Weather is warmer than what was predicted. I do believe I'll survive this winter after all. (I had my doubts before coming here; I swore after AlmaMater that I'd never live further north of CoolCity ... and ... where I am now is, of course, further north.)
I have one private student (teensy bit of supplementary income) and I adore her. While I'm shocked occasionally in lessons when I find out what she isn't learning in her school music program, she's very good-natured and excited about what she's learning with me. I delight in working with her to develop her musical skills!
I'm blessed by my being here at GradSchool. Lately, I've been thinking I'd probably appreciate this opportunity more if I had already been out in the field, but I'm still grateful that I'm working with Mentor now.
And .... I'm off! I've got a hot date with Palestrina (yes, the composer, not a pseudonym for the blog)!
~*~*~*~*~
UPDATED (10:13pm)
Another blessing arrived this evening in the form of a yummy cinnamon bun with creamy frosting! The girls across the hallway (one is a music major, and the other is a former music music major) just made them ... and they knocked on my door to offering one to me before trekking down the hallway to deliver one to my partners in crime. Very sweet of them! And now ... back to my date with Mendelssohn ... harmonic analysis of the score!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Inspired by others' success
At one of my early long-term paying gigs, I worked with a colleague who is extremely musically gifted. After learning of a CD release of his music (which I bought), I signed up for his mailing list. At the moment, I'm on Amazon.com listening to excerpts from his most recent CD. Wow. (I just ordered it.) He's about 3 years older than I am, and he has accomplished so much in his life already.
Another colleague of mine just ended a run in an Off-Broadway production.
Another friend/colleague was nominated for a Grammy a few years ago.
Who knows what God has in store for my future? I made a demo CD in high school, and I did perform in an Off-Broadway theatre several years ago, in association with a theatre workshop I attended. I don't expect that I'll be nominated for a Grammy, but I imagine, based on what I've already done, that I have yet to realize the potential of God's plan for my life.
What can I do to realize that? First, I need to get ready, go to rehearsal, prepare like crazy, and really earn this degree for which I am working!
Another colleague of mine just ended a run in an Off-Broadway production.
Another friend/colleague was nominated for a Grammy a few years ago.
Who knows what God has in store for my future? I made a demo CD in high school, and I did perform in an Off-Broadway theatre several years ago, in association with a theatre workshop I attended. I don't expect that I'll be nominated for a Grammy, but I imagine, based on what I've already done, that I have yet to realize the potential of God's plan for my life.
What can I do to realize that? First, I need to get ready, go to rehearsal, prepare like crazy, and really earn this degree for which I am working!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Music students are a special breed indeed
For tonight's class, many of the students were still awaiting the arrival of their back-ordered textbooks. When our professor wanted to go over a musical example to illustrate a point, most kids had to share books. One group consisted of FIVE students who were sharing ONE book. I remembered I had another book, in addition to my textbook that I was already sharing with a classmate, which contained that particular example. I ran across the hallway to my office to retrieve the text.
The professor thanked me and the class clapped. (Last week, I'd "saved the day" by breaking into the office supply closet to get the professor a dry-erase marker which actually worked, as the existing markers in the classroom didn't.)
One student spoke up, "Estrella, you are both a lady and a scholar. Your good looks are surpassed only by your intellect."
I was surprised and amused by the comment, and I remained flattered even after a [male] student exclaimed, "Hey, he said that to me last week!"
~*~*~*~
Regarding other quirks of our breed, I won't even begin to describe the fun we had as undergrads at AlmaMater running into the padded walls of the practice rooms and playing freeze tag in the building at midnight on Saturday nights ... or the elaborate schemes we had (but never actually followed through) of spending the night in the music building and having a wild party after the campus police locked the building at 1am.
The professor thanked me and the class clapped. (Last week, I'd "saved the day" by breaking into the office supply closet to get the professor a dry-erase marker which actually worked, as the existing markers in the classroom didn't.)
One student spoke up, "Estrella, you are both a lady and a scholar. Your good looks are surpassed only by your intellect."
I was surprised and amused by the comment, and I remained flattered even after a [male] student exclaimed, "Hey, he said that to me last week!"
~*~*~*~
Regarding other quirks of our breed, I won't even begin to describe the fun we had as undergrads at AlmaMater running into the padded walls of the practice rooms and playing freeze tag in the building at midnight on Saturday nights ... or the elaborate schemes we had (but never actually followed through) of spending the night in the music building and having a wild party after the campus police locked the building at 1am.
I bought myself flowers yesterday.
When I put them in the grocery store cart I was sharing with my 3 male friends, I felt slightly silly. I knew it was an impulsive buy ... but ... I hadn't bought myself flowers yet this year ... and I wanted something lovely.
As I glance over at my plucky violet tulips, I'm grateful that I couldn't resist them. The vibrancy of life and color they bring to my apartment is worth the $8.
As I glance over at my plucky violet tulips, I'm grateful that I couldn't resist them. The vibrancy of life and color they bring to my apartment is worth the $8.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Random Bits of Fun
*One of the students is giving a recital this semester, and he asked if I would be willing to conduct a piece on the program. This made my day.
*Another student made a point to tell me she really appreciated and enjoyed my rehearsal technique
*I spent 5 hours on the phone last night ... and the same [guy] friend and I had spoken for over two hours on Wednesday night. We pulled a record last August of 6 or 7 hours. I normally do not like talking on the phone. Last night, I was really tired when he called and was planning to go to sleep soon ... but somehow, talking with him gave me a second, third, and fourth wind ... and I couldn't even fall asleep right away when we finished talking this morning.
*Shopping with the boys today was fun ... we went to the mall, walked along outside shops on charming little streets, got pizza, and went to the super awesome grocery store in another town. They also decided to start calling me "Mom," because I was driving them all around and teased them whenever they "misbehaved." It's especially amusing because I'm the youngest of all of us.
*Knock on the door! Boys are back from the gym ... and it's board game time!
*Another student made a point to tell me she really appreciated and enjoyed my rehearsal technique
*I spent 5 hours on the phone last night ... and the same [guy] friend and I had spoken for over two hours on Wednesday night. We pulled a record last August of 6 or 7 hours. I normally do not like talking on the phone. Last night, I was really tired when he called and was planning to go to sleep soon ... but somehow, talking with him gave me a second, third, and fourth wind ... and I couldn't even fall asleep right away when we finished talking this morning.
