Last night I drove home after band rehearsal so that I could see my little sis be a drum major and follow in my footsteps  as well as get in some shopping time with the older sis earlier today. I really miss being at home. I don't know why this semester has been so much more home-sicky than my other two years (besides the first week my freshman year), but it has been. When I drive, it seems like the miles and time just can't go by fast enough, and I have to set my cruise control on 58 to hold myself back. It's really hard on a country interstate! I love going over the bridge that leads to P-town, and especially pulling into the driveway, going in the garage door and being assaulted by a big black puppy-dog. It doesn't matter if she is 8 years old, I still love the simplicity of getting greeted by a happy dog who loves you unconditionally. My own pink and white and brand-new bedroom ... beautifully mildew-free bathroom ... hardwood floors underneath bare feet ... blooming roses underneath my bedroom window. Who ever said that fairytales don't exist? I realize that I'm "spoiled rotten" and I have no problem with that. I work and study hard for everything that I have, so just let me dream over simple pleasures.  I liked going to the football game, sitting with my parents and eating a hot dog and fresh brownies. It's weird to not be in the band and just watch them. It's even weirder to watch my little sis with the band, knowing that it was me just four and five years ago. Sometimes I really miss being a drum major, because I love conducting. I rock out and do it in front of a mirror when no one is home to tease me. Old habits die hard, I suppose. I saw a couple old high school friends, and I am loving the maturity that means we can still talk and chill without things being awkward. Then Liz drove home today and we went shopping in Peoria. It was really disappointing not to find more affordable, modest, quality clothing. You know, I accept the inevitable of having to pay more money for something quality that will last a long time. But I refuse to spend $40 on a pair of jeans that will only become more low-rise the more I wash and dry them. Give me Granny jeans that hide my hiney and aren't made of 75% spandex! Okay, I'm done ranting. But that perfect pair of jeans is pretty elusive. What a silly thing. Tonight was the first wind ensemble concert. I won't lie, it felt pretty amazing to sit in the top band ensemble and have such an intense performance. I hadn't even realized that I'd memorized so much of the music until I was making eye contact with the director every two bars, and then I realized that I was copying the motions of the other 3 flutes to sound more like them. I love making music, especially when it becomes so involved like that. That's what playing an instrument should be like; not just blowing air and moving fingers in time, but communicating with the people around you and pulling the music through your heart before it comes out of your instrument. AH, the corniness! What a special gift all musicians have received from the Lord. How wonderful that He gave all people ears so that we may hear and communicate with each other. Today was the 21st birthday of a really special friend of mine. He was the first guy I ever seriously dated. Since we broke up and went our separate ways to colleges, it has amazed me how God can turn things around and make a friendship that can always be picked back up. Does anyone else have an experience like that? Anyway, I called him this morning to wish him happy birthday, and he called me back just a little bit ago. Talking to him always makes me reflect on how things change but also how some things stay the same. I'm so happy right now, knowing that I don't have to forget or "get over" this person from my past. Such a gift. Yep, I'm rambling and putting off the reading that really needs to be done. Ah, well. I'm the new laid-back Sarah, right? | 
