Ye Gods—the Beginning of the Semester is Upon Us!

I've been racing around frantically as of late, trying to prepare for the new semester. And, of course, this has been complicated by my preparations for my oral exams, my planning of a conference in October, planning and attendance of ERGO-based events, and visits with Andretta's fun-tastic sister, who was visiting. This week will be no different from the last and will feature two, count 'em—two, parties in the same night. [Takes breath...]

Here's a rundown and rating of my recent activities:

1. Studying for Oral Test: C
Highlight: not reading last three texts needed for list.
Drawback: not reading last three texts needed for list.

2. Writing for Written Test: A-
Highlight: getting a lot of great revising done; may actually have one chapter finished by end of week.
Drawback: need better articulation of argument/more sources; taking away from reading time.

3. Communication with Dissertation Committee: B
Highlight: successfully set date/reserved room for orals.
Drawback: didn't meet with outside reader as suggested (yet); nervously speed-talked through summer work to second reader at random meeting in Oaks Mall.

4. ERGO Presentation at New Grad Student Orientation: B+
Highlight: having group of people laugh at humor; successfully addressing new group of peers; writing notes to Whatta Babe during other presentations
Drawback: severe butterflies/personal doubt beforehand; double-thumbs administered finger-gun style during presentation.

5. Attendance of Party at Tom and Reginald Witherspoon's: A
Highlight: had a freaking good time at point in which a freaking good time was sorely needed; danced; talked with lots of people; didn't make ass of self (for once).
Drawback: too tired to go dancing the next night at Leandra's party.

6. Visiting with Andretta's Sister, Nike: A
Highlight: playing Apples to Apples and watching Jumpin' Jack Flash
Drawback: slimy dog toy (belonging to Jolanda's dog); the shivers; missed dancing

7. Exercise: B-
Highlight: got new tape
Drawback: haven't learned moves fully; using it in fits and starts

That about does it for a rundown of recent business. With any luck, I'll get back into a posting rhythm once the semester settles down. Or, you know, have something more interesting to say about next two parties...