Please Happy

Other people’s kids and dogs never seem so interesting as on nights before huge papers are due. Tonight, I looked at babies: a newborn in Jackson, a beachy toddler in California, a pregnant mama in Salt Lake City. Of about 10 albums I perused, I think I have only held one of those babies in person.

Puppy pics followed.

Then, computer bag organizing. Then, an international call. Then, another trip to get coffee. Then, two calls to the health center to schedule annual appointments. Then, a Christmas present order for my aunt and uncle. Then a shower. Then, a blog post!

This procrastination video is overplayed, but damn, it’s good. And so true.

The helpful advice I keep in my head during these times of cleanliness and over-caffeination comes from Dad’s wife, Sue. “It’ll all be over in 24 hours.”

And, then, the next thing. And the next thing. And the next thing. And then, it’s all over.

So, with my 13 hours until deadline, I will try to enjoy the final death throes of a not-so-well researched paper on a topic that used to sound interesting.

Got back to L.A. late last night. Wasn’t bummed that our plane was delayed.

Campus today is quiet. I’m here writing a 30-pager, changing locations every two hours to get some sunshine and outdoor distraction.

I’ve only seen small remnants from Saturday’s big game. Then, this, outside the library.

The Trojan Knights, self-assigned guardians of school mascot Tommy Trojan, keep a vigil to protect the warrior statue from any hooligans that could deface him before the big football game Saturday against UCLA. The Knights, a “brotherhood” that keeps spirit and tradition alive at USC, have set up mattresses and chairs, and covered the statue helmet to boot, in order to protect him 24/7 in the days leading up to the game. Snapped this with the iPhone before class this morning. May interview the boys later. Fight on (as they say)!

Last Thursday, I was late to my reporting assignment at UCLA, left my digital card at school (had to buy a new one, then get a colleague to drive me one when the new card required a computer to be formatted) and made it back with 10 minutes to track my voice and dash to class for an ill-prepared report on an unrelated subject. But, while at UCLA, I got to talk to a bearded drummer and a girl with no clothes. I got to watch two students performing Tai Chi behind a 500 person deep protest. And, I got to feel the energy of 2,000 people chanting and singing.

I completed my radio piece before the University of California regents emerged from the discussion that approved a 32 percent increase in state tuition.  (It’ll cost $10,000 to go to a state school here next year.) The chanters – including students and labor union activists who traveled from other UC campuses – were protesting in the sun the decision that was being made behind closed doors and behind a line of armed police.

I love this picture, mostly because of my face. And, her outfit, of course. It felt good to be in that crowd, getting the story, marching with the people and documenting.

The piece is rushed, of course. And, the producers cut half of the interviews to save space. And, I sound like I’m running out of breath and space and time on the recording.

But. I got to talk to so many breathless and passionate people. Like, Diane, the Spartacus Club president. She didn’t make the cut, but I loved hearing about her theory that protestors should fight for an entire socialist overhaul of the education system. And, I loved watching the one silent student who “invited” a Buddhist bell in time with tambourine and bongo players. And, I even appreciated the girl who told me that “sound bites are problematic” for her (even though that one made me feel like I belonged on Fox News).

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Rachel just sent this to me. So true.

I’ve gotten into fights with people about Christmas music. I understand it’s annoying when blasted from store speakers hidden in fake Christmas trees at malls starting November 27. But, when you listen to songs about peace, love and joy by Sting, Blues Traveler and Faith Hill, you can’t help but tear up. Or jump around. Christmas music 24/7/365. Great for road trips across the country, dance parties and long runs alone with an iPod.

Always on the lookout for nature in the city, green in the pavement, hearts beating in smog. Found this a few nights ago. Shot it out the car window.

that reminded me of the avian measures Jake showed me a few months ago.

Beauty’s where you find it.

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.