A Frigid First Week

Back at college is me! And oh, how great it is to have something to do again! I could put it in the words of a former classmate: "Back to the daily grind," but that's wouldn't be very optimistic, nor does it really connote my real feelings about being here in school.

Truly, it is nice to be on a schedule again with things to do, places to be, and people to meet. Yes, it requires effort and work, but that's kinda what makes up life. So we just keep living.

The real question: How has my first week of school been? Great. I didn't realize how much I'd changed since August until I came back to school Tuesday. I wasn't the least bit nervous or scared about anything (except maybe standing up for those awkward class introductions and finding out I didn't have the complete text for a class). I didn't get overwhelmed by the syllabi. I didn't tremble in awe of the place, and I only got lost once. Getting lost was just because of my airheadedness, not because of my unfamiliarity. And you know what? I knew people in my classes, and I wasn't afraid to talk to strangers. What a big girl I have become! As much as I hate to say it, I haven't grown lonely or homesick once (this issue is curbed by going home on the weekends).

Yep, it's great to be a Hawkeye.

This is the Pappajohn Business Building...my favorite place on campus! I like to call it the Pappajohn Palace.

As long as you're not an engineer. All those aloof engineers have my permission to go up north to Ames, where they are fully appreciated and adored. Here at Iowa, Pappajohn's Business Palace sits at the top of the hill. For the week, I can pretend I'm the queen of the hill and look down upon that engineering dungeon in disdain at the bottom. Not that I feel high and mighty. It's just good for my esteem, because when I get home I am looked down upon by those engineering kids. Pssh, business students, they say. Say what you want, I think back. You'll need an accountant someday.

Yes, I'm speaking of my brother. Little does he understand that while he may exceed my talents in Physics and Calculus, I will be far beyond him in other subjects. And if not? Well, that's why I'm minoring in Spanish.

Back to the point. I love my classes and my professors and my schedule and everything. The end.

The living situation has been going well, too. Today I am alone though because she is on a trip in Nebraska and won't be back until 9.

The biggest event of the week aside from school was the weather. It's been soooo cold, and the heat wasn't really functioning the first couple days. Thanks to my extensive expertise with furnaces, I finally got it functioning again on accident and it's been a toasty 70 degrees ever since.

Tuesday night's pajamas

As for last weekend, I worked Saturday and then we had a very nice weekend in Princeville with a rather uneventful ride, which I now consider a good thing. At least 80 percent of the single group went, so it was a good turnout on our part. I stayed with the Steffen girls +Amber at their grandparents' with some other sisters, and Billy stayed with the Steffen boys at their place with some other brothers. We got to see Grandma in church and visit her place afterwards when we went to sing so it was nice to be with her too.

I'm not sure what the rest of my family has been up to, so I apologize. I can, however, think of a hundred other things to write about.

1. I talked in Western Civ today about my blog, using it as an example of a primary source that a future biographer might use to write about me someday when I am long gone and famous.
2. Tuesday's great moment: In the middle of class lecture (with about 30 students), a girl opens the door, looks around, proclaims, "This is really awkward," proceeds to stare at us for a few more seconds, and walks out in dazed confusion. I spent the rest of class trying to keep my laughing discreet.
3. I took a record number of notes today in Western Civ compared to any other class period last semester.
4. I'm thoroughly enjoying the instant coffee drinks and mug I got for Christmas.
5. It was good to be back in church last night.
6. Yesterday was a long day.
7. I'm really excited for the weekend.
8. I wore four layers of socks to bed Tuesday night. It didn't really help anything. Is there some kind of physics explanation for that?
9. I broke down and wore a decorative scarf today. It's official: nobody cares what I look like up here.
10. I was told last night, and reinforced the information by testing it myself, that my car is having an issue with the power steering fluid.
11. I JUST FINISHED THE LAST OF MY 360 COUNT TOOTSIE ROLL BAG. It took me awhile since I was eating a bag of peanut butter M&Ms and some peppermint mocha on the side.
12. If that statement made you want to puke, let me reassure you with two things: It took me four weeks, and I haven't gained a pound.
13. Also, I made a big candy wrapper chain out of the deal. But it broke in two and I don't feel like finishing it right now.
14. I only have one class tomorrow.
15. I do embarrassing things to keep from missing the bus.
16. Do I really have to make a list to 100? I know I could do it, but I'm tired of wasting your time and mine.

Have a good day!