Logically...

The majority of my postings are a conglomeration  of highlights; I wish I could say that this was not one of them. Alas, it is, so perhaps I should make it a goal for the next to focus on a particular experience. Almost a month has passed, and how do I pick the best bits of it all? Why, with what few pictures I have to [loosely] link them together.

Mid-month, we finished up the first semester of school, which meant midterms were over for my full-year classes! Not only were we left without homework, but were gifted with a five day weekend. To what end, I really don't know. School board logic is typically logic-defying. I'm not complaining, though. I spent the days visiting with old friends, drinking too many hot beverages, reading, playing music, listening to music, watching films, enjoying family time... what else does one do as a teenager? Out of all this, one of the few pictures I have is this picture of my milkshake from a '50s style diner. And I questioned the school board's logic.

(So I suppose I had cold drinks, too...)

Next important time frame was this past weekend, which I have to admit was more stressful than the last. After switching classes upon our return to school, I went south to terrify a few judges. No, really. I had my first college audition. Admittedly, it was not as intimidating as I feared, but I have also heard that this school's auditions are pretty "chill."

Leaving Friday afternoon in good spirits... we left earlier than planned with the threat of snow. And it did! Thankfully, it was just enough to be pretty and not slick the roads. 

Upon arrival at our hotel, I asked where I could practice and was told the business or fitness center. That is where the exercise-machine-turned-music-stand comes in... 

Post-audition! I didn't think to take a picture until after my viola was back in its case, but at least it's there. (You'll have to use your imagination.) My instincts are telling me it went reasonably well - knock on wood. Let's not jinx it, for those of you who put faith in such rituals. One down, two to go! They also gave me a muffin as I left the room. That's a good sign, right?

cheers!

mary beth

Happy New Year!

Not to worry - I won't make you suffer through endless resolutions or a recap of my entire year. It'll be enough to cover my winter break! It's kind of like a last hurrah before school starts back tomorrow. Prep for Christmas at my house looked something like this:

{Cookie baking!}

{My brother being himself!}

{Lights and a dusting of snow!}

{Present wrapping!}

Christmas Eve, we all went to church (I in my dirndl) and came home with a surprise guest. He had shown up to the service soaked through, in need of a dry (warm) place to spend the night. In the morning, we all woke and opened gifts, ate my mom's sweet bread, and my mom and I worked on dinner. Afterwards, our guest departed, courtesy of my dad's taxi service. (In case you were wondering, he doesn't really have one. A taxi service, that is.)

{All of the stockings!}

{Thanks, Mom!}

I went with my mom and a friend to see Les Mis (and I had gone with other friends to see The Hobbit a second time...), which we all found fantastic. My hair was cut, as you know, and my family and I went to Philadelphia for a day.

{Visiting Independence Hall}

New Year's Eve, I headed out to play for a local wedding and returned home for the countdown to midnight! We ate well, loudly rang in the new year, and my brother and I each decorated gingerbread:

{My house}

{My brother's caveman!}

Happy New Year!
mary beth

P.S. The minion and I also watched Despicable Me at one point :)