a very successful semester in the music department.

I've also been quite busy outside of school as well.  I went to my fair share of concerts. I saw Jason Mraz live on campus which was pretty cool. He is great live. I also saw Good Charlotte at Lycoming. That was pretty loud and a bit crazy, but I loved it. I was shocked that they were actually decent live.  I really want to go see some concerts this summer. Also, Weiner and I took a road trip to UPENN and watched a taping of The Colbert Report Live. Definitely the best day I have had in a long time. Good food, lots of driving, and Stephen Colbert is a genius. He is so quick live, and really is a very intelligent person. Simply hysterical. I do have some awesome news for next spring. I will be the Head Tour Guide for Susquehanna University, which is a really cool thing. So, if anybody wants a tour of campus, feel free to let me know. I guess I'm pretty good at it. I've been playing Brawl a lot, and I have to admit that I love it. I'm not sure if I prefer it to melee yet or not, but it's pretty neat. I've also started playing ultimate frisbee a lot up here. I can run again, which feels amazing after 8 months of being too scared and too weak to.

I also have very good news for next fall. I actually won't be at SU in the fall. I am going to study abroad in Scotland in Edinburgh. I will take 5 weeks of courses at the University of Edinburgh and then intern with a member of the Scottish Parliament for 10 weeks. Yes, I am going to working in Scotland's Parliament. I am really stoked. Scotland has such a rich culture. I am excited for kilts, football, bagpipes, the Highlands, the beaches, St. Andrews, the castles, and so much more. Truly, a once in a life time opportunity. So, that means that you guys all need to hang out with me over the summer before I go. As far as this summer, I'm working for a polling and research firm in Harrisburg, putting in some hours at the pool again, and maybe working for a pharmacy. I need to make some serious dough, because the exchange rate will kill me next fall.

As I look back at these five months, I wonder where the time has gone. For one thing, I am a completely different person than I was five months ago. Life certainly throws curveballs and hurdles in your way, but that is how you grow. I have grown a lot, through the experiences that I've had, the friends I've made, and the memories that will stick with me forever. I feel like I'm a new person, and for once, I'm  not scared.

That being said, I'm still Brian Gilbert. I am looking forward to seeing all of my friends and having a ton of fun. I'll be home next Sunday. I'm staying up on campus for senior week, so let the frisbee and brawl commence.

To prove I'm not different...

Until next time, you've been goobinformed!

Currently Listening The Reminder By Feist I Feel it All see related

Good morning ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and kids of all ages and welcome back to the xanga unlike any other, my xanga. I hope that life has treated you well since I last stopped by, which was well over four months ago. I guess time flies whenever life gets hectic, which has what these past four months have been. I apologize to all my fans that have been waiting, craving, or praying for me to return to my xanga. Fear not, your Christmas can be a happy one now, cause the King is back! Wow, I am full of myself this early in the morning. Before I go off into more catchphrases, I will get right down to business as you all need to take a glimpse into my chaotic four months.

Well, summer ended. It sounds weird to say that considering it's nearly winter. But, summer ended and I finally got out of my knee immobilizer just in time to head back up to Susquehanna. The first week was treacherous without the knee stabilizer, but I got my surefooting back in no time.  School was very hectic this past semester. I had 26 credits due to having 8 credits of music. So, this semester, I took the History of Science and Medicine in Asia, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Aural Theory I, Written Theory I, Comparative Government and Politics, and Sophomore Essay.  Science and Medicine turned out to be my least favorite class. We had tons of reading for that class and the professor was a bit odd to say the least. In addition, I had no knowledge of Chinese History coming into the class, which made it rough. I did survive though and wrote a pretty darn good 14 page term paper to wrap things up for the class.  Intermediate Macroeconomics was a breeze, considering we only had to do two take home exams and a term paper. So, that was my second 14 page term paper of the semester.  I also had written and aural theory, which both proved be uniquely challenging.  I learned a lot in written theory, since I've never taken a theory course before. I despise part writing and the rules associated with it. I would always write myself into a corner. I did well in aural theory, which made me happy.  Comparative Government and Politics is often known as the weeding out course for Political Science majors at Susquehanna University. The class was indeed very difficult, but in truth, the professor just expected you to do the reading, go to class, take notes, and try your best.  It was the first Political Science Course that I really had to work hard for, and it paid. I wrote a 19 page paper for this class.  Sophomore Essay was also its own unique challenge. For the honors program during sophomore year, you have to write a 15-20 page position paper, choose a faculty advisor, and write the paper over the course of the semester, then present your research during the end of the semester. I chose to write a paper claiming Wal-Mart is not the corporate monster that the internet media has made it out to be.  With that being said, I wrote a good 22 page paper, but I'm not sure I agree with it anymore. So, if you can't tell, this was the semester of papers and I am glad that I had survived.

