Sunday Morning

I'm sitting in my new desk chair, in my still new seeming apartment, looking out the two beautiful windows my desk sits in front of sipping coffee and sweating a bit- it's warm here. It's like 80 degress already. I didn't get up in time for Church this morning.
Last night I had a lot of fun with Aaron, who is a third year in the Counseling Psych program. He's a gung ho bundle of energy from Memphis and went to undergrad here. This means he knows people and knows his way around. Last night we were just gonna watch some hoops and drink some Guinness at this great local British pub. But as the game wrapped up, he said he'd heard that Donald Brown (internationally known jazz pianist and local UT Music Faculty) was playing at this cool, recently renovated Hotel downtown.

We walked to downtown in the wonderfully warm evening air (weather's been like 80's, windy, and just a little bit rainy- so the air's been super fresh). So we hung out in the lobby area of this circa 1900's, chic Hotel lobby space, under Chandeliers, and among some very finely (and funkily) dressed local folk. Donald wasn't actually playing when we came in, but he was watching and listening quietly at a table next to us. Various local artists were sitting in with the ensemble and taking their turn to showcase their improv skills. It was such a cool vibe. No cover charge- just music, beautiful jazz music. It was like we'd been transported to 1920's New York.

Anyhow, we stayed out just late enough for me to want to sleep in this morning. Though, I can feel that my body is tired from all of the ups and downs of this first year of grad school. I am so ready and grateful to have a chance to get back to Idaho, the Northwest, and spend good, rejuvinating time in the places I love with the people I love.

I'm looking forward to time with you mom: getting to see your new place (in Moscow and her house in CdA!). We always have such a good time. I can already hear the laughter, smell the cooking, and feel the burn from a good work out outside (probably gonna need to be a run- not one of your crazy early swims !?). I'm looking forward to seeing you Joel: hanging out teasing and laughing like always, getting to meet Mallory, and hopefully taking in some music (Martin Sexton man). I'm looking forward to time with you Dad: morning coffee chats, time outside in the woods hiking, and bbquing outside.

I'm so grateful I'll get some Seattle time as well. Time with Jens, Tina, and beautiful Osa!!! Olive- you too. Time with Fox. Time with Jonny and his cute little ones. Seattle in Summer with my favorite people- awesome.

Now time to finish the last little bit of homework.