Time

It makes me sort of cringe to think that my last post was about the first week of school. We can look at it literally: Alex, you are a lazy ass. But let's be nice to Alex and look at it symbolically: Alex, can you believe the semester is almost over?

Time has flown by so quickly that it scares me. It seems as though as we get older, time moves a lot faster. Does anyone agree? Or am I just really anxious since this past weekend was our last tailgate (ever)? Ok. Don't stop reading, I promise this post will not be emo.

A lot of good things have happened over the past couple of months. I have grown closer with my friends, I really like my classes, and I have come to love and appreciate Vanderbilt (Nashville especially... who woulda thunk it?). When you acknowledge the fact that time is fleeting, you realize that you should REALLY enjoy it. What do you have to lose?

So when my older brother got on my ass about sticking with my blog, I had my excuses: "I have NO TIME," "the GRE," "so much work," "it's just a hobby," "I'm going to start fresh in the spring." He responded, in a nice way, cut the bullshit. "Don't wait till spring, do it now. If you like doing it, make time." In the end, we have to admit that we have no control over time. But we have control of what we do with it. So, I'm going to make time for my blog and stick to it. I like writing it. I hope you like reading it. And even if you don't, I'll be doing it every Wednesday. Wednesday wrap-up if you will.

Enough about time, now about artsy. In my most recent music experiences, I saw Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes do a small set at Grimey's record store (above The Basement on 8th ave). I had never heard of them so I am very glad I found someone else who loves music as much as I do and decided to invite me! Ed Sharpe sounds smooth, soulful and folky. By folky I don't mean in a weird way but in a "let's hold hands and laugh and dance" kind of way. The show was simple and sweet. And I REALLY loved seeing this band jam out stoned off their asses (imagine a group of happy hippies in bizarre garments and greasy hair just having a fun time talking shit and performing great music.) Check out one of their most popular and one of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjFaenf1T-Y

Just this past weekend I had the chance, no the great fortune, to see JAY-Z perform at Vanderbilt. There really are no words, except that he's not a businessman, he's a business, man (ha! had to do it..) No but really, he is the epitome of cool. Honestly, this guy knows how to put on an AMAZING show. He did a lot of songs from the new Blueprint 3 album (almost cried when I heard "Empire State of Mind," who wouldn't?) and of course the classics, including one of my faves of all time, "Public Service Announcement." Others to be mentioned for their greatness: "Big Pimpin',""99 Problems,""Hard Knock Life," and... wait for it... "Forever Young" to finish it all off.

What's so great about Jay Z is not that he is such an amazing performer but that he really loves his audience. Who will ever forget the ten minute shout out he made to people from the floor to the nose bleeds ("ye boy I see ya in ya jamaican shirt.." "ye girl, I see ya in yo bling. damn!")? Or the fact that he thinks Vandy girls are hot ("y'all got some pretty ladies here! what the fuuuuuck!")? My roommate and I convinced ourselves that he was looking at us directly. All in all, such a perfect experience. Thank you Jay Z.

Shit. I really always tell myself to write shorter posts. ANYWAYS. Recap, I will be writing a post every Wednesday about any cool artsy experiences and will try to include things going on in Nashville. About the time thing, take it in stride, but realize that time does fly. Why not enjoy it? In the words of HOVA himself:

"I'd rather die enormous than live dormant."

Stuff to check out if you are here this weekend before the break:

Deadmau5, this thursday, Limelight, 8pm

Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys), this Saturday, Cannery Ballroom, 9pm