old times.

So, since it's been roughly an eternity since I've graced this blog with my presence, I'll play a little catch-up in a couple sentences. In my last post, my brains were fairly spilling out of my ears as I considered the mountain of work I was facing, so here, a little update on my progress since then. Seminar papers were finished, final exam taken (yes, final exam, thank-you-Collin-Brooke) Fem-Rhet proposal submitted (and accepted!), CCCCs proposal submitted and awaiting a reply. Whew!

I also was awarded the scholarship to attend DMAC, so I've spent the last couple weeks here in Columbus, Ohio attending the institute on Digital Media and Composition at The Ohio State University. I have learned an immense amount and I have produced some interesting work, plus met some phenomenal people in the process. We heard talks from Cheryl Ball and Kris Blair, were exposed to all different kinds of digital editing software, and had the opportunity to view each other's projects at a tasty barbeque at Scott DeWitt's house. We also were treated to Cindy Selfe's delicious (and potent) margaritas on Saturday night, along with a couple cozy bonfires and great DMAC-ian company.

The best part about this experience, though, might have been getting the chance to see old friends. Thanks to the wide world of Facebook, I was able to arrange lodging with friends that I have known for years but have rarely gotten to visit, and so I've spent almost as much time catching up and reminiscing as I have working with cutting edge theories and equipment in digital media and design. Not a bad way to spend 13 days! I was also able to visit with one of my very best friends from Cleveland (OK, from Lorain) who came down to Columbus for a couple of days and so was able to sample some of the finest things the city has to offer, including handcrafted beers from The Elevator and gourmet sandwiches from Jimmy John's. We stayed up late into the night laughing and talking about times past and speculating about what the future may hold. I have seldom had the opportunity to partake in such rich exchanges, both personally and professionally, as I have had through DMAC.

Tomorrow is our showcase, which marks the end of our time here in the capital city. Tonight I have a date with a couple friends I haven't seen in what seems like eons. We're going to Betty's in the Short North (which, I was astounded to realize, has all the overhead arch lights working), where I will indulge in the best chicken nachos I have ever had the pleasure to eat (and perhaps even a few of Betty's signature cocktails). I'll be sad to see this extraordinary time come to a close, but I will be forever grateful for the skills I've learned, the new friends I've made, and the warm, comfortable reconnections with friends who have, in many ways, helped shape the person I am today. Thank you DMAC, and farewell Columbus!