Mannheim Steamroller = Christmas

Since the day after Thanksgiving, I have been listening to Mannheim Steamroller on Pandora.  It is such a nostalgic channel for me.  I grew up listening to the lovely music of Chip Davis.  I always think about how funny it is when certain songs, composers/artists, genres remind you of a time past.  I guess that is the continual beauty of music.  It does things that pictures and words can not do.  I played my flute last night for our middle school Christmas program and even then, I was transported in just my accompaniment alone.  I still sway when I play too.  Music is such a joy to me. 

Caleb and I recently have taken to watching/listening to music channels on tv rather than watch actual programs.  It makes grading more bearable because I get distracted at home frequently.  These music stations play pieces I do not know well, so I can't always hum along. :)  It has also been convenient to our work schedules...which have been insane as of late.

Thanksgiving was the first break we have had since school started and still, we spent 26 hours in the car going to and from Nebraska.  I loved going to Nebraska, seeing Caleb's family, eating a lot of really good food, and watching tons of great football.  Even since then, school has seemed like a huge burden.  I wish I could shake off the tired, exhausted feeling that I've had since before Thanksgiving.  I don't know if this is the work, the kids, the parents.  I've been so worn out lately...and I can only imagine how Caleb has been.

I helped him edit a paper the whole way down to Nebraska.  He's been working as much as me but doing double the work with school and grad school.  I really enjoy learning along with him.  He is always sharing with me the things that his classes are addressing.  His latest paper had to address how the internet is slowing down our thinking processes, how multitasking is actually not a true concept, etc.  I know that he is finding a lot of relevant research from these classes and I realize too how it has made me more aware in my classroom.

With this upcoming Christmas so quickly now upon us, I realize there is SO much more to do and I can feel the load building up.  Especially since I did not do much for school over Thanksgiving.  Sometimes, I honestly do not feel like I should be a teacher.  I get so overwhelmed and tired.  I have been praying about my vocation a lot lately because I don't know if that is actually true...or I just am restless.  My desire for change often leads me to be unusually anxious for change.  I love change...but sometimes I think I love it too much, thus leading me to question what I want to do with my life.  meh...........

I am looking forward to singing my heart out at Boar's Head at CUAA on Saturday night and seeing some lovely people. :)  I'm sorry that I just completely word vomited in this post.  I've just been needing to get some things off my chest.  Blessings to you all as you prepare for this Christmas season. ( I honestly can not wait to do Christmas cards this year!)