Jigsaw Falling Into Place
It’s amazing the difference that can be created by just little things. Great new music, American candy, job prospects, pictures of the faces and places I’ve known, and a telephone to call home.
Yes, after a few weeks of a semi-sedentary lifestyle I am happy to announce that I’ve righted some of the wrongs I was feeling. I’ve thrown myself into the social pipeline in an attempt to make new friends. I even organized a rugby game to be played soon. I just feel so much more connected this week than I have since I’ve been here and it feels so much better.
But it’s more than a feeling. I mean, good things HAVE been happening. Last night I gave my first number 4 talk as well as a demonstration in the hall. The weekend before I went to Manchester to spend some time with a very cool fellow American and while there got to see an LCD Soundsystem concert… good times. Before that I went with friends to York for a simple afternoon of coffee shop crawling. And before that I got to show up the know-it-all in my class!
On top of these things mix in The Office, kind words from across the sea, Radiohead’s new album, an insatiable Nutella addiction, Rugby anticipation/trash talking, jokes that make you cry laughing, a lemon-scented-geranium, and all the other little things that make everything seem just a bit better. They are just little things but like I said, it’s amazing the difference that can be created by just little things. They remind you of who you are and what you are doing here. All the little bits seem to make things clear as if they all just fit together to reveal a picture larger than what you could observe before.
If you are still puzzled as to what I am alluding to, I am saying basically this: More and more each day I’m feeling like I can actually fit here. Less like a tourist and more like I belong. And I must say, I’m enjoying it.














October 26th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Brandon, I’m glad you are having so much fun. With your personality, I knew you would have no problem making new friends & fitting in. You might want to wear a mouth guard when playing rugby (ouch). How is the food over there. Do you have a favorite dish yet? And what is your favorite British thing? I glad we can call you now, & I will call soon. Dad
October 29th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Brandon I’m trying not to leave messages in every box!! I hope you like the goodies! Need anything else? Monty is making me honey crisp apples so good they are visiting, going to see the Hannah Montana concert. Work is great loving it. Love you sweetpea sure to miss you. And Don’t fit it too much because your coming home. love you mom sorry got to look up map quest for Monty bye
October 30th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Hannah Montana? Mom, come on, a guy can only take so much embarrassment! I am fine with the sweet pea comments but Hannah Montana? Really? I though Il Divo was bad enough…
I’m hanging my head in shame. : )
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Hi big guy
I like your site it`s very interesting, you remind me of that little nerdy guy on p.b.s. traveling around europe. minus the nerd . we send our love kirk and raina
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Is that a classic Devo shirt I see under there?
LCD Soundsystem. Live music is always invigorating.
We just got to finally see Suzanne Vega. Smitten.
Greying hipsters unite.
So which “The Office”?
November 28th, 2007 at 12:29 am
I’m getting caught up on you blog. Daniel and I went on a long road trip.
Isn’t Nutella the best? I love it on toast in the morning with coffee and an apple. Or on apple slices with peanut butter and coconut flakes! Or at any moment with a spoon.
Try a rose scented geranium next! You can cook with them.
Glad you’re perking up.