Musically, things are going quite well at SU. I get so darned frustrated with Symphonic Band at times, that I often wonder what is the point. I love percussion ensemble and I even am starting to like percussion lessons. I learned a lot of neat stuff this semester regarding auxillary percussion (toys as I like to call them).  Vocally, I've also made some progress. Aural Theory has helped refine my ear a bit. Voice lessons with Fahnestock have really challenged me. My jury for the fall went well, considering my pieces combined spanned two octaves *that's a really big deal for me* I sang a high E (e4) for one of the first times in my life without straining too much. I also sang a low e (e2) as well, which sadly, I think my range is shifting up. That low note was much harder to hit than it used to be. I also did stadium band this semester, and didn't enjoy it that much. I guess it was fun at times, but also a pain at others.  I am in the process of starting up Susquehanna's first indoor drumline, which will be quite an interesting experience. I must admit, it was nice to have Jess at SU to help keep me sane and have someone to talk to. I want to thank her for putting up with my stress level this semester and just wanted to say I love you.  Also, it was nice to see Drew, Sam, and Kitty around campus as well. Go WP!

Josh, my roommate, and I got along famously this past semester. I'm glad I chose to room with him again. I don't know what I'm going to do next year. I might be abroad in the fall and he will probably be living in the frat house, so things will get quite different. I've also started riding a scooter around campus and I only had one accident this fall.  Tour guiding has been going well, and I really haven't had much time to work on my assistantship.  I got to eat at the President's house a few times this semester, for various things.  As a Presidential Fellow, I also got to go see the Color Purple on Broadway in NYC earlier in September. I got to see the Statue of Liberty, shop in Virgin Mega Store, and hang out with some fun people.  SGA has been crazy this semester. I'm currently the Parliamentarian, so I am in charge of elections and the constitution.  SGA added so much to my schedule, and I have newfound respect for SGA Executive Board.

I have had a couple of good times over the weekends and breaks. Jess and I won a Halloween costume contest at school for being Beauty and the Geek.  We went to Trax numerous times this past semester.  I've had many good times over the big school breaks. Thanksgiving Break was great. I had a party on Black Friday. It was so awesome to see everyone again, play guitar hero, hang out, and just relax. I'm glad that everyone could come. Ang and I also road tripped to JMU to see Niki and the Marching Royal Dukes. That was really neat and the MRD sounded so awesome. It was a blast to hang out with her, Mike, and Ang all day. We got so lucky -- free tickets with the season ticket holders and so much more.

Home has been great too. I'm attempting to beat Super Mario 64 once again. I'm up to 92 stars *only 28 more to go* Maggie, my dog, has been great and I love being at home with Jess and my family and my friends.

So, that's the past four months in a nutshell. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to update. I hope I never do that again.  I've missed you guys and I hope I get to see all of you over break sometime.

Until next time, you've been goobinformed!

