Post Outline...because I don't have time to write a real post

• My ear is getting better!
• Benefits include:
• I can play my flute without my ear aching.
• Despite the earwax overload from drainage, I can hear a little better than I used to.
• I get to start my master's degree in the fall!
• I still have my scholarship!
• Slight disadvantages:
• I thought I was going to be able to take my time on a couple of independent study courses since I wasn't planning on starting the master's degree in the fall. Now I have 14 days to finish two of them...and I'm only 3/4 the way through one of them.
• I am living in the library. AND it's nice outside. Boo.
• Matt and I are going to have to move out of our amazing ward and nice, spacious apartment.
• Apartments close to campus tend to be either overpriced for their size or SUPER competitive to get into.
• Everyone and their dog is getting married, hence the housing competition.
• We will probably have to move out the week of our anniversary.
• I'm way behind on practicing. I had to take some time off from the ear. 
• At least I won't be as behind as last year (with 6 days to get ready for the audition because of my wedding.)
• On top of finishing my independent study, I need to practice and study my BUTT off for the graduate placement exam.
• I had to quit my job without a two week's notice because of the pressing deadlines for independent study courses.
• Turns out, you can't get a graduate degree without finishing your undergraduate degree. Who would have thought. ;)

Amidst a whirlwind of unexpected changes, I really am so grateful that it wasn't as bad as I had originally thought. And I still get to pursue my dream! Now, some of you may be aware that I have been kind of up and down as to whether I want to do this or not. All I can say about that is, no matter what we choose to do with our lives, if we want to be great, it's not going to be fun a lot of the time. It's going to be HARD WORK. So hard, in fact, that you feel like quitting most of the time. But if you're strong enough to stick it through, regardless of  how you feel in the moment, I truly believe that you will emerge a stronger, more refined individual with some rockin' skills! The question is no longer "Do I love this?" but "Is the price to be paid worth what I will get out of it in the end?" Now my job is to push through the next month or two and remember to keep the end in mind.

Wish me luck!