On the school front, 2003 ends much as it began, with me still not having an approved dissertation topic. I've made progress. Not enough, but progress at least. I still hope to defend by the end of the winter quarter, so by March, essentially. Of course, once that happens, I still have to write the rest of the damn thing. Ugh.
Other than that, not much else has happened. I still have the beard I started last Christmas. It started out as laziness while I was home, but remained because M. likes facial hair. Traditionally, I ,mix things up with regular, if not frequent, changes. So, a full year is a long time without any changes. Of course, I like the beard as well, so every time I look in the mirror contemplating change, I never do. Of course, since my face seems to be the only place my body likes to grow hair anymore, I suppose I should go with it.
I saw a bunch of great music this year, most of which has been detailed in the diary. It's hard to pick out a favorite, I suppose, so I won't. I've gotten better at playing the guitar myself, and even managed to do some home recording, before DS moved out and took his 8-track with him. The only thing I've asked for for Christmas is money to buy recording equipment of my own, so I hope to do a lot more recording in the new year. Not that I think the songs I write are that good. Mostly whiny boy songs, but, whatever, if Britney Spears can record music, then why not me? Of course, I don't have a record label to pay lots of money for MTV and Clear Channel to push my music down the public's throat. But then again, I don't make music to make money, or even for people to hear. I make it because somewhere, deep inside me, it resides, waiting to get out. It makes me feel better when I make it, and that's enough for me. And if one or two people hear it and like it, well, so much the better.
Hmm, this entry is getting a bit long, and I'm almost to the bottom of my bottle of wine. So, so long 2003, may your even numbered successor be much more enjoyable and successful than you were.
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Current Music: The Decemberists - California Youth and Beauty Brigade