Back in My Element

You know, I've really been dreading this week. So far, this week has not been kind to me. Monday, I found out that I have a group project due in two weeks. Bottom line, I have no time to do it. Then, I failed a midterm. I was pretty pissed about that. And then, on top of ALL of that, my assistantship is forcing me to sacrifice a lot of hours this week to work on a program that we call "Haunted Halls."

This is where we are taking one of the community areas in our residence halls, and converting it to a haunted house. I wasn't too happy about this, because primarily, I see myself as a student first, and then a grad assistant second. Academics come first in my life, or at least I try to.

So anyway, long story short, we started doing set-up tonight for this event. It was like undergrad all over again. We were working with wood. Hammering, measuring, making sure edges are flush. I felt like I was back in the scene shop making a set for a show. And in a sense, I was.

For the first time in a long time, I was calling shots. I was making decisions. I was telling people what to do. Damn, that felt good. I have always enjoyed getting down, working with some lumber and building something. Even if it looks like shit.

So today, we put up three flats, and we will return tomorrow to continue building. My hands feel a little rough, and they smell like pine wood. My jeans are dirty from crawling around on the floor, and my hands and wrists are sore from having to use nails and hammers. Damn, I miss this.

This Just Dosen't Seem Right...

Today's weather here in the area certainly brought back memories of undergrad. Today's weather took a turn for the chilly side. I happened to look at one of the huge digital thermometers at the Ted, where it was a very cool 59 degrees out today. Plus the skies were gray and it got a little rainy today.

It was very poignant to me today as the skin on my cheeks kissed the brisk, cool wind. The first thought through my head, was, "Damn! I need a jacket!" And then it suddenly occurred to me. Something is not right. The cool weather was something that I welcomed, and something that I longed to see (or feel rather). I love it when the cool weather begins to set in. But as I said earlier, something just wasn't right. I felt a touch out of place. I felt like I needed to be in Asheville again.

I have several memories, fond memories of walking from class, and seeing that golden sun pour from the open sky, drenching the crimson and golden maple leaves on the quad. I would just walk, and breathe in the cool air, and bask in the glory of the sun. It was amazing.

Then there are times, where it would be around 7. I would be walking across campus to the theatre for rehearsal for the upcoming show. There would hardly be anyone on the quad, because not many people stayed on on the quad when it cooled off. (Spring is a different story though). Again, the sun would be setting, bleeding through those crimson and golden leaves, and casting Ramsey Library in perfect and warm golden-yellow light. I would be bundled up in a sweater and most likely a scarf. Keeping to myself, I would walk, looking down mostly at the fallen leaves. The leave were so abundant that sometimes, you couldn't even see the grass. And sometimes, you could come across one of those really dry leaves. These were leaves I loved to step on, just so I could hear the crunch. This was a sign to me that fall was here, and winter was coming.

Maybe it's because I'm a fan of colder weather. Maybe it's because there's a part of me that longs to be back in Asheville. Maybe its a little of both. Needless to say, I had a bit of a flash back today about something I miss at the good ole days at UNCA. Being a little heartsick, I went on with the rest of the chilly day, knowing that someday, somehow, I'll be back.

One day.

Just What I Needed

Being a grad student can become very taxing on your life. Just take my word for it. However, I am approaching the end of a pleasant fall break, which is just what I needed! Since Friday, I have done nothing but lounge around my apartment, watched TV, and watched a few movies. That's it. No school work. Just relaxation. *Sigh* I just hate to see it end.

In other news, contractors came in and actually hooked up the stove in my apartment, so I can actually start cooking for myself, which I have and it has been a JOY to do so. Some furniture for my spare room was also brought in, so I was able to clean some mess up and actually make the room functional. So now, I have set up my desktop and have turned the spare room into a den/study space. So no more homework from the kitchen table.

So tomorrow, its back to the regular routine. And I guess its just something that I'll have to get through. Thanksgiving break comes in November, and then a week and a half will take us to Winter break. Damn. This semester sure has gone by fast.

Life Goes On

Despite an interesting weekend and a rough start of the week, this week is beginning to ease its way into the weekend. And as an added bonus, its the start of fall break.

Things have been interesting needless to say, what with incidents, school work, I can honestly say there is never a dull moment in this field.

So there's not really much to say here, other than things are going well. School is a pain in the ass, and I don't think it'll ever stop being that way.

Just another year and a half. That's all.