Currently Listening Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace By Foo Fighters The Pretender see related

Good Morning everybody and welcome back to another random entry here in my xanga. I hope that life has been treating you well since I last checked in. Things over here on my side of the fence have been extremely busy. I am very shocked and disappointed that summer 2007 has already come and, more importantly, is almost gone. *bursts into tears* *regains composure* Sorry about that random outburst of emotion. I do apologize for not updating all summer, but things were quite busy over here and I barely had time to sit down at the computer this summer...and when I did, sadly, xanga got pushed to the back burner. Either way, enough chit-chat, it's time for some serious updating. For those whose long term memory isn't the greatest and cannot remember what it's like, welcome to my life.

Well, I guess I'll start with the big event of summer which was my Belize trip. On the days leading up to the trip, I'm not going to lie, I was pretty nervous and almost dreading this experience. It turned out to be a truly once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. The whole purpose of the trip was to provide medical and optical care to the people of Belize working through the Light of the World Mission Company. The Ickesburg Lions Club paid for our way, which meant all expenses paid. Weiner, Steph, and I got to go down along with three other people from PA, two from the northeast, a girl from Alabama, and a lady from the UK.  We traveled village to vilage examining eyes and then giving them glasses that matched their prescription. In essence, that was the whole premise of the working part of the trip. Seeing so much poverty and devastation really puts a perspective on the things we value in America.

Of course, we had time for sightseeing and just having fun in Belize. I got to swim in clear water, which has been a dream of mine since I was little. Weiner and I also kayaked around a 5 mile island.  In hindsight, I'm glad we did it, but boy did we suck at kayaking. We got to swim in a few rivers and I managed to do a backflip off of a 10 foot suspension bridge into the water. I can't believe I made it. We also went off tarzan swings. The scenery was amazing, but it was really hot and humid down there. We also visited two Mayan ruins, Xunantunich, which is a huge pyramid structure, and the Mayan Underworld, which is a canoe cave tour. I also learned that I'm not good at canoeing. Without Weiner and Steph there, the trip would not have been nearly as much fun. If you want more stories, and believe me, there are many, just ask me!

My summer jobs this summer consisted of lifeguarding at the BCC pool and working for Tiny Haag. Both jobs were pretty successful. I do think that I am officially retiring from the BCC this year though. I loved hanging out with my friends this summer at that job and even kind of managing the pool was fun, but I feel that it's time to move on.  Some of the highlights of the BCC this summer were Weiner and Betsy's vacuum inuendos, Sarah's constant poop retrival, and of course, the spinny hill game.  Working for Tiny was also an experience in itself. I had a blast working with Weiner, but it was hard work. We accomplished a lot. We cleaned out the 14 by 40, the pool shed, and his shop somewhat. We also did his basement, landscaped a ton, and painted a hallway. Overall, it was successful and I'm glad I did it. I made a good bit of money this summer, which is very exciting.

My summer also featured working for two high school bands - West Perry and Milton. It was a great experience to work with a different group than West Perry and share my knowledge with people that do not know me. On the whole, I feel that both pits progressed tremendously. Milton really had minimal percussion knowledge, but they are really quick learners and worked hard. West Perry's pit is also doing great. Of course, I got frustrated with both at some points, but that is to be expected. Now I just need to get ready for own band stuff this fall.

I guess another highlight of my summer was hanging out with my friends and Jessica! We had tons of fun playing foosball, watching movies, throwing parties, and much, much more. I'm so glad that all of my friends and I still get along after the first year of college. The lowlight of my summer is this stupid knee of mine. For those who do not know, I had surgery over two weeks ago to fix my nagging knee injury. I'm still in an immobilizer and it still hurts quite a bit. It just sucks not being able to do a lot of things.

My favorite movie this summer has to be The Simpsons movie and my favorite song has to be The Arcade Fire - No Cars Go.

Until next time, you've been goobinformed!

Currently Listening Neon Bible By Arcade Fire No Cars Go see related

Good morning/afternoon/evening everybody and welcome back to another immaculate edition of my xanga. Yes, I know that it has been a while since my last update, but twas for a very good reason. Here's a hint, it's called college. *bites thumb in the general direction of Susquehanna* But, now that it is finally summer, I might have a few spare moments to actually update my beloved xanga, which I still claim is not dead. I do want to apologize for my lack of updates. Anyways, I have such a vast amount of updation to do, so I had better get busy. For those who do not know what it's like, welcome to my life.

