Because the World is Round.

I take back the invitation in that last post, because I will no longer be enjoying an extra long Christmas vacation: I changed my major! On the third class day. Good grief, it's about time and the good thing is that I didn't wait any longer. But two and a half years though, gee, that's quite a while. My teaching internship would've started this semester and just thinking of spending so much time in an elementary school while taking intensive classes for the next three months finally struck pure dread in my heart. Elementary Education -> Sociology. From surety to uncertainty, in terms of career. Out of the frying pan, but into where?

Our dear friend and roommate Erin Hazel is finally back from Spain! Things have changed, but we're all still finding out in what ways. But seriously, this past week, I would just crack huge silly smiles in the middle of life whenever I thought about her return.

Over the break I decided to become a camper/backpacker and I just about have all the gear, minus a tent. Rachel, Emily and I drove over to Pedernales Falls on Saturday to do some hiking. It was a beautiful day for walking, scrambling and exploring the riverbed, complete with little sinkholes and pools of clear blue-green water. I enjoyed myself, but not more than, say, an well made film or fellowship with friends. Nature is not my god, and I am ashamed of once putting it on that pedestal. It has a place underneath what is truly worthy of devotion.

The girls of 4314 made scalloped sweet potatoes and double cornbread tonight. What hits! There's something about cooking together that is so communal in bringing people together. Or I just stole that from Eve's Revenge. Anyway, it's fun trying new recipes and nothing brings vitality to a house more than life, in the form of loved ones and friends, bustling and noisy. It's late, I promise you a more interesting entry for later.

Red Hands

Hella! I just got back from a 7:30 AM 10-ish mile bike ride down the Waller Creek trail to Town Lake. Austin is so good to have made trails that straddle their creeks - what a great way to see the town. I love it! As you can imagine, it was quite the chill outside at that dark hour but now it's changing to a sweet sunny disposition. My chain falls off the crankset (?) pretty frequently, like once every ride, and I wonder if it's because I'm shifting incorrectly. We passed by our fair share of bundled-up urban campers and whiffs of stinky sewage. That's what happens when you go under bridges a lot. On the tiring way back, I almost fell off my bike when I inhaled a big breathe of air polluted with UT bus exhaust. Sick. Wouldn't it be neat if there was a Bike City? That kind of thing would be more feasible in Europe, I suppose. Now I must shower soon.

I went rockclimbing with Rachel last night at Gregory - this week is "bring a buddy" week, so it's free. It was bouldering I think, climbing from side to side, as opposed to straight up. I fell a few times on the springy floor, not bad. Rockclimbing is a lot harder that I imagined, mostly because it takes more than effort. My arms have never been more tired or tense. (Good) Climbers are just so cute though. Haha. I may or may not go back again this week, depends on my confidence level. It's so worrisome to work with unsteady grips and having to deal with the possibility of a fall at any time. I am no Spiderwoman.

Hey, next Friday, I may be going to see Nickel Creek play at a private luncheon hosted by KGSR. Mary has the hookup with her boss at the Cactus.. oh, connections! They aren't my favorite band, but are probably the band I most want to see live. I may have to take notes watching Chris Thile, that mando master. Maybe he'll give me a few pointers. We'll see. Anyway, I'm pumped about that, and hopefully it'll happen for me.

Erin is coming back! You have no idea of how much that brightens my outlook- next semester is going to be AWESOME. Although it's been a learning experience without her here, I'm more than ready ready to have my good friend back, far away from the clutches of Spanish influence, at least for the time being. Party party party!

Here's a Wednesday song for you. I've had this mp3 for a while and just recently realized how Awesome it is, it belongs on the "G.O.O.D. songs" playlist for sure. It's a chugger:
The Wrens - "Everyone Chooses Sides"