Looking around

The 24th annual DC Baha'i Congress was quite an experience, as it always is. This one was much more music focused, which was neat. Among the performers were Martin Kerr, Andy Grammer, Devon Gundry, Dawnbreaker Collective, Benny Cassette, Kelsey Bulkin, Ali Youssefi, Eric Dozier and JB Eckl. I thoroughly enjoyed all the music, and came home the owner of 4 new CDs (Kelsey, Ali, Martin, and JB/Eric, as I already had Andy, Devon, and Dawnbreaker's), and I am currently addicted to Martin Kerr's new CD, I Know You're Out There. I love every song on this CD, and it's available on iTunes, so I would highly suggest it. I also have his Just Another Man CD (purchased at the DC Congress 3 years ago). If you're looking for just one or two songs to get an idea of his sound, look at either Undiscovered Geniuses (quite fun), Level With You (a neat song, also upbeat, about him falling in love with his now wife), Something More (jazzy/bluesy), or Breathing (slower, more reflective). Just Another Man is definitely one of my favorites from his first album.
I learned a lot about the conference, realized that my life over the past 2 years has been very different from that before. I like some of the differences, but I don't like some of the others and plan on changing those (and I even have the beginnings of a plan). This week begins the last 3 weeks of insanity to round out an insane semester. Between an oral final exam, a final presentation, a problem set, and two take home exams, I'm definitely going to be ready for my almost 6 week break from math (Dec 12 - Jan 21, thank goodness).
On a happy note, my previously dying shamrocks are now repotted and thriving! Both pots are growing happily, and that makes me feel like such a better plant mommy.
We had our first little bit of snow a couple weeks ago, but none since, and I'm really looking forward to the snowy season. However, I wouldn't mind dry roads to make the long drive back to SC next month. This winter break promises to be fun-, family-, and friend-filled.
Today was the Day of the Covenant, one of the 9 Holy Days of the Baha'i calendar. It also marks the day when the Regional Baha'i Council is elected by the members of the Local Spiritual Assembly members, so I must go get ready to fulfill the joyous responsibility of my service role!