I figure it’s well into
February, and everyone’s had the chance to settle into the new post holiday
semester/workload, so why not sent out an “Ian Update” to let all my
friends, relatives, enemies, and people I just tolerate what’s going on in the
world of me? (It would be the perfect reason to brag about what exciting things
have been going on… except that nothing exciting has been going on). I
guess it’s good for you – it’ll be a short email.
To summarize the latter half of fall ’01 – Stephanie and I were in charge of
preparing Thanksgiving for her family (13 people) the Saturday after, as both
her parents had to work on Thanksgiving proper. I’m happy to report that
everything came out quite well – A perfectly moist turkey with
“Perge-style” stuffing that the Cunningham’s were able to adapt to, two
types of mashed potatoes (regular and garlic and onion,) multiple vegetables,
rolls, and several pies and cookie trays. You’ve all heard the phrase
“The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? – Well, if
it works for entire families, I’m an unofficial Cunningham now. :)
A few short weeks after it was time to head home for the holidays.
Stephanie and I stayed in Lexington a few extra days for her to take the GRE’s
–which she aced! (Go honey!), and after only two days in Cincinnati I was off
to New York to spend the holidays with my family. To be honest, a 13-½
hour drive isn’t as bad as you would think, as long as you have good music to
pass the time, which I did. One thing that I thought I was mentally
prepared for, and yet still shook me – the change in the skyline. Not
having been home since 9/11, it was something I knew would be there (or rather,
lacking), but the actually scene left me somewhat speechless, which doesn’t
often happen.
To be honest, “Winter Break” wasn’t much of one. Within 12 hours of
my arrival I had a doctor’s appointment, and they didn’t let up after that
(Because my insurance doesn’t cover me at school, I book all my needed visits
in the short time I come home). Just a few of the medical problems taken
care of were; 3 wisdom teeth removed, 6 hours in the “normal” dentist chair
(My family has genetically weak teeth, I’m sure of that now), my knees X-rayed
and examined I've been having a bit of trouble with them over the last few
months), an eye exam, and my regular check-up. All in all, it added up to
8 appointments in 14 days, which didn’t leave much time for visitation of
friends. For everyone I missed, you have my deepest apologies – I
promise we’ll catch up this summer. I also need to thank Adam Parness
and Scott Ferreria for throwing the hella-cool New Year’s party, which was
pretty much my only “relaxing” day out of my whole trip. You guys rock
like granite! After the hassle of getting my car repaired and inspected, I
left on the 4th on January, and started classes on the 7th. Yes, a real
relaxing vacation. :P*
As for school, this semester I’m taking “Introduction to U.S. Politics,”
“Right-Wing Extremism,” and “Elementary Statistics.” Yes, that’s
one less course than usual, and if you’re interested in knowing why, email me
and I’ll explain in private. Let’s just say it involves a
professor’s discrimination against me, my taking it to the school
administration, and leave it at that. I’m fighting the good fight,
people. Stephanie and I have also settled on Spring Break plans (our
first). It turns out that during our week off Dream Theater will be
playing a two-night stand in Chicago, so we’ve bought tickets and will be
having a mini-vacation built around our favorite band. Ahh, to be young,
in love, and huge prog dorks… ;)
Other that that, almost everything else that’s been going on is documented on
my site, so I’ll briefly describe it here, and link to the appropriate page;
- I’m now writing CD and assorted reviews for the Internet site Musician’s
Planet. My first review of bassist Tony Levin’s CD “Waters of
Eden” is up now, with others to follow soon. Please take a moment to
read it, and let me know what you think. I hope this to be the ongoing
expansion of my writing, something I’m finding more joy in with every new
piece.
- Speaking of new pieces, the second installment of “Visual
Verbalizations”
is up, entitled “To
Play, or to Create?”
It finally explains some of the thoughts in my head during the various musical
projects I’ve been a part of, as well as finally explaining in detail “My”
recording project. Please feel free to email me any feedback on the above
two writings, as well and anything else that comes to mind.
- I can’t give much info on this as I’m sworn to secrecy (which was my
idea), and because it’s only in the planning stages, but I’m also part of a
new musical “collective,” which has the potential to be very interesting and
musically stimulating. More on this to come as thing become concrete…
- It’s new bass time! (5 years after I acquired my six-string).
Check out “My
Equipment”
page for detail on my new “baby”, a Fender Jazz Plus V..
One last thing – over the last few messages I’ve asked, poked, prodded, and
begged for new questions to the FAQ
and for guestbook signatures. Now comes down to shame. Here’s a
list of everyone that need to contribute: Adam, Angel, Barbara, Ben, Chris, Jen,
Joanne, Dave, Ed, Evan, Scott, Liz, Lisa, Matt, Mark, Michele, Mimi, Nathan,
Noelle, Rhonda, Tara, and Tim.- now don’t you feel guilty! ;)
The FAQ
is easy – send me any three questions you’d like answered, and I’ll answer
them in all honesty. The guestbook is even easier! It’s five
lines!
Hope everyone is well, and I’ll see you when I see you!
~Ian
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