.:oh what a world:.

so today I went to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. The museum was spectacular; I most definitely recommend it for those who enjoy American art. Actually, there is a rather peculiar photography exhibit called Nan Goldin that is here until tomorrow. (I only say peculiar because it didn't exactly fit with the theme of the rest of the museum but it was amazing it it's truthfulness.)

My New Year's resolution two months late is to take more advantage of the cultural activities in Philadelphia. I already go downtown quite a lot so it isn't that I need to take more advantage of the "city" so much as the "culture". I invite all my friends to join me on that venture too. Perhaps once a week (or every two weeks depending on midterm schedules) I'll go downtown for some outting to a new part of philly. I figure there is all the time in the world for drunk debachery, but I'm only here for less than four years. Sometimes I feel as though partying is amazing and fun in its own right, but nothing beats that heigtened feeling of consciousness when visiting a gallery, or attending a free concert at the Kennedy Center (okay, so that's DC I know!), or wandering around the Eastern Market (dc too).

I'm also pledging sorority, which despite the hype associated with pledging, is actually rather fun. I think it teaches a lot about dealing with authority more than anything else. In every organisation there are the "rites of passage" as my dad so fondly refers to them. Sometimes it's not easy to cope with those "rites" not because the actions are cumbersome but rather because the actions are demanded. For a person with a great deal of self-worth and independence it can be rather difficult to become accostumed to the demands and expectations of others. I think for me growing up with a drill sergerant for a dad I've already learned how to balance my sense of self and independence with the demands of a few girls. The most important thing I've found to close my eyes, breathe for five seconds and find the humor in the moment. It's there, sometimes we just have to dig to find it.

on the ipod: i will follow you into the dark by death cab for cutie
new art obsession: technique called trompe-l'oeil
art obsession in action: nga exhibit and william michael harnett