The entire world in the middle of nowhere

I used to be afraid of North Central Wisconsin. Hunting, beer... football... We had been planning on Chicago. Music...art...culture... My imagination hadn't included a smaller city as an option. But its definitely growing on me. Of course, with a year under my belt and a growing community of friends I'm feeling more optimistic.

One thing I'm loving about Wisconsin is the people I meet at my day job (I teach music lessons- by night). As a program assistant with the International Student Office I spend my days supporting students from all over the globe. This week orientation began at UW-Stevens Point. The international students converged from 16 countries. I got to each lunch today with German, Vietnamese, Japanese and Canadian students (and that was just a my table). My favorite part was when a German student was complaining about how much English sounded like a hammer. He said German is more poetic.

Old friends from this year are coming back with tales of the their summers. Some of these stories are exciting (travels with family, being at the Olympic opening ceremonies and getting home at 3 a.m., job offers with theater companies in the U.S.), and others will be fearful (stories of sudden war in Georgia, earthquake recovery). When I moved back from China I never thought that I would remain in this cosmopolitan of a setting, but here I am. Suddenly, the entire world is in the middle of nowhere.

Book Club Mania

It all began when I learned about Melissa and Andrew's book club in Ottawa. They got together with friends at a local coffee shop and discussed a portion of Augustine's Confessions. I realized that I was missing out. Thankfully, Erik and Mac agreed to form a Wausau Chapter (I know..I know its small) We've chosen the Russian classic Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky. Perhaps it should be placed on your "Must read before death" lists. The reading experience has been greatly enhanced by having freakishly intelligent people in the book club with me and some friendly accountability to read the next chapter.

People! Book clubs are so great! I propose you start one now. Here are the simple steps to beginning a fabulous book club.

1-Start talking to your friends about it. See if you have any dream reads in common. ex. "I've always wanted to read War and Peace, but I can't!" Make sure to recruit at least 2 English/Philosophy/Anthropology types so you can listen to their analysis.
2-Choose a book. Preferably a good one. Research the most excellent translation.
3-Choose a time, preferably on a Friday right after work, to meet and purchase the books together. This builds group unity. Then go out for pizza after you buy your books and think about how cool your book club will be.
4-Meet once a week and discuss the characters, plot, epic themes and hilarious moments.

Book Club Wausau is currently researching our second book choice. Any suggestions?