Wars and Windmills

05 October 2008

Lucky

I don't have the slightest idea of when the divergence took place. It wasn't shocking enough or, by any means, hallowed enough an event to be entered into the annals of time, so like the mystery of what Dr. Claw actually looks like, we'll never know. However, there are now two distinct (albeit a blurry distinction) types of web logs: updaters and not updaters. There is nothing wrong with either camp, but there used to be but one.

In the halcyon days of yore the only person I knew with a web log was Joe and he wrote once a month, maybe, mostly maybe not even. Those were simpler times. Less informed and far less connected, but simpler. Simpler is not always better. I enjoy this little neighborhood of friends linked from page to page. It has been great to reconnect with Gillilliland and others while staying connected with James, Joe, Grant, my sisters, and all fine common folk over there on the right. Still, I am not an updater. Lindsey's web log will always be the one to check for daily anecdotes of Scot living. She is the uber Updater. Again, I am not. My posts are sporadic in topic and timeliness and will only grow more so as I delve into my schooling.

However, I have been asked to update my web log with an update on life. So, here is you have it, an update on my new life in the old world:

It is entirely satisfying to be back in the classroom. I can't even tell if my teachers are boring because I like listening to their accents so much I can't help but pay attention.

I have three classes this semester. They meet once a week from Tuesday to Thursday. That may seem like a dream for all the free time, but my professors plan to fill it. In my Walter Scott class alone I am assigned a novel of his a week, starting with Waverley. This say nothing for my Literary Studies class or The Theory of the Novel. the next semester I have 4 classes that also meet once a week and then the last semester is dedicated entirely to writing my dissertation.

Though still largely undecided on what to focus on for my dissertation I think that while here I should delve into the culture I am surrounded by and study 19th century Scottish authors, mostly Sir Walter Scott. I haven't really read much of his but my adviser thinks it impossible to study Scottish writers without studying Scott so I'm giving him a go. I can't even tell you the amount of sweat thinking about what I am going to write my dissertation on brings, it is ugly and not the least bit natural and should be the topic of some scientist's dissertation.

Mostly though, I find myself feeling lucky.

I will try to post when I can, but it will rarely be an "update". It will most likely be about movies, music, video games, comic books, Star Wars, and other nerdery.

Some photos I have taken thus far:

Moss and memory on a flat lying tombstone.


Tree -v- Wall. Tree wins.


River Don


View from Bridge of Balgownie. We live under those pipes in the background


Me on a felled tree

6 comments:

  1. I am lucky to be your wife. Of all the people who get so little information from you about your daily life, I know the most.

    A hearty "Cheers" to your post.

    You take great photos as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fantastic post. I am glad to see things are going so well. Your pictures are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hooray for a post. Though I like nerdery as much as life postings. I rarely ever say what's going on in my life either.

    Those pictures are breathtaking. I really want to come visit. Valerie and I will work this out somehow. You'll be hearing from us. Maybe we'll start swimming tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hopefully when you come home you have a nice scottish brogue. It'll fit the beard n stuff.
    You should do your dissertation on William Wallace. I heard he wrote childrens books.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fantastic Pics brother Rupert. I guess it's nice to hear about your life too. Fine. I said it. But don't think I really care.....cuz I don't...do...don't....do. Fine, I do.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I agree about how complicated blogging has become......I don't like that my list now consists of a few lists and I don't know how to categorize or duly respect each one in turn.....but I think your blog, Joe's blog, James' blog....these are the ones I will always remain faithful to.

    As far as Scotland goes, I am bleeding envy. The pictures are beautiful and the only thing I know about Sir Walter Scott is didn't he write Ivanhoe? I could be totally off-balance there.... In any case, don't stop posting, even if grad school slows it down. Breathe in that green green Scottish air for your fellow blood Scot back home in Utahr.......

    ReplyDelete