A Positive Outlook

Yesterday wasn't the best of days, that's for sure.  But luckily I ended it with optimism and the knowledge that I have some really great people around me (whether physically or through the phone.)  

We lost our cat Bruschi this weekend, and his loss hit me pretty hard.  There was some crying, some awkward I-don't-know-if-our-relationship-is-exactly-at-this-level-yet hugs, and some comforting phone calls that made it much better.  It also helps to know that that cat got pretty much the ultimate kitty paradise of living in otis for two summers, watching fish and half-killing things.  He'll be missed.  

My classes are turning out really well, my Sports Management professor is hilarious.  And, of course, I got published for the first time today!  I snagged a paper copy and it looks sooooo good off the internet.  

Crazy.

I had the meeting for the Inquirer last night where we had to introduce ourselves with our name, class, and favorite pirate joke.  Pirates aren't exactly my specialty, and luckily they pretty much gave up on the joke idea before getting to me.  There are other people with the glamorous position of wire carrying.  We rejoice in it.  The importance of our work practically consumes us.  We even high-five each other.  They producers and such are a crazy bunch, which was expected.  It'll be interesting and fun to watch and learn.  

Today was floormate L's birthday, which lead to much celebration and food eating.  We concluded it only a short while ago with a serenade of "Happy Birthday" in a very crowded dining hall.  There was quite an enthusiastic applause.  

Today I worked the dining hall, and while it was a little toasty, I essentially cleaned tables for three hours, and my biggest problem was being ridiculously bored.  Then I headed to political communication, chatted about the RNC, and later went to mass media.  For lunch I grabbed easy mac from the little campus store and then had to tell Claire that it was in fact...not disgusting.  

Yesterday I got to have a long chat with friend L out in Providence, and it was such a help.  Everyone has been amazing.  Also, I really wanted to talk about the election, and the only one in the world I could think about who would be as excited as I was (if not more) was friend L.  It felt like old times (which is crazy, because it was like what, 2 weeks ago?).  I miss my little sisterhood like crazy.  I also miss my shower.  These are kind of icky up in Ithaca.  

Today, I am SO excited to watch the season kick off for the NFL.  That makes me so happy.  Football is a piece of home for me, though I will miss Dad's nachos and mom having to leave the room during Redskins epic failures.  

Today is an awesome day because  I got published for the first time EVER! The first time of many, I hope.  

College students can play disney trivia too

Okay.  I'm updating my blog this morning because I have discovered it is much easier to work in the mornings because everyone else is either asleep or at an early class.  So I get up much earlier than I have to, usually around seven, even though I don't have class until 10 today.  I'm starting to get into a rhythm, which usually involves me half-falling out of my bed, because it is a really abnormal height, grabbing at my keys in the dark, pulling on clothes and stumble blindly over to La Vincinta (complaining to myself that I can't believe how cold it is and, "Man, I should have worn a sweatshirt!") the little coffee shop, where I grab a nice black coffee and a totally unhealthy bagel with cream cheese.  Then it's back to the room, and I distract myself a little, do some reading, go over notes, and now, unproductively update my blog.  

Yesterday I had intro to journalism, where Professor Loop likes to scare the crap out of us and talk about our moral duties toward democracy and the dire importance of proper punctuation.  Then I trotted up to Political Communication, which even though it gives me the most reading and such, I love this class.  We discussed Sarah Palin at length, playing devil's advocate and discussing the implications of McCain's pick on the election.  We then discussed how and to what extent the media should cover her personal affairs and such.  I talk about all this stuff in my free time, but no one wants to listen to me then.  Roommate: "Who is Sarah Palin?"  

I had a small break and I tried to make popcorn with some people, but because I fail at making any sort of food for myself, it didn't even inflate or anything and kind of bust a hole in the side.  Oh yes.  I can't even handle popcorn.  So we ran and got smoothies instead, which is really addicting and I think I really need to limit my smoothie intake.  It will be difficult.  Floormate K and I discussed the merits of becoming obese so we could roll to class (seeing as Ithaca is on one giant hill) especially when we become lazier with cooler temperatures.  We decided the millions of stairs might be somewhat harmful.

Then Mass Media, which always scares me to death, and I'm not sure why.  My teacher is very nice, but very strict, and so for some reason I am always on edge.  Who knows.  

I got dinner with friend A and then I went to "The Ithacan Boot Camp!" Which is a mandatory thing for new writers for the Ithacan, which you are supposed to attend before publishing anything.  I guess they didn't tell the sports editors.  Anyway, we went over libel laws, and how a private college doesn't really have to tell you anything, and a little about AP style format.  We have another session with camera tech on the 13th.  

Oh, but in between everything I did get to video chat with friend S at Towson, which made me oh-so-happy!!  I totally miss my girls back home even though they aren't exactly...back home.  That's what Thanksgiving break is for, I guess.  

I played disney trivia with some of my floormates last night (yes, we just reek maturity).  They are absolutely fabulous and hilarious and I'm very glad I'm living in Boothroyd.