*Shopping with the boys today was fun ... we went to the mall, walked along outside shops on charming little streets, got pizza, and went to the super awesome grocery store in another town. They also decided to start calling me "Mom," because I was driving them all around and teased them whenever they "misbehaved." It's especially amusing because I'm the youngest of all of us.
*Knock on the door! Boys are back from the gym ... and it's board game time!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tomorrow will be an adventure indeed
I just made plans with the non-crush and other partners in crime ... I've never been to the mall with 3 guys before.
Non-crush has no phone yet, so we made plans via an exchange of emails this evening ... in various languages. (Of course, his vocabulary is much more extensive than mine because he has learned a much larger repertoire of music, and he speaks more languages than I do.) Fun to pseudo-flirt with smart boys. :-)
Non-crush has no phone yet, so we made plans via an exchange of emails this evening ... in various languages. (Of course, his vocabulary is much more extensive than mine because he has learned a much larger repertoire of music, and he speaks more languages than I do.) Fun to pseudo-flirt with smart boys. :-)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Three things
"There are three important things in a college student's life," my friend stated as we were in the third hour of our phone conversation last night.
"Studies, social interaction, and sleep. How much you do of them determines your grades,"
I interjected with, "And your health."
He agreed and continued, "And your social status. They're all really important, but the problem is- you only have time enough to do two of them!"
"Studies, social interaction, and sleep. How much you do of them determines your grades,"
I interjected with, "And your health."
He agreed and continued, "And your social status. They're all really important, but the problem is- you only have time enough to do two of them!"
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Accepting responsibility
Recently a student came to me about a confidential personal matter because she wanted my advice. Despite having been an RA for two years, I was surprised by the magnitude of the situation she described to me. I couldn't ask Mentor about it because the student in question desired my thoughts regarding how and when to approach Mentor about the situation. I calmly reassured her and conveyed to her through words and hugs that I care about her. After learning more through questions, I suggested a few options for her to consider. My mind is still reeling from our exchange.
As I drove home this evening, I prayed for the student, and I thanked God for helping me find words to share with this young woman after she trusted me enough to confide in me. I also prayed for guidance and wisdom so that He'll speak through me if/when I am asked to serve in this manner again.
~*~*~*~
Just before I chose "teacher" as my career path, I had wanted to become a school guidance counselor. I changed my mind after shyly admitting this to my own guidance counselor during one of those career planning sessions. She wasn't exactly nurturing when I'd expected her to respond warmly, and my interest waned. I'd wanted to become a counselor because I cared about people, and if she couldn't be bothered to care about me, well, to my 13 year old mind, it was no longer a profession worth pursuing.
Now I realize that as "teacher," and even as a GA (a teacher-on-training-wheels), my job will entail more of the counseling aspect than I had previously expected. I'm OK with this- I have to be- because it's an unwritten part of the job description. I hope that when I'm out in the field on my own, in a position with more authority, that I'll still be seen as approachable and that I'll be in a position to aid the students who approach me.
As I drove home this evening, I prayed for the student, and I thanked God for helping me find words to share with this young woman after she trusted me enough to confide in me. I also prayed for guidance and wisdom so that He'll speak through me if/when I am asked to serve in this manner again.
~*~*~*~
Just before I chose "teacher" as my career path, I had wanted to become a school guidance counselor. I changed my mind after shyly admitting this to my own guidance counselor during one of those career planning sessions. She wasn't exactly nurturing when I'd expected her to respond warmly, and my interest waned. I'd wanted to become a counselor because I cared about people, and if she couldn't be bothered to care about me, well, to my 13 year old mind, it was no longer a profession worth pursuing.
Now I realize that as "teacher," and even as a GA (a teacher-on-training-wheels), my job will entail more of the counseling aspect than I had previously expected. I'm OK with this- I have to be- because it's an unwritten part of the job description. I hope that when I'm out in the field on my own, in a position with more authority, that I'll still be seen as approachable and that I'll be in a position to aid the students who approach me.
Monday, January 21, 2008
I'm reading random entries from the blog I kept during high school, and an entry from my junior year amused (and shocked) me:
Last chorus concert of the year ~ May 16th ~ played 9 songs, sang in 7 ... gave an attitude to a teacher backstage who told me to be quiet. ["Excuse me, but I'm playing for half this concert and singing in the other half. I'm just trying to figure out where we are in the program so that I can be prepared, so DON'T tell me to be quiet! Leave me alone!" *storms past* oops *grimace*] I later gave an abrupt apology.
Now, many years later, I vaguely recall this incident after reading this. This was quite out of character for me, the goody-two-shoes class secretary. Obviously, I was under a bit of stress.
To be added into my When I Teach, I Must Remember file:
1) Recruit teachers to help me backstage because I cannot be in 2 places at once.
2) Make sure my teacher helpers know who my student accompanists are so that they can help rather than shush them.
3) Tell my students in advance that teachers will be assisting backstage so that if they have questions, they are to direct those questions to the teachers and not other students.
Last chorus concert of the year ~ May 16th ~ played 9 songs, sang in 7 ... gave an attitude to a teacher backstage who told me to be quiet. ["Excuse me, but I'm playing for half this concert and singing in the other half. I'm just trying to figure out where we are in the program so that I can be prepared, so DON'T tell me to be quiet! Leave me alone!" *storms past* oops *grimace*] I later gave an abrupt apology.
Now, many years later, I vaguely recall this incident after reading this. This was quite out of character for me, the goody-two-shoes class secretary. Obviously, I was under a bit of stress.
To be added into my When I Teach, I Must Remember file:
1) Recruit teachers to help me backstage because I cannot be in 2 places at once.
2) Make sure my teacher helpers know who my student accompanists are so that they can help rather than shush them.
3) Tell my students in advance that teachers will be assisting backstage so that if they have questions, they are to direct those questions to the teachers and not other students.
Inner monologue
Dear Self,
Stop it. You are NOT to fancy yourself having another crush. No! I mean it! It doesn't matter that he's adorable. You don't have time to think about that right now. You've got to focus on everything you're doing this semester. It doesn't matter that he's a tenor, which I know is a weakness of yours ... even though you've never dated one like you've always hoped to. Sure, he keeps singing or humming two of your favorite pieces of all time, even (don't you dare think "especially") after you mentioned that you love those songs. Be strong! Resist the urge to melt.
