Dishwashing and Loneliness

I've lived in two apartments without dishwashers now: once when I was living with Brad in Lancaster and this current one. (Sidenote: odd, huh? Seems like just awhile ago it would have noteworthy if the apartment *had* a dishwasher.) And I can honestly say that one of my favorite parts of the day is washing the dinner dishes. Especially in this apartment. Meg has graciously set up her stereo so that there are speakers in most rooms and I can play music (just like I used to in Lancaster). Around our kitchen sink we have small paper lamps that have the softest glow. I love the light, I love the music, I love the feeling of the warm soapy water. I love the calming nature of the whole experience. Of course it matters which music one plays. My all-time top 3 dishwashing albums are Doug Martsch's self-titled release, Beck's Sea Change and Sufjan Stevens' Seven Swans.

Come to think of it, these past few weeks have felt a lot like that summer in Lancaster. Not entirely bad, not entirely good either... Two years later and 300 miles to the north, I feel that same pang of loneliness. Most everyone I knew at Syracuse University graduated last May and I just want to rush through this year to get it over with. It all feels like purgatory, some interim period where I feel like I belong nowhere.

Let's play the silver lining game (a quote from cat and girl): At least it will be a productive year for work ;)