Break

One have to wonder why the word "break" is used to convey a general understanding of what people all know as rest or holiday (another word that I will attempt to dissect one day). When one says he is going to "take a break," he means that he is going to rest or relax. When the term "spring break" is used, it often means a week-long holiday marking the end of winter, or the beginning of spring. Now, just why would break take on such positive meanings when it almost always convey brokenness in many other contexts?

Well, perhaps, we all need a break, or a spring break -- just an interruption in normalcy, a broken net to free us, even if it is just a little bit, from being too tied up to our strings (aren't we all somewhat like puppets, tied to strings, made to dance at fancy by our schedules?). Just a little hole, a break is good for the soul. No wonder Jesus often takes time off from the group from time-to-time.

May this spring break be a good time for us (who are studying in America, or anywhere else that has a spring break) rest. For the rest of you who do not have the privilege of a spring break, just hang in there! To St. Paul, Minnesota I GO!!! Brrr.

Chords

A lot of the times, I find human emotions equate vanity. I even told Elena today that I'm like Data from the Star Trek. In context, we were discussing about how music could affect our emotions. The night before, we went to Adrian's (my roomy, obviously) jazz recital. That night, Adrian played Tema de Amor by Ennio Morricone, a spectacular piece no doubt. In chapel, Elena told me how the music had awed her, leaving her smiley and later, very much later, (after the the recital was over, truthfully) for no obvious reasons, brought her to tears. The young lady was moved not just because of the music but also the very manner my roomy had played the piano. Face in stern concentration and head hunched towards the glistening black ivory piano, my roomy performed a magical orchestra with the dance of his succulent fingers. She stared at him in reckless abandon, immersing herself in the symphony.

Sitting at the other end of the row, I sat down to try to enjoy the music. My black tailor made suit was pale in comparison to the humble attire that my roomy wore. Perhaps to satiate my desire to look like a Korean movie star walking on crimson carpet, I wore my best suit to the recital. Garbed in my pretentious costume, I listened for sounds of enlightenment in the recital hall. Yes, it was great music and oh, how I longed for tears to form. Disappointment hovered over me. I envied Elena.

I realize that it takes a lot to make me feel anything nowadays. The last time that I felt really emotional was the time I left home after summer vacation. The other time was perhaps when I was listening to a song that Ken gave me while admiring the scenery during my train ride from San Diego to Los Angeles .

The strange things that affect our emotions. . . The human psyche is definitely mysterious.

Back to the music-related realm, I played the guitar today for the first time in my life. Young Cinderella handed me her precious guitar over and gave me a free lesson in chords. I could have sworn that my cheeks blushed. Another sign of the inevitable emotions invading the cold Data. And what a song to play too! The Heart of Worship! ☆

*Knocks on head*

Back to work.