a much anticipated weekend

Family Weekend ‘05 is just on the horizon. Not to imply that this is an annual event. I think it’s been 2 years since my family has been up to blacksburg. But, a lot changes in 2 years. More on that to follow. So on Friday, they will pile in the car or two and embark on the 4 hour journey from south Carolina.

I also haven’t seen my family since coming back to school. Needless to say I am getting excited. It has been hard to work this week and keep my focus, the weekend keeps creeping into my mind. mom, dad, my sister carrie her husband chad (change one, carrie wasn’t married last time they came up, a much welcomed addition to the fam, though), and my aunt brenda and uncle doug! Are all coming up.

Now. I love Blacksburg. This town is near and dear to my heart. I have spent a quarter of my life here. Yeah, 6 years. Wow. So, when someone takes an interest and wants to come see “where corey goes to school”, I get excited! I will love playing tour guide (change two, Blacksburg. So much has changed since they were last up. Growth, essentially. Many new additions to the town). Showing my family the in’s and out’s of Blacksburg. All the nice spots that common passers-by wouldn’t even dream of finding.

You develop quite an intimate relationship with a town, especially one as quaint and small as Blacksburg. And especially after living here for so long. (you may be thinking 6 years is not a long time, my response… it’s purely relative.) 6 years being in one place is like an eternity for me. Summers have broken up the years, though.

Anyway. this place is home to me. You become part of a place. And that place becomes a little bit a part of you. Perhaps that is something I think inspiring about architecture. You are actively involved in the shaping of peoples lives. That’s deep. But it’s true.

Enough about the city. For in this case it is only a tool, a prop. When my family comes, the city becomes a stage. It becomes much less about the town as it is about providing an opportunity to spend time with my family. The stage is set and the actors arrive in a few days. We will then raise the curtain. Pausing here and there to act out a scene, and then moving on. The camera will be in-hand, poised to capture these moments that will be happening for the last time. This is the final act of the play. My last fall in Blacksburg (cue tear rolling down cheek).

And like any good play there will be drama, humor, conflict, love, happiness, etc. all leading up to a great ending (well, at least in this play)! so, I try to do work, and keep my mind occupied until Friday afternoon when the van pulls up and some of the key actors in this play, the story of my life, jump out and run to greet me, my parents, my sister, and my family. My Family.

The critics have given good reviews, and I cannot wait to experience it!