On being a student (still)...

Waking up on Saturday morning with absolutely nothing to do (for real nothing, like you can’t even think of something you remotely need to do, not even your laundry or calling your grandma or painting your toes) is quite possibly the most peaceful, happy, amazing feeling one can experience in life. In that moment, the world is your oyster. You can go back to sleep, you can go shopping, you can shower or not shower, you can watch tv, or go to a movie by yourself, or eat breakfast at 3:00pm, or call people who live far away, or go for a walk, or read a book, or look up your old house on google maps, or paint your kitchen, or read about Larry King’s life and career on Wikipedia, or get a margarita, or drive around without a destination, or, or, or…

The possibilities are endless.

Waking up on Saturday morning knowing you have to sit at your computer all day and work on your thesis is just not the same. However, if the air is crisp and you aren’t too hung-over and there’s a good spot at your favorite coffee shop, there is something satisfying about studying on a Saturday. Good coffee is just good. It tastes good and pulls you gently into productive consciousness. Listening to “study music”** is also good. Accomplishing things gives one a sense of satisfaction. Getting lost in researching something you love is fulfilling. Avoiding being completely grown up and in the ‘real world’ can save you from having an emotional breakdown or a quarter-life crisis.

Also, it is possible that still technically being a student gives one license to be completely irresponsible on occasion (or most of the time if we’re honest, here).


P.S.
Murray Street Coffee in Deep Ellum is my favorite coffee shop in Dallas (the only good one, really, since the sad removal (sniff) of dear old Gachet on lower Greeneville). Murray Street has good coffee, a big table upstairs, decent music (usually), and plenty of outlets for my computer with its sad, old, tired battery. Also, the owners are probably 60 but think they are 20-something hipsters. Also, they shop exclusively at Barney’s. Also, I think the lady (Liz) is an alcoholic. Sometimes she yells at people. Also, sometimes I think she’s strung out on drugs. I like her because she gives me free coffee (I think she feels bad for me because I obviously shop at Target and thrift stores and can’t afford Barney’s). Also, she makes me kick ass oatmeal. It takes 30 minutes but is worth the wait. Fluffy oats, fresh berries, and cream. Mmm-mmmmmm!

**Someday I will define the characteristics of perfect study music. For now, know that I am listening to Fleet Foxes and they have what it takes.