After all, there's much more to him than his voice. Yes, he's intelligent and funny and good-natured. Yes, he actually seems mature (well, he is a few years older!) and he's done some amazing things in his life already. You've also known him only a week. You're supposed to be graduating in less than 4 months. He might even have a girlfriend in his home country. Your mind must remain focused on other things. And you need to stop flirting with him. Stop dreaming that he'll enfold you in his arms and sing to you. That only happens in Disney movies ... and at your junior prom (and don't forget that your junior prom date, whom you asked to the dance, has been married for almost 2 years now!).
In closing, behave yourself. I have your best interests at heart.
Love,
Your conscience
Stop it. You are NOT to fancy yourself having another crush. No! I mean it! It doesn't matter that he's adorable. You don't have time to think about that right now. You've got to focus on everything you're doing this semester. It doesn't matter that he's a tenor, which I know is a weakness of yours ... even though you've never dated one like you've always hoped to. Sure, he keeps singing or humming two of your favorite pieces of all time, even (don't you dare think "especially") after you mentioned that you love those songs. Be strong! Resist the urge to melt.
After all, there's much more to him than his voice. Yes, he's intelligent and funny and good-natured. Yes, he actually seems mature (well, he is a few years older!) and he's done some amazing things in his life already. You've also known him only a week. You're supposed to be graduating in less than 4 months. He might even have a girlfriend in his home country. Your mind must remain focused on other things. And you need to stop flirting with him. Stop dreaming that he'll enfold you in his arms and sing to you. That only happens in Disney movies ... and at your junior prom (and don't forget that your junior prom date, whom you asked to the dance, has been married for almost 2 years now!).
In closing, behave yourself. I have your best interests at heart.
Love,
Your conscience
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Prayer Request
I just got an email from my cousin. His fiancee has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I think she's only 30 years old. They're supposed to be married in less than 4 months, and the chemo treatment that she'll begin this week is scheduled to last for 6 months. Please pray and/or send positive thoughts in their direction.
I just paid less than $30 for a round-trip ticket for Spring Break!
Last year, when BestFriend and I were returning from Spring Break 2007: Italian Adventure, our flight from LayoverCity to CoolCity was overbooked. I voluntarily gave up my seat in exchange for a guaranteed seat on the next flight to CoolCity and a voucher for the airlines. BestFriend's then-fiance-now-husband had already started driving from his college town to pick us up from the airport, so she continued on our flight as planned. She was disappointed that she wasn't able to share in the extended adventure of our trip, but I consoled her by promising to use the voucher to visit her in her soon-to-be new home thousands of miles away.
Now I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of an e-ticket in my inbox at any moment ... and I can't wait for Spring Break! To see BestFriend (and her husband too), to see their apartment, to explore their area (one of the 23 states I have not visited yet), to indulge in the ever-wonderful GirlTime ... what a lovely long weekend it will be!!!!!
Now I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of an e-ticket in my inbox at any moment ... and I can't wait for Spring Break! To see BestFriend (and her husband too), to see their apartment, to explore their area (one of the 23 states I have not visited yet), to indulge in the ever-wonderful GirlTime ... what a lovely long weekend it will be!!!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Dialogue between roommates
My eyes got itchy, my nose became stuffy, and my throat felt dry. One of my roommates was burning incense again. Ugh.
The odor was even stronger as I stepped outside my door and found her in our tiny common area adjacent to my bedroom.
"Hey, are you burning incense?" I asked sweetly, slightly exaggerating my stuffy nose through my speaking voice.
"Oh, um, yeah," she said, getting up and closing the door to her room at the other end of our hallway.
"Sorry about that," she said distractedly as she plopped back down in front of the TV. "I don't know why my door was open."
"That's OK," I said, smiling. "Thanks for closing it." I turned to go back to my room.
"You know, it was in front of the window, so that the smell wouldn't go out into the hallway," she continued.
"Oh," I responded, conversationally, giving her my attention again. "actually, that's not super effective. When I was an RA and people were smoking pot-"
"I don't smoke," she interjected, almost defensively.
"I know," I continued, reassuringly, "I was just going to say that one of the telltale signs was that people would leave their windows open, thinking that the air from outside would carry away the smoke, but in reality, the air pushes the smell into the hallway. So, having a window open pushes the incense scent into the hallway."
"Anyway," I concluded kindly, "thanks for closing the door. I appreciate it."
"Oh, well, the window wasn't open. I don't know how to open it."
"Oh, me neither." I said agreeably, again about to wish her a good night.
"And, you know, I feel safer that way because we're on the ground floor and all. Not opening the window, I mean, there's no need for it, right?" She persisted.
"Oh, right. Good point. Well, thanks again. 'Night." I responded as I again turned to go back into my bedroom, somewhat baffled by the whole exchange.
"Night!" she murmured as she settled deeper into the couch to watch TV.
The odor was even stronger as I stepped outside my door and found her in our tiny common area adjacent to my bedroom.
"Hey, are you burning incense?" I asked sweetly, slightly exaggerating my stuffy nose through my speaking voice.
"Oh, um, yeah," she said, getting up and closing the door to her room at the other end of our hallway.
"Sorry about that," she said distractedly as she plopped back down in front of the TV. "I don't know why my door was open."
"That's OK," I said, smiling. "Thanks for closing it." I turned to go back to my room.
"You know, it was in front of the window, so that the smell wouldn't go out into the hallway," she continued.
"Oh," I responded, conversationally, giving her my attention again. "actually, that's not super effective. When I was an RA and people were smoking pot-"
"I don't smoke," she interjected, almost defensively.
"I know," I continued, reassuringly, "I was just going to say that one of the telltale signs was that people would leave their windows open, thinking that the air from outside would carry away the smoke, but in reality, the air pushes the smell into the hallway. So, having a window open pushes the incense scent into the hallway."
"Anyway," I concluded kindly, "thanks for closing the door. I appreciate it."
"Oh, well, the window wasn't open. I don't know how to open it."
"Oh, me neither." I said agreeably, again about to wish her a good night.
