Enjoying an Evening Alone

My roommate is working the evening shift tonight, and I am quite thoroughly enjoying an empty house for the evening.

I do love the peacefulness of an empty house.

I love the freedom to do whatever I feel like doing, without worrying that it will bother someone else.

I'm enjoying the ability to sit on my couch, watch West Wing on my laptop, do a little bit of work, and a little bit of fun stuff.

I'm going to do some reading, do some things that still need to be done in my bedroom... basically, chill out.

I'll probably wash the dishes that are sitting in my sink.

I might take a shower later and braid my hair before bed.

Ups and Downs

These lyrics, from a Kendall Payne song with the same title as this post are resonating with me today...

All that I've found through the ups and downs
Is that I'd have it no other way
Life in the raw is both fragile and strong
It's both lovely and ugly the same
Who can attest that when they're at their best
Oh their worst is still crouching close behind
It's coming to peace with the darkness in me
That allows the true light to shine inside
So let it go, for we are still far from home
Though you try and try to escape
To live and to love will always be dangerous
But it's better than playing it safe
We are composed of a symphony of notes
Every life is as music to His ears
I'll play my melody be it haunting be it sweet
Unashamed of what anyone might hear
So when the load breaks your back and your will
You must still keep your heart in the game
To live and to love will always be dangerous
But it's better than playing it safe
So let it go, when it don't feel like home
When inside is your only escape
To live and to love will always be dangerous
But would you want it any other way?

Young People, and Politics in China

I read this article in TIME magazine online this morning. It both fascinated and discouraged me. A huge and growing demographic of young people, and very little concern for the politics that govern their country, as long as their affluent lifestyle is maintained.

Check it out - definitely an interesting read.