Random thoughts:
While walking back to Blacker from German, I realized that for the first time in nearly two years (since sometime freshman year?), I can say I'm truly happy in *all* respects, and I'll actually miss this place when I leave (not to mention missing the people). But for most of sophomore year, I thought I'd never want to think about this place again once I'd graduated. Funny how opinions can change so drastically.

Also, German's awesome. =D I'm actually getting to the point where I can listen and decipher full sentences with only a little effort. It's strange to be hearing something that isn't English and comprehending it - I'm used to translating written texts from my 4 years of high school Latin, but now I'm beginning to see how much I missed by not taking a language with auditory components. Ah well, that's fixed soon enough. I've had passing thoughts of taking beginning French during senior year - that way, I'm working with up to 4 languages a day! (English for usual life, Latin for medieval history senior thesis sources, German for conversational use and sources, and French for kicks) It sounds like fun... well, until I get VERY confused (probably sometime during the second or third week of class ;). Still, I'm tempted to try. After all, the more languages I become competent in, the better my chances in the historian/professor job market, not to mention other possibilities... I wouldn't say no to becoming an interpreter, if I ever become proficient in a modern language. Or a tour guide through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Now that'd be a sweet deal...

For the first time in a couple years, I've got a paying gig as a musician! Performing John Rutter's Requiem with Wendy Caldwell at a Good Friday service - it should be fun. Last time was at home, after my senior year of high school, performing with two violinists for a local Catholic wedding. As I see it, gigs are basically getting paid to have fun. After all, practicing and performing the music puts me in a terrific mood, AND I get money - it's a fantastic deal. Music's never been as much of a burden as a real job. ;)
Speaking of gigs, I keep thinking that perhaps I should get together with a group of other chamber musicians and advertise as an ensemble catering to weddings, parties, that sort of thing. It's tempting. Perhaps I should ask Delores about this someday. If you're interested, email me, 'cause I'd like to try this next year.