Galactic Battlegrounds

So, I decided to take a short break to play Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds on my computer today. I ended up playing it for an hour and a half. Oh well, it's the last day before break, who can blame me for losing a little focus? I was successful in my game though, I won. I got an e-mail from Chie today, my host mother in Kumamoto. It was very nice to hear from her again. She sent me her home address, so Benjamin and I are going to try to send her and Keito something for Christmas. They were so good to us. It always brightens my day a bit to hear from them. It's so intense to think about, that I am corresponding with someone who lives 6,000 miles away. It would take me around 14 hours to see them in person. Having friends in far away places is really fun. Speaking of far away places, the England question continues to beckon. Dang it, it's so hard. In all reality though, I think I will be going. It's an opportunity that will not come again. I mean, I could study abroad someplace else, and that is a situation I need to seriously consider. Japan still holds a very dear place in my heart. And I will miss band and music here so much. That is what is causing me the most hesitation. I can talk with my friends via phone or the internet, but I won't be able to make up a whole year away from the scene here at Luther. And I finally feel as if I belong, as if I do something important here. Music is what has given me this feeling. I've gained so much joy by playing in band and jazz band here, and being an active player, and getting to know all the trombone players. And having such experiences, like going to Japan. And meeting great friends like Benjamin. I should have known that it would eventually come though, this is like a rehash of my high school years. Except like, a billion times more intense in terms of the music we play. If I go to England I will miss out on potentially being able to spend a month in residence in Vienna with the Symphony Orchestra. That would all be dependent on making it, of course. Yeah, that's a stupid comparison, a year in England with so much travel opportunities to a month in Vienna. But, I don't know. It's a completely different camaraderie. I don't know if I'm brave enough to do the England thing if Ryan doesn't. I don't want to be alone. It was hard enough to be alone here last year. Imagine that across the Atlantic, with no short drive back home on the weekends. Gah. Anyways, I'm looking forward for Thanksgiving break. Cannot wait to go swing dancing on Friday night. I have missed that. It will also be a good opportunity to spend some time with good friends who don't go to Luther. Good friends making good memories. Hopefully I can take some time and reflect on what I'm thankful for this year. Hopefully I can take some time this holiday season and reflect on what the holidays mean. I did not do that last year. I just did not feel the joy of the season. Everything was so ho-hum. I hope that does not happen this December. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a blessed Advent.