"And, you know, I feel safer that way because we're on the ground floor and all. Not opening the window, I mean, there's no need for it, right?" She persisted.
"Oh, right. Good point. Well, thanks again. 'Night." I responded as I again turned to go back into my bedroom, somewhat baffled by the whole exchange.
"Night!" she murmured as she settled deeper into the couch to watch TV.
JaneAusten-itis
I've been a Jane Austen fan for a number of years now, but lately, there seems to be a huge trend in this direction. When the new Pride and Prejudice came out a few years ago, I bonded with many of my residents (I was an RA for 2 years) as we compared the 2005 movie with Colin Firth's much beloved classic version. (Side note: I am secretly so jealous of Keira Knightley. She is just a few months older than I am, and she's already played leading lady to so many gorgeous men. She was 17 when she kissed Orlando Bloom in Pirates!)
Back to the topic at hand:
I remember seeing The Jane Austen Book Club on a library shelf and I knew I had to read it. I wasn't incredibly impressed, and I have made no effort to see last year's movie based on the book. Last summer, my sister and I saw Becoming Jane, which we both loved (and not just because of James McAvoy) ... and I have yet to read that book.
The past few weeks, I've been even more inspired on this trend after having dinner with an old friend. A friend of hers had recommended that she read Mr. Darcy's Diary. My friend loved it. I happened to be in Borders the next day, and I had a coupon and a gift card burning holes in my pocket ... so ... the book leapt into my arms and convinced me that I must buy it. So I did. It started out slowly, and I wondered if I had wisely spent my $15 (before coupon) ... but ... as the story picked up, relating to familiar passages from Pride and Prejudice, I realized I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I was still on my Winter Break, I was able to finish it quickly without many interruptions. I do recommend it ... and I believe that after I re-read Sense and Sensibility, I'll have to pick up Mr. Knightley's Diary.
The day after I finished that book, I went to Target with my mother to pick up some last-minute things before my return to school. Two more books hopped into the cart, and I simply couldn't stop them!
Me & Mr. Darcy looked incredibly promising. A typical American girl (from NYC, as every "typical American girl" has to be from NYC, right? Why not someone from Minnesota or South Carolina?) goes on a tour of Jane Austen's London, and somehow she runs into the real Mr. Darcy from the novel. I suppose I should have guessed from the glaring grammatical error in the title that this book was not for me. As it was, I thought that while parts of the book were original, it obviously mirrored the plot of Pride and Prejudice and was overall not as enjoyable as I had expected it would be.
I started reading the final book, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, this week. I started reading a chapter a night ... but ... lost my self-control to limit myself to only one chapter. I finished reading it last night! Such a wonderful book!!! Written from Miss Austen's own perspective by a Jane Austen scholar, it is a glorious tale of a romance. The fiction in the work is seamlessly interwoven with the facts we know of Miss Austen's life. The writing is exquisite. I'm so glad I saved this book for last, as it was an immensely satisfying read!
Back to the topic at hand:
I remember seeing The Jane Austen Book Club on a library shelf and I knew I had to read it. I wasn't incredibly impressed, and I have made no effort to see last year's movie based on the book. Last summer, my sister and I saw Becoming Jane, which we both loved (and not just because of James McAvoy) ... and I have yet to read that book.
The past few weeks, I've been even more inspired on this trend after having dinner with an old friend. A friend of hers had recommended that she read Mr. Darcy's Diary. My friend loved it. I happened to be in Borders the next day, and I had a coupon and a gift card burning holes in my pocket ... so ... the book leapt into my arms and convinced me that I must buy it. So I did. It started out slowly, and I wondered if I had wisely spent my $15 (before coupon) ... but ... as the story picked up, relating to familiar passages from Pride and Prejudice, I realized I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I was still on my Winter Break, I was able to finish it quickly without many interruptions. I do recommend it ... and I believe that after I re-read Sense and Sensibility, I'll have to pick up Mr. Knightley's Diary.
The day after I finished that book, I went to Target with my mother to pick up some last-minute things before my return to school. Two more books hopped into the cart, and I simply couldn't stop them!
Me & Mr. Darcy looked incredibly promising. A typical American girl (from NYC, as every "typical American girl" has to be from NYC, right? Why not someone from Minnesota or South Carolina?) goes on a tour of Jane Austen's London, and somehow she runs into the real Mr. Darcy from the novel. I suppose I should have guessed from the glaring grammatical error in the title that this book was not for me. As it was, I thought that while parts of the book were original, it obviously mirrored the plot of Pride and Prejudice and was overall not as enjoyable as I had expected it would be.
I started reading the final book, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, this week. I started reading a chapter a night ... but ... lost my self-control to limit myself to only one chapter. I finished reading it last night! Such a wonderful book!!! Written from Miss Austen's own perspective by a Jane Austen scholar, it is a glorious tale of a romance. The fiction in the work is seamlessly interwoven with the facts we know of Miss Austen's life. The writing is exquisite. I'm so glad I saved this book for last, as it was an immensely satisfying read!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Unexpected kindness
A week ago, I pulled off the highway into the first gas station to refuel before meeting an old friend. I'd never been to a self-service station before, and I was surprised and pleased by the pampering I received. Sure, the employees were doing their job ... but I didn't have to exit my car and stand outside in the cold and they cleaned my windshield too! I was appreciative of those simple pleasures.
~*~*~*~
Yesterday afternoon as I walked down the hallway, I gazed out the large window overlooking the area. Thousands of wispy snowflakes were floating in the air. Pure white lace graced the ground, and when I returned to my car after evening classes, it was lightly dusted. I had offered to drive a new student home (a GA who has been in the country for less than a week!), and I unlocked and started the car so he could sit inside while I cleared off the snow.
"Let me," he said, gesturing for me to pass him the snow scraper. I acquiesced, and handed the scraper to him across the hood of my car. I stood there for a few moments, expecting him to pass it back when he'd finished with the passenger side of the windshield, but I realized that he intended to wipe away the snow from all the windows. Feeling extremely pampered and a little foolish (for not recognizing his gallantry immediately), I snuggled into my seat as the temperature in the car continued to rise above the freezing temperature outside.
