An American Autumn

I'm taking a break from the futile and frustrating effort to write a memorandum for economics about marginal cost pricing of water in California. And I'm going to contemplate for a few minutes the development of a new season in Indiana: the beauty of fall. It's a season I haven't really experienced for a while.

In Nanchang, there wasn't such a season. It was 95 degrees with 95% humidity until mid-November, when suddenly it turned extremely cold, and you had to start wearing long underwear 24/7. And the small, scrawny trees were perpetually faded a greenish gray all year-round.

So I haven't really experienced "fall" since 2007. But, wait, that's not quite true either, because I was in southern, coastal Virginia for college. It became a bit more fall-ish than Nanchang, but not the hearty-type of fall like the Midwest and New England. So I would say I haven't had a real fall season since 2003, when I was still in Kansas.

Right now it is becoming fall here in southern Indiana, and I'm in love! This morning I worked at the Multicultural Expo in downtown Bryan Park. It's a gorgeous park that looks its best in the fall. You wouldn't think you were downtown. There are rolling hills, rustic fences, and large patches of huge, healthy trees.

The huge old trees are turning so many shades of deep red, bright oranges, and pretty yellow. In the sunlight, the trees seem to glitter like gold. The tall grass everywhere is also turning muted colors of purple, brown, and orange. It almost takes my breath away, thinking about how God could create such a beautiful scene.

And it's so strange to be in such a community. This morning as I was talking to people at the Expo, I felt so warm and comfortable with all the cheerful, friendly people, who represented so many different cultures. I've never lived in a little town like this. It's seems so quintessential American: the small, narrow streets, the state police directing football game traffic, the children swinging and laughing in the park, the charming store-fronts, and the low-key atmosphere. Yet at the same time, it's dominated by a state school, it's filled with people from all over the globe, and is extremely progressive. At night I almost dread going to sleep, because I'm afraid I'm going to miss something exciting.

One of my Chinese classmates wants to go to church with me on Sunday. I'm also working on a group project with 2 international students, one of whom is a guy from India and was trained as an engineer. He's extremely fascinating, especially since his vocabulary and passion for life seem bigger than mine. I've asked him about his faith as a Hindu, and he seems pretty open, but surprised that people would talk to him about it. He said he is of the highest caste in India as a Brahmin. He admits he and his family lead very privileged lives back home. One of his beliefs is that he can't eat meat, or he "will become meat." Most of the international students here come from wealthy or well-to-do families, I've discovered.

So while many aspects of my life are going well, classes still aren't that great. Sigh... Hope you are having a blessed fall, and take time to stop to appreciate God's wondrous paintbrush.

Learning Curve

People have told me that there's a very steep learning curve for grad school. I'd agree. It's like having climbed some baby and medium-sized hills my whole life, and then being told to go climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I still love being here and learning, but I certainly feel a little shell-shocked. Every class, assignment, and exam goes 10 times faster and 10 times more in depth than any of my undergrad courses.

Although it sounds like I'd be locked away in my room or the library all day, the opposite is true. I'm still working (and loving it!), hanging out with friends, volunteering, trying to love people, etc. Sometimes I wish there weren't so many cool things and people!

This past weekend, I worked on a group project, attended a professional seminar, volunteered in setting up for the big Red Cross book fair, saw my first opera, went to church, ate dinner with friends, and went to a Bible study--all in between studying and working on homework like crazy.

Life's not lacking any luster, although I'm a bit concerned about grades... I now own more than a C- to my name. I can officially throw in a few Bs. Laura Perfectionist Freeze is learning how to let go of the life-long obsession with As. It's rather freeing. Hopefully I'll be able to get my grades up a little higher to keep my financial aid, however. :)

Hope you are experiencing some beautiful fall weather! And happy 88th birthday to my favoritest, dearest Grandpa! I love you, Grandpa!!


I try to look cute in between studying. :)


At the awesome three hour-long IU opera with Jennifer and Jess. Somehow we all wore turquoise.


Our other friend, Malsi, didn't get the turquoise memo. :)