9/2, no. 25

success story of the week: I have switched out of my 8am chem class, it is now at 12pm. I also victoriously dropped Math 180 and added Math 181 (integrals). my schedule now consists of three back-to-back classes from 10am-1pm on Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri., and only one 10am class on Wed. (and a three-hour night lab from 6-9pm on Thursdays). I call my schedule symmetrical (aside from the lab) and beautiful.

another small success story: during a 10-minute break between my Math and Chem class, I walked over to Oppenheimer Cafe (pictured), the greenhouse-like cafe that sits in the central plaza of the science buildings (if the science buildings were a donut, Thompson and Harned Halls would be the donut and the hole would be the central plaza and Oppenheimer).

in that short time of exploration, I discovered a few things about Oppenheimer.

first, it is small, and it is crowded (not necessarily by people, just be the awkward display of chairs, tables, and computers); ergo, I do not find it to be an apt study environment, which brings me to my second point: it is a bit disappointing, but it's something that I don't see being fixed. in short, it is a disappointment only because I had hoped for it to be my home during my undergrad years.

on the bright side (irony?), it has the best chai I have ever had. the steamed milk was foamy at the top, but not so dry - it was velvety, and the spices were strong but not over the top.

and so Oppenheimer will not be my fortress, but my General Supply Store for weapons (aka chai and coffee).

I didn't know how much work there would be until I started last night. I wish I had started earlier though, because I was looking forward to hanging out with Veronica, one of my RAs, and Tom-Erik and Angelica. so far I really like people on my floor. I still need to adjust from the "just stay in your dorm and skype with people at home!" Ashley to "you're going to be here for four years, make the most of UPS, not home" Ashley.

it might take a little time, but fingers crossed that I soon get where I need to be.

“There lies a man of my heart

A fine and complete work of art…

rest in the bed of my bones

All that I want is a home."