In a Contemplative Fashion

After a couple days of unaccustomed inactivity, I feel like I'm finally well-rested and ready to take on the world once more. It's about time! There's so much to do...
It's good to be home for a little while. I visited the school where I used to teach and was hailed as a conquering hero. I do miss my kids an awful lot, especially at this time of year, when I used to be neck-deep in performances. Still, for all those who keep asking, I don't know if or when I'll be coming back to Michigan and/or teaching. It's kind of complicated. I can't go back to what I used to do -- the restlessness, the frustrations, the stagnancy of my former life was killing me slowly and painfully. Sometimes I feel like those fish who have to keep moving forward, or they'll die.
Okay, let's get beyond the morbidity! I shouldn't read the blogs of others before posting, I seem to get falsely deep and lugubrious.
Anyway, I do need to get on with the morning. It's past seven already! But, after the example of B (who often has good ideas), a quick FAQ before I go:
What's this about Russia?
Um, yeah, going to Russia in February. Hotshot piano festival thingy. Really excited. Plenty terrified. I'll post pictures, probably.
How long is this master's program?
Two years, so I'm a quarter of the way done, trusting that UK comes through and works out a few administrative flaws. What comes next is entirely and completely uncertain -- let's not dwell on it.
How much do you practice each day?
Not enough. Probably five hours or so. Really, I promise, not enough -- I've got a lot of make-up work to do.
Do you like being in school again?
I really love it! See my previous posts for details. Though I could have done without spending the last two weeks in panic mode, cramming a research paper into a week or less, etc., this last semester was pretty successful (sneaked by with a four-point) and the next one promises to be exciting.
Do you like your piano teacher?
I love learning from her, and I've come a long way under her tutelage. I don't know her all that well yet (remember, I like to have a good decade or so before I consider that I really know a person), but the trip to Russia should remedy that somewhat.
And now, I really must get to work. I'll try not to disappear for so long next time! :)

Merry Christmas!

I'd love to share some deep philisophical thoughts on the true meaning of Christmas, friends, family, home, and so forth, but I'm in the midst of Christmas with friends, family, home, and so forth! I have been wildly contemplative (is that a little bit oxymoronic?), happily busy, and storing up wise, wonderful, and quirky things to post. That will have to wait, though, since everybody is gathering in the livingroom with coffee and Yule-tide cheer. But I will take a moment to post a photo from last night -- my mother made me some new garb for Christmas, and I was pressed to display her artistry for the family. Umm...I'll try to upload the picture if I can figure out my mother's settings... One moment, please, as we pause for station identification...