Personhood

In the spirit of balance and not always being intellectual or analytical, here are some dumb nerd things I'm excited about right now:

- Fender Telecasters. I got one a month ago and finally have it set up exactly how I want it. The intonation is perfect, it's a joy to play, and the tonal palette is unbelievable. Teles are so... understated. They will never be obsolete; they were the first, and they will probably be the last. I've played Gibsons exclusively until now, and the qualitative change in feel and sound is indescribable. One's not better than the other, they're apples and oranges, and I like it that way. (Did I mention that Telecasters played a large role in the recording of many Stars of the Lid records? Nerd moment.)

- Cold air. I love the fact that it's now slightly uncomfortable to be outside. I like it when I bike to work and my nose gets runny and my eyes are all squinty with little crow's-feet wrinkles on the outside corners. Cold air feels so clean and wonderful. I think that Philadelphia is most beautiful in mid-Fall and in early Spring. And everybody knows that I love Philadelphia more than anywhere else in the world.

- The prospect of touring with Balboa in mid-December, to celebrate the upcoming release of our split record in the Winter. I miss those dudes and I am really excited to hang out with them all again.

- Having a dear older friend (one of my early musical mentors) get so excited about my decision to go to seminary that she just grabbed me and gave me a huge hug. That was actually very reassuring. When people who know you and your weaknesses have that kind of faith and hope in you, it puts challenges in perspective.

- Being commensurately body-tired after a bike commute and a day at work, instead of just brain-tired with an antsy body.