And So It Begins...

The plunge back to reality, that is.

I had a great (short!) week at school and an even better rest of the week and weekend!
Ty came home Tuesday night, and we enjoyed the week by hanging out with our families (Tali, I'm counting you in this, too) and buddies, Ben and Angela.

It was a needed week of rest.
Sadly, I didn't make it out for any Black Friday shopping. I was house-sitting all week, so that complicated the early morning shopping trip idea (who wants to take a dog outside at 2am?). Instead, I rose at 6:30, took care of the pets, and practiced piano for a couple hours. Since when have I been so responsible? :-P
I was studying music history for a while the other day but finally gave up and curled up on the couch. So nix the responsibility thing, I guess.

I'm already seeing the benefits of having a boyfriend in mechanic school: I got my tires rotated this weekend! :)

These next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind. I've been listening to opera after opera and cantata after cantata to prepare for an upcoming music history exam. That's totally unrelated to the final, just fyi. I probably should work on a statistics project now. Or practice more piano. What I really want to do is go to bed and start afresh tomorrow. Yes, it's only 6:15 in the evening. Why not get a head-start on tomorrow by hitting the hay early? That logic almost works, right?

 In less than three weeks all this will be passed, and I'll be on my way to Nashville, juries and exams far from mind!

Who Knew?

Who knew Billy Joel wrote gorgeous solo piano music??

I'm hoping this counts as my contemporary piece for sophomore review!

Worth a Try

This morning on my way to my music history exam, I spotted The Big Red Bus.
The Big Red Bus is a station on campus where you can donate blood. I often pass by, notice the brave souls with cool bandages around their arms, and wish that I, too, were brave.

One of these days, I've told myself, I'll be brave like that.

Well today I actually walked up the stairs and opened the door. I inquired about some details then headed to my exam. Before the test started, I shared this goal of mine with some surrounding classmates. Erin jumped at the idea, and the next thing I knew, we were going together after class to donate blood.

Let me take a moment to fill you in on some details:
I'm terrified of needles. (Don't ask me why piercings are different; they just are.)
I cry when I have to get shots at the doctor.
The sight of blood often makes me queasy. (Don't ask me why I love Sweeney Todd; I just do.)

Despite these factors, I was determined.
After making sure I'd eaten breakfast and fit the qualifications (closely enough), a tech pricked my finger (he nicely pricked the side so I could practice without issue) to test my iron level, took my temperature, and checked my blood pressure. I was doing great. I was inspired. I was going to do this!

"You don't have to do this," he said, knowing I was nervous.
No, no. I was all in.

Yeah, until I felt like I was going to pass out...in the preliminary room!
The considerate tech ran and fetched a damp cloth and some apple juice. I assured him I was feeling fine, but he said they'd never let me donate if I felt queasy before I was even on the table.

Seriously? I got my finger pricked for nothing?
My brave friend, Erin, was reclining on a chair waiting to be poked. I sauntered over, dejected and still a bit light-headed.
"They won't let me donate."

They gave me a t-shirt and told me thanks anyway.
I'm not giving up! One of these days I will get further than the preliminary room!
I'm taking Erin's suggestion to drink lots and lots of water the week before.
After all, she's the one walking around campus with a cool bandage.

My Late Nights Are History

I have yet another music history exam tomorrow. This time, it's a listening exam.
I studied all day (and even neglected my practice!) for this thing, and after a short dinner break I resumed listening.

It's a normal occurrence for college students to stay up late. In fact, it's somewhat expected.
I try. I really do. But I'm just so stinkin' tired. Maybe college students don't typically get up at 4:45am?

In an effort to prepare myself for a late night, I texted Haylee - token late-night studier. She frequently pulls all-nighters and lives to tell about them. The best I did last semester was 1am.

I'm afraid I've aged since even then. I took a power nap at 9:30 this evening. It felt like at least midnight! Now here it is finally inching toward tomorrow, and my brain is mush.