~*~*~*~
Yesterday afternoon as I walked down the hallway, I gazed out the large window overlooking the area. Thousands of wispy snowflakes were floating in the air. Pure white lace graced the ground, and when I returned to my car after evening classes, it was lightly dusted. I had offered to drive a new student home (a GA who has been in the country for less than a week!), and I unlocked and started the car so he could sit inside while I cleared off the snow.
"Let me," he said, gesturing for me to pass him the snow scraper. I acquiesced, and handed the scraper to him across the hood of my car. I stood there for a few moments, expecting him to pass it back when he'd finished with the passenger side of the windshield, but I realized that he intended to wipe away the snow from all the windows. Feeling extremely pampered and a little foolish (for not recognizing his gallantry immediately), I snuggled into my seat as the temperature in the car continued to rise above the freezing temperature outside.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
So cute :-)
After spending a lovely Saturday afternoon out on the town, my relatives and I returned home to relax. While my sister and I helped our aunt unpack the groceries, our uncle disappeared. We ladies made our way to the living room to talk before starting the dinner preparations. There, in his favorite armchair, Uncle had nodded off.
Our aunt (who is in her mid-80s) exclaimed, chuckling, "Look, he's showing his age!" (Her husband is a few years younger than she is.)
Sister and I exchanged amused glances and attempted to stifle our giggles while Aunt launched into another of the many wonderful tales we heard that weekend.
At one point, Uncle awoke with a start.
"Are you done with your nap, old man?" Aunt asked.
"Yes, yes," he said in his gentle voice which was softened by sleepiness.
"What woke you up?" she persisted.
"You did!" he retorted, in a mockingly defensive tone, with a smile.
Sister and I convulsed with silent giggles at their good-natured banter. :-) So cute.
Our aunt (who is in her mid-80s) exclaimed, chuckling, "Look, he's showing his age!" (Her husband is a few years younger than she is.)
Sister and I exchanged amused glances and attempted to stifle our giggles while Aunt launched into another of the many wonderful tales we heard that weekend.
At one point, Uncle awoke with a start.
"Are you done with your nap, old man?" Aunt asked.
"Yes, yes," he said in his gentle voice which was softened by sleepiness.
"What woke you up?" she persisted.
"You did!" he retorted, in a mockingly defensive tone, with a smile.
Sister and I convulsed with silent giggles at their good-natured banter. :-) So cute.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
First impressions
As I anticipated the start of this semester, I found myself saying, "I should be graduating in May," not "I will be graduating in May." Knowing that I am technically taking more credits than I'm permitted to take (thanks to professors who are allowing me to audit classes), I'm nervous that I won't be able to do it all. I'm afraid of failure, and I keep joking about hoping to survive this semester.
Yesterday was a deceptively easy day because the office hasn't informed us peons of when our scheduled duty hours are. (Just kidding about the peons part. They do treat us well, and only once has a professor treated me condescendingly.)
Somehow I feel more confident now that while this semester will likely have its "Why did I get myself into this chaos?!" moments, I will enjoy the next few months. When I made music with the other members of my ensemble yesterday for the first time in several weeks, I was reminded that this is where I belong. This is why I chose this profession. If I can freely engage my heart and entire being when I make music, there can be no doubt. I will survive.
Yesterday was a deceptively easy day because the office hasn't informed us peons of when our scheduled duty hours are. (Just kidding about the peons part. They do treat us well, and only once has a professor treated me condescendingly.)
Somehow I feel more confident now that while this semester will likely have its "Why did I get myself into this chaos?!" moments, I will enjoy the next few months. When I made music with the other members of my ensemble yesterday for the first time in several weeks, I was reminded that this is where I belong. This is why I chose this profession. If I can freely engage my heart and entire being when I make music, there can be no doubt. I will survive.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Relief
Last semester, like many musicians, I accepted a side job at a church. I've been involved in music ministry since I was 14, and I've had a paying church job for part of every year since I was 15. This position required me to serve in a different capacity, and I relished the opportunity to broaden my experience. (My salary was HALF of what I made at my job while at AlmaMater; the experience I have would command more than the little bit I was to earn from this church, but I considered that I was doing this out of the goodness of my heart.)
It was challenging at first, and I was surprised and uncomfortable with how the pastor and I didn't always see eye to eye. Last month, weather conditions prevented me from commuting to the church TWICE, and upon my reception of the position, it was understood that I would not be driving several hours from my home to the church over the Christmas break. I have not been there for over a month.
I enjoyed getting to know the other choristers, but overall, I was unhappy with my situation there. Spiritually, I felt unsatisfied. I didn't know whether I ought to quit; I didn't want to leave them in a hard place. I figured I'd give it some more time and try to change my attitude.
When I returned to my apartment yesterday, I saw that I had received a letter from the church. I quickly opened it, having no idea what the contents might be, and promptly let out a squeal of delight! The pastor wrote that the choir had struggled without my presence there over Advent, and he was concerned that my other obligations this semester (conferences and Spring Break) might hinder the music ministry. My tenure there was over, effective immediately.
Thank God! The pastor went on to say that this was no reflection on me, and then he extolled my personality traits and God-given gifts that he and the choir had appreciated, etc, etc, etc. He also offered to write me a letter of recommendation. I wrote him back a very sweet note wishing them well, and I'll send my key back. I couldn't have asked for this to resolve in a better way.
When I told my parents and another friend about this, I joked, "I don't think anyone else has ever been so happy to be let go." :-)
It was challenging at first, and I was surprised and uncomfortable with how the pastor and I didn't always see eye to eye. Last month, weather conditions prevented me from commuting to the church TWICE, and upon my reception of the position, it was understood that I would not be driving several hours from my home to the church over the Christmas break. I have not been there for over a month.
I enjoyed getting to know the other choristers, but overall, I was unhappy with my situation there. Spiritually, I felt unsatisfied. I didn't know whether I ought to quit; I didn't want to leave them in a hard place. I figured I'd give it some more time and try to change my attitude.
When I returned to my apartment yesterday, I saw that I had received a letter from the church. I quickly opened it, having no idea what the contents might be, and promptly let out a squeal of delight! The pastor wrote that the choir had struggled without my presence there over Advent, and he was concerned that my other obligations this semester (conferences and Spring Break) might hinder the music ministry. My tenure there was over, effective immediately.
