Well hello hello. It's taken me forever to get here--to this journal, not school--but I've been thinking and trying...See, the thing is, my computer has gone ill again and if it isn't on its way to death, it might be pronounced murdered very soon. I am SO tired of its frailties and deficiencies. My dependency on such an object is way too high for it to be so unstable all the time. Oh yeah, and I went to cook a hot dog today (a simple, stupid little hot dog) and discovered that my brand-new microwave doesn't work. GRRRR! Electronics and I just DON'T get along. -.- Anyhow, on to matters of more importance... I'm sitting in Coor Hall Commons, the computer lab directly across from my dorm where my roommate is sitting at her own computer, where she often is. We've been getting along just fine--she's pretty shy and easy-going. I've met a lot of people in the village and have begun nick-naming some of them. Alex's roommate, Josh, has been dubbed Zoobs (comes from his last name somehow...I forget what his last name is though). I've also met Struessel at last, Casanova, Zach (who requires no nickname), Fink (real name--last), and many others in a breif moment. Last night was Passport--a huge moshing of freshmen fighting through tight halls and club tables to get free stuff and sign up for clubs and all that jazz. I didn't see too much that interested me but I did sign up for a film club, womens journalism group, and something else...I might try to get involved in community service group so I can advance in this whole photojourn thing. I've really taking a liking to it. At this moment, my ideals are to be a photojournalist and travel to other countries, *maybe* work on documentaries, and then later I want to transition closer to Hollywood and work on cinema films, possibly do some acting or directing...so many doors right now. Since I moved in on Tuesday I've been very busy every day, which I find to be remarkable since school has not even started yet. Alex and I explored the campus to find most of our classes--something I advise every one to do because who would guess that you're going to have a history class in the agriculture building? I also went to the bookstore, got my books and an ASU decal for my car...want to get a hat, too. You know, all that school spirit goodness. I got to hang with Aaron for a little yesterday. He met me at the bookstore and proceeded to tell me the absolutely crazy schedule he has because of marching band. Rehearsals every day, in the hot sun, high marching at a tempo of 120...mad. He sounded like he was enjoyig it, but he just wishes he was able to do more stuff. Marching band really does become the whole of your life, leaving just enough time to avoid failing the rest of your classes. I don't deny the fact that I miss marching band, but at the same time, I'm actually relieved that I'm not there and moreso because I didn't CHOOSE not to do it, I simply couldn't because it conflicted with a mandetory class. Mom's having a bit of a hard time with my moving out, I think. I've talked to her every day and she keeps telling me what I have to get done and plans out my day, much to my disgruntle. "I know, Mother" is always my reply. I've now been avoiding a phone chat with her until after I've done everything I intended to accomplish. That way she can't nag me about anything. But that's a mother for you. This morning we all dragged ourselves out of bed for Convocation at 9; a big welcoming ceremony conducted by the deans. It was a bit boring and at certain times over-whelming--everyone is so eager to tell you everything there is to know that you often hear so much information and retain none of it. I finally saw Leah, my professor in charge of Cronkite Village, after missing her twice since I've been here. She's so fun and I already feel like I've got a good relationship with her. The other night I was over at Kristofer's helping him scramble stuff together after a last-minute decision that yes, he could do marching band and miss a couple dates. So his mom, my mom, Kris and I were four little tornados, throwing stuff together and loading up his car. He wasn't too thrilled to leave, but I think he will be just fine at NAU, though I already miss him terribly. I guess that's all I have to report, other than college, thus far, has been a good experience (except for the electronics...) Hope everyone else is doing well! Good luck in your classes! ASU classes begin Monday... Carrie