I am officially a college sophomore. I survived the terrors of the first year of college. Overall, I can honestly say that it was challenging, difficult, strenuous, and stressful, but I made it and made a lot of new friends along the way. I did very well in my classes, which made me extremely happy. I would have to say my favorite class this spring was microeconomics with Dr. Rousu. He was such a cool guy and I definitely learned a lot in his class.  I hated Thought and Civilization, a literature/english course, but I survived that too. I made a lot more friends this semester, which is definitely a good thing.

Music activities at college also went very well this semester. I went out on choir tour over spring break. I must admit that I was not really excited to go on choir tour, but it turned out to be all right. We didn't really go any place too exciting. Singing was by far my favorite part of the journey. We had a couple of good concerts and I have a cd of the return from tour concert if anyone wants a copy. The chamber singers concert also went well and I have a copy of that too.  Band and Percussion Ensemble were pretty much the same as in the fall. It was fun to hang out with my percussion friends and the music did grow on me as the semester went along. I learned the awesome four mallet piece that I was working on last semester. I still suck at playing it, but I know it. I have a recording of that too that I might post. Check my audio page for that.

SGA was very successful in my book. I actually wound up on the executive board of the Student Government Association as the Parliamentarian. Basically, I must know the constitution like the back of my hand. In addition, I help clubs get SGA recognition so that they are eligible to receive SGA funding. I'm really stoked to have this position, I'm not going to lie. My assistantship with Dr. DeMary also went quite well this semester. I did a ton of research for her, bought some books on the President's, and updated the Pre-Law website. It's really cool and maybe I'll post the link later.

Many other exciting things happened during the semester that did not take place at school. A few weekends ago, Jess and I drove down to Baltimore for her birthday present - tickets to the Christina Aguilera concert. We had a blast. I must admit, she does put on a good show. Jess and I both agreed that the city itself was a bit shady, but the concert was great. I'm glad she had a good belated birthday. I went down to DC over Easter Break to see Andy sing in "Elijah" with the National Philharmonic Chorale. It was amazing and he made us Easter Lunch the next day. He cooked very well. Of course, I had fun relaxing with Jess and spending as much time with her as possible.

I have a couple of summer jobs lined up and I am so excited for them. I will probably help out with West Perry's Marching Band this summer, but on a minimal scale. Why you might ask? Because, I got a job teaching the Pit at Milton High School. It's just me helping at Milton and I'm not going to lie, but I'm very excited for the opportunity. Also this summer, I'm working at the pool as a lifeguard once again. I think Sarah is going to manage again, and all of my friends are coming back. I'm also working for Tiny this summer which has already started. I'm covered with poison ivy already, if that's any indication of how things are going right now. This summer, Weiner, Steph, and I are going to Belize for two weeks with the Ickesburg Lion's Club on a trip to give out eye glasses to the poor citizens of Belize. I don't know much about the trip, other than it is in two weeks from June 1-15. Ask me for details *or Steph or Weiner*.

All in all, my first year in school was pretty good. I had tons of fun, at times, and met a lot of great people. With that being said, I am so glad to be at home with my family, friends, my puppy dog, and Jess. Being home for the summer is such a great feeling. I hope you all enjoyed kind of catching up with me and I look forward to hearing back from all of my friends this summer too.

So, until next time, you've been goobinformed!

Currently Listening Minutes to Midnight By Linkin Park What I've Done see related

Good morning everybody and welcome back to another super exciting edition of my xanga. I have taken the longest hiatus in history from my xanga.  I figured it is time to get back into the swing of things and at least update you all about my life.  I guess it took about sixty mallet whacks from Kristen to really get me motivated.  Anyways, I hope that life has been treating you all so kindly since I last checked. Things are going pretty smoothly up here at Susquehanna.  Since I've been gone so long, I do have a truckload to update you all on. So, I had best get down to business.

