June 9, 2003

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Since joining the working poor five weeks ago, I've been anxiously awaiting today when I would finally be able to return to my music, studies, writing, and my life. As if being a product of America's public education system didn't already tarnish my mind, serving an inner city elementary school as a teacher for the past five weeks certainly did away with any ideal notions about how this country educates its (poorer) citizens. I did what I could do, and now I will move on/beyond. So help me . . . .

This Sunday it's "All aboard!" for me: I'll board the Amtrak Texas Eagle at 16:30 in Dallas and arrive Monday in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, where I'll participate in the Summer Research Laboratory on Russia & Eastern Europe at the University of Illinois from June 16 - 30. During this time, I'll be attending seminars, lectures and conferences as well as developing a project that I hope to get published this autumn. Afterwards, Stephen and I will meet up and spend a week's vacation in Chicago and Milwaukee.

Upon my return to Texas, I'll be in high gear, working nonstop on the next big phase. So help me . . . .

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