nothing is interesting.

i take a seat on the patio of starbux, terrible coffee in hand. the starbux barista before me, either on break or preparing to go into work, looks very relaxed, as pointed out to her by one of her coworkers who just passed by, stares blankly in silence at the cookie or cellphone before her - i can't exactly tell which. the sun, which had just moments ago been warming my arms, has now disappeared, shrouded by a wash of grey fractured clouds - i'd be surprised if it rains... it never does. besides me, a fraternity pledge talks to a prospective "brother" about fraternity fees. 75% goes to events, he is told - formals, semi-formals, three t-shirts a quarter, and dance club nights, no cover charge. acceptance and self-worth at a steal.

starbux buzzes with activity during pass period and a line forms to the door. $1.65 for small, nay "tall" cups of status, practically unheard of a decade ago. now on-campus, alongside wendy's, wahoo's, panda express, and quiznos, all are necessary in this university of corporations at irvine; irvine itself, company-run. apparently, the most historic piece of property in town is a ranch house i've unfortunately only heard about, or that others have more unfortunately never heard about. a strange mix of music streams through the speakers, no doubt a selection from starbux's own xm satellite radio station or from some cd they are selling at the register. from beatles to classical to spanish-styled flamenco guitar, the selection is eclectic to say the least.

as the crowds die down, and the now setting sun reappears just as mysterious and quick as the dark clouds have vanished, dappled golden light brings warmth back to the patio, filtered through the maple leaves. the occasional birdsong, coupled with the clangs and bangs of club and fraternity tents being folded up, signals the end of yet another day. despite the unusual ninety-degree heat waves, the autumn colors and chill air, at least at the moment, reminds me that a summer i faintly remember is now officially over, and it is back to school time. three supposed holiday months of working, reading, researching, writing, and studying leads right back into another year of work. academia is the job, the life. at least i enjoy it - most of the time.

the advantage of the emotions is that they lead us astray.
: wilde.