For starters, a new semester has dawned on Susquehanna.  With the new semester brings and unprecedented amount of work.  I have about 22.5 credits, I think.  I have Principles of Microeconomics which is pretty similar to the style of Macroeconomics from last semester.  Thought and Civilization, my literature course, is by far my least favorite.  I detest looking and writing about books analytically. I was born without that gift. Plus, the teacher is odd.  I have Introduction to Music which is realllly easy.  It's nice to have a class with Ally Watson though *many Perry Countians might remember her* World Affairs is really boring, but it always seems like we are writing papers for that man.  He looks like a cross between Dick Cheney and Mr. Burroughs. I also have my fitness half credit which starts after the break. The other credits are music credits of course. Two lessons, and four different ensembles.  Speaking of which, choir tour is this weekend.  For those who feel like traveling to see one of our performances, check this out. I also will post other concerts and such at a later date.

I moved to a new room on campus, finally.  It is literally five feet from my old room, but at least I am detripled.  The hall I live in still smells awful and the people are just nuts, but I have an awesome new roommate.  He's very country, so it's like being in Perry County. It also helps that he's a music guy without being a major. Coolness.  In other news, I'm going to be a tour guide up here. I just got the job yesterday and I was quite pleased.

In other exciting news, I'm going to Belize this summer on a mission-y type trip.  It's not really a mission's trip, but we're doing stuff like a mission's trip.  It is an all expenses paid trip for two full weeks. I am really nervous about going, but am really excited as well.  The best part is, Weiner and Steph are also going on this trip.  That will make things so much better. I also plan on working at the pool again this summer.

Things between Jess and I are going great, for those who are concerned, which I don't think anyone really is.  We're going to see a Christina Aguilera concert in April *I got her the tickets for her birthday*. I'm just really happy still and she keeps me as stress free as possible.  Seriously, college has taken its toll on me.  This past weekend, Nicole and I baked cookies which was a ton of fun. We did some good work, if I do say so myself.  So, she was the only one that really knows how to cook and measure things.  I also got to see a bunch of cool people, like KRISTEN,Robby, Katelyn, Adam, Patrick, Nikki, and Tina, at the school play. The play was funny.  Zach Nyce, Nikki, and Scott Kresge were all awesome. No offense to everyone else, because everyone did great.  I also went to Kayla's birthday party which was fun. We watched a really weird movie.  Honors band was a few weekends ago and that weekend was just too insane. I had to babysit percussionists for 12 hours on Saturday. And judging them on friday night took about 5 hours. I was going crazy, especially cause I had a midterm to study for that Monday.  But, no one died and I did have some fun. It helps that Jess was up here. 

For those who don't know, my Eddie Bauer had to be traded in.  Some guy at West Perry backed into the side of it with my dad and it would cost way too much to fix, so we got a new trailblazer. I think a moment of silence is needed for the Eddie Bauer. *silence* Pardon me while I eugooglize.  Eddie was such a good SUV.  He didn't ask for much, just some gas every now and then, and maybe an oil change if I had the time.  So many fond memories.  Throwing tomatoes at Ben through the moonroof, riding around parking lots with girls looking out the moonroof, jumping in a creek *not with the Eddie*, the pranks, listening to music, following Ben in that car, driving around girls all the time. RIP Eddie Bauer, you will be missed (2000-2007).

*Wipes tears away* And back to our regularly scheduled programming.  I cannot really think of anything else that's going on. I'm working on an awesome mallet piece up here called Marimba Etude No. 1 by Smadbeck.  It's really cool. I'll try to play it for you guys some time. I'm so glad that spring break is this weekend, but I really wish I had more time. Grr choir and band tour.  Speaking of band, I got 2nd chair in percussion. *technically tied for first, but actually 2nd* So, I was pretty stoked about that. WOOO!

Well, Microeconomics is calling.

Until next time, you've been goobinformed!

Currently Listening Don't You Fake It By Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Face Down see related