My room is mostly put together. I still haven’t gotten my desktop computer up and running, but otherwise things are going okay. When I was unloading the van last night I felt like I had a ton of stuff with me, but looking around, I don’t think I really brought that much. It just happened that the stuff I brought took up much packing space. I brought a few things that remind me of home, including some things that I pulled when we were going through Grampa’s remaining belongings. Included was a glass “Jelly Belly” jar. Inside the jar are a few remaining “Jelly Belly” jelly beans that he never got eaten. Mom asked me if I’d gotten a refill for the jar, and I said, “No, I’ve just got these sad little morbid jelly beans sitting here.” I find it slightly odd to think about those things that hold memories of others for us.
Classes start tomorrow. I’ve got a fun morning of Spanish and Modern Grammar. I’m not incredibly worried, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous. The last time I took any Spanish was my junior year of high school, most notably remembered for the fact that A. I had to have all my wisdom teeth out that year, and more importantly B. 9/11 happened during my fall semester. I’ve heard excellent things about my teacher, so I’m really looking forward to remembering and improving my Spanish. I’m not sure how to feel about Modern Grammar. I’m glad I’m not stuck in archaic grammar, but I’m really hoping modern doesn’t mean I’m going to have to unlearn everything I learned years ago. Once upon a time I really excelled at grammar, and while I still remember the basics, I’ve gotten lazy over the years.
I’m hoping my cable to plug my television into the campus cable comes tomorrow. I figured that even though I don’t want to watch tv ad naseum, I have a tv, and I’m paying for campus cable via my student fees (there’s no way to opt out of the cable as far as I know), so I might as well make use of the “free” cable. (Side note: I find it interesting how things get presented as being “free,” when really all free means is that you’re not paying out of pocket at this moment.)
The truly bright and shining moment of today was the return of Taco in a Bag. Last year I was introduced to the concept, and while initially I thought it weird, and that it looked kind of nauseating, it’s also kind of addictive. It was just as good as I remembered, and I took it as a positive sign that this is going to be a year of excellence.
Glad you made it okay. We were thinking of you. Hope the first week goes well for you. Be sure to have some fun along the way!
Love, Ellen and Jim