Thank God! The pastor went on to say that this was no reflection on me, and then he extolled my personality traits and God-given gifts that he and the choir had appreciated, etc, etc, etc. He also offered to write me a letter of recommendation. I wrote him back a very sweet note wishing them well, and I'll send my key back. I couldn't have asked for this to resolve in a better way.
When I told my parents and another friend about this, I joked, "I don't think anyone else has ever been so happy to be let go." :-)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
My brief vacation from blogging
I spent the last few days visiting family before returning to GradSchool. My sister and I had some precious bonding time at her school (frozen pizza + movies on Wednesday night, one of my few dinner specialties + good conversation on Thursday night). Very enjoyable.
While my sister had her class obligations on Friday, I drove a few hours to visit an old friend from AlmaMater. We walked around his current college town (very pleasant, my first visit there), grabbed lunch at a spunky restaurant (in which people write all over the wallpaper and on the tables- and it's encouraged!), and took in a movie. Fun times!
After that visiting, my sister and I both drove over to see our relatives who live somewhere between Sister's school and my school. Stories galore (!), more than enough amazing food, and some fun care packages to take back with us to our respective apartments. These relatives are so grateful to us for coming; they act like we're doing them a favor by visiting! Not at all! Sister and I love spending time with them, and we go because we want to see them! (And ... I have to admit ... I do enjoy being spoiled!) :-)
Now I'm back at GradSchool, and I'm far too lazy to go grocery-shopping. I have changed into my oh-so-comfy T-shirt and pajama pants, and I plan to go to bed early so that I am fresh for tomorrow's classes! 'Night!
While my sister had her class obligations on Friday, I drove a few hours to visit an old friend from AlmaMater. We walked around his current college town (very pleasant, my first visit there), grabbed lunch at a spunky restaurant (in which people write all over the wallpaper and on the tables- and it's encouraged!), and took in a movie. Fun times!
After that visiting, my sister and I both drove over to see our relatives who live somewhere between Sister's school and my school. Stories galore (!), more than enough amazing food, and some fun care packages to take back with us to our respective apartments. These relatives are so grateful to us for coming; they act like we're doing them a favor by visiting! Not at all! Sister and I love spending time with them, and we go because we want to see them! (And ... I have to admit ... I do enjoy being spoiled!) :-)
Now I'm back at GradSchool, and I'm far too lazy to go grocery-shopping. I have changed into my oh-so-comfy T-shirt and pajama pants, and I plan to go to bed early so that I am fresh for tomorrow's classes! 'Night!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
I should have blogged the lost
A couple of weeks ago, I finally got around to ordering a book I needed. I'd bought the fantastic resource (Teaching Kids to Sing) about 4 years ago for a class, and it disappeared a little over 2 years ago. I searched through my chaotic room, through all of the places where I've kept textbooks, and anywhere else I could think to look. I've had to borrow others' copies of this book for my own research. I thought that I might have lent it to a friend and that it had become forever lost. So recently, I finally decided that I ought to order the $90 book.
It arrived last week and I was pleased to have my own copy once again. I didn't even mind that the cover of the supposedly brand-new book was bent because the packaging person hadn't been careful.
Today, I put that book in a box and carried it out to my car. I'm leaving home tomorrow for a short road trip (to visit my sister and other relatives) before I head back to school. As I was putting the box behind the driver's seat of the car, I noticed that the back of the passenger's seat had a pocket.
Perfect, I thought. I'll put my umbrella (a Christmas gift) in there so it's not just lying on the floor. It occurred to me that I ought to check the pouch, even though I'd never recalled using it, just in case a careless passenger had shoved trash in there or in case I found a misplaced map.
What did I find?
The book, of course. There I was, with one book in my hand, and the newly acquired copy in the box in my other hand.
When I manage to sell the new copy (because my older, beloved copy has my name written inside the cover with certain passages underlined), I will finally buy some of the other resources I'd like to own (but which I'm too cheap to buy 'cause I'm not sure if I really need them) with that money. In the meantime, I'll continue smacking my head against the wall.
It arrived last week and I was pleased to have my own copy once again. I didn't even mind that the cover of the supposedly brand-new book was bent because the packaging person hadn't been careful.
Today, I put that book in a box and carried it out to my car. I'm leaving home tomorrow for a short road trip (to visit my sister and other relatives) before I head back to school. As I was putting the box behind the driver's seat of the car, I noticed that the back of the passenger's seat had a pocket.
Perfect, I thought. I'll put my umbrella (a Christmas gift) in there so it's not just lying on the floor. It occurred to me that I ought to check the pouch, even though I'd never recalled using it, just in case a careless passenger had shoved trash in there or in case I found a misplaced map.
What did I find?
The book, of course. There I was, with one book in my hand, and the newly acquired copy in the box in my other hand.
When I manage to sell the new copy (because my older, beloved copy has my name written inside the cover with certain passages underlined), I will finally buy some of the other resources I'd like to own (but which I'm too cheap to buy 'cause I'm not sure if I really need them) with that money. In the meantime, I'll continue smacking my head against the wall.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Unofficial 2008 Resolution: Read More!
My favorite part of holiday break, aside from spending time with family and friends, is catching up on my reading! This past summer, I had vowed to re-read Harry Potter books #4-7 over Christmas ... but, alas, other books required my attention first!
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë, has been my favorite novel for years ... but I had never had occasion to read Wuthering Heights by Charlotte's sister, Emily. I finally got around to reading it this break. Glad I can now say that I've read it, even though I didn't enjoy it. When I was in the middle of that book, I re-read my favorite novel (The Blue Castle) and began reading Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. I haven't touched it since my flight home after New Year's festivities, but I hope to finish it this week. Another must-read-during-my-life book.
The fun book I started (and finished!) today was recommended to me by a friend who has also fallen in love with Austen's novels. Mr. Darcy's Diary was an extremely satisfying read. :-)
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë, has been my favorite novel for years ... but I had never had occasion to read Wuthering Heights by Charlotte's sister, Emily. I finally got around to reading it this break. Glad I can now say that I've read it, even though I didn't enjoy it. When I was in the middle of that book, I re-read my favorite novel (The Blue Castle) and began reading Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. I haven't touched it since my flight home after New Year's festivities, but I hope to finish it this week. Another must-read-during-my-life book.
