I believe the sun also rises, lighting our past, driving the darkness away. So far away...

Day five of my college adventure. Classes started today. All my teachers were great, except for a visiting anthropology professor who guaranteed an easy A and aimed to please the students. He didn't even seem passionate about his subject. Definitely not my kind of guy.

Math actually looks appealing. There was no textbook to buy for the class, because we students shall be writing it. I love writing! I'd even love to write a math textbook...

I sang in the choir again for the first time in a year and a half! ^-^ Unfortunately, I can't read music, so I'm slow on the uptake. Teresa said she'd help me learn.

I'm having fun and loving independence here. I never thought I would enjoy it so much. I do miss my friends and family a bit, but I'm glad to know I can see them when I go home!

On Sunday night, I was offered my first beer by a drunk football player. My, was that ever awkward. I'm keeping track of how many times I'm offered alcohol this year. So far, only once.

Music: "She's Electric," Oasis

Woke up this morning way ahead of schedule, because I was too excited to sleep! Today's been quite busy, and I've had my first class. (It's tradition for freshman here to have their freshman seminar class the Sunday after they arrive.) I got in Philosophy 175.02 Vices and Virtues: On the Construction and Deconstruction of Characters. Sounds like my kind of class, and this is probably the only time I will take a philosophy course. I like studying morality. My only issue is that the teacher may have some sort of agenda and will try to get me to believe in something I disagree with. Guess I'll find out and stay strong.

It's been mostly fun so far. The cafeteria food is murder on my stomach. I skipped dinner tonight because of it. The menu consists of mainly carb-loaded items and very few fruits and vegetables. Luckily, I got to go grocery shopping tonight with my roommate and some new acquaintances. I got carrots, among other stuff. =D

I took a nap today, and when I woke up, I forgot I was in college and was annoyed someone else was in my room. I was upset I wasn't at home like I expected and had just had a good dream, too. I started getting really homesick after my family started IMing me. I refused to call them tonight like they wanted in order to stay less homesick for longer. Tomorrow, I shall call them.

Currently listening to: "Phantom Mullet," Five Iron Frenzy

Today I moved out of my cottage in Cottage Grove and into my new dorm at Ripon College! I barely got any sleep last night- maybe 3-4 hours? The car trip was long, perhaps it felt longer than 4.5 hours because I was so excited!

 

My new room is the best: directly across the hall from the bathrooms, next door to the RA, spacious (yes, I know that sounds unlikely, but it feels quite roomy, even though it's about 12'x12'. I think my new roommate is groovy. No homesickness yet either!

 

It's hard to believe that last night, I was frantically packing the car and shoving as much as possible into the trunk, all the while hoping no one would need to open it to put more in, or everything would burst out! My mom and brother were remarkably helpful packing and sitting in the car cramped by all my stuff. Dad was another story... I think he's been cranky lately because he's having trouble letting go. I hope my family isn't too sad now. No striking feelings have set in for me. The campus and all activities so far seem remarkable surreal. Maybe tomorrow I will feel sad, but not tonight.

 

Music: They Might Be Giants, "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)"

So next Saturday I'm graduating. This'll be interesting. And on Thursday is my road test. (I'm not altogether confident in my driving abilities...) It's a miracle I'm getting this far with parents like mine. College orientation is next month and so is my 19th birthday!

 

Finals next week. ><

 

This entry is stupid, but I needed something.

Things to Do Before I Die

1. Travel to Japan
2. See the ocean
3. Go skiing
4. Get a dog
5. Earn at least a bachelor’s degree
6. Write a novel
7. Bake a soufflé
8. Sing a solo in front of a large audience

9.      Show love to those I dislike

10.  Mentor a teenage girl

11.  Go on a missions trip

12.  Fix my relationship with Alex

13.  Write and record a song

14.  Dance barefoot in the rain

15.  Hug people who need one

16.  Publish an article in a magazine

17.  Eat meat from an alligator

18.  Learn Japanese (preferably before I visit)