So it's off to bed. I think I'll function better in the morning.

P.S. I performed at school yesterday. It was so much fun! Only after I'd been home for a few hours did I actually take a look at the program to see that my name had been misspelled. =/

Refreshing Words

Today was hard. There's no getting around it. Tough day.
It was bound to happen. Usually days like these occur twice a semester - the sorts of days that I wish I were crawled up in my bed and not on a campus with thousands of others. Definitely not in a small program where classmates and professors notice watery eyes and looks of frustration.

Anyway, the purpose of this blog is not to rant. (I've done my share of that already.) Rather, it is to commend to you another blog post. This time of year is typically very stressful, so take a moment to slow down and inhale refreshing words.

Also, here's a verse I've been claiming today. You may need to be reminded of its truth, too.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ."
-Romans 8:1

Read it again. And again.

And again.

Oh, and I got my new journal today. It was perfect timing.

Dilemma

I love to journal. I never go anywhere without my journal. I love the freedom of being able to jot something down whenever I feel like it.

I only have one page left in my journal.

This was unexpected. I was writing and writing last week. I turned the page and *gasp* realized there were no more behind it!

I've not had time to catch up on pasting in pictures and ticket stubs, and now there's no room. It seems ridiculous to start a new journal with "Oh yeah, these didn't fit in the last one..." Secondly, I've not been able to select a new one. This is a big deal. If I'm going to invest months of my life into this thing, I'd better like it.

Today on my way home from lunch with Papa, I thought about stopping to buy a new journal. I knew it'd take me longer than I had time for, so instead I went home and studied music history like a good student. (Applause appreciated.)

All this to say, I've been hesitant to write. I'm not ready to finish the last page. The many pages of this journal tell of my life over the last 10 1/2 months. In an odd sort of way, I'm attached to it. Beginning a new journal always seems like embarking on a new journey. Sometimes I'd rather just be comfortable; I'd rather flip through familiar pages that tell past stories through pictures and words - stories I already know, rather than ones I have to first live.

I already know what my first entry will be in my new journal. I've included these beautiful lyrics for you, too - words that have been on my heart lately.

Now to finish that last page...

I am in exile, a sojourner

A citizen of some other place

All I've seen is just a glimmer

In a shadowy mirror but I know

One day we'll see face to face

I am a nomad, a wanderer

I have nowhere to lay my head down

There's no point in putting roots

Too deep when I'm moving on

Not settling for this unsettling town

My heart is filled with songs of forever

A city that endures, where all is made new

And no, I don't belong here

I'll never call this place my home

I'm just passing through

I am a pilgrim, a voyager

I won't rest until my lips touch the shore

Of the land that I've been longing

For as long as I've lived

Where there'll be no pain or tears anymore

My heart is filled with songs of forever

A city that endures, where all is made new

And no, I don't belong here

I'll never call this place my home

I'm just passing through

-Thrice, "In Exile"

Baby Word Scramble

We're having a baby shower at my house this morning, and Julia and Carissa created a little word scramble for the attendees to complete. I was the guinea pig. Was it hard enough? Well, after I've stared at this list of jumbled, baby-related words for a while, I'm still stumped on a few.

Thought I'd share. Only participate if you're up for the challenge. I warn you: this is addicting.

ciiefrpa

tnklaeb

teolbt

byba ointlo

ramopujo

seneio

mobbu

ypobp

itsnebas

psaeidr

acelespapu

muarfol

yesrrun

gwins

siwep

reltrols

spaprem

cerrok

naylppe

limboe

dalcer

jaoler

nsditie

toorinm

24 Hours of Nashville

The idea to surprise Ty in Nashville sparked in my imagination a few weeks ago. It was my parents, however, who made it happen. They got directions, rented a car, got off work early, packed sandwiches,  booked a hotel, etc. It wasn't until we were in the city that I even thought of needing an address.

"Wait. We do know how to get to his work, right?"

I had been assuming that everything had been taken care of. Thanks to Mom and Dad, it had been.