The fun book I started (and finished!) today was recommended to me by a friend who has also fallen in love with Austen's novels. Mr. Darcy's Diary was an extremely satisfying read. :-)
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Last Sunday at home
My mother made my favorite pancakes for breakfast! Only a few more days to be spoiled at home ...
At church this morning, the pastor spoke on the story of the Prodigal Son, but he focused on the older brother. Whenever I've read the passage before, I could understand why the dutiful brother felt that the celebration for his brother was unfair. Today's sermon gave me a new (and I believe, much more accurate) perspective on the story.
More de-decorating. The live poinsettias are the only remaining remnants of Christmas.
I drove to the mall for the first time this break because I had hoped to get there before I return to GradSchool. I don't even know where the nearest mall to GradSchool is located and I had Borders coupons to use! I got a book recommended by a friend ... and I stopped by a clothing store. Unexpected sales + ongoing need to boost my teacher/GA wardrobe yielded several nice tops. And a pair of jeans (which aren't for teaching). Earlier this break, my sister had told me I had to get a new pair of jeans. I'm down to my last two pairs of jeans (both acquired at least 4 years ago), and one of them will have to be banned to around-the-house-wear-only soon as it's developing a hole.
This evening was probably my musical highlight of the holiday break. I attended 30+ minutes of a professional male choir's concert. *sigh* Gorgeous voices. Some of the younger group members were handsome too. :-) I would have stayed longer (networking opportunities in addition to the chance to chat with cute guys! Cute guys who sing!), but I'd already committed to going to another choir concert. I did enjoy that one too ... and I caught up with some contacts in the area regarding my job search ... Aack! Where will I be getting a job after graduation?!
Now at home, savoring family time. A pleasant day!
At church this morning, the pastor spoke on the story of the Prodigal Son, but he focused on the older brother. Whenever I've read the passage before, I could understand why the dutiful brother felt that the celebration for his brother was unfair. Today's sermon gave me a new (and I believe, much more accurate) perspective on the story.
More de-decorating. The live poinsettias are the only remaining remnants of Christmas.
I drove to the mall for the first time this break because I had hoped to get there before I return to GradSchool. I don't even know where the nearest mall to GradSchool is located and I had Borders coupons to use! I got a book recommended by a friend ... and I stopped by a clothing store. Unexpected sales + ongoing need to boost my teacher/GA wardrobe yielded several nice tops. And a pair of jeans (which aren't for teaching). Earlier this break, my sister had told me I had to get a new pair of jeans. I'm down to my last two pairs of jeans (both acquired at least 4 years ago), and one of them will have to be banned to around-the-house-wear-only soon as it's developing a hole.
This evening was probably my musical highlight of the holiday break. I attended 30+ minutes of a professional male choir's concert. *sigh* Gorgeous voices. Some of the younger group members were handsome too. :-) I would have stayed longer (networking opportunities in addition to the chance to chat with cute guys! Cute guys who sing!), but I'd already committed to going to another choir concert. I did enjoy that one too ... and I caught up with some contacts in the area regarding my job search ... Aack! Where will I be getting a job after graduation?!
Now at home, savoring family time. A pleasant day!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
De-decorating
Today was the designated day for taking down the Christmas decorations around the house. Somehow, we've accumulated many, many more holiday decorations than I remember putting up as a child. Part of the blame belongs to the mini-Santas. We have an army of them now. They guard different locations ... a few near the front door, some chilling by the wooden reindeer, still others by the fireplace. They've invaded! They weren't ready to leave their stations yet so we didn't even attempt to tackle them this afternoon.Today was TREE DAY. My mom and I set to work at taking all of the ornaments off of the tree. As I helped her, Mom decided that this was a good time for me to separate my ornaments from the rest of the family's. She had talked about doing this for years; when we grew up, we'd want to have our own ornaments on our trees at our own homes. All of my ornaments, dating back to the Baby's First Christmas collection, are now packed in their own box apart from everyone else's. Apparently I'll really be grown up by next Christmas. In some ways, I'm pleased; I'm looking forward to all that 2008 has to offer. At the same time, it's bittersweet that we effectively boxed up a part of my childhood today and next Christmas won't be quite the same.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Eking out productivity
I finally finished the freelancing jobs I'd been asked to do over the break. Yay for supplementary income!
(What should I spend my earnings on? Conference in February? Eh, I already paid the registration fee. Textbooks? I think I've already got what I need for this semester. Spring break? Yes! Yee-haw, I'm lookin' forward to visiting the biggest state of the contiguous 48!)
(What should I spend my earnings on? Conference in February? Eh, I already paid the registration fee. Textbooks? I think I've already got what I need for this semester. Spring break? Yes! Yee-haw, I'm lookin' forward to visiting the biggest state of the contiguous 48!)
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Simple Pleasures
My younger brother is going to a friend's party tonight. When he asked my mother what food he could bring from our house, she suggested that he and I assemble a gingerbread house from a kit she'd gotten before Christmas.
Neither of us had ever made a gingerbread house before. When given the option, he chose to construct the house while I decorated it.
He remarked, "Hey, this is like playing with legos - except it's food!"
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2007 in Review
Favorite blog posts from last year!
January
16: "When a guy seems perfect ..."
Re-reading this renews my hope. :-)
27: "Let's Go On with the Show!"
Insight into my life as a musician ... referencing student-teaching experience with high school choir kids, performances with the All Star Collegiate Choir and a professional orchestra ... and some painful-at-the-time thoughts which ended up foreshadowing the lifespan of certain undergraduate friendships
February
19: "Another interesting Sunday..."
Quoting lyrics from Wicked: "I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason..." An unusual encounter with another human being.
28: "Feeling a bit sheepish"
Goofy picture-filled post!
March
12: "Bella Italia"
Another post in pictures ... with little stories about the most amazing Spring Break trip ever (which doubled as BestFriend's one last hurrah (!) before marriage)!
21: "Guilty Secrets"
April
5: "Anticipation"
Because CGFC (Cute Guy From Church) was mentioned in so many posts, I thought I ought to include one on the list. :-)
15: "The Dawning"
Little epiphanies ... hinting at life changes after graduation ... bittersweet but wonderful.
May
7: "Festivities: Thursday though Saturday"
Commencement ... Funny how a word which means "beginning" describes a ceremony which marks the end of a chapter in life.
June
27: "Another surprise!"
