Hello,

I finally realized that another exciting way for me to view this blog is as a way to share whatever bubbles up with whoever wanders by (and hopefully says hello).

This is akin to how it feels when I stroll around my neighborhood :) Last night, this stroll happened around 10pm. I ran into a cute neighbor of mine in the third convenience store that I visited. I left the store with a smile while holding a bag of white cheddar cheese popcorn (so addictive!) and thinking of the hug my neighbor gave me. Yay!

As I'm typing this, the TV blasts a rocking tune enlisted for commercial purposes. Hmm. I'd like for my band to face that challenge: to sell out, or not to sell out, that is the question :).

(Now, South Park is back on. This is an episode set in shop class and home ec.)

I think about the sell out situation sometimes. Not with my jazz band, but with the use of my science degree. I feel fortunate to have been able to get to a point where various work opportunities are accessible to me. I also feel the pressure of my longing for the financial stability that some of those (industry or academic) positions could offer. Just tonight, I was talking with a friend who offered to look out for positions for me. I told her that I appreciated the offer, but that I wanted to make myself focus on finding grant support for the project I really love - the project that I combines my intellectual, creative and social sides with a heaping dose of environmental chemistry education, research and community action.

South Park is calling to me!

Also, I realized, while reading what I just wrote, that I'm excited about the chance I have to be able to go for my dreams. I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

Take care.

S

PS: I'm the lucky girl who also posted an entry on http://blog.myspace.com/tangriajazzgroup recently.