I thought I would give a quick update. I keep meaning to write a nice long post, and then find something else that needs getting done. But things are going great here in Tallahassee. The past few weeks have been interesting. I'm not sure I could have anticipated the types of experiences I would have here.
My classes are everything I could hope for. Each project we're assigned is a delight, and no exaggeration. Last week I had to make an MP3 player using Flash animation. From design to programming, the Wednesday I spent on the project was enormously relaxing. The rain was pouring outside, giving my room the dawn-like, soft morning glow that hits the sky just before the sunrise colors break the horizon.
I've always loved the rain. When I was a little girl I rearranged my room so that my bed was flush against the large double window in my bedroom just so I could watch the thunder showers. I always felt safe in our house, but I would get the biggest thrill watching the pine tree outside my window sway as though it would snap in two from the wind. Curled up with a good book... such is an ideal day for a Ventura. We're kind of nerds. I think we're okay with that.
All else seems to be going well. I mentioned earlier it had been interesting. I'm a bit private and the idea of bearing my soul for all the internet to see doesn't really appeal to me. But suffice it to say, I'm pleased with how I've handled things. I've never been one prone to melancholy. A day or two of feeling sorry for oneself is more than enough. I've noticed, too, that when I'm down I like to bake, particularly if it means inviting people over to enjoy what I've baked. It's both productive and gives me the opportunity to lift someone else's spirit. For that reason I'm terribly grateful for two parents that taught me how to truly enjoy food: for and in the company of others.
Conference, of course, was wonderful. The dear institute director provided a dutch oven lunch for all the YSAs between the Saturday sessions. He made everything himself (except for the rolls) and it was delicious! Dessert was a blackberry cobbler... there was a bit of difficulty staying awake during the second session after such a satisfying meal. Brother B (our institute director) had his whole family there and upon his suggestion I ran to the local CVS to pick up some playing cards. He, a few of his kids, and some of the other YSAs played Scum for a good while before the second session. Brother B. is extremely competitive... but was still the Scum (if you haven't played... well, if you're the Scum you're LOSING). Needless to say the smack talk was flying at that table!
One aspect of conference that I've found both interesting and uplifting is the balance that seems to strike amongst the talks. Some talks seem to be the swift kick in the pants I think we all sometimes need while the next may be the Balm of Gilead we were also seeking. In the course of one session you feel the extremes of both. In everything I think it's a testament to how much the Lord loves each of His children; how deeply He desires us to just do the right things and return to live with Him, and still how intrinsically He knows our aches and pains.
A good weekend and a good week ahead. I'll try and do better posting. :-)