The only picture of me on this blog :-)
July
8: "So ... I just had to navigate Blogger in Hungarian ..."
I sent out regular updates to family and friends regarding my adventures (and studies!) in Budapest, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Prague ... but neglected to update my blog for the most part. If you want the official updates (with reflections on the places I visited, stories about the cute boys I met, and descriptions of my studies), you can email me using the address to the right!
August
24: "Remembering"
I'd recently moved into my new apartment and was preparing to start grad school. This entry is a tribute to a loved one.
September
9: "A 10 second glimpse into the life of a klutz"
Still giggling as I recall my madskillz. Love the links to favorite entries about being an RA too!
22: "A phone call makes thousands of miles seem like none at all"
Another reason why I love BestFriend!
October
27: "Female Bonding"
Also known as the miraculous powers of cookie dough. An ode. Well, not quite. :-)
November
11: "Unexpected turn of events"
A boy story
December
19: "On Blogging"
Justification for the existence of Wrapped in Song. This isn't the best example of my writing but I just love this entry. I suppose it was something that had to be written at some point during the lifespan of this blog.
January
16: "When a guy seems perfect ..."
Re-reading this renews my hope. :-)
27: "Let's Go On with the Show!"
Insight into my life as a musician ... referencing student-teaching experience with high school choir kids, performances with the All Star Collegiate Choir and a professional orchestra ... and some painful-at-the-time thoughts which ended up foreshadowing the lifespan of certain undergraduate friendships
February
19: "Another interesting Sunday..."
Quoting lyrics from Wicked: "I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason..." An unusual encounter with another human being.
28: "Feeling a bit sheepish"
Goofy picture-filled post!
March
12: "Bella Italia"
Another post in pictures ... with little stories about the most amazing Spring Break trip ever (which doubled as BestFriend's one last hurrah (!) before marriage)!
21: "Guilty Secrets"
April
5: "Anticipation"
Because CGFC (Cute Guy From Church) was mentioned in so many posts, I thought I ought to include one on the list. :-)
15: "The Dawning"
Little epiphanies ... hinting at life changes after graduation ... bittersweet but wonderful.
May
7: "Festivities: Thursday though Saturday"
Commencement ... Funny how a word which means "beginning" describes a ceremony which marks the end of a chapter in life.
June
27: "Another surprise!"
The only picture of me on this blog :-)
July
8: "So ... I just had to navigate Blogger in Hungarian ..."
I sent out regular updates to family and friends regarding my adventures (and studies!) in Budapest, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava and Prague ... but neglected to update my blog for the most part. If you want the official updates (with reflections on the places I visited, stories about the cute boys I met, and descriptions of my studies), you can email me using the address to the right!
August
24: "Remembering"
I'd recently moved into my new apartment and was preparing to start grad school. This entry is a tribute to a loved one.
September
9: "A 10 second glimpse into the life of a klutz"
Still giggling as I recall my madskillz. Love the links to favorite entries about being an RA too!
22: "A phone call makes thousands of miles seem like none at all"
Another reason why I love BestFriend!
October
27: "Female Bonding"
Also known as the miraculous powers of cookie dough. An ode. Well, not quite. :-)
November
11: "Unexpected turn of events"
A boy story
December
19: "On Blogging"
Justification for the existence of Wrapped in Song. This isn't the best example of my writing but I just love this entry. I suppose it was something that had to be written at some point during the lifespan of this blog.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
2008?!
Home again. Flight to BestFriend's home state and back were pleasantly uneventful. (BF & BFHusband had horror stories about their attempts to get there last week!)
It was soooo wonderful to have that brief visit with BestFriend, her husband & other mutual friends! We did get in some special BF-Estrella GirlTime and some belated BF birthday celebrations ... and the party was fantastic! (Our first guest arrived at 7:15pm and our last left at 4:15 this morning!) We played board games and card games, we had great conversations and debates, and we caught up on each other's lives. All of the other guests were BF's high school friends and BFHusband's college friends. Thanks to their wedding this past summer, I knew most of the people there and felt extremely comfortable hanging out with everyone. :-)
BestFriend & I both napped for an hour before finishing party preparations, but we didn't bother going to sleep this morning before leaving for the airport at 5am! Although my flight was 4 hours later than BF & BFHusband's, we carpooled to the airport together so that BF's family wouldn't have to make more than one trip. So ... I've slept a total of 1.5+ hours (in 2 naps- one yesterday and one on the plane!) since 9:15am yesterday morning. My goal is to make it to 9ish this evening so that I can get into an earlier bedtime routine before I return for the second half of my grad program!
I still can't believe it's really the new year. 2007 was an incredible year! Really wonderful. I hope 2008 will be just as fun and special to remember. :-) Perhaps when I'm more rested (which I hope will include greater mental clarity), I'll write something more creative ... reflections on 2007 and goals for 2008 ... or maybe not. :-) Must go do something else before I fall asleep at the computer. Happy New Year to you!
It was soooo wonderful to have that brief visit with BestFriend, her husband & other mutual friends! We did get in some special BF-Estrella GirlTime and some belated BF birthday celebrations ... and the party was fantastic! (Our first guest arrived at 7:15pm and our last left at 4:15 this morning!) We played board games and card games, we had great conversations and debates, and we caught up on each other's lives. All of the other guests were BF's high school friends and BFHusband's college friends. Thanks to their wedding this past summer, I knew most of the people there and felt extremely comfortable hanging out with everyone. :-)
BestFriend & I both napped for an hour before finishing party preparations, but we didn't bother going to sleep this morning before leaving for the airport at 5am! Although my flight was 4 hours later than BF & BFHusband's, we carpooled to the airport together so that BF's family wouldn't have to make more than one trip. So ... I've slept a total of 1.5+ hours (in 2 naps- one yesterday and one on the plane!) since 9:15am yesterday morning. My goal is to make it to 9ish this evening so that I can get into an earlier bedtime routine before I return for the second half of my grad program!
I still can't believe it's really the new year. 2007 was an incredible year! Really wonderful. I hope 2008 will be just as fun and special to remember. :-) Perhaps when I'm more rested (which I hope will include greater mental clarity), I'll write something more creative ... reflections on 2007 and goals for 2008 ... or maybe not. :-) Must go do something else before I fall asleep at the computer. Happy New Year to you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
