I've just come from history class. I believe today was the first day I've ever felt really smart or appreciated in that class. We're discussing WWII and the atomic bomb, things I've actually learned about and remembered from previous schooling. We had reading assignments due today and although I griped and growled, I read them and it paid off. At the beginning of class she asked who had read a certain article; three of us stood up. I was afraid she was going to quiz us on it or something (there were many articles so I was trying to remember what this particular one was about), but then she handed us free movie passes for a pre-screening of Domino. So that was really cool. Apparently not many students in my class read the assigned reading; they all just must already know their information for class discussions. Anyway, I had read everything and when we talked about each of the articles, I had something to add about all of them. And she actually seemed to like my comments today. Usually I don't say much (if anything) because she never seems to like what I say. But today I made valid and intuitive points. It felt good. On top of that, she surprised us all with an early Christmas gift. We were supposed to write our midterm essay this Friday in class--50 minutes to answer one of various possible essay questions. Today she gave us a wonderful gift; a take-home essay midterm. And I just happened to pick the essay question that my partner and I had to research for our class study session. I was thrilled! Two days to write a 3-5 page essay for a mid-term grade! This is going to be cake! So, for once, I was happy to be in class and it actually brightened my day. I'm feeling much better than yesterday--still a bit queezy, but at least I'm not so tired any more. Ugh, last night I went to bed about 11 and our suitemates were having quite a party in their room. I could hear all kinds of noise through the walls. And then, about 2am, right when I'm inches from a deep sleep, I hear this tremendous ralph from the bathroom and become the radio audience of someone barfing up a lung. It was disgusting. I was very pleased to walk in there this morning to find they had at least managed to make it in the bowl. Anyway, despite the night of disturbed sleep, I do feel better. I hope it keeps up. Carrie