Wednesday, August 21, 2002
 

I should really be working as I have done no unpacking today and intend to watch Southpark at 10:00, but I couldn't resist the temptation to haul back over to the computer lab (I don't even know what kind of academic building this is) and partake of the internet.

So far today I have:

*Located the English building
*Located student center
*Located book store
*Examined the texts for the various classes this term (so I knew what we'll be reading)
*Found out that GARRETT HONGO appears to be here, at least for the term (this probably matters only to English nerds, but I had to say it anyway)
*Noticed that this place is more diverse than my undergrad institution
*Got my ID made (and don't look entirely goofy in the picture)
*picked up and paid for parking permit ($180-- I miss the $35 rate I've been paying for four years)-- like my apartment parking sticker, it clings to the inside of the windshield, rather than sticking directly on (and later being scraped off with a razor). That's a nice innovation.
*opened SunTrust bank account (this is a block away from where I live, and of course they have an ATM right there-- I just couldn't bank with AmSouth; I felt like I needed a hoop skirt and wide-brimmed straw hat even to get in)
*noticed that, as I listen to the people who come in this lab identify which school they're with, they're mostly graduates of some sort (and the nursing school must be huge)

All of this took a lot longer than it sounds like it would; I have been reasonably productive. Really.

There are a lot more people in here today than yesterday, but that may not mean anything. I think I've figured out some routes around campus, but they may not be the most direct. It's about 16 minutes from my apartment to the English building, on relatively uncrowded sidewalks at an unhurried pace. I'm adjusting to crosswalks and walk/don't walk signs at the moment. My hometown, as you may know, is a little short of this kind of thing. Oh, and should I ever need it, I'm quite close to a bus stop.

I've found two haircut places, several pizza joints, and a coffee shop, all within walking distance, and that's not including that little downtown area, which has used bookstores, much food, bars, etc.

This whole campus is really beautiful. I'm pleased that I can get in about 30 minutes of walking a day from classes alone; even if I'm sitting on my butt reading the rest of the day, I can still get physical activity of some sort in.

I really need to go unpack now, so if you'll excuse me . . .

Elvisette philosophized at 2:27 PM