You are my Muse

This semester's round of midterms were the most intense I've ever had. Fitting, I suppose, since it's my final round. For about a week straight, I spent most of my waking hours studying and reviewing (except for my blessed study-restricted Sunday). After all that, I still felt like I needed several more hours each day to feel like I was actually prepared for all five of my exams.

I knew, going into midterms, that things would be this way. So I scheduled in a few moments of mandatory respite. Because sometimes, you just need to burn off some stress, else you just won't make it out with your sanity intact.

One night I took a cardiovascular respite, and I ended up swimming a mile. I've only gone that far one other time ever, and it's been awhile since that happened. Apparently I had more to burn off that I realized.

An unscheduled moment of respite was brought to me by the reliable ingenuity of a old quality standby, OK Go. Their low-budget, creative music videos (like this one and this one) never fail to impress and bring a smile to my face. I'm always wondering, what brilliance will they come up with next, and how can they possibly outdo their last vid? Answer: They'll recruit a high school band to remind me that this too shall pass. Well timed, boys. Well timed.

And then there was Muse.

Oh, delightful respite of wonder and bliss. How I love thee and thy awe-inspiring musical abilities. When I saw Muse open for U2, all I wanted was for them to come back and headline in a smaller venue. Wish granted!

I actually neglected to bring my camera, which only enhanced the experience because I wasn't constantly interrupting my experience to document it. I was only able to catch a few shots and low-quality snippets on my phone - and leave a fun voice mail for traveling David. (I don't regret that he had to miss Midterms-Crazed Abby, but it is a shame he didn't get to partake of the goodness of Muse.)

I had some pretty seriously high expectations. Unsurprisingly, Muse delivered. If they're coming to a city near you...go. See them. Run, do not walk, to the ticket office and get some seats before they sell out. Please. And you're welcome.

And you know what? Thanks to the reprieves and lots of prayers, I survived the mighty midterms. Queue the wind-down (my favorite respite of all - details forthcoming)!