It seemed everyone - my friends at school and those I met in Nashville - was so surprised that I'd go all the way to Nashville for a mere 24 hours. (Obviously, they don't know Ty very well.) When they found out my parents were the driving force (pun intended!) , they were even more surprised!

Yes, I know they're a rarity. :)

Love you guys!

This is what they did the whole time. They switched seats some, taking turns navigating and driving.

This is what I did the whole time. Well, a lot of the time. Should have done more of the time. Okay - about half the time!  Music history exam on Friday. :(

Thankfully, for my parents, I didn't practice my flute in the car. Only the hotel. I'm sorry to whoever was in the room next to ours.

Georgia peaches, anyone?

Since we were in GA, we figured we'd might as well stop by and see Allie and Jeremy and gang. They were kind enough to offer a place to lay our heads for the night. Their new house is amazing!

Iain, Cory, and I all have a habit of getting up early, so we hung out.

These pictures are for Nona, as promised!

Naturally, books were involved.

We headed out from their house in the morning and made our way closer to Ty!

Thanks to the semi-truck, we have lousy pictures of the TN sign. =/

We arrived in Nashville about noon. We did a "drive by" Goodyear just to make sure Ty was really working. ;) Of course he was. But still three more hours till his shift ended.

We did what any travelers in a foreign place would do. That's right. We hit up the local Super Wal-Mart.

We checked into our hotel and grabbed a bite to eat, too. Finally, it was time to head back to Goodyear!

We carefully drove into the parking lot, and I snuck into the front lobby. Two nice men were behind the counter.

After I'd made certain Ty was off at three, I told them who I was and what I was doing.

They, too, couldn't believe we'd drive all the way up there. (I say it really wasn't all that bad, but - then again - I wasn't driving.) I tried to go on, but they kept harping on that. After I told them I was only here for a short time, they really looked at me in disbelief.

I moved on and went straight to the point: "When Tyler gets off can you please make up some excuse to get him in here?"

They agreed, and almost as soon as I had sat down behind a half-wall, I heard, "Tyler! Come clean up this mess in here!"

One of Ty's coworkers chimed in, "Really, man, you gotta go in there."

Their promptings, combined with the fact that he was already cleaning up something in the shop, made Tyler suspicious.

The look on his face, however, told me that he never suspected this.

He just stood there. For a good ten seconds. Blinking and staring at me.

I don't think reality hit until I hopped up and gave him a hug.

My parents and I got to see his apartment (sadly, no roommates were home), and then Ty took me everywhere!

And I do mean everywhere.

We spent most of our evening driving to all the places Ty visits. I wanted to see where he goes to school, where he goes to church, where he likes to eat, etc. We also drove through downtown.

Some pictures of our adventures...

The first is of a trail in the woods by his apartment that leads to a huge lake.

It's so beautiful there.

We even spotted three doe! Can you find one hiding in the woods?

Annnd...then he took off.

Sorry for the lack of quality on these next pictures. Most were taken from a moving car.

Downtown from a distance.

Ty's school. It's a lot bigger than this one building, but this one is the most photographic. :)

On our way through downtown.

And this is a mailbox for a marina. Ty wanted me to take this. Here you go, Ty. :)

Sunday morning we had the privilege of going to Ty's church. Sunday afternoon came much too quickly. After a nice lunch, we had to leave. I know I'm smiling in this picture, but I certainly didn't feel like smiling. :(

The weekend was over way too soon, but it was more than worth every moment spent in the car. Right, Mom and Dad? :) They would say so, too. We all had a wonderful time. I certainly didn't want to come home and go to school Monday morning. Now I'm just pressing on till Thanksgiving. Only two more weeks! I miss you, Ty!

Please Pray

As incredible as my weekend was (see below!), I received some sobering news while on the drive home:

The father of a Christian family in my neighborhood tragically passed away on Saturday. He left behind a wife and five kids. Please pray for them during this painful process, especially that they would feel God's presence in a seemingly desolate situation.

