I just got back from listening to the D.C. orchestra from a comfy spot right on the Capitol's lawn.... and here's the best part (well, the listening was the best part, but this was the best surprise)... it was absolutely, one-hundred percent, no strings attached free. Yes ladies and gentlemen, there is fun to be had sans moola. From an intern only making $500 dollars a month, free is what I like to hear! My mom asked me if I wanted to know what my paycheck equaled when divvied up between 9 hours, but I said, no way Jose! Just let me be happy in the fact that I am a paid member of a Congressional staff... it makes me feel better :O).

I'm just kidding! I'm loving D.C. The orchestra was beautiful and the view was gorgeous! It was quite surreal to grab a towel, jump on the metro and spread out right in front of our nation's capitol. It was lit up and quite lovely. I tried to take a picture of it, but due to bad lighting conditions, a good one couldn't be captured.

Attending an orchestra show (if you call it a show) is something that I wanted to do in College Station. It's something that I've wanted to do for a long time, so it was nice to have that dream fulfilled in such a beautiful place. The reason that it has taken so long for it to happen is that in College Station, I didn't allow that downtime to take precedent over, "business" in my calendar. I tell myself that I'm most productive when I'm super duper busy - and it's true - but my heart isn't able to join in on whatever I'm experiencing. I grit my teeth, clench my fists, and say "if I keep my head down and barrel through, I can get this done on my own strength." Not only does that push out any chance of living by faith, but it also shuts down your heart from being touched. Not having school and meetings to draw at my time has reminded me that I like to relax! I like to take a walk and not have 10 things to do on my route. I like running on the treadmill and not having a textbook or note cards in front of me. I like to lounge! I (gasp) even like to sit in a lawn chair and read a book for hours at a time. I like to hang out with people and not have to leave because of school. I realize that I like a lot of things!

Moral of the story...
rest= good
fun= good
a un-hurried night listening to music= wonderful!