'membries

The church where my sisters and I grew up, like so many other churches in America, had those nifty sign-in pads that were passed down each pew so that we could learn the names of those seated around us. In addition to having space for one's name and address, there were several columns from which to choose in order to indicate one's status in relation to the church. One such column was headed as follows: "Member this church". Now, being the smart children that we were, we understood that the implication was that folks who were members of the church would place a check mark in that column. And so we did. However, being the smart-aleck children that we were (and still are!), on more than one occasion there would be a remark from one of us (it was never me... oh, wait...) that went something like this: "Member this church? Sure I 'member it! I was just here last week!" (Note - this works best in a Southern accent.)

As I returned to campus a few hours ago after a weekend filled with fantastic family things in Chicagoland - a wedding shower, time with extended family, playing violin at the church where my aunt is music director/organist - I was greeted by a feeling that I most definitely 'membered. It's that feeling of "holy-freaking-cow-I-have-so-much-to-do-panic-panic-PANIC!" Or, you know, something like that.

Heretofore (do I get SAT word points for that?) the school experience at VCM has been hectic but not insane. The rest of the year is pretty busy, and so this is just a different variety of busy. However, as we get to the end, the deadlines are stacking up, and although I'm pretty on top of things, there is definitely an involuntary stress reaction to the ever-growing to-do list. It feels a bit like one of those weeks where I have significant events for school, church, and HSO all at once. Oy.

That being said, I'd best return to writing about Haydn. I just took a quick break to write this entry, and I have a half-eaten pint of Ben and Jerry's in the freezer that I told myself I could finish when this essay is complete. (Hey, nothing wrong with a little reward every now and then, right??)