still, here.

Last week was a whirlwind of rehearsals (3) and concerts (5) and long travel (3 destinations). It was a big deal that I actually made dinner and had something for my husband to take to work this week. It was a big deal that I ate at all!

This week has been one of catching up, of resting, of procrastinating, of re-starting exercise, of planning next semester (the last one of my Master's program), and of just being still. Toward the end of the semester, I find that it's increasingly difficult to be still, even over breakfast - before anything has even happened. The stress builds, exams and projects pile up, and I begin to feel less in control. My leg shakes, my hands aren't steady, acid reflux becomes a daily thing, and I lose weight without trying.

So I'm holding onto this: "Be still, and know that I am God.; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

Nothing that happens in the next few minutes, hours, or days will change the security I have in God or his power at work in my life. Everything will be alright. Many things will be blessed. But I must be diligent and strive for the best I can be in each thing - making time for rest, health, and people.

exam #2

done.

I answered each question, though I was unsure at a few points. My instincts were right, but I lacked specific examples for some things. I really hope that the work I've done will now be sufficient so that I can pass this! I really don't want to have to pay to take a remedial class for History as well!

While I was taking that exam, I got a call from my honey :o). I love hearing from him! He's at a conference for video game music composition today through Sunday, and he's having a great time. Today he'll go to forums for indie music, copyright information, and a meeting of the online forum that he rearranges music for - OCRemix.

I also did well on my first presentation of the semester this morning! My professor said to me, in front of the class, that it was excellent work. That's a relief, especially since he's my primary instructor, and since I had only been given two days to prepare this presentation.

I am really encouraged by the sun shining today. It helps my attitude so much to have that bit of beauty to look at, especially when I feel stressed and tired.

one down, one to go

I just finished my first exam of the day. I was absolutely convinced that I would be taking the Music History exam first... what a shock it was to me when the Theory professor walked in. I was not mentally prepared for the Theory exam, though I've been studying all week. I was just expecting History...

So I dove in. I couldn't really remember the figured bass that I had studied, there was a modulation example and I was frustrated... I almost cried right there.

I turned forward a few pages, and worked on the 20th century Theory part. Not bad. I actually remembered most of what I needed to do! That was great.

The analysis section was tougher than I had hoped. I do think I got the overall form correct - rondo form - but I'm not sure about much else there. I just got so overwhelmed! I'm just hoping I passed enough to be done.

I came home and made pancakes and fried some bacon for lunch - the hubby was happy. :o) I also did some preparations for dinner tonight, which will be pulled pork (courtesy of the crock pot), mashed potatoes, corn, and corn muffins. Yummy! (I hope)

Now I'm going to head back to school to take the second exam of the day...and this time, it really is History. Here goes!