In the corridor...

I'm currently sitting in the lounge of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice, which used to be one of my favorite places to read/study. (I decided to stop by a little earlier to finish up some homework for class this afternoon.) It has been decidedly quiet for the past hour or so, with only the sounds of a piano tinkling-- and the occasional wail of a French horn-- breaking the silence.

However, the half hour has passed, and the little ones in the music class in the corridor have been let out for the afternoon.

Well, that's that. No more work for me...

It's Summer...

...and for many reasons besides having time, I am going to start blogging again.

What's in an Appendix?

After a series of events last week (which included a myriad of experiences I've never had before), I no longer have this funny little part of my body.

Silly thing. Why did you cause so much trouble? What is your purpose? I'd like very much to know, as I've missed nearly a week of school and spent a night in the hospital because of you!

Ridin'

The cause of all of my bruises this past week.

Mi Familia

I miss the family I met (or was re-introduced to) while I was in Korea last summer. Having tiny cousins is like having nieces and nephews, and I really enjoyed getting to know my mom's and dad's siblings, as well as my mom's mom (my only surviving grandparent). I went to my cousin's school music performance right before I departed back for the States, and immediately afterward I realized that I wouldn't have another chance (at least for a while) to see four generations of family together.

Above are: me (obviously), my budding violinist cousin (my cousin's daughter, which makes her my first cousin once removed?), my wee grandmother, my cousin's wife, and my mom's eldest sister (my cousin's mom).

I wish I could have more time to spend with them. It was hard for me to decide not to go back to Korea this coming summer, especially as my grandmother gets older and more ill, but maybe I'll get to see all these wonderful people again, one day soon.

Eeeek

I really should be sleeping by now, and it's not just because I have to be at school early tomorrow morning. At 8am I will be donating blood for the first time, and I'm utterly frightened. My veins haven't really been friends with needles, ever, and when I lost a bit of blood during minor foot surgery in high school, I passed out, so we'll see where tomorrow takes me.

I might be shaking in my shoes, but I am also amazed and thankful for the students and staff giving blood at this blood drive, and I'm grateful for the people who organized it so that I didn't have to do a lick of work (props to Leigh Anne and some fantastic seniors).

Maybe you can be praying for all of those people giving blood tomorrow.

Lose Sight of the Trivial

Today was not about subscribing to a particular political party. Today was not about engaging in petty disagreements.

Instead, it is always about this:

"Help us...remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all." (from Rick Warren's invocation)

and this:

"...our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please." (from the inaugural address)

I cried unashamedly in T's office this morning when I saw our 44th President stride in. I had never thought this day would happen so soon in my lifetime, but it did. It is.