so much to say, so little motivation to post. i think i'll skim the highlights and lowlights of the past couple weeks.

the bad, briefly:

*it seems that i have somehow alienated myself from a couple of friends. i don't know how or why.

*i am probably spending too much money lately--must try to get up earlier so i can pack a lunch instead of blowing 8 bucks a day on thai, no matter how yummy.

*i am exhausted all the time and haven't been out although people are inviting me places. okay, one person. but he's cool.

the good, in more detail:

*most of my classes are fascinating. even those classes that drag on and on have interesting readings. i don't feel overwhelmed yet.

*i have cable! kick ass. this might also be why i don't go out at all. but hey, jon stewart. and two episodes of CSI every day. neat.

*i had a randomly fun night out the saturday before classes began, a couple of weeks ago. nate brought me along to a stranger's birthday dinner followed by a crowded bar. but the people i talked to the whole night, none of whom was the birthday girl, were thoughtful, fun, extremely cute and unfortunately taken. one of them wasn't tired at 2 am when the bar closed, and neither was i, so we went to a blues club until 5 in the morning. oh my god was that good. i love the blues, and a CD or two can't give me a tenth of the pleasure of going to a club. also, one of the employees memorized my phone number and called me a week later, which was a nice little self-image booster. :)

*unlike kenyon or oxford, i am actually paying attention to my studies. it feels different. and good. healthy.

*i walk to campus and back. that's 45 minutes of walking a day. i am feeling good. also healthy.

*i have a work-study job that i like just fine, at the oriental institute.

*speaking of healthy: GOD i love being on a campus again. the gothic buildings, the variety of people to watch, running into acquaintances, the sun through increasingly golden leaves, being the first one up (why do language classes insist on 8 a.m.? they did this at kenyon too.), feeling connected to something even though i am also feeling pleased with my solitude....yes. good.