Thank you.

Meanwhile, in Another Part of Town...

...or another part of the country, I should say.

Oh, yeah. Did I mention I'm in Nashville?
If you're surprised, you're not the only one.
:)

Dear Grams

Dear Grams,

We miss your bright smiles, your contagious laughter, your easy-going nature, your constant kindness, your awesome tickle-scratching, your warm hugs.

Yes, we even miss the forgetfulness that eventually characterized the last seven years of your life.
The way James would tease you and you would talk ugly to him as if talking to a stranger. We knew you didn't mean it. So we laughed. We always laughed just to keep from crying.

The way you hummed along to your favorite hymns as Papa played. Words were long forgotten. We hummed along, too. Just to keep from crying.

The way you talked to the lady in the mirror. We played along and believed, too. Just to keep from crying.

And when the cancer left you weak and the Alzheimer's unaware, we stood by your bedside and talked of how you'd be whole in Heaven. We clung to that promise. Just to keep from crying.

Six years later it's still hard to hold back tears. I wish more than anything my own memory would reach back further. But the times that have stuck, I hold onto with care.

Love,
Jessie

Halloween Happenings

In case you're wondering, I managed to get 3 hours of practice in yesterday. But I'm slacking a bit this morning to write this post. ;)

Grace asked me to trick-or-treat with her around the block. At first I said no, because I still had 1 more hour of practice to do. But then I changed my mind. After all, relationships are more important. :)

We'll get to trick-or-treating pictures in a minute here.

Up first are my Halloween Recital pictures.

Ms. Williams (my high school piano teacher) and I collaborated and had a mini recital at her house. She'd been wanting to meet my students and hear them play, so this was the perfect opportunity. The girls all dressed up and played spooky songs. Ms. Williams' house was decked out like you wouldn't believe. And best of all, she died her hair purple for the event! Yes, it was crazy.

All six of my girls participated, and I am so proud of them! In our preparation for this, we've been having   little practice sessions where the girls perform for each other. I don't think a single one was nervous on Friday. They were all fantastic!

(L to R - Regan, Elizabeth, Sophie, Emma, Caroline B., Caroline W)

My mom, Papa, and Kelly (girl from my piano quartet, seen on the bench next to me) were also in attendance!

After the recital I went to a Halloween concert at school. (There was some AWESOME music!) I took a bat and a pirate with me (aka Caroline W. and Emma) for fun, too.

Now to October 31st events. . .

The evening began when I saw a ninja darting across my front lawn. (Naturally, I assumed it was Wesley - it was.)

Can you spot all my kids?

Hmm. That pirate looks familiar.

That princess looks WAY too grown up to be Maggie!

If you're trying to figure out who Luigi is, I don't know who he is either!

A very friendly storm trooper and a butterfly princess even came to visit me!

And I also went out with Hannah and Gracie.

Sorry about the blur.

After we ran out of candy, we turned off the front lights and turned on Wait Until Dark. Julia, Carissa, and my new friend Erin from school came over and joined the festivities.

Erin's a pretty scary girl.

Actually, I told her to make that face. But don't worry, I also told her I'd be blackmailing her on my blog.

This is more like her!

Why is she holding a very serious-looking gun?

Because she's new.

Yes, because she's new.

My dad always has to show guests his toys.

The movie was great! It was little strange, but I really enjoyed it. There was only one part at which all four of us girls screamed at the same time! We were a little hoarse after the movie. Ha ha, good times.

Are you reading this cause you're up early? My phone was supposed to automatically change, but it didn't. I was up and walking around this morning until I realized it was only 5am. I was pretty mad at my phone. The one morning I didn't actually have to wake up that early. Bahumbug!

Well, it's off to practice for me. I'm playing two Bach Sinfonias and a Prelude and Fugue in church today! I'm excited for the opportunity to play "my sort of music" in church! :)

Have a blessed Lord's Day!